Finland recognizes Kosovo independence

So that leaves 2 countries left that have the intent to recognise... Lithuania and Norway.

I'm not saying others won't but the list is getting very thin now.

In the mean time, the NO recognition team and those conditional on EU, UN or Serbian agreement has grown to 67.

So we still have about 165 countries supporting Serbia against 27. The recognition camp should stall shortly.

It is mainly the US and Western Europe supporting this puppet NATO entity. The rest of the world generally will not stand for this nonsense.

Take a look at the list of the countries that have until now recognized Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state:

You can take some comfort from the fact that Tuvalu, Belarus, and of course Greece have not so far recognized Kosovo's independence and they may never do so.

But the countries that have recognized Kosovo include three of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and 60 percent of all EU member countries (16 out of 27 countries so far). The number is only likely to increase

Once they have extended recognition, none of these countries are likely to change their minds, no matter how many times Kostunica demands that they do so.

It's time to finally face facts -- Kosovo was lost to Serbia, not last month but in 1999, by the ill-considered actions of Milosevic and the members of his regime.

Patriotic flag-waving, yelling "Kosovo je Srbija" and burning embassies in Belgrade is not going to change that fact.

No disrespect to other countries, but K. Albanains couldn't care less if Mozamique or Papa New Guniea recongise Kosovo or not.

What important is that most of EU / Western countries recognize Kosovo and most of our niehgbour soon will (Blugaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia ) - Kosovo is in Europe and is pro-european and we have been recognized by the most powerful and important state in Europe - and thats what matters.

Even though I have no doubt that many other countries will recognize Kosovo in the following weeks and months.

Wait and see - as far as we are concered, we are more than happy with the recognition Kosovo has received, and everything is going as many K.Albanians have said it would.

Even though serbs can't see it now, but Kosovo's independence is good for Serbia as well in long term - though this depends how serbian leaders handle the situation.

Of course Finland had to recognise something that their fellow citizen, ex president Marti Ahtisaari has created, otherwise had Finland said NO it would be direct stab in the back to their own citizen who used to have responsible role in their society.

Their foreign minister visited USA prior to Kosovo recognition and firmly promised Condi Rise that Finland will support quasi NATO puppet state. He was the only foreign minister that went to USA to confirm its faithfulness. Slimy,very slimy indeed.

hm,hm I wonder why all these developed countries are recognizing the so called(by Serbs) illegal state.

Thank you Finland!

where did you get 165 against the Independence of Kosova, and who are those 67 states saying NO? I know until today its only 19, most of them being non-democratic states. Show me some sources backing you statement, your starting to sound like Milo in the ol' back days with this propaganda.

Countries that formally recognize Kosova TODAY make up 55.67% of the World's Total nominal GDP
(Data collected from CIA factbook and World Bank, 2007)

ZK UK

Give it sometime and you will see the rest of the countries recognizing Kosova. This is a process that take time, but in the end all the countries will recognize even Serbia. But being honest, I would like to keep this stance Kostunica and Radicals to take over Serbian Government. Because, would really like to see for a while Serbia isolated from the West .

Oh people, how racist are the posts you have written! Truly, if someone reads these comments understands how was possibile to kill each other though the infinte similarities! What the hell is wrong with Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Lesotho or other??? What do you want to say???? That there are countries better than others? Are you really on your own mind?? How can you say such racist things? Don't you see that you're absolutely getting ridicolous? Don't you see that you're arguing about a football match?? To the Albanian camp (just to begin with my compatriots): are you sure that you would have said all these beautiful things about Finland if it didn't recognize kosovo's independence?? For the Serb camp: the same question!!! What would you have said if Finland wouldn't recognize? How can you be such childish???And racist!! Yes, it's true, we (albanians and serbs) want to join the european union because we belong to europe, but what the hell has this to do with Africa??? People are living there, and people are living in Europe as well. There is no hierarchy on people! Otherwise you're confirming yourself as racists! Good weekend to all!

ZK UK,

First all I do not understand how B92 censorship allows insults to be posted here. Please refrain from using them and argue like a gentleman.

Secondly,In a very funny way I admire your optimism. After all we should all have dreams and aspirations. It seams to me that yours are just a bit too wishful. Reading your post for one moment I began to think that you can not wait for those two remaining countries to recognize Kosova.

I only I hope I will still be reading B92 in a year's time just to be able to say to you I told you so, because I wouldn't mind betting that by then at least 100 (or so) countries will have recognized Kosova.

I am sure you will say that will never happen and even if it does Kosova will be 92 (or so) recognitions short. Just remember that in the first 6 months after Croatia's declaration of independence, only Germany and Vatican recognized Croatia.

Whilst it was hard to start the ball rolling it will prove to be impossible to stop it.

Cheers and no more insults please.


Best regards,
Sirius Black

First of all, I am Finn living in Finland. I have been following this pages for while now (among many other news sources) and also generally how situation with Kosovo develops.

For all this time I have been really disappointed on how USA and some of the EU countries have treated Serbia, and her interests. It was obvious that they decided this outcome long time ago. Creating more borders in Europe is not really what I was hoping to see. Extensive autonomy with EU supervision could have been best solution on my opinion.

Also even if Russia got his own intrests, and mostly I don't agree with its foreign policy. I feel, this time, it was only country who really tried to give good perspective on this problem. Also thanks to Russia, there finally were some more negotiations and dialog between Pristina and Belgrade, too bad, because of USA attitude it was doomed to fail even before it started.

Losing part of your country is painful, we Finns know that. My advice is to use all legal measures possible, and if it fails, then move forward. Serbia got huge potential as county, lot of young smart people. I hope borders will be more open for you in near future!

ZK, UK said:

'It is mainly the US and Western Europe supporting this puppet NATO entity. The rest of the world generally will not stand for this nonsense.'

This is the best example of putting a brave face in front of disaster. We'll take the US and EU anytime and leave the Russia and India to you. Don't forget to ask Burkina Fasso to support your cause.

Supposedly 160+ countries do not recognize Kosovo. As if China, Russia, India, Gabon and Myanmar have any influence in Kosovo.

What matters is posession of the country and recognition from relevant entities. With money, support and recognition pouring in from most of Europe and the US, it is immaterial what Gabon and North-Korea say or do.

By the way, a number of Islamic countries and former Yugoslav republics will soon follow.

The list of 160 countries is mostly a list of insignificant countries that don't particularily care.

