U.S. dubs Russian Kosovo stance "cynical"

"Although it may take some time, because some countries might temporarily choose to block it, Kosovo will in the end become a full-fledged UN member," Burns was optimistic."

Optimistic? More like unrealistic. Kosovo is not going to join the UN anytime soon if the Taiwan example is anything to go by!

Nicholas Burns's comments are a nonsense. Firstly how can you call Russia's stance cynical when all they are saying is that international law should be upheld.

Russia is "not in Kosovo" because NATO made sure that their original involvement was kept to a low level.

Russia is not at all isolated in opposing the independence of Kosovo only 17 countries have recognised it as of now.

Claiming that Kosovo deserves to be independent because Serbia "lost its right to Kosovo after the brutal and unjustified attacks in 1998 and 1999" is a blatent lie. If defending your own country and people against a terrorist organisation like the KLA is unjustified then I would like to hear what Burns suggests the FRY should have done instead?

1244 might not exclude a proclamation of Kosovo's independence, but the Helsinki Final Act says the participating States will respect the territorial integrity of each of the
participating States.

EA, the article itself explains the situation of 1244 and why it still applies. Serbia is the successor state to FRY. Something that had to be re-explained on these comments pages all the time it seems.

What complete and utter nonsense. But what do you expect from Nick Burns, who is the number one anti-Serb in the administration, a leftover from the Serb-hating Clinton gang. It is Burns' failed policies in the former Yugoslavia that have led to this mess, so of course he is trying to make ridiculous excuses and blame everything on the Serbs again.
Mr. Burns, let me give you a reality check. Kosovo will never, and I do mean NEVER, be independent - the Russian and Chinese veto guarantee that. In addition, Kosovo will NEVER be able to join the EU.
You say the Russians are isolated?? Ha! Are you now changing careers to become a comedian? Most of the world agrees with Russia and Serbia. Countries such as China, India, Argentina, Greece, Spain, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Sri Lanka, Venezuala, Bolivia, New Zealand, South Africa.....have all indicated they will not recognize your illegal and immoral 'greater albania' plan. That, sir, is already most of the world! It is the US and the rest of your imperialist friends which are looking more and more isolated on this issue. The countries that will not recognize are numerous and economically robust enough to provide with lots of trade and keep the Serbian economy rising. All other countries that recognized Kosovo will be boycotted and shut out of the market, and that suits us Serbs just fine. We are not alone, we have lots of friends all over the world who know the truth, and who know justice. Your policies Mr. Burns, of dehumanizing the Serbs and giving all other groups in the former Yugoslavie the right to self-determination except Serbs, that policy has failed! Get your head out of the sand and have a look around the world.
Cheers!

I have an idea !!

The USA should take all 1.7 million Albanians from Kosovo and relocate them to the USA. They could easily rename one of their States to KOSOVA.

:)) e-xcellent!
this is hypocrisy that we have never seen and will not likely see in our lifetimes. so everyone take good note. this is like a passing of a rare comet, so take a look and have something to tell your grandchildren about.
this is how the united states of america, a beacon of good things people aspire to, has mutated into a bully with force but the mentality of a third world communist warlord, where fact, law, and even common decency play no role.
i wonder how this came about. but i don't wonder too much. instead, i think about what i, as a citizen, taking part in my country's political process, can do to defend my homeland.

"Any talk about Resolution 1244 garanteeing Serbia sovereignity in Kosova is nonsense. Just to remind that resolution refers to Yugoslavia which doesn't exist anymore. Does everyone know why it doesn't exist anymore?
Serbia didn't get away with it this time with war to justify the ethnic cleansing of its "own" population.
(EA, 23 February 2008 13:30) "

EA

Everyone knows that Yugoslavia (ie. 1999 Yugoslavia which 1244 refers to) doesn't exist anyone with Montenegro's independence. However obviously only you do not know that Serbia is recognized by the UN and yes, even the EU and US as the legal successor to Yugoslavia. That's why only Montenegro needed to apply for UN entry while Belgrade simply inherited Yugoslavia's seat. You really need to be better informed.

This should not be an East-West issue.

