Unfortunately none of the U.S. presidential candidates will offer any positive solutions for Serbia on the question of Kosovo.
Newspapers report if Hillary Clinton is elected Holbrooke will probably be the Secretary of State.
McCain will continue Bush's policies in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. His wife recently met and was photographed with Hashim "the Snake" Thaci.
Link: http://www.serbianna.com/news/2008/01880.jpg
Obama would probably be the lesser of the 3 evils but he is an unknown and probably will not change U.S. policy towards Kosovo.
Interesting comment in an Op Ed in the New York Times, February 22, 2008:
Ljubica Gojgic, a leading Serbian commentator, noted that Mr. Milosevic had been overthrown by the Serbian people, who had recently put their faith in a newly elected moderate president, backed by the West. “If Tadic is good enough for the E.U. and Washington, why is he not acceptable to the Albanians in Kosovo?”
Holbrooke,You no longer have any position anywhere. You were a puppet controlled by the Clinton Government. The US & Nato bombed Serbia & made it look like another Lebanon. Do the Americans forget that the Serbs saved hundreds of US serviceman during WW2. And the Serb's fought with the allies during WW2, against German, Croat, Albanian. The US destroyed Yugoslavia & carved it all up.
The world would be a much safer place if the U.S.A. became 50+ sovereign and independent countries with no ties to Washington. Give peace a chance and recognize Texas as a sovereign and independent country first.
The world would be much safer place if the U.S.A. became 50 + independent and sovereign countries with no central power ruling them from Washington. With the governors being presidents of their respectiful peoples that live in those territories. Where the rule of law would be respected in each state and its peoples. Where each state would have thir own foreign policy, central bank, passport, currency etc. Give true democracy a chance and give independence to Texas, California, Vermont etc.
This guy is incredible, every time he opens the mouth, radicals are wining new supporters. He is one of the best assets they have, works much better then any propaganda they could think of.
I think most Serbs while understandably angry keep missing the point. It is not the American people, or US regimes that are against Serbia. It is the "Arabist" in Washington, or people on the Wahhabi payroll who do what is in the interest of Ummah, not America.
But, then for all your toughness you let this crook in your country. You guys need to trade with other sympathetic countries to build your economy and forget about joining EU, or Eurabia.
#8 Princip wrote:
'I very much doubt any Serbian gives a toss to the words of such a *"%?! (please use your own expletive).'
If you did not care, you and the rest of the usual Serbian contributers would not have bothered to enlighten us with your comments. Ask yourselves why is he against Serbian nationalism?
The west and the USA wanted Kosovo for their own just so they could have another NATO state in the Balkans. They want it for Kosovo's rich resources of coal and other valuable minerals and for strategic NATO positioning in the Balkans. Why else would they have built Camp Bondsteel there (The largest US airbase in the Balkans just happens to be in Kosovo)?
This man Holbrooke is a cold war relic. They're saying Serbia is stuck; but in reality, the Western countries' governments are those that are stuck in time. Frozen. They're the ones that are always challenging Russia and trying to isolate non NATO countries or non-alligned countries like its in the 1970s all over again. And their hiding from their own people the truth that our non-aligned-to-NATO countries can actually be pleasant places unlike how the western media describes these countries as.
If there happens to be some horrid apocalypse caused by World War in the near future, my money is on it that it will be caused by a stupid mistake made by a bunch of 60 year olds working for NATO or something. If we want to make this world a better place then everyones got to move on and stop dwelling on the hatred from the cold war. Americans and westerners alike should be lead and followed by younger people who are more open and are willing to learn about the world rather than some seniors like Holbrooke who will never admit there are things to be learned from western governments' mistakes.
I pray that a new era will begin. An era that won't be frozen in time like Holbrooke is.
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
(ben, 25 March 2008 17:07)
The factual history seems to differ from the "entire world"
A link below from the NY Times and I quote:
"The Albanian puppet government declared war on the Allies in 1940;
Please bear in mind that Chamaria, Greece and Kosovo, Serbia were allowed to join facsist Albania by the German Nazi's.
King Zogu was first offered and granted asylum in Greece and then later in London but never formed an official exile governent unlike the Yugoslav monarchy under King Peter and Prince Paul and the Greek royal family.
Victor Emmanuel III was the constitution monarch head of fascist Albania.
We shouldn't pay much attention to that "shadowy", materialistic figure - Mr.Holbrooke. He belongs to era that is long time overdue. In case Mr.Obama becomes next US president - I don't think opinions of Mr.Holbrooke and like will have much relevance. Except in case when looking in to the damage they caused in breakup of former Yugoslavia.
"US policy toward Serbia won't change". That is the only truthful statement I ever heard from Holbrooke. The anti-Serb policy of the US is now entrenched and no matter who the "figure head" it will not change short of a political revolution here. It is a sad state of affairs, but waiting on false hopes will not help the Serbian peoples. I remember when Bush was running in 2000 his election statements where almost pro-Serb (at least not anti-Serb), there was a lot of HOPE from Serbs here that he would reverse the Clinton policy, instead he ended up reinforcing it. I know when I'm not wanted (or respected) so should you!
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
(ben, 25 March 2008 17:07)
Sorry to burst your bubble but King Zog fled to Italy and Mussoloni arranged a coup de etat to oust him.
Albania with limited resistance joined the Italian fascists and proceeded to invade Greece where they were promtly defeated as sent packing back to Albania. The Albanian fascist government delcared war on the United States as well as the Soviet Union among other nations.
Needless to say Albania throughout the 20th century was a colony of Italy.
More scare tactics from US government officials. Two can play that game. Continue to ostracize Serbia from the international community and you just might have to deal with a country with nuclear arms. I hear Russia has quite a few. I'm sure Russia would be happy to sell a nuclear weapon to Serbia.
Hollbrook’s predictions are only correct when supported by illegal use of air force, and or breaking every international law known to men. Politically he is a hack with very poor reputation on both sides of the ocean (if Depleted Uranium Diplomacy can even be considered politics). His mediocre career is based on his willingness to do the dirty work, a perfect match to his personality. Holbrook does not only hate Serbs, he despises them...and the feeling is mutual. In the perfect world he and Milosevic would have shared the prison cell. In this, imperfect one, he will fade into obscurity where he belongs.
Are you also proud as an Albanian American when Albania along with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany declared war on the United States in 1941?
(konstantin gregovic, 25 March 2008 15:30)
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
I hate to say it, but I think Halbroke is right. US policy towards the Balkans will not change with the change of administration. It will only change it there is some intervention from other superpowers.
I Mr. H that someone feeds that dayton accord to you. I expect that the RS will tear up that accord and reunify with Serbia the day the UN admits Kosovo into it's ranks as payback. It's not the myth of greater Serbia but a matter of time for a United Republic of Serbia where all it's citizens are welcome since we all know that Milosevic is not at the helm. Economically it makes alot of sence to pool economic/human resources with the 2 serb republics once the RS runs out of international Aid money. The strategy of divide and conquer won't last long on serbians.
Mr. Holbrooke is simply saying that the threats of Kostunica will not work.
If you want to choose between the EU and Russia this is your choice but this will change nothing towards Kosova or the region.
The real-politic of EU and US created R Srpska which never existed as an entity and was created by massive ethnic cleansing. Instead of being grateful for this to Hobrooke Serbs are calling him criminal.
As a mater a fact, Serbs never miss the chance to label as criminal everyone that is not in line with their hegemonic politic.
Forgetting that they have in Hague their entire political and military establishment. Starting from the President of the Republic; Prime Minister; the chief of the army; chief of the police; chief of the secret services; the local commanders in Kosova of their police and army; the chief of the opposition party (Seselj).
Instead of asking themselves hard questions but necessary to turn page and look forward to democratic values they continua with the old politics- the Seseljs radical party was and is the biggest party in Serbia, the vice-leader (the chief is in Hague) of the radical party almost won the Presidential elections but all this should be ignored and Kosova should remain within Serbia- because this is the “law” that says so- the “law” of Hague.
