Russia warns EU not to deploy EULEX by force

Ahmet,

Seriously? Russia is in no position whatsoever?

Does this give them some influence. . .Russia has the world's largest natural gas reserves, the second largest coal reserves and the eighth largest oil reserves. It is the world's leading natural gas exporter and the second leading oil exporter.

No? How about this. . .Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world. In 2006, the military had 1.037 million personnel on active duty.

Albanians can't stand the fact that the Superpower in our corner shares our faith, culture and heritage. While their American sponsors share. . .ah?. . .ah?. . .it's not the culture. It's certainly not religion. . wait it'll come to me. . .I got it!. . .their disdain for the Russians (and by extension, the Serbs).

Admit it. . .you, like the rest of us, are well aware that there is no American loyalty to the Albanians. That their support will shift depending on the next best offer or shifts in national policy.

That would make it difficult to sleep soundly at night. . .one day you're going to run out of whatever it is they want. . .

TO : Luigi

============================
Russian are playing their games they care more of what they can earn in Belgrade ... if you read their press they give already lost.. Dasvidania
==========================

I read the Russian press every day ! Nothing of the kind ! We are going to win or at least to gain an acceptable compromise over Kosovo's fate. Moreover you has shown a very primitive understanding of the Russia's foreign policy with no idea of what the Russian language is.

I don't think someone writing DASVIDANIA can read the press. By the way these are two words DO SVIDANIA with the English for it as "see you". Sure I appreciate you to know VODKA , SPUTNIK ,HOROSHO ect. This much I know Italian ...

We have quite a few papers in English. Some of them belong to the Government and some to pro-western sects still existing just to gain grants from the West. So what media do you mean ?

Now about your provocative offer for the Serbs to give up as 5 Italian divisions once did at the Adriatic. Liuji if you really want the Serbs trust you choose a Serbian or a Russian NIC ...

Further on you should know that in Russia's Far East the sun rises 30 minutes earlier than in Japan ... and only after 11 o'clock it rises in Kaliningrad Reion of Russia ... Do you really think that this state can have such primitive foreign pocicy ? Serbia is just one though very sensitive and important item of our foreign policy. But the FAM appartments are 24 floors high ... So don't you ever impose your fake estimations to the Serbs bombed as well from the Italian airdromes !

ДА ПОМОЖЕТ НАМ БОГ !

-

On May,12, it will be time to discuss a Russian military presence in Serbia. Words go just so far.

Россиа, Волим Те!!!

I respect Russia for their stance on Kosovo, but words can only go a short way. Action needs to be taken. The US and EU will do as they please unless Russia puts something behind there words!

Mr Chizhov's statement is crystal clear. I notice that he used the words "warn" and "warning" four times in the report. A warning, of course, is no good without the intention to back it up if necessary. Let us now hope that Russia will take concrete steps if the EU try to unilaterally impose EULEX on Kosovo.

Ahmet, Russia was not threatening Europe, only giving them a friendly warning.

Europe is making a wrong move here and as a friend they are just warning them about that.

If it wasn't for Russia this Kosovo farce would be over by now, so that tell you how much influence Russia really has. Never underestimate Russia.

Just one note, in fact Javier Solana proves to be a rather Low Representative for Foreign Policy and Security instead of a High Representative.

Ahmet - Kosovo is still legally a province of Serbia, despite the UDI and relatively small number of countries which have individually recognised it.

Until it's all processed through the UN, Kosovo is neither a sovereign nation nor independent, and EULEX is not legally able to deploy.

Here's a good article which clarifies the current situation [ Link http://www.euractiv.com/en/foreign-affairs/eu-kosovo-mission-air/article-171662 ]

The only way forward is for talks to reopen and to have Belgrade on side.

If the internationals are smart they will announce this before the elections in Serbia.

"Show me a proof of Kosovo being province of Serbia!!"
(Endri, Albania, 16 April 2008 16:07)


Perhaps this will show you that Kosovo is....and always will be a part of Serbia!

http://www.parlament.sr.gov.yu/content/eng/akta/ustav/ustav_1.asp

It's the Serbian Constitution.......you know Serbia a country recognised by every country in the world.....unlike you 'thiefdom' that is only recognised by 36 countries...!

