Koštunica: Serbia in EU only with Kosovo

Well done !!!

Let them know that Serbia is not accepting the EU as a daughter company of Paradise ! Moreover whatever the elites say peoples of the union are not happy about accepting new members.

Serbia should take the advantage of it's special relations with Russia. Today Russia is able to invest to the Serbian economy much more money than the EU. Besides there will be no preliminary terms for such a cooperation. Together we can handle it !

To be honest, I am sick and tired of all these anti-Serb posters going on all the time about Serbia being "isolated", Serbia having a "bad image", Serbia never having "investments", Serbia this, Serbia that, etc. Would you people get a life for yourselves instead of constantly revealing your own inferiority complexes in these forums.

I was going to make a point her but I'm so fed up of this shower of losers that I'll leave it till later.
God!

Mr. Kostunica,

Your wish will be fulfilled probably in 10-15 years time, subject to Republic of Kosovo veto. If Kosovo gives Serbia a green light then Serbia once again will be "united" with Kosovo in EU club.

Notice how Tadic has suddenly become very quiet about joining the EU. The tide has shifted and more and Serbians are NOT in favour of joining a club that has raped them of their land and continues to bully them!

Tadic is wise to be quiet, this is no time for him to make noise about joining the EU. He now knows that the EU was stringing him along. I kind of feel bad for him because I honestly believe that his heart is in the right place and he wants to help his people to prosper but he is also far to naive and has been taken advantage of by the EU.

There will be no split in the Serbian Government, Tadic got his wake up call and now knows what is what and will probably cooperate with the DSS in the coming days, weeks and months which will be very trying for ever one in Serbia but I believe Serbia will prevail, like in all good stories the good guys always win in the end, even though the bad guys start strong and all hopes seems to be lost for the good guys.

Kostunica talks as if EU accession were on offer now. It is not.

I wonder, would Serbia have a better chance of EU accession with Kosovo? It seems unlikely.

Some letter writers on this page allege that Kosovo is a mafia stronghold, a source of destabilization, drugs, and Islamic militancy. This is a view I do not share, but if it were true, then the question arises: why would the EU want a Serbia that includes such a hell hole?

So let's get back to reality.
EU accession is frozen for Serbia at the moment anyway.
Given Kostunica's recent stance, it seems likely that as long as Kostunica represents Serbia, Serbia will not be invited to join the EU.

Of course, Kostunica will go soon(er or later). But even without Kostunica, Serbia won't be invited to begin the full accession process until Mladic and Karadzic either die, or appear in The Hague.

Moreover, it takes years for the acquis to be met after the invitation is formally extended.

And even after all these hurdles have been crossed, Serbia has an image problem that will make it difficult for EU citizens to accept it. This is particularly important in referendum states, such as Ireland. But in other states as well, if citizens aren't interested in Serbian accession, you can bet politicians won't be terribly thrilled to extend an invitation to Serbia. No politician is willing to risk his/her seat just for Serbia. Recall, almost none have been willing to risk their careers for Turkey, even after decades of promises.

In short, the current negative discourse about Kosovo is only hurting Serbia's image. By portraying Kosovo as a seat of instability, (some) Serbs just decrease the likelihood that Serbia will ever be accepted in Europe.

Let's just admit that (unfortunately) it's going to be a long time before Serbia can possibly join the EU, with or without Kosovo.

Olf

I have no idea where you get your infomation.

Just because Serbia is not part of the EU, that does not mean investment won't come our way. It is quite obvious that investment is flooding in as we speak and without EU membership!

Where did you get 80 countries recognising Kosovo by year end? Also 2009 UN seat and 2010 Serbian recognition?

I'm sure you are just dreaming that up!

Firstly, Russia especially but China also will never allow Kosovo to enter the UN without Serbian agreement. That has been repeated many many times. Also, it is in the Serbian constitution that Kosovo is an integral part of Serbia. There is no way it can recognise Kosovo without a referendum. And you can be sure the people will never allow that! Never, never, never. I hope that is clear!

I don't understand why this keeps coming up. It seems each time the EU or US have problems, they start waving this carrot in front of Serbia.