As far as memory invoked here by someone, you should not forget that the Kosovars memory will be at least for a day longer and the Kosovar’s love for freedom and the motherland will never die and this was proved during the history- the contrary yet needs to prove herself.
hey dick, be a good sport. tell us where you have Karadzic hidden, so we can arrest him, so we can join the eu.
how's that :)
.. and then we have a few questions for you. if you'll come with us downtown, you know ;)
I understand the humour and critics used by Serb posters whenever Holbrook says something. I just want ask all of you Serb supporters were Holbrook’s predictions( if I may call them so) wrong and how far from the truth were his predictions so we can have a better understanding of this newspaper article.
I would like to add that he was never anti Serb as many of you say but he was anti Milosevic, he was against the regime that brought so much paint to Serb people as well, pain that most of Serb population are still going through.
Many postings in here that are supporting current Serbian regime I find them very insulting towards ordinary Serb, they are more insulting than any Albanian postings or Holbrook interview.
I think it's good time to say that regardless of who wins the Parliamentals Serbia's policy towards the US will not change too. We also must take no prisoners !
Holbrooke has said what needed to be said, plain and simple, Serbia has lost Kosovo for good, but from my point of view, Kosovo was never a part of Serbia. We just appreciate Mr. Holbrooke and United States for their support for my country. God bless America !!!
Holbrook, have you not known that KOSOVO IS SERBIA? Everyone knows it so should you!
On the other hand, there is no point talking to a shameful politician about this disgraceful politics in Serbia? Looking forward to his disgraceful fall!
I am proud to be an American Albanian,and thankful to America for helping the Albanian nation at its darkest hour in 1913 and 1999.
(Sidi, 25 March 2008 13:45)
Are you also proud as an Albanian American when Albania along with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany declared war on the United States in 1941?
Richard Holbrooke is rightly described in a published article as “arrogant, ambitious, pushy, relentless, argumentative, ego-obsessed, social-climbing, and just plain rude". In the same piece it is reported that Holbrooke hosted a private dinner with Wesley Clark and George Soros as guests. Very telling!
Career politicians, like Holbrooke, never truly go away; they just keep popping up like gophers sneaking out of a hole, hoping to be appointed again to another position in order to feed their insatiable egos.
Holbrooke’s comments today to do not surprise me.
I am reminded of former President Bill Clinton's Energy Secretary, Bill Richardson’s comments way back in 1999.
Richardson, who recently backed presidential candidate, Barak Obama, stabbing the Clintons in the back, spelled out America’s Balkan policy a few months prior to the 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia:
"This is about America's energy security… It's also about preventing strategic inroads by those who don't share our values. We're trying to move these newly independent countries toward the West… We would like to see them reliant on western commercial and political interests rather than going another way. We've made a substantial political investment in the Caspian, and it's very important to us that both the pipeline map and the politics come out right."
The US is just continuing their rampage in the Balkans as part of their long established foreign policy.
Mr. Holbrooke, let me make this very clear to you, as someone representing the views of the vast majority of Serbs. You are responsible for the planning and executing of the ethnic cleansing of the entire Serbian population in Krajina. That is a war crime, and you should be sitting in jail, and God willing, you will some day.
Serbs really don't care what you have to say, because they know how much of a hate-monger you are against their nation.
As for Kosovo, forget about it, it will never be independent and Serbs will never accept this, ever.
As for Republika Srpska, it is only a matte of time before that fake state of Bosnia splinters, and you well know that Croats want no part of it either. The majority in Bosnia do not want the country to exist.
Tu summarize, your policies in the Balkans are a disaster. You are a complete failure and a man lacking any morals or scruples. It is people like you that make 'America' a dirty word around the world.
As for the EU, Serbs want nothing to do with it. We are better off independent.
Holbrooke and Milosevic have much in common. Both were and are bullies. Except Milosevic was brighter. These Hobrooke statements are full of underlying threat. You know what bullies need.
"He stressed that the question of Kosovo’s status had ended for the U.S. with Washington’s recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence."
It may have ended for the US, but it certainly is far from ended for Belgrade, Moscow, Beijing and a thousand precedence-seeking seccessionists on this globe!
As for EU membership which Holbrooke assumed Serbia would die for, I do not see it as a prerequisite for economic properity. If anything, being in the EU in reality means being a slave to the economic dictates of the likes of Germany, the UK and France. Belgrade would lose her economic sovereignty.
I would predict that in the long-run it might be wiser for Serbia to become EU's independent linking pin with Moscow and Asia. Look at Switzerland, she is surrounded by EU countries but is not a member. And as a non-member, she is not bounded by economic pressures and "reforms" mandated by the Germans, Brits and French -- and so was able to adopt the best economic and financial policies to her own benefit.
Everything this man is saying is a lie and hypocracy. Except that US policy towards Serbia won't change no matter who the president is. US democracy works in such way that you can only choose the person to carry out the policy, but you can't choose the policy itself. It remains the same.
But, everything below is just a hypocracy.
"...America expected problems in north Kosovo “especially after we realized that Russia would not lead a moderate policy regarding Kosovo.”
But, recognazing unilateral independence declaration is a moderate policy? Then we could say that Americans don't have moderate policy when it comes to Abhazia that split with Georgia 15 years ago.
“...respecting two principles: the maximum protection of the Serbs in Kosovo, and Kosovo’s unalterable borders.”
Why are Kosovo's borders unalterable, and Serbia's are not?
As for Bosnia "...Republic of Srpska was a part of Bosnia-Herzegovina and that “the Dayton Accords clearly state that it has no right to secession.”
Resolution 1244 also clearly states that Kosovo has no right to secession, so please, keep your legality for yourself.
The current presidential candidates here in NY have all full-heartedly expressed their support for Kosova's independence, and their intetnion to come to it's support militarily should it need it. Barack Obama was especially clear on this latter point. I am proud to be an American Albanian,and thankful to America for helping the Albanian nation at its darkest hour in 1913 and 1999.
I can't believe that Serbia let Richard Holbrooke into the country. This politically challenged individual should be arrested and charged with war crimes against Serbia. I disagree with his statement that Serbs and Albanians should have dialogue. Dialogue has only proven to fail and all communication should halt. It is inevitable that the Serbs from southern Kosovo will be ethnically cleansed from their respective territories. The only immediate solution is to relocate them to Northern Kosovo and protect them in the interim. His comment about Russia being moderate about the whole situation can be summed up with his following statement
"“No revisions of the U.S.’s position are possible and everyone knows that."
Clearly he is biased and his entire interview is full of threats and hatred for the Serbian people. The present and past war is about the Serbs vs the Americans and has nothing to do with Serbs vs Albanians.
All former states should be ethnically homegenous. Oh wait, they are already, except for Serbia.
I don't really think that the Serbian electorate desire a lesson in "western values" from the likes of Richard Holbrooke. I'm not even certian why his commentary is news worthy as he holds no official title or portfolio. perhaps B92 or another poster would describe why Mr. Holbrookes promises of western values and threats of isolation are news worthy?
"He stressed that the question of Kosovo’s status had ended for the U.S. with Washington’s recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence."
This guy is living in a dreamworld if he thinks this is the case. The Kosovo status is over once all parties involved say so, and we are far from bieng in this status.
While the US policy with regards to Serbia may not change after the May elections, Serbia's policy towards US (and consequently EU) definetly will.
Of course US policy against Serbia will continue, now even more so since Serbia will soon elect a nationalist government. This means US will have to use more millitary resources to get what they want from Serbia.
This guy is putting himself around at the moment. The other day he said in relation to Kosovo:
"the fact that independence has not happened as peacefully as people had hoped, is the direct result of the incitement to violence by extremist elements in Belgrade, implicitly and privately supported by the Russians."
As one of the architects of NATO's destruction of Serbia he has some neck to talk about things happening "peacefully".
Also, he wasn't too concerned about "extremist elements" when he was up to his neck in the Indonesian campaign of mass-murder in East Timor.
He's obviously dusting down his CV in the hope that Hilary Clinton will be next president of the US. God help us.