However the choice was made by Washington when it deliberately chose to ignore the views of the citizens of Serbia.

Washington has made no effort to address the people of Serbia - it is a political failure on their part.

The consequence may well be that Serbia finds it has to look eastwards - but that was not its choice at the recent election. The EU misinterpreted the Serbian elections and cynically went ahead with ignoring the will of the Sebian people over Kosovo.

It may well be that the Russians have to reestablish the proper balance over 1244 given that the US and the EU have abused it and failed to involve the Serbian people in the decision making.

The US has tried to give away land that was not theirs to give - on the basis of their military might and on the basis of conquest.

That is reversible.

The USA needed the support of Russia because of issues related to Iran and North Korea, and yet they offended the Russians by recognizing Kosovo. Yes, George Walker Bush truly is a great statesman!

This condescending nonsense about 'loosing the right to govern' is not part of international law. In the case of Kosovo it was Milosevic who deserved to lose the right to govern - and he was evicted from power by the Serbian people.

International law guarantees territorial integrity, and my expectation of NATO is that it does not indulge in conquest.

The EU has managed to bring together all of Europe through negotiation, but all of a sudden it wants to become impositional on Serbia. Serbia is a democratic country offering full autonomy to Kosovo, yet it is being collectively punished. That is wrong.

I expect better of EU diplomats - here they have failed to take account the will of the people of Serbia when they could easily have done so. They should have put their efforts into finding a negotiated solution based on the autonomy required by 1244.

Russia dubs U.S. Kosovo stance "asinine"

ahmet isufi says today...
Taiwan can not gather 2/3 majority on UN General Assembly and that is why they were unable to become UN member. Kosova can and will in 5-6 months time.

My dear Mr. Isufi,
You stated this before in January and did not seem to learn. To remind you...

"To become a member of UN all you need is 2/3 of UN General Assembly, and I don't think it will be hard for us to get the majority.
(Ahmet Isufi, 18 January 2008 13:08)

The replies to you were...

"Yes, but then the decision by the general assembly needs to be endorsed by the UNSC (the majority of it, including all five permanent members). So no, Kosovo will not be able to join the UN if Russia veto their joining, as they are a permanent member. China may also be a problem for Kosovo.
(Peter Sudyka, 18 January 2008 14:47)

"Ahmet Isufi,

You really have no idea, do you?

To become a member of the UN you must have have UNSC approval, first!
(Canadian, 18 January 2008 16:38)"

@(ahmet isufi, 23 February 2008 15:09)


Only an 2/3 majority can bring Kosovo's request for an UN seat to the Security Council, there it still has to be approved by the ENTIRE security councel, and on this councel Russia AND China will both use their VETO to accept Kosovo as an UN Member.

Even if 190 country's aprove and Russia & Serbia not, then Russia can STIL BLOCK an UN seat for Kosovo.

Try and read something before you post this that are simply not true, Kosovo will never become an UN Member, just like Taiwan can never become an UN member due to China, even while Taiwan is supported by the US & the entire EU.

I love this headline

The Americans say the the glass of water is half full and the Serbs and Russians say it is half empty. By the way Burns' speech was funnier than the Comedy Channel.

The US causes this mess and now they start whining. The US should accept this "reality" and move on:
1) They are not going to get new sanctions against Iran.
2) They will not get more than 40 of their "friends" to recognize Kosovo. More countries recognize an independent Palestinian state.
3) They will not convince the world that Kosovo is unique.
Deal with it.

Dear oh dear, here we go with all that spin.

The EU have attempted to justify their mission within the same point in the preamble so by that argument, the EU mission has no legal basis!

Check point 10 on Resolution 1244 http://www.nato.int/Kosovo/docu/u990610a.htm

10. Authorizes the Secretary-General, with the assistance of relevant international organizations, to establish an international civil presence in Kosovo in order to provide an interim administration for Kosovo under which the people of Kosovo can enjoy substantial autonomy within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and which will provide transitional administration while establishing and overseeing the development of provisional democratic self-governing institutions to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo;

ahmeti, there are 192 countries in the world. you can gather support from 191, serbia included, but russia will just throw it to the garbage bin in a very short un sc meeting on the subject.
we all know it, so face it :) kosovo's status, concerning it being independent, is no different today that it was in the summer of 1999.
on the other hand, it's nice to see that you would really want for your territory to become a un member. it shows you understand that without it no real independence can ever be talked about, and that all other doors, including those at organizations bringing stability and investment, are closed.