Serbia will never recognise Kosovo and offically do not know where Mladic is hiding. There is little chance EU membership will occur anytime soon due to the many obstacles in the way, one being that Kosovo is far more important than EU membership.

Kosovo will never have EU or UN status without Serbia's co-operation. There will inevitably come a point where the Albanians have to negotiate a settlement with Serbia to progress further.

The Solution will have to be Albanian self-rule within Serbia's border, most likely within the EU. "More than autonomy but less than independence". It will probably take 10, 15 or even 20 years to get to that stage.

In the mean time, we are just getting very repetitive.

"Kosovo is independent", "Kosovo is Serbia", "Kosovo is independent", "Kosovo is Serbia"... blah blah blah.

PS. Kosovo is Serbia! :)

Mr.Kostunica,Are you going to take also your russian AK47 to enter at EU ?

I don't see how either Serbia or Kosovo will now get into the EU. Serbia doesn't want to, even though everyone wants her in, Kosovo wants to, but there are some EU countries that won't recognize her. In any case, so what? The EU is not exactly the apex of mankind.

If Kostunica keeps thinking about Kosovo Serbia will be left behind while its neighbours will join the EU. Even Kosovo which is an independant state now will join the EU and Serbia will be outside the EU still thinking about Kosovo. Therefore, MY MESSAGE FOR KOSTUNICA IS: CONCENTRATE ON HELPING SERBIA TO JOIN THE EU AND FORGET ABOUT KOSOVO!

OK Kosovo might be gone now, but the day Scotland, Wales, North Ireland leave GB and when other nations form in Western Europe i will be the happiest man alive, because only then will you arrogant Western European people realise that what yous are doing now is wrong, dont worry not all great nations last forever and that can be seen in history, and once USA's turn is over, yous will regret what yous are doing... Zdravo

Investment in Serbia has been increasing ever since the end of NATO's aggression.

You only have to visit Belgrade to see the extent. It is practically a new city each time I visit. Investment is not tied to EU integration but usually to opportunities and I can assure you, there is lots of that in Serbia. As they say, "Serbia is the Powerhouse of the Balkans"!

There is no chance of EU, UN or some form of recognition unless a negotiated settlement is achieved. Until the US becomes realistic there is no chance this will progress much further. Serbia understands it must offer self-rule to the Albanians but the issue is to do with the border. A Kosovo within Serbia within the EU under Albanian rule is the only possibly solution I can envisage.


YAWN.Willy.Nilly.. I remember reading about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction just as some claim that Kosovo is independent. I suppose they don't get it right all of the time! It's important to read past the propaganda and spin.

International law is meant for people and countries who have not done anything not for countries who have committed the worst atrocities Europe hasn't seen since WWII.

I'm pleased to see this state heading into isolation though and on the list of the worlds poorest countries.

Why would Serbia want to join the EU - what good can the EU do for Serbia (inc. Kosovo)? Switzerland is no a member of the EU - it seems to be ok. the only benefit of joining the EU is that countries like the UK, France and Germany can line their pockets with EU and US money to rebuild the country. Serbia as part of the rump Yugoslavia survived and will continue to survive and thrive as one whole and great nation with Kosovo.

Why all the Kostunica bashing? He is only the mouth piece for the Government - just like the US and most EU countries have one. Does anybody listen to politicians in their country? Especially the diatribe fed by the US and the UK Governments?

Why should Serbian people still suffer from old false ideologies?! Prime Minister, keeping your chair safe not necessarily means ignoring the reality. That reality sooner or later would be accepted.

Is Kosovo a unique case ?