Also, he wasn't too concerned about "extremist elements" when he was up to his neck in the Indonesian
If the US government never had a beef with the Serbian people, only Milosevic, and Milosevic has been dead a while now, why is it still punishing Serbia. Holbrooke is one of the worst Criminals of all. He along with Albright and Clark should stand in Jail for the illegal bombing of Serbia. By the way, I noticed that leading US papers, including the Washington Post, didn't write articles on the anniversary of the US bombing. American media does everything it can to have its people forget the past. So much for a free people!
What European values? From the policy towards Serbia, it doesn't appear Europe has any.
No Serb in their right mind would listen anything Holbrooke has to say. Why is this man even allowed to enter Serbia?
This is just mare psychological bullying and blackmail. It looks like the Holbrook's and other empire cronies greatly lack comprehantion ability. Serbia does not want Europe. It does not need it, or its rotten carrot.
"“Kosovo is lost for good, and Serbia can now lose Europe for good as well,” Holbrook said."
Actually, Mr H, the law does not support your theory. Kosovo is still legally part of Serbia and by trying to take this shortcut without Belgrade's approval, all that's happened is a delay in sorting things out properly.
But it seems that this is exactly what is hoped for by the US and probably why you've been wheeled out.
Serbia is already part of Europe, and the EU is not all it's cracked up to be, especially now that membership has been so politicised and it has become so disjointed.
You on the other hand, Mr Holbrooke, represent a country which is most certainly not in Europe and which has no business trying to redraw European borders.
Holbrooke, the "architect" who rewarded genocide in Bosnia by inventing "Srbska Republica" entity to appease Serbian criminals on their wholesale slaughter of Bosnian Moslems should be ashamed of himself.And now he's a changed man by supporting Kosova's independence after Milosevic's death because he wasn't able to use us as bargaining chip in negotiations anymore.His career was advance by trading in our struggle for freedom.He must eliminate the "Republica" and at max only grant Serb an autonmous status.
Well, he is right! That's what is going to happen if Serbia doesn't change its own politics towards Kosovo. For a better future, join the EU, now is the time.
It is idiotic to say that the US has never been in conflict with the Serbian people, which is contradicted even by his statements against the Serbian Republic in Bosnia. All the US has done is against the Serbs: it has murdered so many Serbs with their bombing, destroyed a flourishing economy and continues to bully them into the EU (which is nothing but a wet dream) and abandon land.
They all make it sound like it's done, the day the US will leave the region, we'll see...
This man should be told that he represents nobody at the moment and that his Clinton buddies won’t be taking over the power in the USA. He is just irrelevant person with criminal past.
As for changing policy towards Serbia we don’t expect any changes, indeed. WE learnt who we are dealing with.
But it seems that they are really very upset by Russia siding with Serbia in regard to Kosovo issue. They did not expect morally superior Putin to firmly oppose USA’s imperialistic policy. They definitely did not count on obstacles coming from Russia, perhaps they calculated it will be easy to bribe Putin as they used to bribe Yeltsin with bottle of vodka.
Mr Holbrook, just watch how the USA Empire will disappear over the night in quite near future. Then you won’t be having any chances to say anything about Explosive Northern Kosovo which we will be functionally separated from Pristina and no need to mention that it is only a question of the years when Republika Srpska will join Serbia as well as complete Kosovo. It might take, 5,10,15 years, but it will happen.
"“Kosovo is lost for good, and Serbia can now lose Europe for good as well,” Holbrook said. "
- a statement by the former 'US' ambassador who has shown nothing but contempt and deceit in all matters regarding Serbia and Serbs throughout former Yugoslavia. Since when did Holbrooke elect himself as head of the EU???
Is EU policy so dictated by US policy that what dictats by a former and 'unelected' US politician and hardly a diplomat sets the EU agenda???
If that is the reality of joing in the EU i.e. US dominance/subservience then I guess many in the EU will be displeased let alone putting off potential candidates!
I very much doubt any Serbian gives a toss to the words of such a *"%?! (please use your own expletive). In fact if anything it is more then likely he gives a signal to any Serb to act in the totally opposite way for Serbia's real and best interest at the heart of Serbia - for Kosovo & Metohija!
Holbrooke is always good for a few soundbytes and extremist statements, but that's about the extent of his limited capacity to act as a distinguished statesmen. With the defeat of Hillary in the primaries, he will, God willing, remain the armchair diplomat he is, writing scathing editorials in the Washington Post and occassionally appearing on CNN to give his "expert opinion". I never really had respect for a man who got all the knowledge he claims to possess on the Balkans by reading Robert Kaplan's Balkan Ghosts and taking Huntington's Clash of Civilizations theory to literal heart. He's also someone who threw his lot in with the Albanian side a long time ago and is completely incapable of looking objectively at the Balkans. A self-proclaimed "savior" of the region, he's one of Washington's most overrated statesmen, and I continue to be at a loss as to why he's consulted so many times on Serbia when he clearly has an axe to grind with them.
The one thing I'll give him is his correct assessment of Milosevic and Kostunica. At one point he said Milosevic used nationalism as a means to a greater end, while Kostunica uses nationalism as an end itself. With that in mind, he should be the first to realize that Belgrade will not "get over" Kosovo as he thinks. The Frankenstein that is Kosovo today still has lots of nails sticking up and exposed wires. Why not fix them now, rather than let this monstrosity run amok? But God forbid Holbrook should ever bow to another power, least of all some Slavic power.
It is idiotic to say that the US has never been in conflict with the Serbian people, which is contradicted even by his statements against the Serbian Republic in Bosnia. All the US has done is against the Serbs: it has murdered so many Serbs with their bombing, destroyed a flourishing economy and continues to bully them into the EU (which is nothing but a wet dream) and abandon land.
They all make it sound like it's done, the day the US will leave the region, we'll see...
This man should be told that he represents nobody at the moment and that his Clinton buddies won’t be taking over the power in the USA. He is just irrelevant person with criminal past.
As for changing policy towards Serbia we don’t expect any changes, indeed. WE learnt who we are dealing with.
But it seems that they are really very upset by Russia siding with Serbia in regard to Kosovo issue. They did not expect morally superior Putin to firmly oppose USA’s imperialistic policy. They definitely did not count on obstacles coming from Russia, perhaps they calculated it will be easy to bribe Putin as they used to bribe Yeltsin with bottle of vodka.
Mr Holbrook, just watch how the USA Empire will disappear over the night in quite near future. Then you won’t be having any chances to say anything about Explosive Northern Kosovo which we will be functionally separated from Pristina and no need to mention that it is only a question of the years when Republika Srpska will join Serbia as well as complete Kosovo. It might take, 5,10,15 years, but it will happen.
"“Kosovo is lost for good, and Serbia can now lose Europe for good as well,” Holbrook said. "
- a statement by the former 'US' ambassador who has shown nothing but contempt and deceit in all matters regarding Serbia and Serbs throughout former Yugoslavia. Since when did Holbrooke elect himself as head of the EU???
Is EU policy so dictated by US policy that what dictats by a former and 'unelected' US politician and hardly a diplomat sets the EU agenda???
If that is the reality of joing in the EU i.e. US dominance/subservience then I guess many in the EU will be displeased let alone putting off potential candidates!
I very much doubt any Serbian gives a toss to the words of such a *"%?! (please use your own expletive). In fact if anything it is more then likely he gives a signal to any Serb to act in the totally opposite way for Serbia's real and best interest at the heart of Serbia - for Kosovo & Metohija!
Holbrooke is always good for a few soundbytes and extremist statements, but that's about the extent of his limited capacity to act as a distinguished statesmen. With the defeat of Hillary in the primaries, he will, God willing, remain the armchair diplomat he is, writing scathing editorials in the Washington Post and occassionally appearing on CNN to give his "expert opinion". I never really had respect for a man who got all the knowledge he claims to possess on the Balkans by reading Robert Kaplan's Balkan Ghosts and taking Huntington's Clash of Civilizations theory to literal heart. He's also someone who threw his lot in with the Albanian side a long time ago and is completely incapable of looking objectively at the Balkans. A self-proclaimed "savior" of the region, he's one of Washington's most overrated statesmen, and I continue to be at a loss as to why he's consulted so many times on Serbia when he clearly has an axe to grind with them.
