Slovakia: Declaration violates basic international law

RE: The Munich Betrayal

The Munich Lynch mob in 1938 led by Germany and Italy and the betrayal of France and Britain to a signed treaty with Czechoslovakia should never be forgotten!!

The Slovakian people and government should be proud of themselves and convince their Czech neighbours to follow thier lead.

It was the Slovakians who learned the lessons of the Nazi Invasion of the Sudetenland. Germany Nazi's moved into the Sudetenland while Admiral Horthy of the Hungarian fascists were promised Slovakia.

The former Prime Minister Benes of Czechoslovakia in 1938 ultimate betrayal was from the French and England the particularly the pathetic Neveille Chamberlain who was waiving around a piece of paper to the UK "Peace in our Time"

The English and French betrayal of Czechoslovakia and now the former Yugoslavia shall not be forgotten.

''The EU is an influential organization, but it is not the place where decisions about the fate of other nations can be taken," Fico warned. ''

Absolutely true. It needs to be done in the UN. The USA is also an influential country but also is not the place for such decisions. Well said.

This means Kosovo can never even get an SAA treaty with EU, as an SAA treaty has to be ratified by all Members, so no EU, no UN, no UEFA, no FIFA, no IOC, seems Kosovo is getting nothing

"The Slovakian officials have in the past couple of days repeatedly stated that "no amount of pressure" will force them to change their Kosovo position"

So, does this mean that Solana and co need to make pressure, hummm, who would have thought. It looks like the so called 'super powers' still have to learn some lessons of international laws from the new members, how refreshing :)

Ronald,

No!
They still get free Electricity
Water
and a 0 % income tax rate.
Hey?
Where i can i sign up?
I wonder if they will let a Serbian move to Kosova because it sounds like a great place to live.

"The Slovakian people and government should be proud of themselves and convince their Czech neighbours to follow thier lead. "

Well, as far as the statements of Slovak and Czech government are different, it's not the place of Slovakia to persuade Czechs to change their opinion. However, from inquiries made on czech sites, it can be seen that the public in Czech Rep. is against Kosovo recognition. I saw over 80% of them to express their disagreement about recognition. But as I sad, I doubt that their govermnent doesn't realise what they're doing. This could easily damage their negotiating positions in some other matters.

Position of Slovakia is somewhat different, so it can actually afford to adopt this stance. Slovakia has recently also withdrew it's support troops from Iraq. In this matter slovak govermnent declares its stance as principal - so because there wasn't an UN agreement on Iraq and USA made the invasion on their own, there shouldn't be slovak troops in Iraq.. The same thing about Kosovo, in addition the international laws were voilated here..

From the point of view of Slovakia it's not even so much the matter of slovak-hungarian relationships. Not to that point that is presented here in discussions i read over Slovakia in other articles (Slovakia feels endangered because of its hungarian minority etc..). The fact is that in Spain or Romania the approval of Kosovo declaration would raise much more problems than here in Slovak Republic.

Even though in Slovakia live a significant hungarian minority, this is not by far the case of Kosovo. From one point, there isn't a region in Slovakia where hungarian minority would constitue such great percentage (as over 90% in Kosovo) of population. These numbers are even in south Slovakia far bellow these levels.
Secondly, relationships between Slovaks and Hungarians cannot be compared to those between Albanians of Kosovo an Serbians. In the last 8 years (until 2006) there was a political party representing the hungarian minority which was the part of slovak government. This one currently in reactions repeatly claims (and it's generally accepted) that there are not separate tendencies from Hungarians in Slovakia. In fact most of them consider themselves Slovaks as well as Hungarians.
And thirdly, Slovakia as well as Hungary has in december 2007 entered the Schengen area which means that there are no more borders between our countries. So if anybody from Slovakia wants to go to Hungary he's free to do so whenever he wants without any restrictions or controls.

As EU member, Slovakia guarantees certain rights for its minorities; allocate appropriate resources, give support etc.. This all is closely supervised and would be immediately pointed out if something was as bad as is presented in some places abroad (and currently in light of Kosovo problem).. sometimes I wonder where they came to such conclusions that hungarian minority is such mistreated in Slovakia. I see it as the problem of presentation of Slovakia. Indeed some of our representatives don't give the best insight to the character of slovak activities within and abroad. It's also partly a projection of some internal problems of Slovakia which are sometimes hardly understood by some EU counties (and which I by the way consider of much less importance that those of some west-european countries).