It isn't easy for any breakaway state to get UN recognition, even one with huge popular support for independence or one that has suffered terribly. Kosovo is unlikely to get a seat in the UN any time soon, because many nations contest the lawfulness of its break. Kosovars will soon discover that there is a world of difference between proclaiming independence and living it. But by recognizing the world's newest ministate and lending support, Canada and its allies may prevent independence from becoming a train wreck. ( The Star - Canada )

While a majority of the 27 states support independence, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania remain sceptical, regarding Kosovo's secession without UN approval as a dangerous precedent.( M&C -Austria )

The Philippines believes that a lasting solution, including that of independence, should be based on a negotiated solution, mutually acceptable to all parties. (Reuters)

Our Arab region in particular is full of groups of many religions, faiths, identities and nationalities, read a Wednesday editorial in state-owned Egyptian paper Al-Akhbar by columnist Ibrahim Saada. What if Iraq should split into four or five countries, and Lebanon into six regions ? ( USA Today )

Granting independence to Kosovo, the international community violated the legal norms but forgot Karabakh. Unlike Kosovo, no one granted independence to Nagorno Karabakh. It was the republic's achievement. This is the major difference between the conflicts. ( PanArmenian Network )

Azerbaijan rejected Kosovo's independence announcement, while the foreign minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh administration, Georgi Petrosian, was quoted as saying he was confident Kosovo's recognition would strengthen the territory's position. ( CNS News )

The latest news on the Kosovo recognition front is that Bolivia has decided not to recognize the country's independence. President Evo Morales compared Kosovo to the four eastern Bolivian states that are pushing for greater autonomy, a situation we wrote about in December. Morales's ally Hugo Chávez will not recognize Kosovo, either. ( Passport )

The chair of Crimea’s parliament, Anatoliy Hrytsenko, said he believes there is no danger of Crimea following Kosovo’s example and splitting from Ukraine. "Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine," he said. In Crimea, there is a clear system of local government, and separatist sentiments do not exist. The world now has a serious precedent that disregards the Helsinki agreements, which guaranteed the sanctity of national borders, Yanukovych said. That is dangerous for Europe, and for the entire world. ( Kyiv Post )

Viorel

I see Kostunica started to be realistic and true to him self, very civilised to think of its neighbouring Republic to join together.
or will it be like the UN for Kosovars no exeption of reality =isolation for Serbia..
The will of 2milion has been fulfilled now the dirty game that the Nationalist and Naive governmental views in Serbia are only taking this country and its people back to the 1989..
good Day

“For us, that is only Serbia with Kosovo as a constituent part,“ Koštunica underlined.
My dear serbian neighbours this means that Serbia will never join EU..which has to make serbs to think twice before supporting the most naive politician in Serbia..Kostunica.....If what said is what serbs really want than I do feel sorry about your peoples future...I just hope that serbian govermant will come to its sences and understand that its not everything black and white in this world but the GRAY area dominates..Cheers

Why is Kostunica bringing this up every two weeks?

Contrary to serbian belief in this site, no one is "dying" to have Serbia inside EU. If EU offers Serbia the chance to work towards membership, so does it with every country in Europe. That's part of pragmatism that EU philosophy is based on. What's so big deal about this. Serbia is too far from joining EU anyway. Albania and Macedonia have already signed SAA two years ago. Serbia has major obstacles in its road starting with Hague tribunal cooperation. If you think Serbia is too important and has the right to act like a spoiled teenager, keep thinking. You know where spoiled teenagers end up to; In the streets!!
In the meanwhile, have any of you, checked the living conditions of more than half of millions refugees inside Serbia proper? Have your Russians provided any help to those refugees living way under the poverty line?

But to answer the initial question, Kostunica soon will be ousted as the one that lost Kosova and also the one that lost EU for Serbia. The civic ideology will prevail, even in a country like Serbia.

So Kostunica presumes to speak for the citizens of Serbia - only 7.5% who bothered to vote, voted for him, and more than 50% who voted in the last presidential election voted for a candidate who favours EU integration and the seperation of the issues of EU integration and Kosovo. Time for this unrepresentative demagogue to be given the boot.

Kostunica is denying rights of every Serb for better life. He is instead offering no prosperity since there would be no investments coming to Serbia. No investments means no jobs. No jobs means lower living standard. Lower living standard means higher crime.
Many of Serb poster would say that Serbia will have Russian support but not even Russia will support crime ridden country just like they didn’t in 90s. Serb support for Kosova in Serbia is in decline. By the end of this year Kosova would be recognized form 80 countries. By the end of 2009 UN seat possible and 2010 Serbia too recognizes Kosova as Independent in a package offered.