The one thing I'll give him is his correct assessment of Milosevic and Kostunica. At one point he said Milosevic used nationalism as a means to a greater end, while Kostunica uses nationalism as an end itself. With that in mind, he should be the first to realize that Belgrade will not "get over" Kosovo as he thinks. The Frankenstein that is Kosovo today still has lots of nails sticking up and exposed wires. Why not fix them now, rather than let this monstrosity run amok? But God forbid Holbrook should ever bow to another power, least of all some Slavic power.
I can't believe that Serbia let Richard Holbrooke into the country. This politically challenged individual should be arrested and charged with war crimes against Serbia. I disagree with his statement that Serbs and Albanians should have dialogue. Dialogue has only proven to fail and all communication should halt. It is inevitable that the Serbs from southern Kosovo will be ethnically cleansed from their respective territories. The only immediate solution is to relocate them to Northern Kosovo and protect them in the interim. His comment about Russia being moderate about the whole situation can be summed up with his following statement
"“No revisions of the U.S.’s position are possible and everyone knows that."
Clearly he is biased and his entire interview is full of threats and hatred for the Serbian people. The present and past war is about the Serbs vs the Americans and has nothing to do with Serbs vs Albanians.
All former states should be ethnically homegenous. Oh wait, they are already, except for Serbia.
This guy is putting himself around at the moment. The other day he said in relation to Kosovo:
"the fact that independence has not happened as peacefully as people had hoped, is the direct result of the incitement to violence by extremist elements in Belgrade, implicitly and privately supported by the Russians."
As one of the architects of NATO's destruction of Serbia he has some neck to talk about things happening "peacefully".
Also, he wasn't too concerned about "extremist elements" when he was up to his neck in the Indonesian campaign of mass-murder in East Timor.
He's obviously dusting down his CV in the hope that Hilary Clinton will be next president of the US. God help us.
Also, he wasn't too concerned about "extremist elements" when he was up to his neck in the Indonesian
Mr. Holbrooke, let me make this very clear to you, as someone representing the views of the vast majority of Serbs. You are responsible for the planning and executing of the ethnic cleansing of the entire Serbian population in Krajina. That is a war crime, and you should be sitting in jail, and God willing, you will some day.
Serbs really don't care what you have to say, because they know how much of a hate-monger you are against their nation.
As for Kosovo, forget about it, it will never be independent and Serbs will never accept this, ever.
As for Republika Srpska, it is only a matte of time before that fake state of Bosnia splinters, and you well know that Croats want no part of it either. The majority in Bosnia do not want the country to exist.
Tu summarize, your policies in the Balkans are a disaster. You are a complete failure and a man lacking any morals or scruples. It is people like you that make 'America' a dirty word around the world.
As for the EU, Serbs want nothing to do with it. We are better off independent.
What European values? From the policy towards Serbia, it doesn't appear Europe has any.
No Serb in their right mind would listen anything Holbrooke has to say. Why is this man even allowed to enter Serbia?
This is just mare psychological bullying and blackmail. It looks like the Holbrook's and other empire cronies greatly lack comprehantion ability. Serbia does not want Europe. It does not need it, or its rotten carrot.
If the US government never had a beef with the Serbian people, only Milosevic, and Milosevic has been dead a while now, why is it still punishing Serbia. Holbrooke is one of the worst Criminals of all. He along with Albright and Clark should stand in Jail for the illegal bombing of Serbia. By the way, I noticed that leading US papers, including the Washington Post, didn't write articles on the anniversary of the US bombing. American media does everything it can to have its people forget the past. So much for a free people!
I am proud to be an American Albanian,and thankful to America for helping the Albanian nation at its darkest hour in 1913 and 1999.
(Sidi, 25 March 2008 13:45)
Are you also proud as an Albanian American when Albania along with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany declared war on the United States in 1941?
I don't really think that the Serbian electorate desire a lesson in "western values" from the likes of Richard Holbrooke. I'm not even certian why his commentary is news worthy as he holds no official title or portfolio. perhaps B92 or another poster would describe why Mr. Holbrookes promises of western values and threats of isolation are news worthy?
"“Kosovo is lost for good, and Serbia can now lose Europe for good as well,” Holbrook said."
Actually, Mr H, the law does not support your theory. Kosovo is still legally part of Serbia and by trying to take this shortcut without Belgrade's approval, all that's happened is a delay in sorting things out properly.
But it seems that this is exactly what is hoped for by the US and probably why you've been wheeled out.
Serbia is already part of Europe, and the EU is not all it's cracked up to be, especially now that membership has been so politicised and it has become so disjointed.
You on the other hand, Mr Holbrooke, represent a country which is most certainly not in Europe and which has no business trying to redraw European borders.
Richard Holbrooke is rightly described in a published article as “arrogant, ambitious, pushy, relentless, argumentative, ego-obsessed, social-climbing, and just plain rude". In the same piece it is reported that Holbrooke hosted a private dinner with Wesley Clark and George Soros as guests. Very telling!
Career politicians, like Holbrooke, never truly go away; they just keep popping up like gophers sneaking out of a hole, hoping to be appointed again to another position in order to feed their insatiable egos.
Holbrooke’s comments today to do not surprise me.
I am reminded of former President Bill Clinton's Energy Secretary, Bill Richardson’s comments way back in 1999.
Richardson, who recently backed presidential candidate, Barak Obama, stabbing the Clintons in the back, spelled out America’s Balkan policy a few months prior to the 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia:
"This is about America's energy security… It's also about preventing strategic inroads by those who don't share our values. We're trying to move these newly independent countries toward the West… We would like to see them reliant on western commercial and political interests rather than going another way. We've made a substantial political investment in the Caspian, and it's very important to us that both the pipeline map and the politics come out right."
The US is just continuing their rampage in the Balkans as part of their long established foreign policy.
Everything this man is saying is a lie and hypocracy. Except that US policy towards Serbia won't change no matter who the president is. US democracy works in such way that you can only choose the person to carry out the policy, but you can't choose the policy itself. It remains the same.
But, everything below is just a hypocracy.
"...America expected problems in north Kosovo “especially after we realized that Russia would not lead a moderate policy regarding Kosovo.”
But, recognazing unilateral independence declaration is a moderate policy? Then we could say that Americans don't have moderate policy when it comes to Abhazia that split with Georgia 15 years ago.
“...respecting two principles: the maximum protection of the Serbs in Kosovo, and Kosovo’s unalterable borders.”
Why are Kosovo's borders unalterable, and Serbia's are not?
As for Bosnia "...Republic of Srpska was a part of Bosnia-Herzegovina and that “the Dayton Accords clearly state that it has no right to secession.”
Resolution 1244 also clearly states that Kosovo has no right to secession, so please, keep your legality for yourself.
Holbrooke and Milosevic have much in common. Both were and are bullies. Except Milosevic was brighter. These Hobrooke statements are full of underlying threat. You know what bullies need.
"He stressed that the question of Kosovo’s status had ended for the U.S. with Washington’s recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence."
This guy is living in a dreamworld if he thinks this is the case. The Kosovo status is over once all parties involved say so, and we are far from bieng in this status.
While the US policy with regards to Serbia may not change after the May elections, Serbia's policy towards US (and consequently EU) definetly will.
Of course US policy against Serbia will continue, now even more so since Serbia will soon elect a nationalist government. This means US will have to use more millitary resources to get what they want from Serbia.
"He stressed that the question of Kosovo’s status had ended for the U.S. with Washington’s recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence."
It may have ended for the US, but it certainly is far from ended for Belgrade, Moscow, Beijing and a thousand precedence-seeking seccessionists on this globe!
As for EU membership which Holbrooke assumed Serbia would die for, I do not see it as a prerequisite for economic properity. If anything, being in the EU in reality means being a slave to the economic dictates of the likes of Germany, the UK and France. Belgrade would lose her economic sovereignty.
