EU calls on Serbia to "turn Kosovo page"

"Agencies reported that Rehn, the EU enlargement commissioner, and Rupel, the Slovenian foreign minister and EU Council of Minister chair, made these statements in Strasbourg today."

The two EU clowns are making irresponsible statements again.

"Serbia should turn the Kosovo page," the pair was quoted.

I do not think so. I know that many technocrats suffer from short term memories and attention deficit disorder, but Serbia's struggle for Kosovo has just started.

Rehn also said that Kosovo "declared independence in a dignified manner and fully respecting Martti Ahtisaari's plan," and added that although this is a "hard moment for Serbia, it should turn to EU integration."

It was a blunt orchestrated display of total disrespect of sovereignity and international law and the Ahtisaari's plan has been officially rejected in the UNSC and so was dead a long time ago. Even the thought that Serbia would even consider an EU membership after this betrayal (it is still a step in the back if you knew it would come) makes me think that these two persons are completely insane.

"Serbia is rejecting Kosovo Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence, and its recognition, as illegal and contrary to international law."

And that is all they can and should do.

"According to reports, Rehn also said that Brussels now looks to "prop Kosovo on both its feet as soon as possible", and announced that a donor conference will be organized to this end before the summer."

It will take decades and billions of Euros before Kosovo would be even able to crawl. I am sure some rich sugar dadies from the Middle East are willing to buy some more influence on the donor conference.

"The EU commissioner then went on to describe the atmosphere in Priština as "joyful", which in his view stood in contrast to "violence in Belgrade and northern Kosovo", something he condemned."

You and your EU colleagues bear responsibility for all this because it has been told to you countless times that this would happen.

"As for Rupel, he also sent a message to Serbians: "The door of Europe is not closed"."

Yes it is and you did it yourself. Do you expect that Serbia will now come backing to become an EU member. As long as Serbia is outside of the EU the so-called EU mission can be considered an illegal occupation and Serbia is not going to give up its upper hand.

"Serbia needs the EU and the EU needs Serbia," he said.

No comment (how stupid and arrogant).

"He added that the EU "hopes that with Boris Tadic Serbia will exit the isolation period," and stressed that "Serbia and Kosovo will have to cooperate in the future."

You guys thought that you could buy Boris Tadic and Serbia. Without Serbia's consent no independent Kosovo and no Kosovo in the EU and the UN.

"Rupel also said the following: "The principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty have not been threatened with Kosovo's secession."

I think that is up to Serbia and the international law to decide. Can please someone send these two men to a comedy club.

But, the reports said, the Slovenian foreign minister "did not manage to explain how he reached this conclusion".

Because he has no clue what he is talking about. What a blessing to have uneducated politicians in your government.

RE: The page will never be turned.

Rupel is not speaking for the EU because the entire EU did not recognize the illegal state of Kosovo.

Let me get this straight,the EU was short one member (Dutch) in authorizing the European Union Stabilization agreement which was not offered to Serbia. (Subsequently a watered down
carrot version was thrown on the table and promptly rejected)

However, the EU has the audacity to try to recognize an illegal Kosovo state where as many as 6-7 EU states are against or neatral at best. Further, the majority of EU citizens are against the illegal seperation of Kosovo.

Further more, the illegal state of Kosovo is in contradiction of the UN Charter and Helsinki Accords.

However, the US and EU proxies continue to try to ram through an illegal declaration by the KLA terrorists who are in power, namely the KLA Terrorist (as assigned by the CIA itself) Hacim Thaci to bully moderate Albanians into seperation while creating concentration camps of Serbs.

Rehn also said that Kosovo "declared independence in a dignified manner and fully respecting Martti Ahtisaari's plan," and added that although this is a "hard moment for Serbia, it should turn to EU integration."

--

You mean the rejected plan that didn't even get UN approval with independence declared illegally?

Besides, you have 14 countries that have provided recognition and about 30 expected out of 200 so the international community is on the side of Serbia. I think you'll find it will be much harder for the EU and NATO than Serbia.

Remember, not even the EU has provided recognition and Spain has ensured it can't with the backing of the EU. And that is the reality!

In what kind off fantasy world do these guys live???

This isn't the end of the Kosovo-Saga, it's just the beginning

The EU is going to regret this day, dutch national resources off Gas runs out within the next 20 years and then the EU will be completly depended on russian Gas.

Be quite Olli!

As every day goes by since the illegal declaration of Kosovo Independence, more and more ordinary Serbs want nothing to do with your hoodlum club.

You have chosen Kosovo over Serbia. You now have the joy to supervise 1.7 Million largely unemployed Muslims!

Good luck to you! Kosovo is now more your club's problem then Serbia's! In fact Serbia will partition Kosovo and then follow through with lawsuits for the rest of Kosovo. You and your gang will be tied up in international courts for the next 50 years and you will lose most of the lawsuits while all that time you will be nursing your basket case creation of a Muslim independent Kosovo that will sooner or later bite you where it hurts just like Afghanistan did to America.

Rehn and Rupel are obviously living in a bubble if they honestly believe what they said.

They really should be given a VIP invitation to the rally in Belgrade tomorrow. Hopefully they will see that Serbia cannot simply "turn the page" as they seem to cooly think.