ZK UK,
we're well beyond that stage. Kosova is independent since feb. 17, don't you know? haven't you seen the news?

I really adore the cleverness, how the Czech Republik and Slovak Republik solved the problem of CSFR. These states arrived in 21st century, they prosper and both countries are respected in the whole world. If Serbian citizens prefer to stick in the past (including all problems which they could not solve for decades) it is their right. But I am very happy that I don't have to live there as an hostage of people like Kostunica.

"no prosperity since there would be no investments coming to Serbia. No investments means no jobs. No jobs means lower living standard. Lower living standard means higher crime."


-The "victoria group" has started building a Biodiesil plant in Serbia, that will produce over 100 tons of biodiesil fuel annualy.

-Gazprom will lay 400 km of pipeline and a major underground storage facility in Serbia by 2012


-Microsoft is quadrupling the budget for its tablet PC operations in Serbia for 2008


-Embassy Group, a Bangalore based company, is investing 600 million over 5 years to build the biggest technological park in Europe, which could employ 25 000 workers.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Technology/Indians-agree-deal-for-Serbias-first-IT-park/2007/09/25/1190486312168.html


-Ball corporation is investing 75 million dollars in Serbia

http://www.fdimagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/139/Serbia_beats_Romania_to_E75m_can_factory.html

-Slovenian Mercator shopping center had a 70% increase in profits in the Serbian market in 2007

-The free trade agreement with Macedonia makes Serbia and Macedonia almost 1 single market, Serbia is the only southeast European country with a free trade agreement with Russia, its a member of CEFTA( central european free trade agreement)

All this and we are not even in the EU, so i think we'll be alright

Does Kosovo really nead a UN seat or recognition from the UN? Albania is a member of the UN, so Albanians allready have a seat in the UN. Why would they need two seats?
Will Kosovos economy improve? Well nobody said that it would develop into Switzerland, many Albanians in Kosovo live better that Albanias in Albania.

The real question is where the is the so called red border line between Kosovo and Albania?

ZK UK

All the investments in Serbia are just words at the moment and nothing else. We have still to see for real that the investments are coming.

Being out of EU is a great disadvantage for Serbia and people of Serbia.
While Serbia is rich country your politicians are not proving that interested to bring any investments but they are instead make the relations worst with EU and US. This is all because they lied to people that Kosova is Serbia. Also they are afraid of loosing their seats since they have not managed to deal with the first 4 priorities of Serbs but they have instead dealt with the 5th priority Kosova ands lost big time.

ZK UK asked “Where did you get 80 countries recognising Kosovo by year end? Also 2009 UN seat and 2010 Serbian recognition?”

Mate, I was just supposing, but it looks real no? What do you honestly think about the chances of UN seat by 2009 and recognition by Serbia in 2010, having in mind that things are changing with the time ?

Kostunica is taking a principled stand based on the rule of law which has little sway in EU capitals. He must realise that he is dealing with foreign governments who do not respect these principles otherwise they would never have contempleted the independence of Kosovo as a solution. He surely realises that the chances of US & EU states withdrawing their declarations of independence as highly unlikely. Kostunica should reflect on how to build Serbia's economic wealth and on joining the EU as a means of achieving this and then insisting on Kosovo's territorial integrity and the nulification of it's illegal UDI.

Isolate the Albanians who supported UDI, they are the traitors, who deserve to be isolated not Serbia. Keep the Kosovo Albanians and their false state out of the EU. Serbia can achieve more by becoming a member of the EU and having influence.

This is exactly what Goran Svilanovic and Ivan Krastev proposed a year or two ago but Mr. Kostunica said no then.

How about this..No serbia in EU, no American Aide aka FREE MONEY to serbia!!

One think I can say Serbia it will never be atached to EU will there politics before now and after so eu really do not nead a goverment who suport extremizem and where eu dosen't feal safe in the contry where govermebt alowed extremist to atack there property's so kostunica the best way for you is to be atached only to russia ..