I must say that I cannot believe what I just have red and coming from Americans no more, no less. Is it possible that people such Holbrook and Burns having guts to state something like that? Russia hasn’t been constructive over Kosovo issue???? It is just the same as saying that Serbia hasn’t been constructive over Kosovo by offering possible and nearly impossible solutions.

Furthermore, America is hoping having Russia on its side when it comes to Iran and Northern Korea. Somehow I doubt that they will succeed to gain Russia on it side if the Americans do not change the tune over Kosovo. By acting so genuinely stubborn over Kosovo and supporting war criminals Hashim Tachi and Agim Cheku for its own agenda, Americans had to take into consideration of losing Russia’s support forever.

However, the funniest thing is promising Albanians the UN seat. Even Burns himself do not believe in this and thus take a distance by saying “of course not any time sfor the Al oon” and yet he is optimistic. Really, really laughable! Perhaps optimism over Kosovo’s immediate EU membership would be more realistic than over the UN seat as we know there is Russia waiting in the UNSC with its veto power. Mr Burns is either ignorant or utter liar claiming that Russia is lonely when it comes to Kosovo independence. AS far as I know the EU is quite divided over Kosovo as well as UN members, meaning that the world is much divided over such precedent called Kosovo.

Lazer, I hope Pristina tries to take North Kosovo. That will never happen. The DSS, well, they are doing their job and a good job at that to unit the Serbs. EA, I will not explain how Kosovo is Serbia, thanks lowe, but the North is Kosovo right, well if you didn't know the Serbs control it. Ean, again wishfull thinking. Martain, I live here it's not all peaches and cream. Most Americans can't wrap their brain around the fact that we a helping Albanians that have ties with Bin Laden. Hermon, your right about VETO, thats why Kosovo is an ILLEGAL QUAZI STATE as of now, that VETO stop Pristina from becoming a Legal state. Thank Russia for your support to my Serbian brothers. Kosovo is Serbian!!! And thats that!!!

ahmet isufi

I think this will be the third time someone who actually knows what he is talking about will tell someone who does not have a clue:

K O S O V O C A N N O T J O I N T H E U N W I T H O U T U N A N I M O U S A P P R O V A L F R O M T H E U N S C. Go and read about it before talking nonsense. It just makes you look foolish.

He also said that Russia is "increasingly isolated" in its Kosovo position, as "more and more countries in the world recognize Kosovo".

--

True, more and more countries are recognising Kosovo but what he fails to mention is that for every country that does, there are 5 that will NOT!

Not one Arab country has recognised nor come out to support the Albanians. That demonstrates this is about respect for international law!

The world is with Serbia and Russia! Keep up the pressure! The US is sensing loss so is now resorting to spin!

"... He also said that Russia is "increasingly isolated" in its Kosovo position, as "more and more countries in the world recognize Kosovo"...

What constructive role he means ? Maybe he means a role in elimination of the International Law or destruction of one of the 52 original UN members ? Sure Russia is not a partner in this crime ! Quite enough that we once has let them to bomb the Serbs. Never more ! This time we have much better chances for the victory ove the US and the US raped Europe.

As for the international isolation we can say despite the pressure of the US we have a score when only 12 out of 192 UN members has recognized the bandit government. Thaiwan is not a UN member itself.

Will:
"Why do serbs keep referring to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as some sort of precedent?"

I haven't heard any Serbs say anything about Abkhazia and South Ossetia setting any kind of precedent. Both are de facto independent parts of Georgia.

As for the reasons behind the U.S. support for the Kosovo Albanians, he said the province "deserved to be independent", while Serbia "lost its right to Kosovo after the brutal and unjustified attacks in 1998 and 1999".

"Americans have a friendly inclination toward the Serbs, and respect them."