Serbia would have been more than happy to turn the proverbial page if even one fraction of the things they were warning about in the negotiation period was honored. Serbia would have been more than ready to embrace EU responsibilities if the EU acted responsible towards them.

Instead, we get dumb statements like Pristina being "joyful" (well duh, they got what they wanted), while Belgrade and northern Kosovo is steeped in "violence" (what did they expect?)

Not only that, the EU offered zero support to Tadic after his reelection. Not one hint at compromise, not one iota of cutting a deal. If they still expect Serbian public opinion to be pro-EU, they are truly delusional.

Finally, I cannot see how "the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty have not been threatened with Kosovo's secession" when Serbia's territory has been arbitrarily carved up and numerous separatist groups have been galvanized by this act.

These are some of the most idiotic statements coming from Brussels yet.

A real Serbia includes Kosovo. An EU slave state does not. Serbs want to live in a real country.

i am speechless. but thankfully i can type :)
is there some email that one could write to these people? i'm serious, i guess there's some possibility of contact. just to tell them one thing: for godsakes stop provoking this country. dont speak for a while, please. this is horribly, horribly inciteful.

"Serbia needs the EU and the EU needs Serbia,"

Wrong, Serbia doesn't need EU, not after what the EU have declared. Let their support of Kosovo ruin the EU budget. The eu can throw 200 millions of euro in the new lex project, and it will lead to ZERO progress in Kososovo.

I really hope that Serbia will support the claims for independence and partition of Belgium. And the odds are good, there are already policital tensions in Belgium, just look at the whole spectacle about Brussels.

Belgium to split and Quebec to get their independence within 10 years, trust me on this one!

You arrogant fools who have taken your lies for truth! Do not for one moment believe that you are right or righteous. The insidious EU may come to regret this preposterous plot against Serbia.

The rally is government sponsored and is to allow the Serbs to vent under controlled supervision. Until Serbs remove Tadic and Kostunica they will continually be humiliated as the EU pushed them around and offers empty promises.

The EU doesn't want Serbia but wants Serbia to want it so it can meddle in Serbia's internal affairs.

Serbia is not carrying out any of what it said it would do in case of Kosovo's declared "independence". Serbs need to stick up for themselves and boycott selective countries products.

Keep trying for Russian help and investment. Put your money in Russian owned banks. They are a creditor nation now getting richer by the day on the high energy prices.

Stop bothering to try and please the EU which will always treat Serbs with disrespect. Energy wasted on trying to please the domineering EU should be used on projects with Russia.

"I think Serbia must now turn the page and start it firstly recognizing the rights of Sandzak Muslims, Presevo Albanians and Voivodina Hungarians and others, federalizing the state as first step. I hope Serbia does this to open a new chapter otherwise the breakdown of Yugoslavia might not be over yet...
(Albanicum, 20 February 2008 22:48)"

A typical Kosovo Albanian response. Their so-called planned "independence" (it is more a voluntary colonization by the Imperialistic EU) seems to go less well than expected and now they are trying to divert attention by falsely claiming that all minorities in Serbia have been treated so badly. I am sure that most Serbs have become completely immune for these kinds of hot air comments. If you are not happy and you cannot prove that there is some government organized discrimination or there are bad things in the Serbian constitution then feel free to go wherever you please. If you decide to live in The Republic of Serbia you have to follow the law. How about the rights of Serbs in Kosovo, Croatia, and other places? I am sure now that Serbia is resisting EU and NATO domination these two colonial organization may decide that indeed the break up of Serbia has not been completed. Based on a long history of experience some indicents can be created involving some of the groups in your e-mail that will prove how evil the Serbs are and that they once again show their real face. Not this time. I expect that in the coming weeks there will be many negative articles in the Western media on this issue. I would like to ask B92 to be more critical allowing comments that suggest or encourage more ethnic tension in Serbia to be published in these comments.

Mr. Rupel was the ambassador of Slovenia in the USA,but now somebody must tell him that he is not the ambassador of the USA in Slovenia!

"The door of Europe is not closed".

Nor it is open.


I think that everyone allready knows that Kosova was given to serbia. So, serbias reaction is unjustified.
Lets bring in light such document if it exist, so that serbs know the truth.

I cannot imagine why Serbia would join the EU after so many states have or will recognize Kosovo independence.

On the other hand, there is little Serbia can do (especially considering that most of the inhabitants are Albanian who, understandably, do not want to be a part of Serbia), except deny to become a part of it. On the other hand, so what? Being a part of the EU is not such a privilege as the Kosovo Albanians have wet dreams about, while there are pros, there are also cons.

Yugoslavia was a model state under Tito. Everyone was equal, the country was unaligned, the standards of living were far better than any communist state (my parents were on Hvar for their honeymoon, they also visited many parts of then Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, they always said it was much better than Poland back then), there was no separatism or bad blood... what a pity for Milosevic! Were it not for him, I think Yugoslavia would have served as a perfect example of how so many different nationalities can live in peace with each other.

RIP Josip Broz Tito (PS. I am not a Communist!!!)