I would predict that in the long-run it might be wiser for Serbia to become EU's independent linking pin with Moscow and Asia. Look at Switzerland, she is surrounded by EU countries but is not a member. And as a non-member, she is not bounded by economic pressures and "reforms" mandated by the Germans, Brits and French -- and so was able to adopt the best economic and financial policies to her own benefit.
Holbrook, have you not known that KOSOVO IS SERBIA? Everyone knows it so should you!
On the other hand, there is no point talking to a shameful politician about this disgraceful politics in Serbia? Looking forward to his disgraceful fall!
"US policy toward Serbia won't change". That is the only truthful statement I ever heard from Holbrooke. The anti-Serb policy of the US is now entrenched and no matter who the "figure head" it will not change short of a political revolution here. It is a sad state of affairs, but waiting on false hopes will not help the Serbian peoples. I remember when Bush was running in 2000 his election statements where almost pro-Serb (at least not anti-Serb), there was a lot of HOPE from Serbs here that he would reverse the Clinton policy, instead he ended up reinforcing it. I know when I'm not wanted (or respected) so should you!
I think most Serbs while understandably angry keep missing the point. It is not the American people, or US regimes that are against Serbia. It is the "Arabist" in Washington, or people on the Wahhabi payroll who do what is in the interest of Ummah, not America.
But, then for all your toughness you let this crook in your country. You guys need to trade with other sympathetic countries to build your economy and forget about joining EU, or Eurabia.
The west and the USA wanted Kosovo for their own just so they could have another NATO state in the Balkans. They want it for Kosovo's rich resources of coal and other valuable minerals and for strategic NATO positioning in the Balkans. Why else would they have built Camp Bondsteel there (The largest US airbase in the Balkans just happens to be in Kosovo)?
This man Holbrooke is a cold war relic. They're saying Serbia is stuck; but in reality, the Western countries' governments are those that are stuck in time. Frozen. They're the ones that are always challenging Russia and trying to isolate non NATO countries or non-alligned countries like its in the 1970s all over again. And their hiding from their own people the truth that our non-aligned-to-NATO countries can actually be pleasant places unlike how the western media describes these countries as.
If there happens to be some horrid apocalypse caused by World War in the near future, my money is on it that it will be caused by a stupid mistake made by a bunch of 60 year olds working for NATO or something. If we want to make this world a better place then everyones got to move on and stop dwelling on the hatred from the cold war. Americans and westerners alike should be lead and followed by younger people who are more open and are willing to learn about the world rather than some seniors like Holbrooke who will never admit there are things to be learned from western governments' mistakes.
I pray that a new era will begin. An era that won't be frozen in time like Holbrooke is.
I think it's good time to say that regardless of who wins the Parliamentals Serbia's policy towards the US will not change too. We also must take no prisoners !
The current presidential candidates here in NY have all full-heartedly expressed their support for Kosova's independence, and their intetnion to come to it's support militarily should it need it. Barack Obama was especially clear on this latter point. I am proud to be an American Albanian,and thankful to America for helping the Albanian nation at its darkest hour in 1913 and 1999.
hey dick, be a good sport. tell us where you have Karadzic hidden, so we can arrest him, so we can join the eu.
how's that :)
.. and then we have a few questions for you. if you'll come with us downtown, you know ;)
We shouldn't pay much attention to that "shadowy", materialistic figure - Mr.Holbrooke. He belongs to era that is long time overdue. In case Mr.Obama becomes next US president - I don't think opinions of Mr.Holbrooke and like will have much relevance. Except in case when looking in to the damage they caused in breakup of former Yugoslavia.
Holbrooke,You no longer have any position anywhere. You were a puppet controlled by the Clinton Government. The US & Nato bombed Serbia & made it look like another Lebanon. Do the Americans forget that the Serbs saved hundreds of US serviceman during WW2. And the Serb's fought with the allies during WW2, against German, Croat, Albanian. The US destroyed Yugoslavia & carved it all up.
I Mr. H that someone feeds that dayton accord to you. I expect that the RS will tear up that accord and reunify with Serbia the day the UN admits Kosovo into it's ranks as payback. It's not the myth of greater Serbia but a matter of time for a United Republic of Serbia where all it's citizens are welcome since we all know that Milosevic is not at the helm. Economically it makes alot of sence to pool economic/human resources with the 2 serb republics once the RS runs out of international Aid money. The strategy of divide and conquer won't last long on serbians.
Hollbrook’s predictions are only correct when supported by illegal use of air force, and or breaking every international law known to men. Politically he is a hack with very poor reputation on both sides of the ocean (if Depleted Uranium Diplomacy can even be considered politics). His mediocre career is based on his willingness to do the dirty work, a perfect match to his personality. Holbrook does not only hate Serbs, he despises them...and the feeling is mutual. In the perfect world he and Milosevic would have shared the prison cell. In this, imperfect one, he will fade into obscurity where he belongs.
Mr. Holbrooke is simply saying that the threats of Kostunica will not work.
If you want to choose between the EU and Russia this is your choice but this will change nothing towards Kosova or the region.
The real-politic of EU and US created R Srpska which never existed as an entity and was created by massive ethnic cleansing. Instead of being grateful for this to Hobrooke Serbs are calling him criminal.
As a mater a fact, Serbs never miss the chance to label as criminal everyone that is not in line with their hegemonic politic.
Forgetting that they have in Hague their entire political and military establishment. Starting from the President of the Republic; Prime Minister; the chief of the army; chief of the police; chief of the secret services; the local commanders in Kosova of their police and army; the chief of the opposition party (Seselj).
Instead of asking themselves hard questions but necessary to turn page and look forward to democratic values they continua with the old politics- the Seseljs radical party was and is the biggest party in Serbia, the vice-leader (the chief is in Hague) of the radical party almost won the Presidential elections but all this should be ignored and Kosova should remain within Serbia- because this is the “law” that says so- the “law” of Hague.
As far as memory invoked here by someone, you should not forget that the Kosovars memory will be at least for a day longer and the Kosovar’s love for freedom and the motherland will never die and this was proved during the history- the contrary yet needs to prove herself.
I understand the humour and critics used by Serb posters whenever Holbrook says something. I just want ask all of you Serb supporters were Holbrook’s predictions( if I may call them so) wrong and how far from the truth were his predictions so we can have a better understanding of this newspaper article.
I would like to add that he was never anti Serb as many of you say but he was anti Milosevic, he was against the regime that brought so much paint to Serb people as well, pain that most of Serb population are still going through.
Many postings in here that are supporting current Serbian regime I find them very insulting towards ordinary Serb, they are more insulting than any Albanian postings or Holbrook interview.
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
(ben, 25 March 2008 17:07)
The factual history seems to differ from the "entire world"
A link below from the NY Times and I quote:
"The Albanian puppet government declared war on the Allies in 1940;
Please bear in mind that Chamaria, Greece and Kosovo, Serbia were allowed to join facsist Albania by the German Nazi's.
King Zogu was first offered and granted asylum in Greece and then later in London but never formed an official exile governent unlike the Yugoslav monarchy under King Peter and Prince Paul and the Greek royal family.
Victor Emmanuel III was the constitution monarch head of fascist Albania.
The world would be much safer place if the U.S.A. became 50 + independent and sovereign countries with no central power ruling them from Washington. With the governors being presidents of their respectiful peoples that live in those territories. Where the rule of law would be respected in each state and its peoples. Where each state would have thir own foreign policy, central bank, passport, currency etc. Give true democracy a chance and give independence to Texas, California, Vermont etc.
The world would be a much safer place if the U.S.A. became 50+ sovereign and independent countries with no ties to Washington. Give peace a chance and recognize Texas as a sovereign and independent country first.
More scare tactics from US government officials. Two can play that game. Continue to ostracize Serbia from the international community and you just might have to deal with a country with nuclear arms. I hear Russia has quite a few. I'm sure Russia would be happy to sell a nuclear weapon to Serbia.
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
(ben, 25 March 2008 17:07)
Sorry to burst your bubble but King Zog fled to Italy and Mussoloni arranged a coup de etat to oust him.