As I have mentioned before and as everyone tries to tell you....you never will be independant....you will never be a part of NATO....you won't travel on your worthless passports....unless you have 'dual nationality'!!!

"I checked just about everywhere and was unable to find anything on this article in western media"......(Ahmet Isufi, 16 April 2008 12:44)

Really Ahmet you should try and get a job then you would'nt have time to check all the Western Media.

Kosovo i Metohija je Srbija

I don't think there is much that Russia can do about EULEX, but on the other hand, there is not much EULEX can do until it has full support from the whole of Kosovo, which is just not so when one takes into consideration the situation in Northern Kosovo.

Endri: "You said the same for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia…… No more comments."

No, I didn't actually. Besides which Kosovo is the odd one out as it's a province.

As for your proof that Kosovo is still part of Serbia in legal terms, read the link I provided and read UNSCR 1244.

"I don't think there is much that Russia can do about EULEX,"

The €U and their occupation forces knows full well what Russia can do and THAT will suffice for the moment.

They have made their move but miscalculated as always the consequences of their blatant aggression and i dont think Solana will provoke Russia any further.

Needless to say, €U or it´s supreme commander USA is not in the position for another "Drang nach osten". This is a matter of respect for international law and Russia had made it clear it will not accept Western powers bullying and nation building, especially not in Serbia and aruond Russias borders.

So realistic speaking, Russia can talk until they are blue in their heads, but it will not change much.
(Jan Andersen, DK, 16 April 2008 17:10)

It seems to me that chances are the members of this forum will turn blue in their heads, if they keep waiting for Hans Christian Andersen to say something clever.

I agree that powers(authority to govern Kosova) will not be tranfered to EULEX.One thing to be clear on is that EULEX is not taking over the mission from UNMIK.
As we all can see the facts on the ground those UNMIK powers are allready being passed on to Kosova govermant in silent way but it is happening allready.
EULEX mission will be to strengthen democratic KPS functions, as well as Courts,Prosecutors and Customs , and preparing Kosova to join EU in the future as a democratic and developed country. This is all folks. I don't care what this Ruskie is saying.

I checked just about everywhere and was unable to find anything on this article in western media. This just shows how much European countries are paying any attention what Russia thinks or has to say about Kosova.
Russia is in no position to threaten Europen countries.

To Kate:

“Ahmet - Kosovo is still legally a province of Serbia, despite the UDI and relatively small number of countries which have individually recognised it”

Show me a proof of Kosovo being province of Serbia!!!! Or maybe you mistake/mean Vojvodina is still province of Serbia!!


“Until it's all processed through the UN, Kosovo is neither a sovereign nation nor independent, and EULEX is not legally able to deploy”

You said the same for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia…… No more comments.

“The only way forward is for talks to reopen and to have Belgrade on side”

Dear Kate, stop dreaming and think realistic. Not all desires can be fulfilled.


“If the internationals are smart they will announce this before the elections in Serbia”

Hm…I don’t think you are I such position to judge whether the internationals are smart or stupid. One thing is sure; they are smarter than you and me otherwise we wouldn’t need them.

Peter Sudyka - again I have to agree with you.

The real question is: What leverage (current or future) do Russia have to influence the EU?

Many EU memberstates are somewhat dependent on Russian natural gas delivery. Russia could threaten to cut the supply, but that would give them a really bad reputation as a reliable supplier. And as much as Europe needs the gas, Russia needs the money.

The US need Russia somewhat when dealing with North Korea I think. But is that leverage enough?

What else is there? EU + US wants Russia to stop the war/occupation of Chechnya, but will Russia do that in return for the EU not establishing EULEX in Kosovo?

EU would like to see Serbia and the rest of the Balkan countries integrated into the common market, and the common currency, because it would make everyone in the west sleep better at night. But is Serbias entry that desireable that EU will give up on EULEX? The current state of affairs does not seem to support that.