Laura, Republic of Kosova

"Roland-don't worry about dutch national Gas resouces coz Albania will replace Russia in the future (after 20 years)"

I almost spat coffee on the screen when I read this! You are comaring the 15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas lying under Albania with a country that has 65 natural gas fields (one of them being the second largest), supplies 40% of Europe's natural gas, produces 22% of the global total and exports roughly a quarter of the global total? Do any have any clue of what you are talking about? It's like saying that Albania will replace the USA and China as the world's global economic superpower in 20 years.

interesting link...

http://www.javno.com/en/world/clanak.php?id=125467

RIP Josip Broz Tito (PS. I am not a Communist!!!)
(Peter Sudyka, 20 February 2008 21:23)

Peter, with all due respect Tito is the cause of all the problems in the former Yugoslavia. His policies was to brush aside nationalism under a carpet and let it boil over.

(1) After WWII, Tito seized power with the support of Winston Churchill of England and purged all "enemies" of the state , innocent or not. This included the show trial of Draza Mihailovic who was brutually murdered and who saved over 2000 American airman over the skies of Yugoslavia.

(2) Tito created these false administrative borders you see today. The republic if Macedonia, Kosovo, Vojvodina are those false republics. Under the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, administrative regions were created without etnnic republics or boundaries (Ie Vardaska Baranja-FYROM region). Montenegro is a slight exception as it existed as a state under King Nikola I in the early 20th century.

However, Raska and Gora are the founding nations of Serbia which are in Kosovo and Montenegro.

Tito squashed any opposition to this rule, in 1974 the Crotian uprising was brutally put down.

After 1980, the political climate was eased as Tito passed away with a patchwork rotating presidency which was bound for failure. It was Tudjman and Izetbegovic who funny enough were formerly jailed by Tito who incited nationalism while Milosevic tried to appeal to the Socialism to keep Yugoslavia together.

Tito is a war criminal of mass proportions and is no better than Josip Stalin. He seized power and ran a totalitarian state where no opposition was allowed.

Slobodan Milosevic was a true Socialist and before you blame him on a civil war of Yugsolavia, go to the Hague Tribunal and read his transcripts and then come up with your own conclusions.

I think Serbia must now turn the page and start it firstly recognizing the rights of Sandzak Muslims, Presevo Albanians and Voivodina Hungarians and others, federalizing the state as first step. I hope Serbia does this to open a new chapter otherwise the breakdown of Yugoslavia might not be over yet...

To Ronald:

First of all I'm pleased I'm writting from the newest country in the world, state-Kosova.It's such a releif and finally the independence happened.There were a lot of commentators here who didn't believe that Kosova will become idependent and there's no room for you to waste time with stupid cooments as now everything is crysal clear and OVER.
Roland-don't worry about dutch national Gas resouces coz Albania will replace Russia in the future (after 20 years)

I don't understand what Kosovars are celebrating, because they have stated that they will abide by the Ahtisaari Plan, which basically takes all of the power the UN had and passes it to the EU. So they don't have anymore independence than they had on Saturday, they will simply have a new leader and that will be the EU. The new masters will have the right to negate any law passed by the "independent" government of Kosovo, same as the UN has now and the new masters will have the power to dismiss members of the "independent" government, same as the UN has now.

The ordinary people of Kosovo don't understand this, they don't have that capacity, but I believe that the government of Kosovo understands this and is simply waiting for significant recognition within the rest of the world before they kick the EU out. Of course they have to tread very lightly, because they will want the EU out, but they absolutely need their protector's (NATO) to stay and can't do anything that will cause them to leave or their new found independence will only last as long as it takes a tank to drive over the hills of the Presovo Valley and they know it.

"The principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty have not been threatened with Kosovo's secession."

What a bizarre and completely ridiculous thing to say.

These EUrocrats and US State Dept. types are so used to talking down to the peasants from their ivory towers, they don't know how to talk to real people anymore!

I am an American of Montenegrin descent, and I can tell you that Bush does not speak for me or anyone I know.
Serbs are a brave people and I think that they should tell Oli that he will "turn a pirouette in a toutou", before Serbs ever "turn a page"!

Laura,

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Kosovo is rich in lead and zinc. To my knowledge lead and zinc will not keep you warm during the cold Balkan winters. Also, your "buddies" from the USA will soon come and confiscate your mines. And although you proclaimed independence, only time will tell whether or not Kosovo will be a viable state.

The Swiss,

Thank you for the interesting Croation link (surprise) you sent us. If Thaci can become PM of the Province of Kosovo with a past like that then it is no surprise that Mladic is not in The Hague. Of course the EU took advantage of his crimes and it is well known that double standards have been applied, but in a fair world the EU should have demanded of Kosovo to hand over Thaci and many others to The Hague before making the (illegal) UDI. I know that in the end justice will prevail. Please if you have other interesting links, add them to your comments. It is still not too late to change public opinion, even after 17 years of Serb demonizing lying articles. The EU should be of and for the people again and gone with the unelected and incompetent technocrats who will only create more division, tension and suffering.

To Peter
I respect your openion but after all this time if it is not clear to you that Milosevich was only a scape goat for West to dissmember Yugo then noone can convince you.

All republics were perfectly happy to assist West in dissmembering Yugo especially Croatia and Slovenia and rest figured they might as well being that West gave them go ahead.