Albania with limited resistance joined the Italian fascists and proceeded to invade Greece where they were promtly defeated as sent packing back to Albania. The Albanian fascist government delcared war on the United States as well as the Soviet Union among other nations.
Needless to say Albania throughout the 20th century was a colony of Italy.
Well, he is right! That's what is going to happen if Serbia doesn't change its own politics towards Kosovo. For a better future, join the EU, now is the time.
This guy is incredible, every time he opens the mouth, radicals are wining new supporters. He is one of the best assets they have, works much better then any propaganda they could think of.
Holbrooke, the "architect" who rewarded genocide in Bosnia by inventing "Srbska Republica" entity to appease Serbian criminals on their wholesale slaughter of Bosnian Moslems should be ashamed of himself.And now he's a changed man by supporting Kosova's independence after Milosevic's death because he wasn't able to use us as bargaining chip in negotiations anymore.His career was advance by trading in our struggle for freedom.He must eliminate the "Republica" and at max only grant Serb an autonmous status.
Holbrooke has said what needed to be said, plain and simple, Serbia has lost Kosovo for good, but from my point of view, Kosovo was never a part of Serbia. We just appreciate Mr. Holbrooke and United States for their support for my country. God bless America !!!
I hate to say it, but I think Halbroke is right. US policy towards the Balkans will not change with the change of administration. It will only change it there is some intervention from other superpowers.
Are you also proud as an Albanian American when Albania along with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany declared war on the United States in 1941?
(konstantin gregovic, 25 March 2008 15:30)
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
#8 Princip wrote:
'I very much doubt any Serbian gives a toss to the words of such a *"%?! (please use your own expletive).'
If you did not care, you and the rest of the usual Serbian contributers would not have bothered to enlighten us with your comments. Ask yourselves why is he against Serbian nationalism?
Unfortunately none of the U.S. presidential candidates will offer any positive solutions for Serbia on the question of Kosovo.
Newspapers report if Hillary Clinton is elected Holbrooke will probably be the Secretary of State.
McCain will continue Bush's policies in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. His wife recently met and was photographed with Hashim "the Snake" Thaci.
Link: http://www.serbianna.com/news/2008/01880.jpg
Obama would probably be the lesser of the 3 evils but he is an unknown and probably will not change U.S. policy towards Kosovo.
Interesting comment in an Op Ed in the New York Times, February 22, 2008:
Ljubica Gojgic, a leading Serbian commentator, noted that Mr. Milosevic had been overthrown by the Serbian people, who had recently put their faith in a newly elected moderate president, backed by the West. “If Tadic is good enough for the E.U. and Washington, why is he not acceptable to the Albanians in Kosovo?”
Well, he is right! That's what is going to happen if Serbia doesn't change its own politics towards Kosovo. For a better future, join the EU, now is the time.
The current presidential candidates here in NY have all full-heartedly expressed their support for Kosova's independence, and their intetnion to come to it's support militarily should it need it. Barack Obama was especially clear on this latter point. I am proud to be an American Albanian,and thankful to America for helping the Albanian nation at its darkest hour in 1913 and 1999.
Holbrooke, the "architect" who rewarded genocide in Bosnia by inventing "Srbska Republica" entity to appease Serbian criminals on their wholesale slaughter of Bosnian Moslems should be ashamed of himself.And now he's a changed man by supporting Kosova's independence after Milosevic's death because he wasn't able to use us as bargaining chip in negotiations anymore.His career was advance by trading in our struggle for freedom.He must eliminate the "Republica" and at max only grant Serb an autonmous status.
Holbrooke has said what needed to be said, plain and simple, Serbia has lost Kosovo for good, but from my point of view, Kosovo was never a part of Serbia. We just appreciate Mr. Holbrooke and United States for their support for my country. God bless America !!!
Mr. Holbrooke is simply saying that the threats of Kostunica will not work.
If you want to choose between the EU and Russia this is your choice but this will change nothing towards Kosova or the region.
The real-politic of EU and US created R Srpska which never existed as an entity and was created by massive ethnic cleansing. Instead of being grateful for this to Hobrooke Serbs are calling him criminal.
As a mater a fact, Serbs never miss the chance to label as criminal everyone that is not in line with their hegemonic politic.
Forgetting that they have in Hague their entire political and military establishment. Starting from the President of the Republic; Prime Minister; the chief of the army; chief of the police; chief of the secret services; the local commanders in Kosova of their police and army; the chief of the opposition party (Seselj).
Instead of asking themselves hard questions but necessary to turn page and look forward to democratic values they continua with the old politics- the Seseljs radical party was and is the biggest party in Serbia, the vice-leader (the chief is in Hague) of the radical party almost won the Presidential elections but all this should be ignored and Kosova should remain within Serbia- because this is the “law” that says so- the “law” of Hague.
As far as memory invoked here by someone, you should not forget that the Kosovars memory will be at least for a day longer and the Kosovar’s love for freedom and the motherland will never die and this was proved during the history- the contrary yet needs to prove herself.
I understand the humour and critics used by Serb posters whenever Holbrook says something. I just want ask all of you Serb supporters were Holbrook’s predictions( if I may call them so) wrong and how far from the truth were his predictions so we can have a better understanding of this newspaper article.
I would like to add that he was never anti Serb as many of you say but he was anti Milosevic, he was against the regime that brought so much paint to Serb people as well, pain that most of Serb population are still going through.
Many postings in here that are supporting current Serbian regime I find them very insulting towards ordinary Serb, they are more insulting than any Albanian postings or Holbrook interview.
#8 Princip wrote:
'I very much doubt any Serbian gives a toss to the words of such a *"%?! (please use your own expletive).'
If you did not care, you and the rest of the usual Serbian contributers would not have bothered to enlighten us with your comments. Ask yourselves why is he against Serbian nationalism?
I am proud to be an American Albanian,and thankful to America for helping the Albanian nation at its darkest hour in 1913 and 1999.
(Sidi, 25 March 2008 13:45)
Are you also proud as an Albanian American when Albania along with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany declared war on the United States in 1941?
Are you also proud as an Albanian American when Albania along with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany declared war on the United States in 1941?
(konstantin gregovic, 25 March 2008 15:30)
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
This man should be told that he represents nobody at the moment and that his Clinton buddies won’t be taking over the power in the USA. He is just irrelevant person with criminal past.
As for changing policy towards Serbia we don’t expect any changes, indeed. WE learnt who we are dealing with.
But it seems that they are really very upset by Russia siding with Serbia in regard to Kosovo issue. They did not expect morally superior Putin to firmly oppose USA’s imperialistic policy. They definitely did not count on obstacles coming from Russia, perhaps they calculated it will be easy to bribe Putin as they used to bribe Yeltsin with bottle of vodka.
Mr Holbrook, just watch how the USA Empire will disappear over the night in quite near future. Then you won’t be having any chances to say anything about Explosive Northern Kosovo which we will be functionally separated from Pristina and no need to mention that it is only a question of the years when Republika Srpska will join Serbia as well as complete Kosovo. It might take, 5,10,15 years, but it will happen.
Holbrooke and Milosevic have much in common. Both were and are bullies. Except Milosevic was brighter. These Hobrooke statements are full of underlying threat. You know what bullies need.
It is idiotic to say that the US has never been in conflict with the Serbian people, which is contradicted even by his statements against the Serbian Republic in Bosnia. All the US has done is against the Serbs: it has murdered so many Serbs with their bombing, destroyed a flourishing economy and continues to bully them into the EU (which is nothing but a wet dream) and abandon land.
They all make it sound like it's done, the day the US will leave the region, we'll see...
"“Kosovo is lost for good, and Serbia can now lose Europe for good as well,” Holbrook said. "
- a statement by the former 'US' ambassador who has shown nothing but contempt and deceit in all matters regarding Serbia and Serbs throughout former Yugoslavia. Since when did Holbrooke elect himself as head of the EU???
Is EU policy so dictated by US policy that what dictats by a former and 'unelected' US politician and hardly a diplomat sets the EU agenda???
If that is the reality of joing in the EU i.e. US dominance/subservience then I guess many in the EU will be displeased let alone putting off potential candidates!