Is it just me or are the US politicians very schizophrenic in their approach to this matter.

Indeed, Russia is cynical....
Contrary to the United states, who is perfect example of morality......

"They're not in Kosovo, they're not doing anything to help Kosovo. So they're kind of on the sidelines contributing mostly unhelpfully,"

Well I hope that summarises very clearly the REALITY.

Any talk about Resolution 1244 garanteeing Serbia sovereignity in Kosova is nonsense. Just to remind that resolution refers to Yugoslavia which doesn't exist anymore. Does everyone know why it doesn't exist anymore?
Serbia didn't get away with it this time with war to justify the ethnic cleansing of its "own" population.

"My dear IOWE,
Taiwan can not gather 2/3 majority on UN General Assembly and that is why they were unable to become UN member. Kosova can and will in 5-6 months time.
(ahmet isufi, 23 February 2008 15:09) "

My dear ahmet isufi,

Obviously you do not know that to become a UN member, the UNSC must approve -- now how do you think the Russians and Chinese will vote?

As for Taiwan, it can get 99.99% of the votes and still remain locked out of the UN because of Beijing's veto.

There is no other way, for Russia and Serbia, other then going with Int'l Community as far as Kosovo, EU etc.
Every other scenario is a lose-lose situation.
I hope, this is only a hope, all DSS officials end up in jail, for betrying the Serbian people. What they are doing is not a favor by any means.
At the end, NATO will protect Kosovo's borders. There will be no demonstrators allowed from Belgrade into Kosovo.
Just wait and see, slowly but surely the situation will go back to normal.
Once the DSS officials run out of options, those demonstrators should turn on them.

non-sense... with a banana or two (let's say... Abkhazia and South Ossetia), Russia will recognize Kosovo and everything USA and EU would like

Let me ask all of you:

What if after this declaration, Serbia had said:

"Dear Serbs in your homeland, Kosovo: The organization in Pristina has declared independence from Serbia and the international community is mostly in accord. This is a sad day for all Serbs who love Kosovo, the site of the foundation of our heritage and culture. We will never forget Kosovo and we urge that we Serbs are all one people, forever.

But the time has come for change. We must remain peaceful, we must remain calm. Too much blood has already been shed. We should work together so we may all succeed. We offer Kosovo a friendship agreement, for open borders and for free trade, so that though we may have two different governments, Serbs will never lose Kosovo."

What if?

But no, the Serbian apparat thrives on instability and violence and hatred. Serbs don't have to ever lose Kosovo, but Serbia already has.

This is really a pity.

EA, 23 February 2008 13:30:"Serbia didn't get away with it this time with war to justify the ethnic cleansing of its "own" population."

Do you have any proves about ethnic cleansing? Check the Internet, most allegations about "genocide" by Serbs were dismissed in courts.

Why do serbs keep referring to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as some sort of precedent? Russia itself is a FEDERATION of many republics and autonomous provinces and hence if there is any precedent, it will be to the detriment of russia. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not going anywhere and its really clutching at straws. As for Taiwan, there is a bit of a difference having a territorial dispute with China rather than Serbia. latter is a pawn whilst the former is more like a queen.

AS far as I know the EU is quite divided over Kosovo as well as UN members,

BMRusila

Dear BMRusila,

Sadly the media you read has been decieving you. Only 4 out of the EU 27 state they will not recognise Kosovo, at least in the near term. All the others will. You should read more objective media such as B92, and EU media in order to gain a more realistic impression. Sadly, we are being lied to by Nikolic and Kostunica.

My dear IOWE,
Taiwan can not gather 2/3 majority on UN General Assembly and that is why they were unable to become UN member. Kosova can and will in 5-6 months time.

Burns is right.
Russia has been an outsider until now that says "NO" to everything.
Why outsider?
They have not spent a dime in Kosova. They never helped Kosvars (Albanians or Serbs). They dont have soldiers on the ground. All they do is useless talking and they try to take advantage of their veto power to achieve their goals.

Russia says it will use "brute force" against Kosova and the west. I think we should get ready for that. They have declared themselves our enemy on many issues, and want to "re-assert" their power by force.