Serbs were the only ones that were perfectly happy to live in muly ethnic country because they new the reason why Yugo was formed to begin with. Yes, yugo was great and only Serbia wanted it to exist for brotherhood and unity and by trying to keep it together west unlished all the mad dogs of entire world on them blaming them for war.

It was all preplaned and convenient. Everyone was ready but Serbs. NATO needed Kosovo Polje for its military might and not because they have a sensitive heart for peoples of Yugo. They needed messy Balcan for their existance.

Of cause, Kosovo Albaniens never wanted assimilate no matter how generous rest of Yugo was to support them. They steared the trouble and pointed finger at the Serbs, when Serbs tryed to protect the people in Kosovo from fundamentalists(mainly those imported from Middle East who trained those who already hated the Serbs) West took adventage and just moved in.

So please stop that nunsence about Milisevic. They had him in Hague 4 years and could not have anything stick. They just kept him there for show and humiliation of Serbian people. When they knew that they can't find anything they made sure he dies and were "very dissappointed" that he did not live to face the justice. But Kosovo terrorists are presidents and ministers and that shows you how humaine West is when it comes to their interest. SO today they are doing the same thing to Seselj as they did to Milosevich, but he knows what he is facing so he is doing what he can to expose them in his own way.

"Rehn also said that Kosovo "declared independence in a dignified manner and fully respecting Martti Ahtisaari's plan," and added that although this is a "hard moment for Serbia, it should turn to EU integration." (...) The EU commissioner then went on to describe the atmosphere in Priština as "joyful", which in his view stood in contrast to "violence in Belgrade and northern Kosovo", something he condemned."

Mr. Rehn hurts national feeling of Serbian people. Of course, he agrees with his conational Ahtisaari.

First at all, what does the EU want ? Second, does Serbia want to enter in EU ? After the results of the last election the answer is YES, Serbia does want to become member in EU. In a real democracy, the politicians who took wrong decision ( regarding recognition of Kosovo independence ) will face the reaction of proper electorate. Don't blame the German or French nations for what their politicians do. When you speak about an ethnic group ( including Albanian ), don't make general characterization. This is wrong. You can reffer to a small or particular group. I read some commentary and I notice that they are full of hatred and poison. Don't interact with them. Keep your mind and soul clean !

After my opinion, Serbia should continue the effort to integrate in UE. Also, I believe that Serbia shouldn't broke the diplomatic relations with the EU members. Let the future to demonstrate that some EU members were wrong with their decisions.

Kosovo ( Polje ) is full of Christianity and I have faith that God will protect this place that reprezents your national proud.

Viorel

1) Well said, Peter Sudyka.
We were in many parts of the country in late 70-s and 80-s and cannot agree more with you.... Except one part of the Jugoslavija. There we were abused, mocked and kicked out ultimately from every establishment (eatery, hotel, etc). We were happy to leave that part of Jugoslavia for good and never-return. I won't forget that warm "welcome".

Question for everyone: where could it be? Any guesses?

Hint: if I tell my story on a forum, precisely like that, without naming anything the usual reaction is:
- Macedonians, Slovenians, Croatians, Serbs, Bosnians, Montenegrins say: "hmmm, uh-oh"
- CERTAIN people cry loudly: "Lie, you are BIASED AGAINST KOSOVA!!!"

I never say where it was... I just say, it was SOMEWHERE. Khm.... khmm....

2) "hopes that with Boris Tadić's reelection Serbia will exit the isolation period," This is a bit resembling 1).

Read again, please. And read again. And think. Who said it is an idiot.
"re-election" of Tadic. Fine.
"exit the isolation period" Wait a moment, why was that "isolation period" than and no "isolation period" for the future under SAME Tadic who was re-elected?

It's like a funny quarrel:

"Johnny, why did you hit your young brother?"
"I did not hit him first, it was him who first punched BACK my nose!"

Both 1) and 2) are called SELF-INCRIMINATION. No comment.

Peter #26

I have to agree with you.
I'm Albanian but sorry Laura you're wrong on this one.

D.Laci

It's a fact that Albania has big deposits of gas that would be enough for Albania's needs and it would become a net exporter of gas to the Balkans, even Southern Europe, I was not mocking Albania, I was just saying that comparing their gas reserves with that of Russia is REALLY unrealistic.

konstantin gregovic

I understand what you are saying, but comparing Tito with Stalin is false. Through suppression of nationalism in Yugoslavis, Tito promoted economic growth and under this policy, Yugoslavia was what the rest of Europe's communist countries wished they could be. Stalin on the hand, while indeed developing the infrastructure, repressed his people and others on an unparalalled scale (apart from Mao Zedong), murdering millions of Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Germans, Finns, Hungarians and others as well as working them to death in gulags. Whilst perhaps Tito was harsh on nationalists in Yugoslavia, I can conceive how this can compare to a man who led to the death of 20 000 000 of his own people and another couple of million others.

The struggle to get Kosovo back should be a peaceful one. Serbia should struggle for Kosovo INSIDE the European Union. The EU offers the best prospect for Serbia to get Kosovo back.

When both Serbia and Kosovo are in the EU, there will be no "administrative border" separating Kosovo from Serbia.

The recent statements from Brussels sound encouraging for both Serbia and the Kosovo Serbs - Please give it a chance and work with the EU!