But I hope that slovak diplomacy has in recent years presented enought contribution in the international field (as the member of Security Council in the last 2 years for example) so that its statement about Kosovo won't be left unnoticed. Even though the main EU countries has accepted Kosovo declaration, there should be a signal from at least some EU countries that there's something wrong about Kosovo and what a dangerous situation is being set up here. And if it should be only Slovak Republic so be it. For what I'm really sad and dissapointed is that all of the leading countries of EU are this way blindly and foolishly pushing Serbian people to the sphere of influence of Russia, out of the rest of Europe..

Since Feb 17th 2008 the world seems to be aligning itself into two distinctive categories: Division A - those who deem the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo Albanians to be against the current International Law and Charters of the United Nations, thus not recognizing it, and Division B - those who will recognize it or already have.

Division A: Spain, China, Romania, Russia, Slovakia… Division B: Afghanistan, France, Costa Rica, USA, Italy… As you read this ,both are growing in numbers, effectively depleting the camp of undecided countries still in the “wait and see” mode.

So, what differentiates these two divisions? Both list NATO members, EU countries, members of the G8+1, large countries and those the size of Rhode Island, western democracies and totalitarian regimes etc. All countries, in both Divisions are members of the UN and, by joining, signed up to follow the agreed upon principles. One of them being, it is illegal to force upon a member-state division against its will. So far, so good.

Countries in both divisions read the Law from same UN document yet are acting in opposing directions. How so?

The proponents of Division B believe they have the following arguments:
1) Kosovo deserves independence because of the suffering endured during the years of Milosevic’s tyranny. Not so, argues the opposing camp – citing the example of Kurdistan.
2) In the past, during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia, the State of Serbia violated some International Laws itself, so shouldn’t really have any right to call upon it now. Maybe so, but are we saying that two wrongs make a right?
3) Negotiations between Kosovo Albanians and Serbia reached impasse, negotiations failed and it was time for decisive actions. However, Palestinian-Israeli peace talks are telling us that world will take as much time as needed for negotiators to reach a settlement.
4) Kosovo is a unique case (who isn’t) and this may never be used as precedence in any other dispute. Well, tell that to the Basques and Transylvania Hungarians who have already articulated their eagerness to step into Kosovo’s shoes, just to mention two (future?) hotspots on the arm-long laundry list of ethnic minorities aspirations. The concept of a “unique precedence” exists since Feb. 17th 2008 and exclusively so, in Division B.

So, where does that leave us all?
Well, the magic number seems to be 99 (Basically 50% + 1) of 197 or so UN member countries.

If Division B acquires the magic number that would mean that the majority of states in the UN are really not in favor of the rules currently in place. Or, it will ,de facto , be acknowledged that it is really up to each state to cherry – pick only those set of Laws they feel so, making this world a rather dangerous place to live in. Nevertheless, just to spice the whole thing up - there is the UN SC, with its permanent, veto-bearing members as well.

If the number of countries in Division B is less than magic one, those who recognized the independence, and Kosovo, will establish diplomatic ties, will be able to provide financial assistance to prop up the Kosovo economy, Kosovo Albanians will be able to travel to those countries using new passports, the newly created symbols of independence etc. However, those are the very same countries who already accept the travel documents issued by UMNIK.
Despite it, Kosovo will not be able to join the UN (what’s the point, anyhow, right?), nor IMF or any other organization whose membership is reserved for UN members only.

Come to think of it – as for Kosovo Albanians the “post-Feb-17th” world is not all that different from the pre-declaration days.

But it is the outcome of this number game between Division A and B that will determine either the World still has (not perfect, though) rules to be observed, or it will signal a full and graceful degradation of the UN into oblivion.
An alternative? A world of 197 different and often conflicting rules to play by? The humankind has been there, done that, many hundreds years ago, and it wasn’t all that pretty.

So, here we go…

The peaceful split of CSFR into Czech Repubic and Slovak Republic in 1992 - isn't it a fantastic example for a peaceful solution? Look at these slavic states, Serbia and all you Serbians, where ever you are! Look, how respected these Republics are in the international community of states. Look on their prosperious economies and how clever they deal with all the problems of transition. And imagine this: since January 08, there are even no border controls between both countries and even no with their EU-neighbours - while Serbian citzens are isolated! Look at this brave examples of international mature, Serbia - and compare it with your own politics since 1992! What a difference, don't you think? Look, what these states achieved in this short period! For me it is a great honour to live next to such neighbours.

Thumbs up for Slovakia!

Kosovo must never be recognized by EU and/or NATO!

Serbia must sue every country that invests in Kosovo.
Russia must do all it can to stop Kosovo independence!

If we all fight for this, including Albanians, we can stop this!