So realistic speaking, Russia can talk until they are blue in their heads, but it will not change much.

I stick to my point..
EULEX will be deploied and will rule Kosovo for 10 years at least
as a protectorate...
Some Serbs and Kosovar will NOT LIKE this situation but Eu main countries don't trust neither the Serbs neither the Kosovars..
P.S.
Russian are playing their games they care more of what they can earn in Belgrade that of what will happen in Kosovo whom if you read their press they give already lost..
Dasvidania

"Do you really think that this state can have such primitive foreign pocicy ? Serbia is just one though very sensitive and important item of our foreign policy. But the FAM appartments are 24 floors high..."


Maybe if they had made FAM with only 23 floors, they could've probably saved enough money to properly feed the Russian contingent when they were in Kosova during their short stint. Poor kids, were forced to work in the Kosovar farms in exchange for some food and cigarettes. A big country too can have a primitive foreign policy, Russia being the epitome of that. What's worse is a big country with a huge inferiority complex that feels the need to prove to the world just how they great they are, and constantly failing at it.

And speaking of Adriatic, I remember of a certain Russian naval base in Albania. How embarrassing it must have been after your sailors were kicked out and Albanians kept your submarines for themselves.

Poor Adrian !

You have nothing better to tell of our foreign policy than remind us how Russian soldirs looked out 10 years ago when the late western puppet temporally occupied Kremlin or how your Enver Hodja has spoiled his relations with Stalin ...

Poor Adrian !

You must have missed that I called Luigi's understanding of our modern policy as PRIMITIVE. Now if I tell what I think of your understanding I am sure the moderator will delete it totally ... So enjoy yourself and believe that you are smart ...

Mr David J. Jones

Really Ahmet you should try and get a job then you would'nt have time to check all the Western Media.

Pls stop laying, i check all Western Media every single day.

Rusia will recognise KOSOVA independence. I used to hate Putin but I changed my mind yesterday. Putin is a commen guy as everyone else. His heart is not made of steel but of the same stuff ours is made. Full of feelings, hatred and of course love....
A man in love can not hate any more. He doesnt hate Albanians anymore. His heart is softened to a low point by a sweetheart. Congratulations! We Albanains got lucky again. Long live love!And I am jelous too. I wish I had his money ang girls. Amen

Jan Andersen, DK

One thing that I am certain of is that the gas thing is not leverage. It's business. Putin is a businessman. Russia would be shooting themselves in the foot if they cut gas to Europe over something as trivial as Kosovo (because to find paying clients again is tough, while Europe would have a problem for a while, but eventually would find an alternative source anyway, but I know we won't see this situation), so Russia can warn all it wants, but eventually the only thing it can do is keep Kosovo out of the UN, the rest are not really their business.

"Россиа, Волим Те!!!"

Pyrros, I agree with you 100%.

Once again, as many times in the past, Россиа is the hope of Orthodox world.

"… I …. was unable to find anything on this article in western media. This just shows how much European countries are paying any attention what Russia thinks or has to say about Kosova …"

No Ahmet, that silence shows something else. It shows that main Western media are not reliable source of information about the world. They are very tightly controlled and obey completely to their Governments in things that meter. All information is selected, manipulated and presented in the way that supports and advances whatever Government agenda at the moment might be.

" … What leverage (current or future) do Russia have to influence the EU? … Russia can talk … but it will not change much …."

Jan, Peter, I also think that unfortunately talking is not effective because West deliberately refuse dialog and prefer "might is right" as only universal, consequent and valid principle of international relations. It looked as a very good idea for them in the 90's, when it seemed that they will never face any challengers to their global supremacy and when they believed that history ended with an absolute victory of the West and that it will stay that way for eternity.
They may find out at their own peril that this is not so.

It could actually be quite easy for Russia to get an leverage. I think it would be enough to equip Serb air - defense with a lots of S-300. If West still does not listen, next step could be Russian rocket base in Serbia, with defensive types of rockets similar to those that NATO installs ever closer to Russian borders (Poland e.c.t.). I think that should get Western attention. If not, maybe few Topol's would do a trick?