"The door of Europe is not closed".

Nor it is open.


I think that everyone allready knows that Kosova was given to serbia. So, serbias reaction is unjustified.
Lets bring in light such document if it exist, so that serbs know the truth.

I think Serbia must now turn the page and start it firstly recognizing the rights of Sandzak Muslims, Presevo Albanians and Voivodina Hungarians and others, federalizing the state as first step. I hope Serbia does this to open a new chapter otherwise the breakdown of Yugoslavia might not be over yet...

To Ronald:

First of all I'm pleased I'm writting from the newest country in the world, state-Kosova.It's such a releif and finally the independence happened.There were a lot of commentators here who didn't believe that Kosova will become idependent and there's no room for you to waste time with stupid cooments as now everything is crysal clear and OVER.
Roland-don't worry about dutch national Gas resouces coz Albania will replace Russia in the future (after 20 years)

I cannot imagine why Serbia would join the EU after so many states have or will recognize Kosovo independence.

On the other hand, there is little Serbia can do (especially considering that most of the inhabitants are Albanian who, understandably, do not want to be a part of Serbia), except deny to become a part of it. On the other hand, so what? Being a part of the EU is not such a privilege as the Kosovo Albanians have wet dreams about, while there are pros, there are also cons.

Yugoslavia was a model state under Tito. Everyone was equal, the country was unaligned, the standards of living were far better than any communist state (my parents were on Hvar for their honeymoon, they also visited many parts of then Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, they always said it was much better than Poland back then), there was no separatism or bad blood... what a pity for Milosevic! Were it not for him, I think Yugoslavia would have served as a perfect example of how so many different nationalities can live in peace with each other.

RIP Josip Broz Tito (PS. I am not a Communist!!!)

"Agencies reported that Rehn, the EU enlargement commissioner, and Rupel, the Slovenian foreign minister and EU Council of Minister chair, made these statements in Strasbourg today."

The two EU clowns are making irresponsible statements again.

"Serbia should turn the Kosovo page," the pair was quoted.

I do not think so. I know that many technocrats suffer from short term memories and attention deficit disorder, but Serbia's struggle for Kosovo has just started.

Rehn also said that Kosovo "declared independence in a dignified manner and fully respecting Martti Ahtisaari's plan," and added that although this is a "hard moment for Serbia, it should turn to EU integration."

It was a blunt orchestrated display of total disrespect of sovereignity and international law and the Ahtisaari's plan has been officially rejected in the UNSC and so was dead a long time ago. Even the thought that Serbia would even consider an EU membership after this betrayal (it is still a step in the back if you knew it would come) makes me think that these two persons are completely insane.

"Serbia is rejecting Kosovo Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence, and its recognition, as illegal and contrary to international law."

And that is all they can and should do.

"According to reports, Rehn also said that Brussels now looks to "prop Kosovo on both its feet as soon as possible", and announced that a donor conference will be organized to this end before the summer."

It will take decades and billions of Euros before Kosovo would be even able to crawl. I am sure some rich sugar dadies from the Middle East are willing to buy some more influence on the donor conference.

"The EU commissioner then went on to describe the atmosphere in Priština as "joyful", which in his view stood in contrast to "violence in Belgrade and northern Kosovo", something he condemned."

You and your EU colleagues bear responsibility for all this because it has been told to you countless times that this would happen.

"As for Rupel, he also sent a message to Serbians: "The door of Europe is not closed"."

Yes it is and you did it yourself. Do you expect that Serbia will now come backing to become an EU member. As long as Serbia is outside of the EU the so-called EU mission can be considered an illegal occupation and Serbia is not going to give up its upper hand.

"Serbia needs the EU and the EU needs Serbia," he said.

No comment (how stupid and arrogant).

"He added that the EU "hopes that with Boris Tadic Serbia will exit the isolation period," and stressed that "Serbia and Kosovo will have to cooperate in the future."

You guys thought that you could buy Boris Tadic and Serbia. Without Serbia's consent no independent Kosovo and no Kosovo in the EU and the UN.

"Rupel also said the following: "The principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty have not been threatened with Kosovo's secession."

I think that is up to Serbia and the international law to decide. Can please someone send these two men to a comedy club.

But, the reports said, the Slovenian foreign minister "did not manage to explain how he reached this conclusion".

Because he has no clue what he is talking about. What a blessing to have uneducated politicians in your government.

1) Well said, Peter Sudyka.
We were in many parts of the country in late 70-s and 80-s and cannot agree more with you.... Except one part of the Jugoslavija. There we were abused, mocked and kicked out ultimately from every establishment (eatery, hotel, etc). We were happy to leave that part of Jugoslavia for good and never-return. I won't forget that warm "welcome".

Question for everyone: where could it be? Any guesses?

Hint: if I tell my story on a forum, precisely like that, without naming anything the usual reaction is:
- Macedonians, Slovenians, Croatians, Serbs, Bosnians, Montenegrins say: "hmmm, uh-oh"
- CERTAIN people cry loudly: "Lie, you are BIASED AGAINST KOSOVA!!!"

I never say where it was... I just say, it was SOMEWHERE. Khm.... khmm....