And who does Serbia need most? The EU or the African Union?

Thank you Finland! The rhythm is just fine, if every other day a country or two recognises Kosova by the end of the year we'll complete our mission. I invite Serbia to do the same, it is on our mutual interests.

Thank you Finland! Not too shabby for less than three weeks of independence - 28 countries already recognized Kosova/o.

ZK UK,

I lost count and interest lately because most of the rich countries, who really count regognized Kosovo already.
Thanks for reminding us about Lithuania and Norway. You can also add Croatia and Hungary (around March 19) very soon.
Most of Europe (specially the EU) and the US, what really count will be on Kosovo's side.
I don't know how far Serbia can go with friends like Burkina Faso, Botswana, Lesotho, etc. Good luck with your club!

Wow, love the attention guys!

OK, you might get Croatia but it seems to be back-tracking at the moment. So it's not certain.

Remember, Serbia holds the legal deeds to Kosovo so if all these "rich" nations want to inject billions to clean up our Southern province - to repair infrastructure, remove terrorists, criminals, drug and people traffickers and so on, then that suits me.

Nothing has changed on the ground really for the last few decades. Serbs in Kosovo are still loyal to Serbia while the Albanians are still dreaming of independence.

Say you are independent as much as you like, but when it comes to EU, UN and membership of international organistions, you'll know who owns the deeds. When you watch the Olympics and other international sporting events you'll only see the Serbian flag flying high!

And finally, when it comes to setting precendents, Serbia can now see a path to having our people united once again with our people in Republika Srpska. Russia also looks to get a little fatter out of it. This is a win/win situation for both the Serbs and Russians.

Serbia should now just turn its back on the West and face East - to look towards our friends and those who share interests with us. Russia, China, India and 160 other countries!

Does it really matter how many countrys have recognized Kosovo as a independent country yet? I think no. Most of those who have recognized it yet wanted to get a rid of the albanian problem. Even if that means to break the resolution 1244. This is politics and politics never have been fair.
I just feel sorry for serbia to have lost his motherland to people who can not proof their leagal claim for this land, except by having the most babys in the last 50 Years. I'm afraid what will happen to my country if we allow those albanians to stay in germany. Will they claim for bavaria in 50 years? Who knows.
So many bad things happen during all this civil war in yugoslavia though this years, and everybody blame the serbians to be guilty for everything. What a hypocrisy.
In those wars were no angels. Everybody put his spices to the soup but the serbians should eat it now. If they call people like Mladic to Hague its right, but they should not forget to call for those like Ceku, Thaci as well.
The politics of my country in this matter makes me sad like the participation of the illegal bombing in 1999. I wonder how I could serve 4 years in the uniform of my country in Kosovo and Bosnia.
History says if you loose a war you will be guilty for everything. I'm a German I know!

To all the people who think that some countries opinions are worth more than others just because they are richer, well that just shows your chauvinism and bigotry.
Nevertheless, Kosovo will never be independent. When you have foreign troops on yoru soil controlling your country, that's not independence, that's a puppet state, that's slavery, nothing else.
You see now why the US and their imperialist friends dislike Serbia, because Serbs refuse to be subservient to anyone, they dare to be free and independet. That's the way they've always been, and have paid the price in blood over the centuries.
They like albanians because they have no problems being subservient to their masters, whether those masters be brutal Turks, Nazi Germans, or ostentations Americans.
Now you should understand everything, and why it is important for Serbia to set an example to the whole world that you do not need to bow to these corrupt leaders, you can stand up and you will win. Justice can win over power.
Cheers!

You seem to be still on a deep dream. The most improtant states of the world have recognized Kosova/o which create 60% of worlds GDP. If Serbia doesn't turn the page for better relations with Western World, then it is going to be like Cuba with premitive economic development. It's better for the Serbian leaders to take care of people in Serbia and create good life for them then stalling on Kosova/o and make their people's life like hell.

ZK UK, are you serious? Do you really think the oppinion of Cyprus and Congo matters.

ZK UK

Number 165 that you are mentioning there is slowly going down. Number of the countries that are not willing to accept Kosova Independence is decreasing, one your posts used to say 170 countries not willing to recognise Kosova Independence.
Now, whose list is getting thin :-.

ZK UK

Even if you were correct about the numbers (which you may not be...Kosovo has only been independent for 3 weeks now), what the rest of the world says about Kosovo would probably not matter all that much to the Kosovars. They live in Europe, they'll be doing business mostly in/with Europe and they expect their future to be in Europe. Kosovars know where they're heading... Serbia still has to figure that out.

A couple of things you should remember:

Taiwan is doing quite well for itself despite the fact that it is not recognized as a UN member.
On the other hand, countries, like Congo and what, not are UN members and pretty much dysfunctional states. UN membership does not guarantee prosperity.

Whether you like it or not, Serbia ought to think really hard about who it allies itself with. Maybe your current government should look at examples such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Ireland, etc., to realize just what it has to gain by being pro-EU, and Ukraine, Georgia, Chechnya, etc., to get a glimpse of what you stand to lose by getting in bed with Russia.

Tadic seems like a smart fellow. It sounds like he does realize that Serbia needs to cut its losses. Kostunica and co. on the other hand, seem intent on digging Serbia further in the grave. Well, as the bible says... "pride comes before the fall." If Kostunica wins, the Serbs will deserve their new fate as the new black hole of Europe.

@Reidl
Nice from you to intervene. I’ve just expressed my opinion. What’s your problem with this, give yours so we can discuss if you like.
I’m serving in our police since 30 years, several of those in peacekeeping missions. Alone 3 years in Kosovo. Just through this my interests for this problem grow with the time. As deeper I went as clearer the situation came to my mind. At the beginning I came down there with blue eyes believing everything they told us, not just the Albanians and the Serbs. What our own people told us also.
Latest in 2004 we saw who the good is and who is the bad ones. I've been tere and after we found out who and how organized this rebellion against the peacekeepers a lot of us woke up.
No Serb try to kill me there, those “poor” Albanians tried. Young boys 17, 18 years, totally crazy. What did we do to them to attack us, the hand who feeds them? So don’t tell me about my blood, anyway this is not important.
There is actually no reason to be with the Serbs for us, they kicked us in the first world war with which the shining star of Germany went down till it was smashed to dust together with the Nazis.
But what is not right is not right. The independence declaration of Kosovo is against international law and (important for me) the resolution 1244, the basis for our job in UNMIK. We have been lying to Belgrade from the beginning and I feel bad about this. What should I tell to a Serb if I meet one?
Maybe just that they have to pay the price for the regime of Milosevic. Regarding this they probably share the same destiny with us.