International law is meant for people and countries who have not done anything not for countries who have committed the worst atrocities Europe hasn't seen since WWII.

I'm pleased to see this state heading into isolation though and on the list of the worlds poorest countries.

ZK UK

All the investments in Serbia are just words at the moment and nothing else. We have still to see for real that the investments are coming.

Being out of EU is a great disadvantage for Serbia and people of Serbia.
While Serbia is rich country your politicians are not proving that interested to bring any investments but they are instead make the relations worst with EU and US. This is all because they lied to people that Kosova is Serbia. Also they are afraid of loosing their seats since they have not managed to deal with the first 4 priorities of Serbs but they have instead dealt with the 5th priority Kosova ands lost big time.

ZK UK asked “Where did you get 80 countries recognising Kosovo by year end? Also 2009 UN seat and 2010 Serbian recognition?”

Mate, I was just supposing, but it looks real no? What do you honestly think about the chances of UN seat by 2009 and recognition by Serbia in 2010, having in mind that things are changing with the time ?

Why is Kostunica bringing this up every two weeks?

Contrary to serbian belief in this site, no one is "dying" to have Serbia inside EU. If EU offers Serbia the chance to work towards membership, so does it with every country in Europe. That's part of pragmatism that EU philosophy is based on. What's so big deal about this. Serbia is too far from joining EU anyway. Albania and Macedonia have already signed SAA two years ago. Serbia has major obstacles in its road starting with Hague tribunal cooperation. If you think Serbia is too important and has the right to act like a spoiled teenager, keep thinking. You know where spoiled teenagers end up to; In the streets!!
In the meanwhile, have any of you, checked the living conditions of more than half of millions refugees inside Serbia proper? Have your Russians provided any help to those refugees living way under the poverty line?

But to answer the initial question, Kostunica soon will be ousted as the one that lost Kosova and also the one that lost EU for Serbia. The civic ideology will prevail, even in a country like Serbia.

ZK UK,
we're well beyond that stage. Kosova is independent since feb. 17, don't you know? haven't you seen the news?

Kostunica is denying rights of every Serb for better life. He is instead offering no prosperity since there would be no investments coming to Serbia. No investments means no jobs. No jobs means lower living standard. Lower living standard means higher crime.
Many of Serb poster would say that Serbia will have Russian support but not even Russia will support crime ridden country just like they didn’t in 90s. Serb support for Kosova in Serbia is in decline. By the end of this year Kosova would be recognized form 80 countries. By the end of 2009 UN seat possible and 2010 Serbia too recognizes Kosova as Independent in a package offered.

I really adore the cleverness, how the Czech Republik and Slovak Republik solved the problem of CSFR. These states arrived in 21st century, they prosper and both countries are respected in the whole world. If Serbian citizens prefer to stick in the past (including all problems which they could not solve for decades) it is their right. But I am very happy that I don't have to live there as an hostage of people like Kostunica.

How about this..No serbia in EU, no American Aide aka FREE MONEY to serbia!!

Mr.Kostunica,Are you going to take also your russian AK47 to enter at EU ?

If Kostunica keeps thinking about Kosovo Serbia will be left behind while its neighbours will join the EU. Even Kosovo which is an independant state now will join the EU and Serbia will be outside the EU still thinking about Kosovo. Therefore, MY MESSAGE FOR KOSTUNICA IS: CONCENTRATE ON HELPING SERBIA TO JOIN THE EU AND FORGET ABOUT KOSOVO!

I don't see how either Serbia or Kosovo will now get into the EU. Serbia doesn't want to, even though everyone wants her in, Kosovo wants to, but there are some EU countries that won't recognize her. In any case, so what? The EU is not exactly the apex of mankind.

“For us, that is only Serbia with Kosovo as a constituent part,“ Koštunica underlined.
My dear serbian neighbours this means that Serbia will never join EU..which has to make serbs to think twice before supporting the most naive politician in Serbia..Kostunica.....If what said is what serbs really want than I do feel sorry about your peoples future...I just hope that serbian govermant will come to its sences and understand that its not everything black and white in this world but the GRAY area dominates..Cheers

Why should Serbian people still suffer from old false ideologies?! Prime Minister, keeping your chair safe not necessarily means ignoring the reality. That reality sooner or later would be accepted.