My dear IOWE,
Taiwan can not gather 2/3 majority on UN General Assembly and that is why they were unable to become UN member. Kosova can and will in 5-6 months time.

There is no other way, for Russia and Serbia, other then going with Int'l Community as far as Kosovo, EU etc.
Every other scenario is a lose-lose situation.
I hope, this is only a hope, all DSS officials end up in jail, for betrying the Serbian people. What they are doing is not a favor by any means.
At the end, NATO will protect Kosovo's borders. There will be no demonstrators allowed from Belgrade into Kosovo.
Just wait and see, slowly but surely the situation will go back to normal.
Once the DSS officials run out of options, those demonstrators should turn on them.

"They're not in Kosovo, they're not doing anything to help Kosovo. So they're kind of on the sidelines contributing mostly unhelpfully,"

Well I hope that summarises very clearly the REALITY.

Any talk about Resolution 1244 garanteeing Serbia sovereignity in Kosova is nonsense. Just to remind that resolution refers to Yugoslavia which doesn't exist anymore. Does everyone know why it doesn't exist anymore?
Serbia didn't get away with it this time with war to justify the ethnic cleansing of its "own" population.

Why do serbs keep referring to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as some sort of precedent? Russia itself is a FEDERATION of many republics and autonomous provinces and hence if there is any precedent, it will be to the detriment of russia. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not going anywhere and its really clutching at straws. As for Taiwan, there is a bit of a difference having a territorial dispute with China rather than Serbia. latter is a pawn whilst the former is more like a queen.

AS far as I know the EU is quite divided over Kosovo as well as UN members,

BMRusila

Dear BMRusila,

Sadly the media you read has been decieving you. Only 4 out of the EU 27 state they will not recognise Kosovo, at least in the near term. All the others will. You should read more objective media such as B92, and EU media in order to gain a more realistic impression. Sadly, we are being lied to by Nikolic and Kostunica.

Burns is right.
Russia has been an outsider until now that says "NO" to everything.
Why outsider?
They have not spent a dime in Kosova. They never helped Kosvars (Albanians or Serbs). They dont have soldiers on the ground. All they do is useless talking and they try to take advantage of their veto power to achieve their goals.

I must say that I cannot believe what I just have red and coming from Americans no more, no less. Is it possible that people such Holbrook and Burns having guts to state something like that? Russia hasn’t been constructive over Kosovo issue???? It is just the same as saying that Serbia hasn’t been constructive over Kosovo by offering possible and nearly impossible solutions.

Furthermore, America is hoping having Russia on its side when it comes to Iran and Northern Korea. Somehow I doubt that they will succeed to gain Russia on it side if the Americans do not change the tune over Kosovo. By acting so genuinely stubborn over Kosovo and supporting war criminals Hashim Tachi and Agim Cheku for its own agenda, Americans had to take into consideration of losing Russia’s support forever.

However, the funniest thing is promising Albanians the UN seat. Even Burns himself do not believe in this and thus take a distance by saying “of course not any time sfor the Al oon” and yet he is optimistic. Really, really laughable! Perhaps optimism over Kosovo’s immediate EU membership would be more realistic than over the UN seat as we know there is Russia waiting in the UNSC with its veto power. Mr Burns is either ignorant or utter liar claiming that Russia is lonely when it comes to Kosovo independence. AS far as I know the EU is quite divided over Kosovo as well as UN members, meaning that the world is much divided over such precedent called Kosovo.

non-sense... with a banana or two (let's say... Abkhazia and South Ossetia), Russia will recognize Kosovo and everything USA and EU would like

Let me ask all of you:

What if after this declaration, Serbia had said:

"Dear Serbs in your homeland, Kosovo: The organization in Pristina has declared independence from Serbia and the international community is mostly in accord. This is a sad day for all Serbs who love Kosovo, the site of the foundation of our heritage and culture. We will never forget Kosovo and we urge that we Serbs are all one people, forever.

But the time has come for change. We must remain peaceful, we must remain calm. Too much blood has already been shed. We should work together so we may all succeed. We offer Kosovo a friendship agreement, for open borders and for free trade, so that though we may have two different governments, Serbs will never lose Kosovo."