"""""So that leaves 2 countries left that have the intent to recognise... Lithuania and Norway.

I'm not saying others won't but the list is getting very thin now.

In the mean time, the NO recognition team and those conditional on EU, UN or Serbian agreement has grown to 67.

So we still have about 165 countries supporting Serbia against 27. The recognition camp should stall shortly."""""

Keep counting the numbers, meanwhile we (Albanians) keep building our second country in Balkans.

Thanks Finland!!!

You will always have some of best friends in Kosova.

To Sirius Black (#7),

You must know the proverb "the pot calling the kettle black".

In your view, someone who is calling Kosovo a puppet state should be banned from this forum. I have read postings by Albanians on the B92 forum calling Kostunica a lunatic or worse. Not very gentlemen-like behavior I would say. So why not complain about these postings too?

Sirius Black

Describing the Albanian part of Kosovo as a puppet NATO entity is quite legitimate. The next level up is a puppet state but it's not there yet. You can read more about it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppet_state

Dear Serbian people, please, forgive us and don't keep us, Europeans belonging to EU, out of Serbia!!!!!

to ZK UK

you only dreaming to be quite honest... you saying 2 more left... what about your belovit neighbours Crotia.. Stipe mesiq said in japan tha the willrecognise Kosova within this months...

give up and look towords europe serbai before is to late

Berat UK

It is clear more than ever that NATO is trying to create the first NATO state -on Serbian soil. This has nothing to do with the "love" for albanains. albanians were just used like a tool so NATO can maintain an occupation of KiM.

Re Åland: Finland certainly didn't steal the islands, but was granted them by the League of Nations, under the provision that they allow full autonomy to the local population. The islands were part of the Grand Duchy of Finland ceded by Sweden to the Russians in 1809. The Finns have been brilliant in making use of the special status of Åland by having their ferries to Sweden stop there and thus be able to sell tax-free goods that otherwise are banned under the EU statutes for intra-EU travel.

Karjala, Petsamo and a chunk of central eastern Finland were ceded to Russia in 1944. If the Russians were consistent in their following of international law, they would admit the violation of that law which took place when they invaded Finland in 1939 and stole its territory.

Also, Serb attempts to discredit Ahtisaari by alleging that he took €40 million as a bribe from the Albanian mafia in two "silver suitcases," and got two prostitutes as well, is really unseemly. Corruption is simply not part of the political culture of Finland, even if that is not the case in other countries. Ahtisaari is a highly respected civil servant. One may disagree with his final recommendations, but to me it seems he was trying to make the best of a bad situation in which someone was bound to lose no matter what the outcome. The Serbs must understand that the Kosovars are not going to lie down and submit to a reimposition of their rule. The best outcome, in my view, is to build bridges between both sides and come to a solution where the issue of borders is no longer the flash point that it is today. If the Serbs adopted a more farsighted policy on Kosovo, they could increase and restore some of their influence by economic means such as trade and investment. But no one is going to join them on a march to Pristina.

I hope that readers are making difference between state and people. Even todays Finland's right-wing government made Kosovo recocnation this does not mean that the majority of Finns think similar way and this is propably the case also in many other countries.

Also while Mr. Ahtisaari is Finn many Finns keep him as klown as well his colonialistical past in Namibia and behaviour as president (he lost his respect as Finland's president after making shit in his trousers in public airplane after heavy drinking party during state visit in Sweden).

So please let us not think only states, the opinion of normal people is important from which ever state they come.

Dear ZK UK
Add at least one more country to that list of countries that intend to recognize Kosovo: Hungary. The Hungarian FM has said repeatedly - in the Hungarian press - that Hungary will definitely recognise Kosovo when the time is right. That is, when things are calmer in Serbia, and the possibility of an ugly, utterly unfair nationalist backlash against Hungarian minorities in Vojvodina is reduced (I say "utterly" unfair because their govt. is in Belgrade, not Budapest).

ZK UK,

Are you betting on countries of the Bangladesh calibre? Oh, boy...

@All commenters,

No balkan state is going to join the EU within the next 50 years or more.

There is NO support for more members in the original EU founding members.

And as for Kosovo, if Cyprus does not recognize you, then an SAA is not even possible, let alone membership off the EU.

Those are the fact's, no western EU country is even slightly interested in bringen kosovo, serbia or any other balkan country aboard, live with it.

(or even better, try to live with youre neigbours, cuz we sure as hell don't want you in the EU)

(Luke, 7 March 2008 18:17)

Yes, but then Finland has a history of stealing land by themselves. The Aaland island close to sweden is populated by more than 90 % Swedes, yet its a part of Finland. They do however enjoy a great autonomy, bigger than any other region in the world.

Nice work Finland,

Greetings from Belgium

thank you, finland! -- i feel like personally thanking each and every country that takes the risk and opportunity to recognize the republic of kosovo/a. it has been a long, hard struggle, certainly more so for many others than myself... just a few years ago, even months, it was tricky to predict how it would all come together. but given all of that anxiety and worry, it has gone so much better than i had feared. and the way recognition is coming in -- new international recognitions every few days -- it's like having a birthday, and then getting a greeting card from a frnd or acquaintance every few days. prolong the good times, and let's hope the cards keep coming :) well-wishers from every country have sent their best wishes and hopes, and continue to do so.

thanks for having the faith, finland, and so many thanks for all who have believed in our cause of freedom, and have accepted our hard-won victory.

I hope that readers are making difference between state and people. Even todays Finland's right-wing government made Kosovo recocnation this does not mean that the majority of Finns think similar way and this is propably the case also in many other countries...

(Arktika, 8 March 2008 19:31)

I agree 100% - the majority of Canadians I have spoken to are with you Serbia. Our government may eventually follow the Americans and recognize Kosovo but we will always see it as Serbia.

By the way, it was quite ironic to hear that last week the US government released a report on how corruption was widespread in the Albanian government/economy, but a couple of weeks ago they supported the creation of an illegal Albanian state?? (Unfortuantely for Serbia I think Camp Bondsteel and the AMBO pipeline take precedence over what is right or wrong)

There are other countries don't worry. And what matters is the EU and US, as that's who Kosovo would have the most relations with anyway. Think it matters much whether the African countries do anything? Next will probably be Croatia, Lithuania, Norway, followed by Macedonia, Bulgaria, Japan, followed by a number of strugglers waiting for things to calm down.