As, for Western wishes about Chechnya, Jan, forget it, from Russian point of view, there is nothing to talk with a West about Chechnya. That is an integral part of Russian federation. That region is too important for Russia's security. There wouldn't been any troubles with Chechnya to begin with without Western covert support for Chechen extremists. It was all part of the Western plan for destruction of Russia in very similar way as they destroyed Yugoslavia.

"In any case, is it realistic that Russia will start WW-3 over Kosovo?"

I wonder how many people thought that about the Great War...

Dear all,

The title of this comment "Russia warns EU not to deploy EULEX by force" gives to much credit to Russian credibility in the Balkans...

It does not depend anything on Russia...it would be more appropriate to say as a title "Russian believe it might not be so appropriate to enforce rule of law by EULEX"...

Russian warninig UN, KFOR, UNMIK, EU, EULEX...are never taken seriously due to Russian lack of influence in the region itself, the Balkans.

Breaking News: Marshall Island recognised Kosovo independence...being the 37th country to do so...

Kosovo had 2 hurdles in recognition:
1.quality of countries and their influence in international affairs

2. Quantity, the number of countries...

While the first hurdle has been overcome the mission is now on quantity of countries...

Peace to all

Cheers

Stevan

I don't think any country should be installing missiles in anyone's countries. The Americans know full well where they can stick their missiles (I am talking about the ones they want in Poland). I really hate this Western imperialism and lack of dialog approach, which the West is using now. Russia should be the better side by not doing the same as a sign of good faith, and even leverage in further discussions on the matter.

BTW Chechnya will never secede from Russia because it is in Russia's territory. Can you imagine NATO/UN missions in Chechnya, because I definitely don't, it is the Russian sphere of influence that no one else can touch from outside. While I think Russia reacted very brutally to their secession in the 90's, I know for a fact that they did it illegally and without dialog either with Russia, which is NOT how the world should work! This is why now Kosovo Albanians think that they have a normal, independent state, but instead they a have a big mess courtesy of the West's rashness and lack of foresight with regards to other states.

Stevan, weapons are only useful as a threat if you intend to use them (or can trick your enemy into thinking that you will use them).

S-300 (a short-range surface-to-air defensive type of missile like the US Patriot missile) is only useful if they have something to shoot at, like cruise missiles or air planes.

Do you expect NATO or EU to start flying fighters or bombers over Kosovo? The only reason to do so would be to repel Serbian/Russian force attempting an invasion of Kosovo. Do you think that is a likely scenario? I doubt Russia is willing to put soldiers on the ground for this, so that leaves Serbia. Do you seriously think they have the resources and the willingness to do so? NATO has already showed that they will not accept an Serbian war against K-Albanians, so there is a high likelyhood that a Serbia invasion will result in a full-scale war that will only stop when Serbia (again) retreats.

The Topol's (S-27) are useless in/around Serbia. These are intercontinental ballistic missiles intended to deliver nuclear bombs. There is no tactical or strategic advance to have them stationed in the Balkans - they are perfectly capable of reaching their targets from any location, even deep behind the Ural mountains. In any case, is it realistic that Russia will start WW-3 over Kosovo? If not, then the threat is non-existing and NATO and EU can simply ignore the presence of S-27's.

On 18 April 2008 09:31, Peter Sudyka wrote:

"(...) (Chechnya) is the Russian sphere of influence that no one else can touch from outside. (...) their secession in the 90's, I know for a fact that they did it illegally and without dialog either with Russia, which is NOT how the world should work!"

Why should Chechnya need to ask permission from Russia or anyone else if they want to be independent?

Let us consider another geographic area: Bornholm, a small island located in the Baltic Sea, not far from Poland or Kaliningrad Oblast. It was liberated and later occupied by Soviet forces until April 1946.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bornholm

Imagine that the inhabitants of Bornholm decided to hold an referendum, asking people to choose between being part of Denmark, or secede, or maybe even joining up with Kaliningrad Oblast.

If say, the result was 75 % in favour of seceding, why on Earth should they have to ask for permission in Copenhagen? What right would Denmark have to oppose their independence?