What if?

But no, the Serbian apparat thrives on instability and violence and hatred. Serbs don't have to ever lose Kosovo, but Serbia already has.

This is really a pity.

:)) e-xcellent!
this is hypocrisy that we have never seen and will not likely see in our lifetimes. so everyone take good note. this is like a passing of a rare comet, so take a look and have something to tell your grandchildren about.
this is how the united states of america, a beacon of good things people aspire to, has mutated into a bully with force but the mentality of a third world communist warlord, where fact, law, and even common decency play no role.
i wonder how this came about. but i don't wonder too much. instead, i think about what i, as a citizen, taking part in my country's political process, can do to defend my homeland.

I have an idea !!

The USA should take all 1.7 million Albanians from Kosovo and relocate them to the USA. They could easily rename one of their States to KOSOVA.

The USA needed the support of Russia because of issues related to Iran and North Korea, and yet they offended the Russians by recognizing Kosovo. Yes, George Walker Bush truly is a great statesman!

"Although it may take some time, because some countries might temporarily choose to block it, Kosovo will in the end become a full-fledged UN member," Burns was optimistic."

Optimistic? More like unrealistic. Kosovo is not going to join the UN anytime soon if the Taiwan example is anything to go by!

I love this headline

The Americans say the the glass of water is half full and the Serbs and Russians say it is half empty. By the way Burns' speech was funnier than the Comedy Channel.

"Any talk about Resolution 1244 garanteeing Serbia sovereignity in Kosova is nonsense. Just to remind that resolution refers to Yugoslavia which doesn't exist anymore. Does everyone know why it doesn't exist anymore?
Serbia didn't get away with it this time with war to justify the ethnic cleansing of its "own" population.
(EA, 23 February 2008 13:30) "

EA

Everyone knows that Yugoslavia (ie. 1999 Yugoslavia which 1244 refers to) doesn't exist anyone with Montenegro's independence. However obviously only you do not know that Serbia is recognized by the UN and yes, even the EU and US as the legal successor to Yugoslavia. That's why only Montenegro needed to apply for UN entry while Belgrade simply inherited Yugoslavia's seat. You really need to be better informed.

Indeed, Russia is cynical....
Contrary to the United states, who is perfect example of morality......

Nicholas Burns's comments are a nonsense. Firstly how can you call Russia's stance cynical when all they are saying is that international law should be upheld.

Russia is "not in Kosovo" because NATO made sure that their original involvement was kept to a low level.

Russia is not at all isolated in opposing the independence of Kosovo only 17 countries have recognised it as of now.

Claiming that Kosovo deserves to be independent because Serbia "lost its right to Kosovo after the brutal and unjustified attacks in 1998 and 1999" is a blatent lie. If defending your own country and people against a terrorist organisation like the KLA is unjustified then I would like to hear what Burns suggests the FRY should have done instead?

1244 might not exclude a proclamation of Kosovo's independence, but the Helsinki Final Act says the participating States will respect the territorial integrity of each of the
participating States.

EA, the article itself explains the situation of 1244 and why it still applies. Serbia is the successor state to FRY. Something that had to be re-explained on these comments pages all the time it seems.

Dear oh dear, here we go with all that spin.

The EU have attempted to justify their mission within the same point in the preamble so by that argument, the EU mission has no legal basis!

Check point 10 on Resolution 1244 http://www.nato.int/Kosovo/docu/u990610a.htm

10. Authorizes the Secretary-General, with the assistance of relevant international organizations, to establish an international civil presence in Kosovo in order to provide an interim administration for Kosovo under which the people of Kosovo can enjoy substantial autonomy within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and which will provide transitional administration while establishing and overseeing the development of provisional democratic self-governing institutions to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo;