There are other countries don't worry. And what matters is the EU and US, as that's who Kosovo would have the most relations with anyway. Think it matters much whether the African countries do anything? Next will probably be Croatia, Lithuania, Norway, followed by Macedonia, Bulgaria, Japan, followed by a number of stragglers waiting for things to calm down.

ZK UK
So we still have about 165 countries supporting Serbia against 27. The recognition camp should stall shortly.
Just for your information 56 countries from islamic union declared that very soon will recognise KOSOVA so you need again to calculate your countries supporting you.If countries like Srilanka.India.cypries dont support independance of kosova big deal as long as we have big countries like US,GB,Germany and other europian countries behind us everything is going to be perfect.

please Can you remake Yugoslavia ? And after Join Bulgaria-Slovakia-Hungay -Romenia-Cechia-Poland and make a new Union ?
I want the berlin wall back !!

hehe.. stupid discussion. nobody is recognizing kosovo because they "support" the albanians, and nobody is not recognizing cause they "support" serbs. It's just a matter of interests...

I don't understand how Serbs believe in "brother nations"... Serbia will not get anything FOR FREE from Russia, as a brother would give to other, so stop being fooled.

Thank You Finland...

Kosova is integral part of Europe. It has always been geographically and culturally, now it is even politically. For Kosovans it is the Europe what matters and not Russia, or North Korea. The speed of recognition in fact it is higher then any one ever predicted. I wish to you Serbs another Federation with Russia and Bellorusia. Because there you might recongise yourselfe. Only countries that have a dictatorial past (like Spain and Greece) and a darker present (like Russia) are afraid of freedom. Good luck to all you Kosovans! We are once again together.

#50 you really don't know what you are talking about. Finland's government is a coalition between the Center and National Coalition parties. Where did you come up with the fantasy that the Finns regard Ahtisaari as a clown? He is actually highly respected and had a long and distinguished career as a diplomat before being elected president in 1994. Your scurrilous story doesn't even deserve comment. As to Namibia, where did you get that? Ahtisaari was sent by the UN as the special representative of the SYG to help bring Namibia to independence. What does that have to do with colonialism?

bmrusila,

"Their foreign minister visited USA --- and firmly promised Condi Rise that Finland will support quasi NATO puppet state. --- Slimy,very slimy indeed."

What you consider very slimy is considered simply politics by others.

Serbia could learn a lot from Finland. Finland was robbed 10% of its territory by Russia, but by looking to the future and through smart politics, it has managed to make its way where it is now.

#53 you keep changing your story! First it was defecating on a plane. Now it's being drunk at the Kungliga Slottet. Make up your mind! And please give the exact source from which you got this precious "information." Why would he be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize if he were just an "administrative bureaucrat"?

If Serbia knows how to play the situation that is it right now (about Kosovo), it could win a lot. It could join EU in a matter of less than a year. Let it go and look forward into Europe.
To be honest I really like to see my neighbor rich, but if Serbia chose to isolate itself then go for it, let radical such as Kostunica and Nicolic take over the government and you will go back to "stone age".
Goodbye Serbia, maybe I see you in EU if you're smart to do the right thing.

@SL: Oh man, I really had to intervene this time... first of all you have absolutely no German blood on you, and please don't represent my country anymore!

I'm 1000% sure that you're a serb. And please leave Germany out of this.

Srboslav,

"Yes, but then Finland has a history of stealing land by themselves. The Aaland island."

Just another thing to learn from :-)...

#55. I am speaking the same story: Drinking party in Kings Castle/Sweden during official statevisi and wounding there, defecting in plane next day (again drunk)while coming back from that visit.

Ahtisaari and his "think thank" group (Crisis Management) is known to be familiar with Nato/USA point of wiev (see example the board member abckgrounds of CMI).

These western orientated groups have amny times put Ahtisaari as Nobel nominee but fortunately selectors have seen emptines of his initiatives and selected every time anyone else.

Namibia is in my opinion example about case where "wise white men" are coming to civilizise native people, bringing with them the western lifestyle. My point is that even some leaders are coming via UN they are bringing some values, programmes and "elitist" lifestyle with them which have nothing to do with field and local circumstases.

One question though, what if Serbs and Albanians where allies, you guys would be truly powerful. I mean all those powerful nations taking the other side. Why dont you guys creat a federetion and all this would wanish in one day, having one Albanian President and Serbian PM or the other way? Im not good at this balkan thing, but just think for a moment, you guys are really powerful looking what sides your allies took, and you would make other major nations in EU looking like cartoon states just by working together. Ok you dont have to be a federetion, just by working together, why dont you ppl do that??

peace!

To "Luke"

Pepople who lives at Åland are not Swedes they are finnish whose first language is Swedish. If Åland asks 90% of finns would like to give independence to them. Waste of mainland money whole island.

To #53. Finland has government as you say but the policy is more right wing side and e.g. Foreign Minister from concervative party favors USA (he gave the 1st promision of recocnisation during EU meeting).

About Ahtisaari. The local population has described his actions in Namibia quite elitistic as well hes private life there. The same was also during his presidency in Finland (e.g. selection of crowd who can discuss with him during sc. province visits.

The events in Kings Castle during statevisit in Swden was widely reported in Finnish press. He came back from visit with head wound after falling down in Castle with too many drinks.

In owerall he was more administrative byrocrat e.g. in UN without any creative thinking and without any understanding of Balkans because his experiences arecoming only from diplomatic circles not from field.

On 7 March 2008 18:28, ZK UK wrote:

> Serbia should now just turn its back on the West and face East - to look towards our friends and those who share interests with us. Russia, China, India and 160 other countries!

Everyone is free to choose their own friends, but also remember the old proverb: "Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are".

Being friends with China, known for its human rights violations and 1-party mock democracy, is hardly something to be proud of.

Being friends with Russian, known for its human rights violations, it mock democracy where the sitting president months in advance selects his successor, where members of the opposition is temporarily arrested on made-up charges, and where representatives from OSCE were obstructed in their attempts to monitor the presidential election, is hardly something to be proud of.

India... I do not think they see themselves as "a friend of Serbia". They have their own regional problems with regions trying to go independent, so if they are holding out on recognizing Kosovo, they are merely trying to keep a lid on it for their reasons - not in support of Serbia.