2) "hopes that with Boris Tadić's reelection Serbia will exit the isolation period," This is a bit resembling 1).

Read again, please. And read again. And think. Who said it is an idiot.
"re-election" of Tadic. Fine.
"exit the isolation period" Wait a moment, why was that "isolation period" than and no "isolation period" for the future under SAME Tadic who was re-elected?

It's like a funny quarrel:

"Johnny, why did you hit your young brother?"
"I did not hit him first, it was him who first punched BACK my nose!"

Both 1) and 2) are called SELF-INCRIMINATION. No comment.

Rehn also said that Kosovo "declared independence in a dignified manner and fully respecting Martti Ahtisaari's plan," and added that although this is a "hard moment for Serbia, it should turn to EU integration."

--

You mean the rejected plan that didn't even get UN approval with independence declared illegally?

Besides, you have 14 countries that have provided recognition and about 30 expected out of 200 so the international community is on the side of Serbia. I think you'll find it will be much harder for the EU and NATO than Serbia.

Remember, not even the EU has provided recognition and Spain has ensured it can't with the backing of the EU. And that is the reality!

In what kind off fantasy world do these guys live???

This isn't the end of the Kosovo-Saga, it's just the beginning

The EU is going to regret this day, dutch national resources off Gas runs out within the next 20 years and then the EU will be completly depended on russian Gas.

RE: The page will never be turned.

Rupel is not speaking for the EU because the entire EU did not recognize the illegal state of Kosovo.

Let me get this straight,the EU was short one member (Dutch) in authorizing the European Union Stabilization agreement which was not offered to Serbia. (Subsequently a watered down
carrot version was thrown on the table and promptly rejected)

However, the EU has the audacity to try to recognize an illegal Kosovo state where as many as 6-7 EU states are against or neatral at best. Further, the majority of EU citizens are against the illegal seperation of Kosovo.

Further more, the illegal state of Kosovo is in contradiction of the UN Charter and Helsinki Accords.

However, the US and EU proxies continue to try to ram through an illegal declaration by the KLA terrorists who are in power, namely the KLA Terrorist (as assigned by the CIA itself) Hacim Thaci to bully moderate Albanians into seperation while creating concentration camps of Serbs.

Rehn and Rupel are obviously living in a bubble if they honestly believe what they said.

They really should be given a VIP invitation to the rally in Belgrade tomorrow. Hopefully they will see that Serbia cannot simply "turn the page" as they seem to cooly think.

Serbia would have been more than happy to turn the proverbial page if even one fraction of the things they were warning about in the negotiation period was honored. Serbia would have been more than ready to embrace EU responsibilities if the EU acted responsible towards them.

Instead, we get dumb statements like Pristina being "joyful" (well duh, they got what they wanted), while Belgrade and northern Kosovo is steeped in "violence" (what did they expect?)

Not only that, the EU offered zero support to Tadic after his reelection. Not one hint at compromise, not one iota of cutting a deal. If they still expect Serbian public opinion to be pro-EU, they are truly delusional.

Finally, I cannot see how "the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty have not been threatened with Kosovo's secession" when Serbia's territory has been arbitrarily carved up and numerous separatist groups have been galvanized by this act.

These are some of the most idiotic statements coming from Brussels yet.

i am speechless. but thankfully i can type :)
is there some email that one could write to these people? i'm serious, i guess there's some possibility of contact. just to tell them one thing: for godsakes stop provoking this country. dont speak for a while, please. this is horribly, horribly inciteful.

A real Serbia includes Kosovo. An EU slave state does not. Serbs want to live in a real country.

"Serbia needs the EU and the EU needs Serbia,"

Wrong, Serbia doesn't need EU, not after what the EU have declared. Let their support of Kosovo ruin the EU budget. The eu can throw 200 millions of euro in the new lex project, and it will lead to ZERO progress in Kososovo.

I really hope that Serbia will support the claims for independence and partition of Belgium. And the odds are good, there are already policital tensions in Belgium, just look at the whole spectacle about Brussels.

Belgium to split and Quebec to get their independence within 10 years, trust me on this one!

Be quite Olli!

As every day goes by since the illegal declaration of Kosovo Independence, more and more ordinary Serbs want nothing to do with your hoodlum club.

You have chosen Kosovo over Serbia. You now have the joy to supervise 1.7 Million largely unemployed Muslims!

Good luck to you! Kosovo is now more your club's problem then Serbia's! In fact Serbia will partition Kosovo and then follow through with lawsuits for the rest of Kosovo. You and your gang will be tied up in international courts for the next 50 years and you will lose most of the lawsuits while all that time you will be nursing your basket case creation of a Muslim independent Kosovo that will sooner or later bite you where it hurts just like Afghanistan did to America.

The rally is government sponsored and is to allow the Serbs to vent under controlled supervision. Until Serbs remove Tadic and Kostunica they will continually be humiliated as the EU pushed them around and offers empty promises.

The EU doesn't want Serbia but wants Serbia to want it so it can meddle in Serbia's internal affairs.

Serbia is not carrying out any of what it said it would do in case of Kosovo's declared "independence". Serbs need to stick up for themselves and boycott selective countries products.

Keep trying for Russian help and investment. Put your money in Russian owned banks. They are a creditor nation now getting richer by the day on the high energy prices.