I agree that powers(authority to govern Kosova) will not be tranfered to EULEX.One thing to be clear on is that EULEX is not taking over the mission from UNMIK.
As we all can see the facts on the ground those UNMIK powers are allready being passed on to Kosova govermant in silent way but it is happening allready.
EULEX mission will be to strengthen democratic KPS functions, as well as Courts,Prosecutors and Customs , and preparing Kosova to join EU in the future as a democratic and developed country. This is all folks. I don't care what this Ruskie is saying.

I checked just about everywhere and was unable to find anything on this article in western media. This just shows how much European countries are paying any attention what Russia thinks or has to say about Kosova.
Russia is in no position to threaten Europen countries.

To Kate:

“Ahmet - Kosovo is still legally a province of Serbia, despite the UDI and relatively small number of countries which have individually recognised it”

Show me a proof of Kosovo being province of Serbia!!!! Or maybe you mistake/mean Vojvodina is still province of Serbia!!


“Until it's all processed through the UN, Kosovo is neither a sovereign nation nor independent, and EULEX is not legally able to deploy”

You said the same for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia…… No more comments.

“The only way forward is for talks to reopen and to have Belgrade on side”

Dear Kate, stop dreaming and think realistic. Not all desires can be fulfilled.


“If the internationals are smart they will announce this before the elections in Serbia”

Hm…I don’t think you are I such position to judge whether the internationals are smart or stupid. One thing is sure; they are smarter than you and me otherwise we wouldn’t need them.

I stick to my point..
EULEX will be deploied and will rule Kosovo for 10 years at least
as a protectorate...
Some Serbs and Kosovar will NOT LIKE this situation but Eu main countries don't trust neither the Serbs neither the Kosovars..
P.S.
Russian are playing their games they care more of what they can earn in Belgrade that of what will happen in Kosovo whom if you read their press they give already lost..
Dasvidania

Peter Sudyka - again I have to agree with you.

The real question is: What leverage (current or future) do Russia have to influence the EU?

Many EU memberstates are somewhat dependent on Russian natural gas delivery. Russia could threaten to cut the supply, but that would give them a really bad reputation as a reliable supplier. And as much as Europe needs the gas, Russia needs the money.

The US need Russia somewhat when dealing with North Korea I think. But is that leverage enough?

What else is there? EU + US wants Russia to stop the war/occupation of Chechnya, but will Russia do that in return for the EU not establishing EULEX in Kosovo?

EU would like to see Serbia and the rest of the Balkan countries integrated into the common market, and the common currency, because it would make everyone in the west sleep better at night. But is Serbias entry that desireable that EU will give up on EULEX? The current state of affairs does not seem to support that.

So realistic speaking, Russia can talk until they are blue in their heads, but it will not change much.

Rusia will recognise KOSOVA independence. I used to hate Putin but I changed my mind yesterday. Putin is a commen guy as everyone else. His heart is not made of steel but of the same stuff ours is made. Full of feelings, hatred and of course love....
A man in love can not hate any more. He doesnt hate Albanians anymore. His heart is softened to a low point by a sweetheart. Congratulations! We Albanains got lucky again. Long live love!And I am jelous too. I wish I had his money ang girls. Amen

Россиа, Волим Те!!!

"Do you really think that this state can have such primitive foreign pocicy ? Serbia is just one though very sensitive and important item of our foreign policy. But the FAM appartments are 24 floors high..."


Maybe if they had made FAM with only 23 floors, they could've probably saved enough money to properly feed the Russian contingent when they were in Kosova during their short stint. Poor kids, were forced to work in the Kosovar farms in exchange for some food and cigarettes. A big country too can have a primitive foreign policy, Russia being the epitome of that. What's worse is a big country with a huge inferiority complex that feels the need to prove to the world just how they great they are, and constantly failing at it.

And speaking of Adriatic, I remember of a certain Russian naval base in Albania. How embarrassing it must have been after your sailors were kicked out and Albanians kept your submarines for themselves.

Just one note, in fact Javier Solana proves to be a rather Low Representative for Foreign Policy and Security instead of a High Representative.