Well done !!!

Let them know that Serbia is not accepting the EU as a daughter company of Paradise ! Moreover whatever the elites say peoples of the union are not happy about accepting new members.

Serbia should take the advantage of it's special relations with Russia. Today Russia is able to invest to the Serbian economy much more money than the EU. Besides there will be no preliminary terms for such a cooperation. Together we can handle it !

I see Kostunica started to be realistic and true to him self, very civilised to think of its neighbouring Republic to join together.
or will it be like the UN for Kosovars no exeption of reality =isolation for Serbia..
The will of 2milion has been fulfilled now the dirty game that the Nationalist and Naive governmental views in Serbia are only taking this country and its people back to the 1989..
good Day

So Kostunica presumes to speak for the citizens of Serbia - only 7.5% who bothered to vote, voted for him, and more than 50% who voted in the last presidential election voted for a candidate who favours EU integration and the seperation of the issues of EU integration and Kosovo. Time for this unrepresentative demagogue to be given the boot.

One think I can say Serbia it will never be atached to EU will there politics before now and after so eu really do not nead a goverment who suport extremizem and where eu dosen't feal safe in the contry where govermebt alowed extremist to atack there property's so kostunica the best way for you is to be atached only to russia ..

Does Kosovo really nead a UN seat or recognition from the UN? Albania is a member of the UN, so Albanians allready have a seat in the UN. Why would they need two seats?
Will Kosovos economy improve? Well nobody said that it would develop into Switzerland, many Albanians in Kosovo live better that Albanias in Albania.

The real question is where the is the so called red border line between Kosovo and Albania?

OK Kosovo might be gone now, but the day Scotland, Wales, North Ireland leave GB and when other nations form in Western Europe i will be the happiest man alive, because only then will you arrogant Western European people realise that what yous are doing now is wrong, dont worry not all great nations last forever and that can be seen in history, and once USA's turn is over, yous will regret what yous are doing... Zdravo

Kostunica talks as if EU accession were on offer now. It is not.

I wonder, would Serbia have a better chance of EU accession with Kosovo? It seems unlikely.

Some letter writers on this page allege that Kosovo is a mafia stronghold, a source of destabilization, drugs, and Islamic militancy. This is a view I do not share, but if it were true, then the question arises: why would the EU want a Serbia that includes such a hell hole?

So let's get back to reality.
EU accession is frozen for Serbia at the moment anyway.
Given Kostunica's recent stance, it seems likely that as long as Kostunica represents Serbia, Serbia will not be invited to join the EU.

Of course, Kostunica will go soon(er or later). But even without Kostunica, Serbia won't be invited to begin the full accession process until Mladic and Karadzic either die, or appear in The Hague.

Moreover, it takes years for the acquis to be met after the invitation is formally extended.

And even after all these hurdles have been crossed, Serbia has an image problem that will make it difficult for EU citizens to accept it. This is particularly important in referendum states, such as Ireland. But in other states as well, if citizens aren't interested in Serbian accession, you can bet politicians won't be terribly thrilled to extend an invitation to Serbia. No politician is willing to risk his/her seat just for Serbia. Recall, almost none have been willing to risk their careers for Turkey, even after decades of promises.

In short, the current negative discourse about Kosovo is only hurting Serbia's image. By portraying Kosovo as a seat of instability, (some) Serbs just decrease the likelihood that Serbia will ever be accepted in Europe.

Let's just admit that (unfortunately) it's going to be a long time before Serbia can possibly join the EU, with or without Kosovo.

Mr. Kostunica,

Your wish will be fulfilled probably in 10-15 years time, subject to Republic of Kosovo veto. If Kosovo gives Serbia a green light then Serbia once again will be "united" with Kosovo in EU club.

This is exactly what Goran Svilanovic and Ivan Krastev proposed a year or two ago but Mr. Kostunica said no then.