Stop bothering to try and please the EU which will always treat Serbs with disrespect. Energy wasted on trying to please the domineering EU should be used on projects with Russia.

"I think Serbia must now turn the page and start it firstly recognizing the rights of Sandzak Muslims, Presevo Albanians and Voivodina Hungarians and others, federalizing the state as first step. I hope Serbia does this to open a new chapter otherwise the breakdown of Yugoslavia might not be over yet...
(Albanicum, 20 February 2008 22:48)"

A typical Kosovo Albanian response. Their so-called planned "independence" (it is more a voluntary colonization by the Imperialistic EU) seems to go less well than expected and now they are trying to divert attention by falsely claiming that all minorities in Serbia have been treated so badly. I am sure that most Serbs have become completely immune for these kinds of hot air comments. If you are not happy and you cannot prove that there is some government organized discrimination or there are bad things in the Serbian constitution then feel free to go wherever you please. If you decide to live in The Republic of Serbia you have to follow the law. How about the rights of Serbs in Kosovo, Croatia, and other places? I am sure now that Serbia is resisting EU and NATO domination these two colonial organization may decide that indeed the break up of Serbia has not been completed. Based on a long history of experience some indicents can be created involving some of the groups in your e-mail that will prove how evil the Serbs are and that they once again show their real face. Not this time. I expect that in the coming weeks there will be many negative articles in the Western media on this issue. I would like to ask B92 to be more critical allowing comments that suggest or encourage more ethnic tension in Serbia to be published in these comments.

You arrogant fools who have taken your lies for truth! Do not for one moment believe that you are right or righteous. The insidious EU may come to regret this preposterous plot against Serbia.

interesting link...

http://www.javno.com/en/world/clanak.php?id=125467

Mr. Rupel was the ambassador of Slovenia in the USA,but now somebody must tell him that he is not the ambassador of the USA in Slovenia!

The Swiss,

Thank you for the interesting Croation link (surprise) you sent us. If Thaci can become PM of the Province of Kosovo with a past like that then it is no surprise that Mladic is not in The Hague. Of course the EU took advantage of his crimes and it is well known that double standards have been applied, but in a fair world the EU should have demanded of Kosovo to hand over Thaci and many others to The Hague before making the (illegal) UDI. I know that in the end justice will prevail. Please if you have other interesting links, add them to your comments. It is still not too late to change public opinion, even after 17 years of Serb demonizing lying articles. The EU should be of and for the people again and gone with the unelected and incompetent technocrats who will only create more division, tension and suffering.

To Peter
I respect your openion but after all this time if it is not clear to you that Milosevich was only a scape goat for West to dissmember Yugo then noone can convince you.

All republics were perfectly happy to assist West in dissmembering Yugo especially Croatia and Slovenia and rest figured they might as well being that West gave them go ahead.

Serbs were the only ones that were perfectly happy to live in muly ethnic country because they new the reason why Yugo was formed to begin with. Yes, yugo was great and only Serbia wanted it to exist for brotherhood and unity and by trying to keep it together west unlished all the mad dogs of entire world on them blaming them for war.

It was all preplaned and convenient. Everyone was ready but Serbs. NATO needed Kosovo Polje for its military might and not because they have a sensitive heart for peoples of Yugo. They needed messy Balcan for their existance.

Of cause, Kosovo Albaniens never wanted assimilate no matter how generous rest of Yugo was to support them. They steared the trouble and pointed finger at the Serbs, when Serbs tryed to protect the people in Kosovo from fundamentalists(mainly those imported from Middle East who trained those who already hated the Serbs) West took adventage and just moved in.

So please stop that nunsence about Milisevic. They had him in Hague 4 years and could not have anything stick. They just kept him there for show and humiliation of Serbian people. When they knew that they can't find anything they made sure he dies and were "very dissappointed" that he did not live to face the justice. But Kosovo terrorists are presidents and ministers and that shows you how humaine West is when it comes to their interest. SO today they are doing the same thing to Seselj as they did to Milosevich, but he knows what he is facing so he is doing what he can to expose them in his own way.

I don't understand what Kosovars are celebrating, because they have stated that they will abide by the Ahtisaari Plan, which basically takes all of the power the UN had and passes it to the EU. So they don't have anymore independence than they had on Saturday, they will simply have a new leader and that will be the EU. The new masters will have the right to negate any law passed by the "independent" government of Kosovo, same as the UN has now and the new masters will have the power to dismiss members of the "independent" government, same as the UN has now.

The ordinary people of Kosovo don't understand this, they don't have that capacity, but I believe that the government of Kosovo understands this and is simply waiting for significant recognition within the rest of the world before they kick the EU out. Of course they have to tread very lightly, because they will want the EU out, but they absolutely need their protector's (NATO) to stay and can't do anything that will cause them to leave or their new found independence will only last as long as it takes a tank to drive over the hills of the Presovo Valley and they know it.

"The principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty have not been threatened with Kosovo's secession."

What a bizarre and completely ridiculous thing to say.

These EUrocrats and US State Dept. types are so used to talking down to the peasants from their ivory towers, they don't know how to talk to real people anymore!