The free world supports Serbia!

The peaceful split of CSFR into Czech Repubic and Slovak Republic in 1992 - isn't it a fantastic example for a peaceful solution? Look at these slavic states, Serbia and all you Serbians, where ever you are! Look, how respected these Republics are in the international community of states. Look on their prosperious economies and how clever they deal with all the problems of transition. And imagine this: since January 08, there are even no border controls between both countries and even no with their EU-neighbours - while Serbian citzens are isolated! Look at this brave examples of international mature, Serbia - and compare it with your own politics since 1992! What a difference, don't you think? Look, what these states achieved in this short period! For me it is a great honour to live next to such neighbours.

Since Feb 17th 2008 the world seems to be aligning itself into two distinctive categories: Division A - those who deem the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo Albanians to be against the current International Law and Charters of the United Nations, thus not recognizing it, and Division B - those who will recognize it or already have.

Division A: Spain, China, Romania, Russia, Slovakia… Division B: Afghanistan, France, Costa Rica, USA, Italy… As you read this ,both are growing in numbers, effectively depleting the camp of undecided countries still in the “wait and see” mode.

So, what differentiates these two divisions? Both list NATO members, EU countries, members of the G8+1, large countries and those the size of Rhode Island, western democracies and totalitarian regimes etc. All countries, in both Divisions are members of the UN and, by joining, signed up to follow the agreed upon principles. One of them being, it is illegal to force upon a member-state division against its will. So far, so good.

Countries in both divisions read the Law from same UN document yet are acting in opposing directions. How so?

The proponents of Division B believe they have the following arguments:
1) Kosovo deserves independence because of the suffering endured during the years of Milosevic’s tyranny. Not so, argues the opposing camp – citing the example of Kurdistan.
2) In the past, during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia, the State of Serbia violated some International Laws itself, so shouldn’t really have any right to call upon it now. Maybe so, but are we saying that two wrongs make a right?
3) Negotiations between Kosovo Albanians and Serbia reached impasse, negotiations failed and it was time for decisive actions. However, Palestinian-Israeli peace talks are telling us that world will take as much time as needed for negotiators to reach a settlement.
4) Kosovo is a unique case (who isn’t) and this may never be used as precedence in any other dispute. Well, tell that to the Basques and Transylvania Hungarians who have already articulated their eagerness to step into Kosovo’s shoes, just to mention two (future?) hotspots on the arm-long laundry list of ethnic minorities aspirations. The concept of a “unique precedence” exists since Feb. 17th 2008 and exclusively so, in Division B.

So, where does that leave us all?
Well, the magic number seems to be 99 (Basically 50% + 1) of 197 or so UN member countries.

If Division B acquires the magic number that would mean that the majority of states in the UN are really not in favor of the rules currently in place. Or, it will ,de facto , be acknowledged that it is really up to each state to cherry – pick only those set of Laws they feel so, making this world a rather dangerous place to live in. Nevertheless, just to spice the whole thing up - there is the UN SC, with its permanent, veto-bearing members as well.

If the number of countries in Division B is less than magic one, those who recognized the independence, and Kosovo, will establish diplomatic ties, will be able to provide financial assistance to prop up the Kosovo economy, Kosovo Albanians will be able to travel to those countries using new passports, the newly created symbols of independence etc. However, those are the very same countries who already accept the travel documents issued by UMNIK.
Despite it, Kosovo will not be able to join the UN (what’s the point, anyhow, right?), nor IMF or any other organization whose membership is reserved for UN members only.

Come to think of it – as for Kosovo Albanians the “post-Feb-17th” world is not all that different from the pre-declaration days.

But it is the outcome of this number game between Division A and B that will determine either the World still has (not perfect, though) rules to be observed, or it will signal a full and graceful degradation of the UN into oblivion.
An alternative? A world of 197 different and often conflicting rules to play by? The humankind has been there, done that, many hundreds years ago, and it wasn’t all that pretty.

So, here we go…

''The EU is an influential organization, but it is not the place where decisions about the fate of other nations can be taken," Fico warned. ''

Absolutely true. It needs to be done in the UN. The USA is also an influential country but also is not the place for such decisions. Well said.

This means Kosovo can never even get an SAA treaty with EU, as an SAA treaty has to be ratified by all Members, so no EU, no UN, no UEFA, no FIFA, no IOC, seems Kosovo is getting nothing

"The Slovakian officials have in the past couple of days repeatedly stated that "no amount of pressure" will force them to change their Kosovo position"

So, does this mean that Solana and co need to make pressure, hummm, who would have thought. It looks like the so called 'super powers' still have to learn some lessons of international laws from the new members, how refreshing :)

RE: The Munich Betrayal

The Munich Lynch mob in 1938 led by Germany and Italy and the betrayal of France and Britain to a signed treaty with Czechoslovakia should never be forgotten!!