Notice how Tadic has suddenly become very quiet about joining the EU. The tide has shifted and more and Serbians are NOT in favour of joining a club that has raped them of their land and continues to bully them!

Tadic is wise to be quiet, this is no time for him to make noise about joining the EU. He now knows that the EU was stringing him along. I kind of feel bad for him because I honestly believe that his heart is in the right place and he wants to help his people to prosper but he is also far to naive and has been taken advantage of by the EU.

There will be no split in the Serbian Government, Tadic got his wake up call and now knows what is what and will probably cooperate with the DSS in the coming days, weeks and months which will be very trying for ever one in Serbia but I believe Serbia will prevail, like in all good stories the good guys always win in the end, even though the bad guys start strong and all hopes seems to be lost for the good guys.

Is Kosovo a unique case ?

It isn't easy for any breakaway state to get UN recognition, even one with huge popular support for independence or one that has suffered terribly. Kosovo is unlikely to get a seat in the UN any time soon, because many nations contest the lawfulness of its break. Kosovars will soon discover that there is a world of difference between proclaiming independence and living it. But by recognizing the world's newest ministate and lending support, Canada and its allies may prevent independence from becoming a train wreck. ( The Star - Canada )

While a majority of the 27 states support independence, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania remain sceptical, regarding Kosovo's secession without UN approval as a dangerous precedent.( M&C -Austria )

The Philippines believes that a lasting solution, including that of independence, should be based on a negotiated solution, mutually acceptable to all parties. (Reuters)

Our Arab region in particular is full of groups of many religions, faiths, identities and nationalities, read a Wednesday editorial in state-owned Egyptian paper Al-Akhbar by columnist Ibrahim Saada. What if Iraq should split into four or five countries, and Lebanon into six regions ? ( USA Today )

Granting independence to Kosovo, the international community violated the legal norms but forgot Karabakh. Unlike Kosovo, no one granted independence to Nagorno Karabakh. It was the republic's achievement. This is the major difference between the conflicts. ( PanArmenian Network )

Azerbaijan rejected Kosovo's independence announcement, while the foreign minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh administration, Georgi Petrosian, was quoted as saying he was confident Kosovo's recognition would strengthen the territory's position. ( CNS News )

The latest news on the Kosovo recognition front is that Bolivia has decided not to recognize the country's independence. President Evo Morales compared Kosovo to the four eastern Bolivian states that are pushing for greater autonomy, a situation we wrote about in December. Morales's ally Hugo Chávez will not recognize Kosovo, either. ( Passport )

The chair of Crimea’s parliament, Anatoliy Hrytsenko, said he believes there is no danger of Crimea following Kosovo’s example and splitting from Ukraine. "Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine," he said. In Crimea, there is a clear system of local government, and separatist sentiments do not exist. The world now has a serious precedent that disregards the Helsinki agreements, which guaranteed the sanctity of national borders, Yanukovych said. That is dangerous for Europe, and for the entire world. ( Kyiv Post )

Viorel

I don't understand why this keeps coming up. It seems each time the EU or US have problems, they start waving this carrot in front of Serbia.

Serbia will never recognise Kosovo and offically do not know where Mladic is hiding. There is little chance EU membership will occur anytime soon due to the many obstacles in the way, one being that Kosovo is far more important than EU membership.

Kosovo will never have EU or UN status without Serbia's co-operation. There will inevitably come a point where the Albanians have to negotiate a settlement with Serbia to progress further.

The Solution will have to be Albanian self-rule within Serbia's border, most likely within the EU. "More than autonomy but less than independence". It will probably take 10, 15 or even 20 years to get to that stage.

In the mean time, we are just getting very repetitive.

"Kosovo is independent", "Kosovo is Serbia", "Kosovo is independent", "Kosovo is Serbia"... blah blah blah.

PS. Kosovo is Serbia! :)

Why would Serbia want to join the EU - what good can the EU do for Serbia (inc. Kosovo)? Switzerland is no a member of the EU - it seems to be ok. the only benefit of joining the EU is that countries like the UK, France and Germany can line their pockets with EU and US money to rebuild the country. Serbia as part of the rump Yugoslavia survived and will continue to survive and thrive as one whole and great nation with Kosovo.