TO : Luigi

============================
Russian are playing their games they care more of what they can earn in Belgrade ... if you read their press they give already lost.. Dasvidania
==========================

I read the Russian press every day ! Nothing of the kind ! We are going to win or at least to gain an acceptable compromise over Kosovo's fate. Moreover you has shown a very primitive understanding of the Russia's foreign policy with no idea of what the Russian language is.

I don't think someone writing DASVIDANIA can read the press. By the way these are two words DO SVIDANIA with the English for it as "see you". Sure I appreciate you to know VODKA , SPUTNIK ,HOROSHO ect. This much I know Italian ...

We have quite a few papers in English. Some of them belong to the Government and some to pro-western sects still existing just to gain grants from the West. So what media do you mean ?

Now about your provocative offer for the Serbs to give up as 5 Italian divisions once did at the Adriatic. Liuji if you really want the Serbs trust you choose a Serbian or a Russian NIC ...

Further on you should know that in Russia's Far East the sun rises 30 minutes earlier than in Japan ... and only after 11 o'clock it rises in Kaliningrad Reion of Russia ... Do you really think that this state can have such primitive foreign pocicy ? Serbia is just one though very sensitive and important item of our foreign policy. But the FAM appartments are 24 floors high ... So don't you ever impose your fake estimations to the Serbs bombed as well from the Italian airdromes !

ДА ПОМОЖЕТ НАМ БОГ !

-

"I checked just about everywhere and was unable to find anything on this article in western media"......(Ahmet Isufi, 16 April 2008 12:44)

Really Ahmet you should try and get a job then you would'nt have time to check all the Western Media.

Kosovo i Metohija je Srbija

I respect Russia for their stance on Kosovo, but words can only go a short way. Action needs to be taken. The US and EU will do as they please unless Russia puts something behind there words!

Mr David J. Jones

Really Ahmet you should try and get a job then you would'nt have time to check all the Western Media.

Pls stop laying, i check all Western Media every single day.

Dear all,

The title of this comment "Russia warns EU not to deploy EULEX by force" gives to much credit to Russian credibility in the Balkans...

It does not depend anything on Russia...it would be more appropriate to say as a title "Russian believe it might not be so appropriate to enforce rule of law by EULEX"...

Russian warninig UN, KFOR, UNMIK, EU, EULEX...are never taken seriously due to Russian lack of influence in the region itself, the Balkans.

Breaking News: Marshall Island recognised Kosovo independence...being the 37th country to do so...

Kosovo had 2 hurdles in recognition:
1.quality of countries and their influence in international affairs

2. Quantity, the number of countries...

While the first hurdle has been overcome the mission is now on quantity of countries...

Peace to all

Cheers

Mr Chizhov's statement is crystal clear. I notice that he used the words "warn" and "warning" four times in the report. A warning, of course, is no good without the intention to back it up if necessary. Let us now hope that Russia will take concrete steps if the EU try to unilaterally impose EULEX on Kosovo.

"I don't think there is much that Russia can do about EULEX,"

The €U and their occupation forces knows full well what Russia can do and THAT will suffice for the moment.

They have made their move but miscalculated as always the consequences of their blatant aggression and i dont think Solana will provoke Russia any further.

Needless to say, €U or it´s supreme commander USA is not in the position for another "Drang nach osten". This is a matter of respect for international law and Russia had made it clear it will not accept Western powers bullying and nation building, especially not in Serbia and aruond Russias borders.

Jan Andersen, DK

One thing that I am certain of is that the gas thing is not leverage. It's business. Putin is a businessman. Russia would be shooting themselves in the foot if they cut gas to Europe over something as trivial as Kosovo (because to find paying clients again is tough, while Europe would have a problem for a while, but eventually would find an alternative source anyway, but I know we won't see this situation), so Russia can warn all it wants, but eventually the only thing it can do is keep Kosovo out of the UN, the rest are not really their business.

Stevan, weapons are only useful as a threat if you intend to use them (or can trick your enemy into thinking that you will use them).