"""""So that leaves 2 countries left that have the intent to recognise... Lithuania and Norway.

I'm not saying others won't but the list is getting very thin now.

In the mean time, the NO recognition team and those conditional on EU, UN or Serbian agreement has grown to 67.

So we still have about 165 countries supporting Serbia against 27. The recognition camp should stall shortly."""""

Keep counting the numbers, meanwhile we (Albanians) keep building our second country in Balkans.

So that leaves 2 countries left that have the intent to recognise... Lithuania and Norway.

I'm not saying others won't but the list is getting very thin now.

In the mean time, the NO recognition team and those conditional on EU, UN or Serbian agreement has grown to 67.

So we still have about 165 countries supporting Serbia against 27. The recognition camp should stall shortly.

It is mainly the US and Western Europe supporting this puppet NATO entity. The rest of the world generally will not stand for this nonsense.

ZK UK

Give it sometime and you will see the rest of the countries recognizing Kosova. This is a process that take time, but in the end all the countries will recognize even Serbia. But being honest, I would like to keep this stance Kostunica and Radicals to take over Serbian Government. Because, would really like to see for a while Serbia isolated from the West .

Thank you Finland!

where did you get 165 against the Independence of Kosova, and who are those 67 states saying NO? I know until today its only 19, most of them being non-democratic states. Show me some sources backing you statement, your starting to sound like Milo in the ol' back days with this propaganda.

Countries that formally recognize Kosova TODAY make up 55.67% of the World's Total nominal GDP
(Data collected from CIA factbook and World Bank, 2007)

ZK UK, are you serious? Do you really think the oppinion of Cyprus and Congo matters.

Thanks Finland!!!

You will always have some of best friends in Kosova.

ZK UK

Number 165 that you are mentioning there is slowly going down. Number of the countries that are not willing to accept Kosova Independence is decreasing, one your posts used to say 170 countries not willing to recognise Kosova Independence.
Now, whose list is getting thin :-.

No disrespect to other countries, but K. Albanains couldn't care less if Mozamique or Papa New Guniea recongise Kosovo or not.

What important is that most of EU / Western countries recognize Kosovo and most of our niehgbour soon will (Blugaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia ) - Kosovo is in Europe and is pro-european and we have been recognized by the most powerful and important state in Europe - and thats what matters.

Even though I have no doubt that many other countries will recognize Kosovo in the following weeks and months.

Wait and see - as far as we are concered, we are more than happy with the recognition Kosovo has received, and everything is going as many K.Albanians have said it would.

Even though serbs can't see it now, but Kosovo's independence is good for Serbia as well in long term - though this depends how serbian leaders handle the situation.

You seem to be still on a deep dream. The most improtant states of the world have recognized Kosova/o which create 60% of worlds GDP. If Serbia doesn't turn the page for better relations with Western World, then it is going to be like Cuba with premitive economic development. It's better for the Serbian leaders to take care of people in Serbia and create good life for them then stalling on Kosova/o and make their people's life like hell.

Thank you Finland! Not too shabby for less than three weeks of independence - 28 countries already recognized Kosova/o.

ZK UK,

I lost count and interest lately because most of the rich countries, who really count regognized Kosovo already.
Thanks for reminding us about Lithuania and Norway. You can also add Croatia and Hungary (around March 19) very soon.
Most of Europe (specially the EU) and the US, what really count will be on Kosovo's side.
I don't know how far Serbia can go with friends like Burkina Faso, Botswana, Lesotho, etc. Good luck with your club!

Thank you Finland! The rhythm is just fine, if every other day a country or two recognises Kosova by the end of the year we'll complete our mission. I invite Serbia to do the same, it is on our mutual interests.

ZK UK,

Are you betting on countries of the Bangladesh calibre? Oh, boy...

to ZK UK

you only dreaming to be quite honest... you saying 2 more left... what about your belovit neighbours Crotia.. Stipe mesiq said in japan tha the willrecognise Kosova within this months...

give up and look towords europe serbai before is to late

Berat UK

Dear ZK UK
Add at least one more country to that list of countries that intend to recognize Kosovo: Hungary. The Hungarian FM has said repeatedly - in the Hungarian press - that Hungary will definitely recognise Kosovo when the time is right. That is, when things are calmer in Serbia, and the possibility of an ugly, utterly unfair nationalist backlash against Hungarian minorities in Vojvodina is reduced (I say "utterly" unfair because their govt. is in Belgrade, not Budapest).

hm,hm I wonder why all these developed countries are recognizing the so called(by Serbs) illegal state.

Supposedly 160+ countries do not recognize Kosovo. As if China, Russia, India, Gabon and Myanmar have any influence in Kosovo.

What matters is posession of the country and recognition from relevant entities. With money, support and recognition pouring in from most of Europe and the US, it is immaterial what Gabon and North-Korea say or do.

By the way, a number of Islamic countries and former Yugoslav republics will soon follow.

The list of 160 countries is mostly a list of insignificant countries that don't particularily care.

And who does Serbia need most? The EU or the African Union?

Dear Serbian people, please, forgive us and don't keep us, Europeans belonging to EU, out of Serbia!!!!!

ZK UK,

First all I do not understand how B92 censorship allows insults to be posted here. Please refrain from using them and argue like a gentleman.

Secondly,In a very funny way I admire your optimism. After all we should all have dreams and aspirations. It seams to me that yours are just a bit too wishful. Reading your post for one moment I began to think that you can not wait for those two remaining countries to recognize Kosova.

I only I hope I will still be reading B92 in a year's time just to be able to say to you I told you so, because I wouldn't mind betting that by then at least 100 (or so) countries will have recognized Kosova.

I am sure you will say that will never happen and even if it does Kosova will be 92 (or so) recognitions short. Just remember that in the first 6 months after Croatia's declaration of independence, only Germany and Vatican recognized Croatia.

Whilst it was hard to start the ball rolling it will prove to be impossible to stop it.

Cheers and no more insults please.


Best regards,
Sirius Black

ZK, UK said:

'It is mainly the US and Western Europe supporting this puppet NATO entity. The rest of the world generally will not stand for this nonsense.'

This is the best example of putting a brave face in front of disaster. We'll take the US and EU anytime and leave the Russia and India to you. Don't forget to ask Burkina Fasso to support your cause.