Why all the Kostunica bashing? He is only the mouth piece for the Government - just like the US and most EU countries have one. Does anybody listen to politicians in their country? Especially the diatribe fed by the US and the UK Governments?

Olf

I have no idea where you get your infomation.

Just because Serbia is not part of the EU, that does not mean investment won't come our way. It is quite obvious that investment is flooding in as we speak and without EU membership!

Where did you get 80 countries recognising Kosovo by year end? Also 2009 UN seat and 2010 Serbian recognition?

I'm sure you are just dreaming that up!

Firstly, Russia especially but China also will never allow Kosovo to enter the UN without Serbian agreement. That has been repeated many many times. Also, it is in the Serbian constitution that Kosovo is an integral part of Serbia. There is no way it can recognise Kosovo without a referendum. And you can be sure the people will never allow that! Never, never, never. I hope that is clear!

To be honest, I am sick and tired of all these anti-Serb posters going on all the time about Serbia being "isolated", Serbia having a "bad image", Serbia never having "investments", Serbia this, Serbia that, etc. Would you people get a life for yourselves instead of constantly revealing your own inferiority complexes in these forums.

I was going to make a point her but I'm so fed up of this shower of losers that I'll leave it till later.
God!

Investment in Serbia has been increasing ever since the end of NATO's aggression.

You only have to visit Belgrade to see the extent. It is practically a new city each time I visit. Investment is not tied to EU integration but usually to opportunities and I can assure you, there is lots of that in Serbia. As they say, "Serbia is the Powerhouse of the Balkans"!

There is no chance of EU, UN or some form of recognition unless a negotiated settlement is achieved. Until the US becomes realistic there is no chance this will progress much further. Serbia understands it must offer self-rule to the Albanians but the issue is to do with the border. A Kosovo within Serbia within the EU under Albanian rule is the only possibly solution I can envisage.


YAWN.Willy.Nilly.. I remember reading about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction just as some claim that Kosovo is independent. I suppose they don't get it right all of the time! It's important to read past the propaganda and spin.

"no prosperity since there would be no investments coming to Serbia. No investments means no jobs. No jobs means lower living standard. Lower living standard means higher crime."


-The "victoria group" has started building a Biodiesil plant in Serbia, that will produce over 100 tons of biodiesil fuel annualy.

-Gazprom will lay 400 km of pipeline and a major underground storage facility in Serbia by 2012


-Microsoft is quadrupling the budget for its tablet PC operations in Serbia for 2008


-Embassy Group, a Bangalore based company, is investing 600 million over 5 years to build the biggest technological park in Europe, which could employ 25 000 workers.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Technology/Indians-agree-deal-for-Serbias-first-IT-park/2007/09/25/1190486312168.html


-Ball corporation is investing 75 million dollars in Serbia

http://www.fdimagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/139/Serbia_beats_Romania_to_E75m_can_factory.html

-Slovenian Mercator shopping center had a 70% increase in profits in the Serbian market in 2007

-The free trade agreement with Macedonia makes Serbia and Macedonia almost 1 single market, Serbia is the only southeast European country with a free trade agreement with Russia, its a member of CEFTA( central european free trade agreement)

All this and we are not even in the EU, so i think we'll be alright

Kostunica is taking a principled stand based on the rule of law which has little sway in EU capitals. He must realise that he is dealing with foreign governments who do not respect these principles otherwise they would never have contempleted the independence of Kosovo as a solution. He surely realises that the chances of US & EU states withdrawing their declarations of independence as highly unlikely. Kostunica should reflect on how to build Serbia's economic wealth and on joining the EU as a means of achieving this and then insisting on Kosovo's territorial integrity and the nulification of it's illegal UDI.

Isolate the Albanians who supported UDI, they are the traitors, who deserve to be isolated not Serbia. Keep the Kosovo Albanians and their false state out of the EU. Serbia can achieve more by becoming a member of the EU and having influence.