S-300 (a short-range surface-to-air defensive type of missile like the US Patriot missile) is only useful if they have something to shoot at, like cruise missiles or air planes.

Do you expect NATO or EU to start flying fighters or bombers over Kosovo? The only reason to do so would be to repel Serbian/Russian force attempting an invasion of Kosovo. Do you think that is a likely scenario? I doubt Russia is willing to put soldiers on the ground for this, so that leaves Serbia. Do you seriously think they have the resources and the willingness to do so? NATO has already showed that they will not accept an Serbian war against K-Albanians, so there is a high likelyhood that a Serbia invasion will result in a full-scale war that will only stop when Serbia (again) retreats.

The Topol's (S-27) are useless in/around Serbia. These are intercontinental ballistic missiles intended to deliver nuclear bombs. There is no tactical or strategic advance to have them stationed in the Balkans - they are perfectly capable of reaching their targets from any location, even deep behind the Ural mountains. In any case, is it realistic that Russia will start WW-3 over Kosovo? If not, then the threat is non-existing and NATO and EU can simply ignore the presence of S-27's.

Ahmet,

Seriously? Russia is in no position whatsoever?

Does this give them some influence. . .Russia has the world's largest natural gas reserves, the second largest coal reserves and the eighth largest oil reserves. It is the world's leading natural gas exporter and the second leading oil exporter.

No? How about this. . .Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world. In 2006, the military had 1.037 million personnel on active duty.

Albanians can't stand the fact that the Superpower in our corner shares our faith, culture and heritage. While their American sponsors share. . .ah?. . .ah?. . .it's not the culture. It's certainly not religion. . wait it'll come to me. . .I got it!. . .their disdain for the Russians (and by extension, the Serbs).

Admit it. . .you, like the rest of us, are well aware that there is no American loyalty to the Albanians. That their support will shift depending on the next best offer or shifts in national policy.

That would make it difficult to sleep soundly at night. . .one day you're going to run out of whatever it is they want. . .

On May,12, it will be time to discuss a Russian military presence in Serbia. Words go just so far.

So realistic speaking, Russia can talk until they are blue in their heads, but it will not change much.
(Jan Andersen, DK, 16 April 2008 17:10)

It seems to me that chances are the members of this forum will turn blue in their heads, if they keep waiting for Hans Christian Andersen to say something clever.

"Show me a proof of Kosovo being province of Serbia!!"
(Endri, Albania, 16 April 2008 16:07)


Perhaps this will show you that Kosovo is....and always will be a part of Serbia!

http://www.parlament.sr.gov.yu/content/eng/akta/ustav/ustav_1.asp

It's the Serbian Constitution.......you know Serbia a country recognised by every country in the world.....unlike you 'thiefdom' that is only recognised by 36 countries...!

As I have mentioned before and as everyone tries to tell you....you never will be independant....you will never be a part of NATO....you won't travel on your worthless passports....unless you have 'dual nationality'!!!

I don't think there is much that Russia can do about EULEX, but on the other hand, there is not much EULEX can do until it has full support from the whole of Kosovo, which is just not so when one takes into consideration the situation in Northern Kosovo.

Ahmet, Russia was not threatening Europe, only giving them a friendly warning.

Europe is making a wrong move here and as a friend they are just warning them about that.

If it wasn't for Russia this Kosovo farce would be over by now, so that tell you how much influence Russia really has. Never underestimate Russia.

Ahmet - Kosovo is still legally a province of Serbia, despite the UDI and relatively small number of countries which have individually recognised it.

Until it's all processed through the UN, Kosovo is neither a sovereign nation nor independent, and EULEX is not legally able to deploy.

Here's a good article which clarifies the current situation [ Link http://www.euractiv.com/en/foreign-affairs/eu-kosovo-mission-air/article-171662 ]

The only way forward is for talks to reopen and to have Belgrade on side.

If the internationals are smart they will announce this before the elections in Serbia.

Endri: "You said the same for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia…… No more comments."

No, I didn't actually. Besides which Kosovo is the odd one out as it's a province.