What complete and utter nonsense. But what do you expect from Nick Burns, who is the number one anti-Serb in the administration, a leftover from the Serb-hating Clinton gang. It is Burns' failed policies in the former Yugoslavia that have led to this mess, so of course he is trying to make ridiculous excuses and blame everything on the Serbs again.
Mr. Burns, let me give you a reality check. Kosovo will never, and I do mean NEVER, be independent - the Russian and Chinese veto guarantee that. In addition, Kosovo will NEVER be able to join the EU.
You say the Russians are isolated?? Ha! Are you now changing careers to become a comedian? Most of the world agrees with Russia and Serbia. Countries such as China, India, Argentina, Greece, Spain, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Sri Lanka, Venezuala, Bolivia, New Zealand, South Africa.....have all indicated they will not recognize your illegal and immoral 'greater albania' plan. That, sir, is already most of the world! It is the US and the rest of your imperialist friends which are looking more and more isolated on this issue. The countries that will not recognize are numerous and economically robust enough to provide with lots of trade and keep the Serbian economy rising. All other countries that recognized Kosovo will be boycotted and shut out of the market, and that suits us Serbs just fine. We are not alone, we have lots of friends all over the world who know the truth, and who know justice. Your policies Mr. Burns, of dehumanizing the Serbs and giving all other groups in the former Yugoslavie the right to self-determination except Serbs, that policy has failed! Get your head out of the sand and have a look around the world.
Cheers!

Russia dubs U.S. Kosovo stance "asinine"

This should not be an East-West issue.

However the choice was made by Washington when it deliberately chose to ignore the views of the citizens of Serbia.

Washington has made no effort to address the people of Serbia - it is a political failure on their part.

The consequence may well be that Serbia finds it has to look eastwards - but that was not its choice at the recent election. The EU misinterpreted the Serbian elections and cynically went ahead with ignoring the will of the Sebian people over Kosovo.

It may well be that the Russians have to reestablish the proper balance over 1244 given that the US and the EU have abused it and failed to involve the Serbian people in the decision making.

The US has tried to give away land that was not theirs to give - on the basis of their military might and on the basis of conquest.

That is reversible.

This condescending nonsense about 'loosing the right to govern' is not part of international law. In the case of Kosovo it was Milosevic who deserved to lose the right to govern - and he was evicted from power by the Serbian people.

International law guarantees territorial integrity, and my expectation of NATO is that it does not indulge in conquest.

The EU has managed to bring together all of Europe through negotiation, but all of a sudden it wants to become impositional on Serbia. Serbia is a democratic country offering full autonomy to Kosovo, yet it is being collectively punished. That is wrong.

I expect better of EU diplomats - here they have failed to take account the will of the people of Serbia when they could easily have done so. They should have put their efforts into finding a negotiated solution based on the autonomy required by 1244.

@(ahmet isufi, 23 February 2008 15:09)


Only an 2/3 majority can bring Kosovo's request for an UN seat to the Security Council, there it still has to be approved by the ENTIRE security councel, and on this councel Russia AND China will both use their VETO to accept Kosovo as an UN Member.

Even if 190 country's aprove and Russia & Serbia not, then Russia can STIL BLOCK an UN seat for Kosovo.

Try and read something before you post this that are simply not true, Kosovo will never become an UN Member, just like Taiwan can never become an UN member due to China, even while Taiwan is supported by the US & the entire EU.

ahmet isufi says today...
Taiwan can not gather 2/3 majority on UN General Assembly and that is why they were unable to become UN member. Kosova can and will in 5-6 months time.

My dear Mr. Isufi,
You stated this before in January and did not seem to learn. To remind you...

"To become a member of UN all you need is 2/3 of UN General Assembly, and I don't think it will be hard for us to get the majority.
(Ahmet Isufi, 18 January 2008 13:08)

The replies to you were...

"Yes, but then the decision by the general assembly needs to be endorsed by the UNSC (the majority of it, including all five permanent members). So no, Kosovo will not be able to join the UN if Russia veto their joining, as they are a permanent member. China may also be a problem for Kosovo.
(Peter Sudyka, 18 January 2008 14:47)

"Ahmet Isufi,

You really have no idea, do you?