I am an American of Montenegrin descent, and I can tell you that Bush does not speak for me or anyone I know.
Serbs are a brave people and I think that they should tell Oli that he will "turn a pirouette in a toutou", before Serbs ever "turn a page"!

Laura,

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Kosovo is rich in lead and zinc. To my knowledge lead and zinc will not keep you warm during the cold Balkan winters. Also, your "buddies" from the USA will soon come and confiscate your mines. And although you proclaimed independence, only time will tell whether or not Kosovo will be a viable state.

"Rehn also said that Kosovo "declared independence in a dignified manner and fully respecting Martti Ahtisaari's plan," and added that although this is a "hard moment for Serbia, it should turn to EU integration." (...) The EU commissioner then went on to describe the atmosphere in Priština as "joyful", which in his view stood in contrast to "violence in Belgrade and northern Kosovo", something he condemned."

Mr. Rehn hurts national feeling of Serbian people. Of course, he agrees with his conational Ahtisaari.

First at all, what does the EU want ? Second, does Serbia want to enter in EU ? After the results of the last election the answer is YES, Serbia does want to become member in EU. In a real democracy, the politicians who took wrong decision ( regarding recognition of Kosovo independence ) will face the reaction of proper electorate. Don't blame the German or French nations for what their politicians do. When you speak about an ethnic group ( including Albanian ), don't make general characterization. This is wrong. You can reffer to a small or particular group. I read some commentary and I notice that they are full of hatred and poison. Don't interact with them. Keep your mind and soul clean !

After my opinion, Serbia should continue the effort to integrate in UE. Also, I believe that Serbia shouldn't broke the diplomatic relations with the EU members. Let the future to demonstrate that some EU members were wrong with their decisions.

Kosovo ( Polje ) is full of Christianity and I have faith that God will protect this place that reprezents your national proud.

Viorel

Laura, Republic of Kosova

"Roland-don't worry about dutch national Gas resouces coz Albania will replace Russia in the future (after 20 years)"

I almost spat coffee on the screen when I read this! You are comaring the 15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas lying under Albania with a country that has 65 natural gas fields (one of them being the second largest), supplies 40% of Europe's natural gas, produces 22% of the global total and exports roughly a quarter of the global total? Do any have any clue of what you are talking about? It's like saying that Albania will replace the USA and China as the world's global economic superpower in 20 years.

Peter #26

I have to agree with you.
I'm Albanian but sorry Laura you're wrong on this one.

RIP Josip Broz Tito (PS. I am not a Communist!!!)
(Peter Sudyka, 20 February 2008 21:23)

Peter, with all due respect Tito is the cause of all the problems in the former Yugoslavia. His policies was to brush aside nationalism under a carpet and let it boil over.

(1) After WWII, Tito seized power with the support of Winston Churchill of England and purged all "enemies" of the state , innocent or not. This included the show trial of Draza Mihailovic who was brutually murdered and who saved over 2000 American airman over the skies of Yugoslavia.

(2) Tito created these false administrative borders you see today. The republic if Macedonia, Kosovo, Vojvodina are those false republics. Under the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, administrative regions were created without etnnic republics or boundaries (Ie Vardaska Baranja-FYROM region). Montenegro is a slight exception as it existed as a state under King Nikola I in the early 20th century.

However, Raska and Gora are the founding nations of Serbia which are in Kosovo and Montenegro.

Tito squashed any opposition to this rule, in 1974 the Crotian uprising was brutally put down.

After 1980, the political climate was eased as Tito passed away with a patchwork rotating presidency which was bound for failure. It was Tudjman and Izetbegovic who funny enough were formerly jailed by Tito who incited nationalism while Milosevic tried to appeal to the Socialism to keep Yugoslavia together.

Tito is a war criminal of mass proportions and is no better than Josip Stalin. He seized power and ran a totalitarian state where no opposition was allowed.

Slobodan Milosevic was a true Socialist and before you blame him on a civil war of Yugsolavia, go to the Hague Tribunal and read his transcripts and then come up with your own conclusions.

D.Laci

It's a fact that Albania has big deposits of gas that would be enough for Albania's needs and it would become a net exporter of gas to the Balkans, even Southern Europe, I was not mocking Albania, I was just saying that comparing their gas reserves with that of Russia is REALLY unrealistic.

konstantin gregovic

I understand what you are saying, but comparing Tito with Stalin is false. Through suppression of nationalism in Yugoslavis, Tito promoted economic growth and under this policy, Yugoslavia was what the rest of Europe's communist countries wished they could be. Stalin on the hand, while indeed developing the infrastructure, repressed his people and others on an unparalalled scale (apart from Mao Zedong), murdering millions of Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Germans, Finns, Hungarians and others as well as working them to death in gulags. Whilst perhaps Tito was harsh on nationalists in Yugoslavia, I can conceive how this can compare to a man who led to the death of 20 000 000 of his own people and another couple of million others.

The struggle to get Kosovo back should be a peaceful one. Serbia should struggle for Kosovo INSIDE the European Union. The EU offers the best prospect for Serbia to get Kosovo back.

When both Serbia and Kosovo are in the EU, there will be no "administrative border" separating Kosovo from Serbia.

The recent statements from Brussels sound encouraging for both Serbia and the Kosovo Serbs - Please give it a chance and work with the EU!