As for your proof that Kosovo is still part of Serbia in legal terms, read the link I provided and read UNSCR 1244.

Poor Adrian !

You have nothing better to tell of our foreign policy than remind us how Russian soldirs looked out 10 years ago when the late western puppet temporally occupied Kremlin or how your Enver Hodja has spoiled his relations with Stalin ...

Poor Adrian !

You must have missed that I called Luigi's understanding of our modern policy as PRIMITIVE. Now if I tell what I think of your understanding I am sure the moderator will delete it totally ... So enjoy yourself and believe that you are smart ...

"Россиа, Волим Те!!!"

Pyrros, I agree with you 100%.

Once again, as many times in the past, Россиа is the hope of Orthodox world.

"… I …. was unable to find anything on this article in western media. This just shows how much European countries are paying any attention what Russia thinks or has to say about Kosova …"

No Ahmet, that silence shows something else. It shows that main Western media are not reliable source of information about the world. They are very tightly controlled and obey completely to their Governments in things that meter. All information is selected, manipulated and presented in the way that supports and advances whatever Government agenda at the moment might be.

" … What leverage (current or future) do Russia have to influence the EU? … Russia can talk … but it will not change much …."

Jan, Peter, I also think that unfortunately talking is not effective because West deliberately refuse dialog and prefer "might is right" as only universal, consequent and valid principle of international relations. It looked as a very good idea for them in the 90's, when it seemed that they will never face any challengers to their global supremacy and when they believed that history ended with an absolute victory of the West and that it will stay that way for eternity.
They may find out at their own peril that this is not so.

It could actually be quite easy for Russia to get an leverage. I think it would be enough to equip Serb air - defense with a lots of S-300. If West still does not listen, next step could be Russian rocket base in Serbia, with defensive types of rockets similar to those that NATO installs ever closer to Russian borders (Poland e.c.t.). I think that should get Western attention. If not, maybe few Topol's would do a trick?

As, for Western wishes about Chechnya, Jan, forget it, from Russian point of view, there is nothing to talk with a West about Chechnya. That is an integral part of Russian federation. That region is too important for Russia's security. There wouldn't been any troubles with Chechnya to begin with without Western covert support for Chechen extremists. It was all part of the Western plan for destruction of Russia in very similar way as they destroyed Yugoslavia.

Stevan

I don't think any country should be installing missiles in anyone's countries. The Americans know full well where they can stick their missiles (I am talking about the ones they want in Poland). I really hate this Western imperialism and lack of dialog approach, which the West is using now. Russia should be the better side by not doing the same as a sign of good faith, and even leverage in further discussions on the matter.

BTW Chechnya will never secede from Russia because it is in Russia's territory. Can you imagine NATO/UN missions in Chechnya, because I definitely don't, it is the Russian sphere of influence that no one else can touch from outside. While I think Russia reacted very brutally to their secession in the 90's, I know for a fact that they did it illegally and without dialog either with Russia, which is NOT how the world should work! This is why now Kosovo Albanians think that they have a normal, independent state, but instead they a have a big mess courtesy of the West's rashness and lack of foresight with regards to other states.

"In any case, is it realistic that Russia will start WW-3 over Kosovo?"

I wonder how many people thought that about the Great War...

On 18 April 2008 09:31, Peter Sudyka wrote:

"(...) (Chechnya) is the Russian sphere of influence that no one else can touch from outside. (...) their secession in the 90's, I know for a fact that they did it illegally and without dialog either with Russia, which is NOT how the world should work!"

Why should Chechnya need to ask permission from Russia or anyone else if they want to be independent?

Let us consider another geographic area: Bornholm, a small island located in the Baltic Sea, not far from Poland or Kaliningrad Oblast. It was liberated and later occupied by Soviet forces until April 1946.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bornholm

Imagine that the inhabitants of Bornholm decided to hold an referendum, asking people to choose between being part of Denmark, or secede, or maybe even joining up with Kaliningrad Oblast.

If say, the result was 75 % in favour of seceding, why on Earth should they have to ask for permission in Copenhagen? What right would Denmark have to oppose their independence?