ZK UK

Even if you were correct about the numbers (which you may not be...Kosovo has only been independent for 3 weeks now), what the rest of the world says about Kosovo would probably not matter all that much to the Kosovars. They live in Europe, they'll be doing business mostly in/with Europe and they expect their future to be in Europe. Kosovars know where they're heading... Serbia still has to figure that out.

A couple of things you should remember:

Taiwan is doing quite well for itself despite the fact that it is not recognized as a UN member.
On the other hand, countries, like Congo and what, not are UN members and pretty much dysfunctional states. UN membership does not guarantee prosperity.

Whether you like it or not, Serbia ought to think really hard about who it allies itself with. Maybe your current government should look at examples such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Ireland, etc., to realize just what it has to gain by being pro-EU, and Ukraine, Georgia, Chechnya, etc., to get a glimpse of what you stand to lose by getting in bed with Russia.

Tadic seems like a smart fellow. It sounds like he does realize that Serbia needs to cut its losses. Kostunica and co. on the other hand, seem intent on digging Serbia further in the grave. Well, as the bible says... "pride comes before the fall." If Kostunica wins, the Serbs will deserve their new fate as the new black hole of Europe.

Re Åland: Finland certainly didn't steal the islands, but was granted them by the League of Nations, under the provision that they allow full autonomy to the local population. The islands were part of the Grand Duchy of Finland ceded by Sweden to the Russians in 1809. The Finns have been brilliant in making use of the special status of Åland by having their ferries to Sweden stop there and thus be able to sell tax-free goods that otherwise are banned under the EU statutes for intra-EU travel.

Karjala, Petsamo and a chunk of central eastern Finland were ceded to Russia in 1944. If the Russians were consistent in their following of international law, they would admit the violation of that law which took place when they invaded Finland in 1939 and stole its territory.

Also, Serb attempts to discredit Ahtisaari by alleging that he took €40 million as a bribe from the Albanian mafia in two "silver suitcases," and got two prostitutes as well, is really unseemly. Corruption is simply not part of the political culture of Finland, even if that is not the case in other countries. Ahtisaari is a highly respected civil servant. One may disagree with his final recommendations, but to me it seems he was trying to make the best of a bad situation in which someone was bound to lose no matter what the outcome. The Serbs must understand that the Kosovars are not going to lie down and submit to a reimposition of their rule. The best outcome, in my view, is to build bridges between both sides and come to a solution where the issue of borders is no longer the flash point that it is today. If the Serbs adopted a more farsighted policy on Kosovo, they could increase and restore some of their influence by economic means such as trade and investment. But no one is going to join them on a march to Pristina.

ZK UK
So we still have about 165 countries supporting Serbia against 27. The recognition camp should stall shortly.
Just for your information 56 countries from islamic union declared that very soon will recognise KOSOVA so you need again to calculate your countries supporting you.If countries like Srilanka.India.cypries dont support independance of kosova big deal as long as we have big countries like US,GB,Germany and other europian countries behind us everything is going to be perfect.

There are other countries don't worry. And what matters is the EU and US, as that's who Kosovo would have the most relations with anyway. Think it matters much whether the African countries do anything? Next will probably be Croatia, Lithuania, Norway, followed by Macedonia, Bulgaria, Japan, followed by a number of strugglers waiting for things to calm down.

There are other countries don't worry. And what matters is the EU and US, as that's who Kosovo would have the most relations with anyway. Think it matters much whether the African countries do anything? Next will probably be Croatia, Lithuania, Norway, followed by Macedonia, Bulgaria, Japan, followed by a number of stragglers waiting for things to calm down.

bmrusila,

"Their foreign minister visited USA --- and firmly promised Condi Rise that Finland will support quasi NATO puppet state. --- Slimy,very slimy indeed."

What you consider very slimy is considered simply politics by others.

Serbia could learn a lot from Finland. Finland was robbed 10% of its territory by Russia, but by looking to the future and through smart politics, it has managed to make its way where it is now.

Kosova is integral part of Europe. It has always been geographically and culturally, now it is even politically. For Kosovans it is the Europe what matters and not Russia, or North Korea. The speed of recognition in fact it is higher then any one ever predicted. I wish to you Serbs another Federation with Russia and Bellorusia. Because there you might recongise yourselfe. Only countries that have a dictatorial past (like Spain and Greece) and a darker present (like Russia) are afraid of freedom. Good luck to all you Kosovans! We are once again together.

Take a look at the list of the countries that have until now recognized Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state:

You can take some comfort from the fact that Tuvalu, Belarus, and of course Greece have not so far recognized Kosovo's independence and they may never do so.

But the countries that have recognized Kosovo include three of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and 60 percent of all EU member countries (16 out of 27 countries so far). The number is only likely to increase

Once they have extended recognition, none of these countries are likely to change their minds, no matter how many times Kostunica demands that they do so.

It's time to finally face facts -- Kosovo was lost to Serbia, not last month but in 1999, by the ill-considered actions of Milosevic and the members of his regime.

Patriotic flag-waving, yelling "Kosovo je Srbija" and burning embassies in Belgrade is not going to change that fact.

If Serbia knows how to play the situation that is it right now (about Kosovo), it could win a lot. It could join EU in a matter of less than a year. Let it go and look forward into Europe.
To be honest I really like to see my neighbor rich, but if Serbia chose to isolate itself then go for it, let radical such as Kostunica and Nicolic take over the government and you will go back to "stone age".
Goodbye Serbia, maybe I see you in EU if you're smart to do the right thing.

@SL: Oh man, I really had to intervene this time... first of all you have absolutely no German blood on you, and please don't represent my country anymore!

I'm 1000% sure that you're a serb. And please leave Germany out of this.

Of course Finland had to recognise something that their fellow citizen, ex president Marti Ahtisaari has created, otherwise had Finland said NO it would be direct stab in the back to their own citizen who used to have responsible role in their society.

Their foreign minister visited USA prior to Kosovo recognition and firmly promised Condi Rise that Finland will support quasi NATO puppet state. He was the only foreign minister that went to USA to confirm its faithfulness. Slimy,very slimy indeed.

please Can you remake Yugoslavia ? And after Join Bulgaria-Slovakia-Hungay -Romenia-Cechia-Poland and make a new Union ?
I want the berlin wall back !!