I very much doubt any Serbian gives a toss to the words of such a *"%?! (please use your own expletive). In fact if anything it is more then likely he gives a signal to any Serb to act in the totally opposite way for Serbia's real and best interest at the heart of Serbia - for Kosovo & Metohija!
This guy is putting himself around at the moment. The other day he said in relation to Kosovo:
"the fact that independence has not happened as peacefully as people had hoped, is the direct result of the incitement to violence by extremist elements in Belgrade, implicitly and privately supported by the Russians."
As one of the architects of NATO's destruction of Serbia he has some neck to talk about things happening "peacefully".
Also, he wasn't too concerned about "extremist elements" when he was up to his neck in the Indonesian campaign of mass-murder in East Timor.
He's obviously dusting down his CV in the hope that Hilary Clinton will be next president of the US. God help us.
Also, he wasn't too concerned about "extremist elements" when he was up to his neck in the Indonesian
If the US government never had a beef with the Serbian people, only Milosevic, and Milosevic has been dead a while now, why is it still punishing Serbia. Holbrooke is one of the worst Criminals of all. He along with Albright and Clark should stand in Jail for the illegal bombing of Serbia. By the way, I noticed that leading US papers, including the Washington Post, didn't write articles on the anniversary of the US bombing. American media does everything it can to have its people forget the past. So much for a free people!
"“Kosovo is lost for good, and Serbia can now lose Europe for good as well,” Holbrook said."
Actually, Mr H, the law does not support your theory. Kosovo is still legally part of Serbia and by trying to take this shortcut without Belgrade's approval, all that's happened is a delay in sorting things out properly.
But it seems that this is exactly what is hoped for by the US and probably why you've been wheeled out.
Serbia is already part of Europe, and the EU is not all it's cracked up to be, especially now that membership has been so politicised and it has become so disjointed.
You on the other hand, Mr Holbrooke, represent a country which is most certainly not in Europe and which has no business trying to redraw European borders.
I don't really think that the Serbian electorate desire a lesson in "western values" from the likes of Richard Holbrooke. I'm not even certian why his commentary is news worthy as he holds no official title or portfolio. perhaps B92 or another poster would describe why Mr. Holbrookes promises of western values and threats of isolation are news worthy?
Richard Holbrooke is rightly described in a published article as “arrogant, ambitious, pushy, relentless, argumentative, ego-obsessed, social-climbing, and just plain rude". In the same piece it is reported that Holbrooke hosted a private dinner with Wesley Clark and George Soros as guests. Very telling!
Career politicians, like Holbrooke, never truly go away; they just keep popping up like gophers sneaking out of a hole, hoping to be appointed again to another position in order to feed their insatiable egos.
Holbrooke’s comments today to do not surprise me.
I am reminded of former President Bill Clinton's Energy Secretary, Bill Richardson’s comments way back in 1999.
Richardson, who recently backed presidential candidate, Barak Obama, stabbing the Clintons in the back, spelled out America’s Balkan policy a few months prior to the 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia:
"This is about America's energy security… It's also about preventing strategic inroads by those who don't share our values. We're trying to move these newly independent countries toward the West… We would like to see them reliant on western commercial and political interests rather than going another way. We've made a substantial political investment in the Caspian, and it's very important to us that both the pipeline map and the politics come out right."
The US is just continuing their rampage in the Balkans as part of their long established foreign policy.
hey dick, be a good sport. tell us where you have Karadzic hidden, so we can arrest him, so we can join the eu.
how's that :)
.. and then we have a few questions for you. if you'll come with us downtown, you know ;)
The world would be much safer place if the U.S.A. became 50 + independent and sovereign countries with no central power ruling them from Washington. With the governors being presidents of their respectiful peoples that live in those territories. Where the rule of law would be respected in each state and its peoples. Where each state would have thir own foreign policy, central bank, passport, currency etc. Give true democracy a chance and give independence to Texas, California, Vermont etc.
The world would be a much safer place if the U.S.A. became 50+ sovereign and independent countries with no ties to Washington. Give peace a chance and recognize Texas as a sovereign and independent country first.
Holbrooke,You no longer have any position anywhere. You were a puppet controlled by the Clinton Government. The US & Nato bombed Serbia & made it look like another Lebanon. Do the Americans forget that the Serbs saved hundreds of US serviceman during WW2. And the Serb's fought with the allies during WW2, against German, Croat, Albanian. The US destroyed Yugoslavia & carved it all up.
Mr. Holbrooke, let me make this very clear to you, as someone representing the views of the vast majority of Serbs. You are responsible for the planning and executing of the ethnic cleansing of the entire Serbian population in Krajina. That is a war crime, and you should be sitting in jail, and God willing, you will some day.
Serbs really don't care what you have to say, because they know how much of a hate-monger you are against their nation.
As for Kosovo, forget about it, it will never be independent and Serbs will never accept this, ever.
As for Republika Srpska, it is only a matte of time before that fake state of Bosnia splinters, and you well know that Croats want no part of it either. The majority in Bosnia do not want the country to exist.
Tu summarize, your policies in the Balkans are a disaster. You are a complete failure and a man lacking any morals or scruples. It is people like you that make 'America' a dirty word around the world.
As for the EU, Serbs want nothing to do with it. We are better off independent.
I think it's good time to say that regardless of who wins the Parliamentals Serbia's policy towards the US will not change too. We also must take no prisoners !
Holbrooke is always good for a few soundbytes and extremist statements, but that's about the extent of his limited capacity to act as a distinguished statesmen. With the defeat of Hillary in the primaries, he will, God willing, remain the armchair diplomat he is, writing scathing editorials in the Washington Post and occassionally appearing on CNN to give his "expert opinion". I never really had respect for a man who got all the knowledge he claims to possess on the Balkans by reading Robert Kaplan's Balkan Ghosts and taking Huntington's Clash of Civilizations theory to literal heart. He's also someone who threw his lot in with the Albanian side a long time ago and is completely incapable of looking objectively at the Balkans. A self-proclaimed "savior" of the region, he's one of Washington's most overrated statesmen, and I continue to be at a loss as to why he's consulted so many times on Serbia when he clearly has an axe to grind with them.
The one thing I'll give him is his correct assessment of Milosevic and Kostunica. At one point he said Milosevic used nationalism as a means to a greater end, while Kostunica uses nationalism as an end itself. With that in mind, he should be the first to realize that Belgrade will not "get over" Kosovo as he thinks. The Frankenstein that is Kosovo today still has lots of nails sticking up and exposed wires. Why not fix them now, rather than let this monstrosity run amok? But God forbid Holbrook should ever bow to another power, least of all some Slavic power.
What European values? From the policy towards Serbia, it doesn't appear Europe has any.
No Serb in their right mind would listen anything Holbrooke has to say. Why is this man even allowed to enter Serbia?
This is just mare psychological bullying and blackmail. It looks like the Holbrook's and other empire cronies greatly lack comprehantion ability. Serbia does not want Europe. It does not need it, or its rotten carrot.
"He stressed that the question of Kosovo’s status had ended for the U.S. with Washington’s recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence."
This guy is living in a dreamworld if he thinks this is the case. The Kosovo status is over once all parties involved say so, and we are far from bieng in this status.
While the US policy with regards to Serbia may not change after the May elections, Serbia's policy towards US (and consequently EU) definetly will.
Of course US policy against Serbia will continue, now even more so since Serbia will soon elect a nationalist government. This means US will have to use more millitary resources to get what they want from Serbia.
Everything this man is saying is a lie and hypocracy. Except that US policy towards Serbia won't change no matter who the president is. US democracy works in such way that you can only choose the person to carry out the policy, but you can't choose the policy itself. It remains the same.
But, everything below is just a hypocracy.
"...America expected problems in north Kosovo “especially after we realized that Russia would not lead a moderate policy regarding Kosovo.”
But, recognazing unilateral independence declaration is a moderate policy? Then we could say that Americans don't have moderate policy when it comes to Abhazia that split with Georgia 15 years ago.
“...respecting two principles: the maximum protection of the Serbs in Kosovo, and Kosovo’s unalterable borders.”