The Slovakian people and government should be proud of themselves and convince their Czech neighbours to follow thier lead.

It was the Slovakians who learned the lessons of the Nazi Invasion of the Sudetenland. Germany Nazi's moved into the Sudetenland while Admiral Horthy of the Hungarian fascists were promised Slovakia.

The former Prime Minister Benes of Czechoslovakia in 1938 ultimate betrayal was from the French and England the particularly the pathetic Neveille Chamberlain who was waiving around a piece of paper to the UK "Peace in our Time"

The English and French betrayal of Czechoslovakia and now the former Yugoslavia shall not be forgotten.

Ronald,

No!
They still get free Electricity
Water
and a 0 % income tax rate.
Hey?
Where i can i sign up?
I wonder if they will let a Serbian move to Kosova because it sounds like a great place to live.

"The Slovakian people and government should be proud of themselves and convince their Czech neighbours to follow thier lead. "

Well, as far as the statements of Slovak and Czech government are different, it's not the place of Slovakia to persuade Czechs to change their opinion. However, from inquiries made on czech sites, it can be seen that the public in Czech Rep. is against Kosovo recognition. I saw over 80% of them to express their disagreement about recognition. But as I sad, I doubt that their govermnent doesn't realise what they're doing. This could easily damage their negotiating positions in some other matters.

Position of Slovakia is somewhat different, so it can actually afford to adopt this stance. Slovakia has recently also withdrew it's support troops from Iraq. In this matter slovak govermnent declares its stance as principal - so because there wasn't an UN agreement on Iraq and USA made the invasion on their own, there shouldn't be slovak troops in Iraq.. The same thing about Kosovo, in addition the international laws were voilated here..

From the point of view of Slovakia it's not even so much the matter of slovak-hungarian relationships. Not to that point that is presented here in discussions i read over Slovakia in other articles (Slovakia feels endangered because of its hungarian minority etc..). The fact is that in Spain or Romania the approval of Kosovo declaration would raise much more problems than here in Slovak Republic.

Even though in Slovakia live a significant hungarian minority, this is not by far the case of Kosovo. From one point, there isn't a region in Slovakia where hungarian minority would constitue such great percentage (as over 90% in Kosovo) of population. These numbers are even in south Slovakia far bellow these levels.
Secondly, relationships between Slovaks and Hungarians cannot be compared to those between Albanians of Kosovo an Serbians. In the last 8 years (until 2006) there was a political party representing the hungarian minority which was the part of slovak government. This one currently in reactions repeatly claims (and it's generally accepted) that there are not separate tendencies from Hungarians in Slovakia. In fact most of them consider themselves Slovaks as well as Hungarians.
And thirdly, Slovakia as well as Hungary has in december 2007 entered the Schengen area which means that there are no more borders between our countries. So if anybody from Slovakia wants to go to Hungary he's free to do so whenever he wants without any restrictions or controls.

As EU member, Slovakia guarantees certain rights for its minorities; allocate appropriate resources, give support etc.. This all is closely supervised and would be immediately pointed out if something was as bad as is presented in some places abroad (and currently in light of Kosovo problem).. sometimes I wonder where they came to such conclusions that hungarian minority is such mistreated in Slovakia. I see it as the problem of presentation of Slovakia. Indeed some of our representatives don't give the best insight to the character of slovak activities within and abroad. It's also partly a projection of some internal problems of Slovakia which are sometimes hardly understood by some EU counties (and which I by the way consider of much less importance that those of some west-european countries).

But I hope that slovak diplomacy has in recent years presented enought contribution in the international field (as the member of Security Council in the last 2 years for example) so that its statement about Kosovo won't be left unnoticed. Even though the main EU countries has accepted Kosovo declaration, there should be a signal from at least some EU countries that there's something wrong about Kosovo and what a dangerous situation is being set up here. And if it should be only Slovak Republic so be it. For what I'm really sad and dissapointed is that all of the leading countries of EU are this way blindly and foolishly pushing Serbian people to the sphere of influence of Russia, out of the rest of Europe..

Thumbs up for Slovakia!

Kosovo must never be recognized by EU and/or NATO!

Serbia must sue every country that invests in Kosovo.
Russia must do all it can to stop Kosovo independence!

If we all fight for this, including Albanians, we can stop this!

The free world supports Serbia!