Does it really matter how many countrys have recognized Kosovo as a independent country yet? I think no. Most of those who have recognized it yet wanted to get a rid of the albanian problem. Even if that means to break the resolution 1244. This is politics and politics never have been fair.
I just feel sorry for serbia to have lost his motherland to people who can not proof their leagal claim for this land, except by having the most babys in the last 50 Years. I'm afraid what will happen to my country if we allow those albanians to stay in germany. Will they claim for bavaria in 50 years? Who knows.
So many bad things happen during all this civil war in yugoslavia though this years, and everybody blame the serbians to be guilty for everything. What a hypocrisy.
In those wars were no angels. Everybody put his spices to the soup but the serbians should eat it now. If they call people like Mladic to Hague its right, but they should not forget to call for those like Ceku, Thaci as well.
The politics of my country in this matter makes me sad like the participation of the illegal bombing in 1999. I wonder how I could serve 4 years in the uniform of my country in Kosovo and Bosnia.
History says if you loose a war you will be guilty for everything. I'm a German I know!

hehe.. stupid discussion. nobody is recognizing kosovo because they "support" the albanians, and nobody is not recognizing cause they "support" serbs. It's just a matter of interests...

I don't understand how Serbs believe in "brother nations"... Serbia will not get anything FOR FREE from Russia, as a brother would give to other, so stop being fooled.

Thank You Finland...

Nice work Finland,

Greetings from Belgium

thank you, finland! -- i feel like personally thanking each and every country that takes the risk and opportunity to recognize the republic of kosovo/a. it has been a long, hard struggle, certainly more so for many others than myself... just a few years ago, even months, it was tricky to predict how it would all come together. but given all of that anxiety and worry, it has gone so much better than i had feared. and the way recognition is coming in -- new international recognitions every few days -- it's like having a birthday, and then getting a greeting card from a frnd or acquaintance every few days. prolong the good times, and let's hope the cards keep coming :) well-wishers from every country have sent their best wishes and hopes, and continue to do so.

thanks for having the faith, finland, and so many thanks for all who have believed in our cause of freedom, and have accepted our hard-won victory.

@Reidl
Nice from you to intervene. I’ve just expressed my opinion. What’s your problem with this, give yours so we can discuss if you like.
I’m serving in our police since 30 years, several of those in peacekeeping missions. Alone 3 years in Kosovo. Just through this my interests for this problem grow with the time. As deeper I went as clearer the situation came to my mind. At the beginning I came down there with blue eyes believing everything they told us, not just the Albanians and the Serbs. What our own people told us also.
Latest in 2004 we saw who the good is and who is the bad ones. I've been tere and after we found out who and how organized this rebellion against the peacekeepers a lot of us woke up.
No Serb try to kill me there, those “poor” Albanians tried. Young boys 17, 18 years, totally crazy. What did we do to them to attack us, the hand who feeds them? So don’t tell me about my blood, anyway this is not important.
There is actually no reason to be with the Serbs for us, they kicked us in the first world war with which the shining star of Germany went down till it was smashed to dust together with the Nazis.
But what is not right is not right. The independence declaration of Kosovo is against international law and (important for me) the resolution 1244, the basis for our job in UNMIK. We have been lying to Belgrade from the beginning and I feel bad about this. What should I tell to a Serb if I meet one?
Maybe just that they have to pay the price for the regime of Milosevic. Regarding this they probably share the same destiny with us.

It is clear more than ever that NATO is trying to create the first NATO state -on Serbian soil. This has nothing to do with the "love" for albanains. albanians were just used like a tool so NATO can maintain an occupation of KiM.

To Sirius Black (#7),

You must know the proverb "the pot calling the kettle black".

In your view, someone who is calling Kosovo a puppet state should be banned from this forum. I have read postings by Albanians on the B92 forum calling Kostunica a lunatic or worse. Not very gentlemen-like behavior I would say. So why not complain about these postings too?

Oh people, how racist are the posts you have written! Truly, if someone reads these comments understands how was possibile to kill each other though the infinte similarities! What the hell is wrong with Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Lesotho or other??? What do you want to say???? That there are countries better than others? Are you really on your own mind?? How can you say such racist things? Don't you see that you're absolutely getting ridicolous? Don't you see that you're arguing about a football match?? To the Albanian camp (just to begin with my compatriots): are you sure that you would have said all these beautiful things about Finland if it didn't recognize kosovo's independence?? For the Serb camp: the same question!!! What would you have said if Finland wouldn't recognize? How can you be such childish???And racist!! Yes, it's true, we (albanians and serbs) want to join the european union because we belong to europe, but what the hell has this to do with Africa??? People are living there, and people are living in Europe as well. There is no hierarchy on people! Otherwise you're confirming yourself as racists! Good weekend to all!

(Luke, 7 March 2008 18:17)

Yes, but then Finland has a history of stealing land by themselves. The Aaland island close to sweden is populated by more than 90 % Swedes, yet its a part of Finland. They do however enjoy a great autonomy, bigger than any other region in the world.

@All commenters,

No balkan state is going to join the EU within the next 50 years or more.

There is NO support for more members in the original EU founding members.

And as for Kosovo, if Cyprus does not recognize you, then an SAA is not even possible, let alone membership off the EU.

Those are the fact's, no western EU country is even slightly interested in bringen kosovo, serbia or any other balkan country aboard, live with it.

(or even better, try to live with youre neigbours, cuz we sure as hell don't want you in the EU)

One question though, what if Serbs and Albanians where allies, you guys would be truly powerful. I mean all those powerful nations taking the other side. Why dont you guys creat a federetion and all this would wanish in one day, having one Albanian President and Serbian PM or the other way? Im not good at this balkan thing, but just think for a moment, you guys are really powerful looking what sides your allies took, and you would make other major nations in EU looking like cartoon states just by working together. Ok you dont have to be a federetion, just by working together, why dont you ppl do that??

peace!

Wow, love the attention guys!

OK, you might get Croatia but it seems to be back-tracking at the moment. So it's not certain.

Remember, Serbia holds the legal deeds to Kosovo so if all these "rich" nations want to inject billions to clean up our Southern province - to repair infrastructure, remove terrorists, criminals, drug and people traffickers and so on, then that suits me.

Nothing has changed on the ground really for the last few decades. Serbs in Kosovo are still loyal to Serbia while the Albanians are still dreaming of independence.

Say you are independent as much as you like, but when it comes to EU, UN and membership of international organistions, you'll know who owns the deeds. When you watch the Olympics and other international sporting events you'll only see the Serbian flag flying high!