To become a member of the UN you must have have UNSC approval, first!
(Canadian, 18 January 2008 16:38)"

ahmeti, there are 192 countries in the world. you can gather support from 191, serbia included, but russia will just throw it to the garbage bin in a very short un sc meeting on the subject.
we all know it, so face it :) kosovo's status, concerning it being independent, is no different today that it was in the summer of 1999.
on the other hand, it's nice to see that you would really want for your territory to become a un member. it shows you understand that without it no real independence can ever be talked about, and that all other doors, including those at organizations bringing stability and investment, are closed.

The US causes this mess and now they start whining. The US should accept this "reality" and move on:
1) They are not going to get new sanctions against Iran.
2) They will not get more than 40 of their "friends" to recognize Kosovo. More countries recognize an independent Palestinian state.
3) They will not convince the world that Kosovo is unique.
Deal with it.

Will:
"Why do serbs keep referring to Abkhazia and South Ossetia as some sort of precedent?"

I haven't heard any Serbs say anything about Abkhazia and South Ossetia setting any kind of precedent. Both are de facto independent parts of Georgia.

He also said that Russia is "increasingly isolated" in its Kosovo position, as "more and more countries in the world recognize Kosovo".

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True, more and more countries are recognising Kosovo but what he fails to mention is that for every country that does, there are 5 that will NOT!

Not one Arab country has recognised nor come out to support the Albanians. That demonstrates this is about respect for international law!

The world is with Serbia and Russia! Keep up the pressure! The US is sensing loss so is now resorting to spin!

As for the reasons behind the U.S. support for the Kosovo Albanians, he said the province "deserved to be independent", while Serbia "lost its right to Kosovo after the brutal and unjustified attacks in 1998 and 1999".

"Americans have a friendly inclination toward the Serbs, and respect them."

Is it just me or are the US politicians very schizophrenic in their approach to this matter.

Lazer, I hope Pristina tries to take North Kosovo. That will never happen. The DSS, well, they are doing their job and a good job at that to unit the Serbs. EA, I will not explain how Kosovo is Serbia, thanks lowe, but the North is Kosovo right, well if you didn't know the Serbs control it. Ean, again wishfull thinking. Martain, I live here it's not all peaches and cream. Most Americans can't wrap their brain around the fact that we a helping Albanians that have ties with Bin Laden. Hermon, your right about VETO, thats why Kosovo is an ILLEGAL QUAZI STATE as of now, that VETO stop Pristina from becoming a Legal state. Thank Russia for your support to my Serbian brothers. Kosovo is Serbian!!! And thats that!!!

"... He also said that Russia is "increasingly isolated" in its Kosovo position, as "more and more countries in the world recognize Kosovo"...

What constructive role he means ? Maybe he means a role in elimination of the International Law or destruction of one of the 52 original UN members ? Sure Russia is not a partner in this crime ! Quite enough that we once has let them to bomb the Serbs. Never more ! This time we have much better chances for the victory ove the US and the US raped Europe.

As for the international isolation we can say despite the pressure of the US we have a score when only 12 out of 192 UN members has recognized the bandit government. Thaiwan is not a UN member itself.

EA, 23 February 2008 13:30:"Serbia didn't get away with it this time with war to justify the ethnic cleansing of its "own" population."

Do you have any proves about ethnic cleansing? Check the Internet, most allegations about "genocide" by Serbs were dismissed in courts.

Russia says it will use "brute force" against Kosova and the west. I think we should get ready for that. They have declared themselves our enemy on many issues, and want to "re-assert" their power by force.

"My dear IOWE,
Taiwan can not gather 2/3 majority on UN General Assembly and that is why they were unable to become UN member. Kosova can and will in 5-6 months time.
(ahmet isufi, 23 February 2008 15:09) "

My dear ahmet isufi,

Obviously you do not know that to become a UN member, the UNSC must approve -- now how do you think the Russians and Chinese will vote?

As for Taiwan, it can get 99.99% of the votes and still remain locked out of the UN because of Beijing's veto.

ahmet isufi

I think this will be the third time someone who actually knows what he is talking about will tell someone who does not have a clue:

K O S O V O C A N N O T J O I N T H E U N W I T H O U T U N A N I M O U S A P P R O V A L F R O M T H E U N S C. Go and read about it before talking nonsense. It just makes you look foolish.