Why are Kosovo's borders unalterable, and Serbia's are not?
As for Bosnia "...Republic of Srpska was a part of Bosnia-Herzegovina and that “the Dayton Accords clearly state that it has no right to secession.”
Resolution 1244 also clearly states that Kosovo has no right to secession, so please, keep your legality for yourself.
I can't believe that Serbia let Richard Holbrooke into the country. This politically challenged individual should be arrested and charged with war crimes against Serbia. I disagree with his statement that Serbs and Albanians should have dialogue. Dialogue has only proven to fail and all communication should halt. It is inevitable that the Serbs from southern Kosovo will be ethnically cleansed from their respective territories. The only immediate solution is to relocate them to Northern Kosovo and protect them in the interim. His comment about Russia being moderate about the whole situation can be summed up with his following statement
"“No revisions of the U.S.’s position are possible and everyone knows that."
Clearly he is biased and his entire interview is full of threats and hatred for the Serbian people. The present and past war is about the Serbs vs the Americans and has nothing to do with Serbs vs Albanians.
All former states should be ethnically homegenous. Oh wait, they are already, except for Serbia.
"He stressed that the question of Kosovo’s status had ended for the U.S. with Washington’s recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence."
It may have ended for the US, but it certainly is far from ended for Belgrade, Moscow, Beijing and a thousand precedence-seeking seccessionists on this globe!
As for EU membership which Holbrooke assumed Serbia would die for, I do not see it as a prerequisite for economic properity. If anything, being in the EU in reality means being a slave to the economic dictates of the likes of Germany, the UK and France. Belgrade would lose her economic sovereignty.
I would predict that in the long-run it might be wiser for Serbia to become EU's independent linking pin with Moscow and Asia. Look at Switzerland, she is surrounded by EU countries but is not a member. And as a non-member, she is not bounded by economic pressures and "reforms" mandated by the Germans, Brits and French -- and so was able to adopt the best economic and financial policies to her own benefit.
Holbrook, have you not known that KOSOVO IS SERBIA? Everyone knows it so should you!
On the other hand, there is no point talking to a shameful politician about this disgraceful politics in Serbia? Looking forward to his disgraceful fall!
I hate to say it, but I think Halbroke is right. US policy towards the Balkans will not change with the change of administration. It will only change it there is some intervention from other superpowers.
Hollbrook’s predictions are only correct when supported by illegal use of air force, and or breaking every international law known to men. Politically he is a hack with very poor reputation on both sides of the ocean (if Depleted Uranium Diplomacy can even be considered politics). His mediocre career is based on his willingness to do the dirty work, a perfect match to his personality. Holbrook does not only hate Serbs, he despises them...and the feeling is mutual. In the perfect world he and Milosevic would have shared the prison cell. In this, imperfect one, he will fade into obscurity where he belongs.
I Mr. H that someone feeds that dayton accord to you. I expect that the RS will tear up that accord and reunify with Serbia the day the UN admits Kosovo into it's ranks as payback. It's not the myth of greater Serbia but a matter of time for a United Republic of Serbia where all it's citizens are welcome since we all know that Milosevic is not at the helm. Economically it makes alot of sence to pool economic/human resources with the 2 serb republics once the RS runs out of international Aid money. The strategy of divide and conquer won't last long on serbians.
More scare tactics from US government officials. Two can play that game. Continue to ostracize Serbia from the international community and you just might have to deal with a country with nuclear arms. I hear Russia has quite a few. I'm sure Russia would be happy to sell a nuclear weapon to Serbia.
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
(ben, 25 March 2008 17:07)
Sorry to burst your bubble but King Zog fled to Italy and Mussoloni arranged a coup de etat to oust him.
Albania with limited resistance joined the Italian fascists and proceeded to invade Greece where they were promtly defeated as sent packing back to Albania. The Albanian fascist government delcared war on the United States as well as the Soviet Union among other nations.
Needless to say Albania throughout the 20th century was a colony of Italy.
When that happened??
The entire world knows that Musolini invaded Albania in 1939. Who was that Albo Gov.t that declared a war?? The Gov.t of King Zogu was exiled and in 1941 the King Zogu was in LONDON Gregovic OK?
(ben, 25 March 2008 17:07)
The factual history seems to differ from the "entire world"
A link below from the NY Times and I quote:
"The Albanian puppet government declared war on the Allies in 1940;
Please bear in mind that Chamaria, Greece and Kosovo, Serbia were allowed to join facsist Albania by the German Nazi's.
King Zogu was first offered and granted asylum in Greece and then later in London but never formed an official exile governent unlike the Yugoslav monarchy under King Peter and Prince Paul and the Greek royal family.
Victor Emmanuel III was the constitution monarch head of fascist Albania.
"US policy toward Serbia won't change". That is the only truthful statement I ever heard from Holbrooke. The anti-Serb policy of the US is now entrenched and no matter who the "figure head" it will not change short of a political revolution here. It is a sad state of affairs, but waiting on false hopes will not help the Serbian peoples. I remember when Bush was running in 2000 his election statements where almost pro-Serb (at least not anti-Serb), there was a lot of HOPE from Serbs here that he would reverse the Clinton policy, instead he ended up reinforcing it. I know when I'm not wanted (or respected) so should you!
We shouldn't pay much attention to that "shadowy", materialistic figure - Mr.Holbrooke. He belongs to era that is long time overdue. In case Mr.Obama becomes next US president - I don't think opinions of Mr.Holbrooke and like will have much relevance. Except in case when looking in to the damage they caused in breakup of former Yugoslavia.
The west and the USA wanted Kosovo for their own just so they could have another NATO state in the Balkans. They want it for Kosovo's rich resources of coal and other valuable minerals and for strategic NATO positioning in the Balkans. Why else would they have built Camp Bondsteel there (The largest US airbase in the Balkans just happens to be in Kosovo)?
This man Holbrooke is a cold war relic. They're saying Serbia is stuck; but in reality, the Western countries' governments are those that are stuck in time. Frozen. They're the ones that are always challenging Russia and trying to isolate non NATO countries or non-alligned countries like its in the 1970s all over again. And their hiding from their own people the truth that our non-aligned-to-NATO countries can actually be pleasant places unlike how the western media describes these countries as.
If there happens to be some horrid apocalypse caused by World War in the near future, my money is on it that it will be caused by a stupid mistake made by a bunch of 60 year olds working for NATO or something. If we want to make this world a better place then everyones got to move on and stop dwelling on the hatred from the cold war. Americans and westerners alike should be lead and followed by younger people who are more open and are willing to learn about the world rather than some seniors like Holbrooke who will never admit there are things to be learned from western governments' mistakes.
I pray that a new era will begin. An era that won't be frozen in time like Holbrooke is.
I think most Serbs while understandably angry keep missing the point. It is not the American people, or US regimes that are against Serbia. It is the "Arabist" in Washington, or people on the Wahhabi payroll who do what is in the interest of Ummah, not America.
But, then for all your toughness you let this crook in your country. You guys need to trade with other sympathetic countries to build your economy and forget about joining EU, or Eurabia.
This guy is incredible, every time he opens the mouth, radicals are wining new supporters. He is one of the best assets they have, works much better then any propaganda they could think of.
Unfortunately none of the U.S. presidential candidates will offer any positive solutions for Serbia on the question of Kosovo.
Newspapers report if Hillary Clinton is elected Holbrooke will probably be the Secretary of State.
McCain will continue Bush's policies in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. His wife recently met and was photographed with Hashim "the Snake" Thaci.
Link: http://www.serbianna.com/news/2008/01880.jpg
Obama would probably be the lesser of the 3 evils but he is an unknown and probably will not change U.S. policy towards Kosovo.
Interesting comment in an Op Ed in the New York Times, February 22, 2008:
Ljubica Gojgic, a leading Serbian commentator, noted that Mr. Milosevic had been overthrown by the Serbian people, who had recently put their faith in a newly elected moderate president, backed by the West. “If Tadic is good enough for the E.U. and Washington, why is he not acceptable to the Albanians in Kosovo?”
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