And finally, when it comes to setting precendents, Serbia can now see a path to having our people united once again with our people in Republika Srpska. Russia also looks to get a little fatter out of it. This is a win/win situation for both the Serbs and Russians.

Serbia should now just turn its back on the West and face East - to look towards our friends and those who share interests with us. Russia, China, India and 160 other countries!

First of all, I am Finn living in Finland. I have been following this pages for while now (among many other news sources) and also generally how situation with Kosovo develops.

For all this time I have been really disappointed on how USA and some of the EU countries have treated Serbia, and her interests. It was obvious that they decided this outcome long time ago. Creating more borders in Europe is not really what I was hoping to see. Extensive autonomy with EU supervision could have been best solution on my opinion.

Also even if Russia got his own intrests, and mostly I don't agree with its foreign policy. I feel, this time, it was only country who really tried to give good perspective on this problem. Also thanks to Russia, there finally were some more negotiations and dialog between Pristina and Belgrade, too bad, because of USA attitude it was doomed to fail even before it started.

Losing part of your country is painful, we Finns know that. My advice is to use all legal measures possible, and if it fails, then move forward. Serbia got huge potential as county, lot of young smart people. I hope borders will be more open for you in near future!

Srboslav,

"Yes, but then Finland has a history of stealing land by themselves. The Aaland island."

Just another thing to learn from :-)...

On 7 March 2008 18:28, ZK UK wrote:

> Serbia should now just turn its back on the West and face East - to look towards our friends and those who share interests with us. Russia, China, India and 160 other countries!

Everyone is free to choose their own friends, but also remember the old proverb: "Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are".

Being friends with China, known for its human rights violations and 1-party mock democracy, is hardly something to be proud of.

Being friends with Russian, known for its human rights violations, it mock democracy where the sitting president months in advance selects his successor, where members of the opposition is temporarily arrested on made-up charges, and where representatives from OSCE were obstructed in their attempts to monitor the presidential election, is hardly something to be proud of.

India... I do not think they see themselves as "a friend of Serbia". They have their own regional problems with regions trying to go independent, so if they are holding out on recognizing Kosovo, they are merely trying to keep a lid on it for their reasons - not in support of Serbia.

To all the people who think that some countries opinions are worth more than others just because they are richer, well that just shows your chauvinism and bigotry.
Nevertheless, Kosovo will never be independent. When you have foreign troops on yoru soil controlling your country, that's not independence, that's a puppet state, that's slavery, nothing else.
You see now why the US and their imperialist friends dislike Serbia, because Serbs refuse to be subservient to anyone, they dare to be free and independet. That's the way they've always been, and have paid the price in blood over the centuries.
They like albanians because they have no problems being subservient to their masters, whether those masters be brutal Turks, Nazi Germans, or ostentations Americans.
Now you should understand everything, and why it is important for Serbia to set an example to the whole world that you do not need to bow to these corrupt leaders, you can stand up and you will win. Justice can win over power.
Cheers!

Sirius Black

Describing the Albanian part of Kosovo as a puppet NATO entity is quite legitimate. The next level up is a puppet state but it's not there yet. You can read more about it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppet_state

I hope that readers are making difference between state and people. Even todays Finland's right-wing government made Kosovo recocnation this does not mean that the majority of Finns think similar way and this is propably the case also in many other countries.

Also while Mr. Ahtisaari is Finn many Finns keep him as klown as well his colonialistical past in Namibia and behaviour as president (he lost his respect as Finland's president after making shit in his trousers in public airplane after heavy drinking party during state visit in Sweden).

So please let us not think only states, the opinion of normal people is important from which ever state they come.

To "Luke"

Pepople who lives at Åland are not Swedes they are finnish whose first language is Swedish. If Åland asks 90% of finns would like to give independence to them. Waste of mainland money whole island.

I hope that readers are making difference between state and people. Even todays Finland's right-wing government made Kosovo recocnation this does not mean that the majority of Finns think similar way and this is propably the case also in many other countries...

(Arktika, 8 March 2008 19:31)

I agree 100% - the majority of Canadians I have spoken to are with you Serbia. Our government may eventually follow the Americans and recognize Kosovo but we will always see it as Serbia.

By the way, it was quite ironic to hear that last week the US government released a report on how corruption was widespread in the Albanian government/economy, but a couple of weeks ago they supported the creation of an illegal Albanian state?? (Unfortuantely for Serbia I think Camp Bondsteel and the AMBO pipeline take precedence over what is right or wrong)

#50 you really don't know what you are talking about. Finland's government is a coalition between the Center and National Coalition parties. Where did you come up with the fantasy that the Finns regard Ahtisaari as a clown? He is actually highly respected and had a long and distinguished career as a diplomat before being elected president in 1994. Your scurrilous story doesn't even deserve comment. As to Namibia, where did you get that? Ahtisaari was sent by the UN as the special representative of the SYG to help bring Namibia to independence. What does that have to do with colonialism?

To #53. Finland has government as you say but the policy is more right wing side and e.g. Foreign Minister from concervative party favors USA (he gave the 1st promision of recocnisation during EU meeting).

About Ahtisaari. The local population has described his actions in Namibia quite elitistic as well hes private life there. The same was also during his presidency in Finland (e.g. selection of crowd who can discuss with him during sc. province visits.

The events in Kings Castle during statevisit in Swden was widely reported in Finnish press. He came back from visit with head wound after falling down in Castle with too many drinks.

In owerall he was more administrative byrocrat e.g. in UN without any creative thinking and without any understanding of Balkans because his experiences arecoming only from diplomatic circles not from field.

#53 you keep changing your story! First it was defecating on a plane. Now it's being drunk at the Kungliga Slottet. Make up your mind! And please give the exact source from which you got this precious "information." Why would he be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize if he were just an "administrative bureaucrat"?

#55. I am speaking the same story: Drinking party in Kings Castle/Sweden during official statevisi and wounding there, defecting in plane next day (again drunk)while coming back from that visit.

Ahtisaari and his "think thank" group (Crisis Management) is known to be familiar with Nato/USA point of wiev (see example the board member abckgrounds of CMI).

These western orientated groups have amny times put Ahtisaari as Nobel nominee but fortunately selectors have seen emptines of his initiatives and selected every time anyone else.

Namibia is in my opinion example about case where "wise white men" are coming to civilizise native people, bringing with them the western lifestyle. My point is that even some leaders are coming via UN they are bringing some values, programmes and "elitist" lifestyle with them which have nothing to do with field and local circumstases.