Slovak FM rules out recognition of Kosovo

Slovakia is certainly one of the European countries on the opposite side of the prevailing sentiment among political elites in Brussels, but I still highly respect them for their integrity and principled stance on this issue.

Sorry Mike but you display a great amount of naivety about Slovakia's so-called "principled stance".
If they would not have 550,000 Hungarians in Southern Slovakia they would have recognized Kosovo just like most European countries. But they are afaid of the "implications", meaning the Hungarians could ask for autonomy.
And the current Slovak government, which includes a radical nationalist Slovak party is unfortunately very short sighted. It is cutting budget allocations to Hungarian schools, institutions, etc. WAsn't it similar in Kosovo when Milosevic policies started?

"If they would not have 550,000 Hungarians in Southern Slovakia they would have recognized Kosovo just like most European countries."

Maybe so Joe, I can't rule that hypothesis out. Yet at the same time "little" Slovakia seems far more likely to be strong-armed by greater European powers than say Korea, Japan, Ireland, or even Sweden, and they still refuse to recognize Kosovo's UDD despite the risks. You may not agree with it, but in my book, given the circumstances, that's gutsy.

once again, the reactions of our dear k-albanian friends clearly show that they do not like, what is taking place. that´s reality, kids!

the best part of it is: " “During the talks, it was stressed that a lot of countries that had recognized Kosovo often exhibited uncertainty and doubts in private conversations over whether they had done the right thing, because they did so under certain pressure from the U.S. and other countries,” he added"

well, so much for legitimacy, kids!

...and always keep in mind, things of this kind of doubtful legitimacy do not last...

let´s see what future brings!

that crippled creation will perish...
and..

truth, law and morality or with other words: Serbia will prevail!

The decision of Slovakia not to recognise Kosovo is another country who have respect for international law and did not bow to the self interest of the USA and their European poodles. The secruity of the world needs countries like Slovakia to uphold international law for the safety of humanity in the Balkans. Going back to the days of ethnic strife in this part of the world are unthinkable. This will happen if Kosovo is allowed to become a functional ficitious state which is illeagal, immoral and unworkable.

The Kosovo Albanians suffered terribly under Milosovic and Sebia, but that is the past and cannot be an excuse for violating international law and destablaising the region. I have sympathy for the Kosovo Albanians, but the onl;y way forward is through consenus with Serbia and not declaring illeagal independence.

Yes, when should one go to the Kosovo and expres his support to the few brave ones stying there more than now.

It's so unreal and unbelieveble that some try to make fun of diplomats representing greatest cultures and states with proven-recognized european historic image.
I don't know how to explain this side of cyberspace where some uneducated people covering behind stolen identities - joe, miri, luigi - can get chance to express lowest punches at high level state officials -representatives.
This world is heading nowhere - back to wild-cowboys WEST.

And Slovakia, the "powerhouse" of Europe, refuses to bend over the will of US and EU.

What a paradox!

dd,

Let's be serious.
Did Tadic really represent yesterday one of the "greatest cultures"?
Do you know what "historic image" comes to the mind of people in Western countries when they hear the name of Serbia?
What do you mean "Joe under stolen identity" ? Do you think I am Vassily, Otto, Jean-Francois or Ahmed in reality? Why would I hide behind an other name? Thank God I am not a member of a minority in Serbia, who would fear some represals.
Is it so hard for you to understand that one doesn't have to be an Albanian to be justifiably critical of some Serbs or some Serbian policies?

B92,

You apparently censured me why I tried to respond to "dd" about stolen identity.
Funny, funny or ridiculous.
You would have apparantly no problem if I would have acknowledged it.

For me is very funny ...
The FM of a country that hasn't recognized the governament of another one goes there meet the president the prime minister say that he has voted in favour of Eulex has his own troop and then makes a declaration that they are outlaw !!
Barone De curtis dove sei ?

Dear Ataman,

I appreciate your message. I sympathize with your situation and your problems. Now I know about your national identity and your plans to "make it" in today's global economy. It is not easy and the situation in Hungary does not help. I still have relatives there and I am well informed about the country's overall situation. It is unfortunately not rosy, far from it. A lot of mistakes were committed. It would be too long to list them. I am even surprised that the situation is not worse. I call it 'woodoo' economics.
I left Hungary much earlier than you and finished my studies in Western Europe.
I visite Hungary with my wife every year, bought a very nice villa and planned to spend part of the year there once retired. Due however to the catastrophic quality of medical care lately and no medical insurance our plans will have to be altered...reduced to short visites. A recent serious illness of my wife made us really aware of the fantastic quality of medical service here in the US. If treated in Hungary she would not be alive anymore.
Well I got long-winded.
Ataman, you show a lot of determination, energy and know-how and I am sure you will make it in Belgrade. I wish you and your family all the best. Good luck!!!

Joe:
You can not be serious...

"The Hungarians of Slovakia, close to 1 million before WWI and "thrown to the lions" in 1920 lived in their own country until that date."
- Have you ever heard about the politics of hungarization? - so, there you can have an explanation for the 1M Hungarians living in Slovakia before WWI you are writing about.

"Even today with some 550,000 (10% of the total population) they would deserve much more rights."
- What kind of rights do you mean? Right for political autonomy, or even right for secession? ;-)

While in Prishtina,Kosova the Slovak FM was asked a question by a jornalist where he was standing: In Republic of Serbia or Kosova, and his answer was simple "KOSOVA". I wonder why he did not say Republic of Serbia!!!

Dear Joe,

Thanks again (and again) for expressing your sympathy with Hungarian cause worldwide.
To me, unfortunately this does not mean horribly much. Most I am currently worried about is what we will do after we return back this Summer from the States. My job is - surprise - in Belgrade, but my house near BP. If Budapest would be under Slovak, Serbian, Romanian or even Albanian flag - I would say: "good riddance of the thieves in Hungarian government!"

This is how Hungarian State does treat their own people who are returning from USA after a long exile. My business and know-how will go to Serbia, my tax to USA, many of our products to Albania, Croatia, Slovenia. Hungary - with their attitude - will get zilch, nothing. Shame to our government.

I eat what I cook: I am going to work in Serbia after giving up my existence in USA. And we actually work with Albanians, too - they are pretty good customers. Just on Kosovo matter we disagree strongly.

I am not a self-hating Hungarian, I just hate if a cleptocrat government thinks, my family is the best object to deprive of money just because we spent 5 years in Germany and 15 years in USA.

An average American middle-class family of five would be robbed of ca. $40000 - $50000 (no mistake with zeroes!) returning to Hungary by these greedy bastards unless they do some funny stuff with their family cars in Slovakia or in certain States within USA.

So don't feel so sorry for the 550000 Slovak-Hungarians: they are busy to provide car-asylum for Hungarians living in Hungary or returning to Hungary. It's a well-known business. Because as bad (or as good?) the Slovak or Serbian government is, they are not idiots chasing away returning Americans. I should call our government not just cleptocracy but also idiocracy.

Joe,

You missed the point. I didn’t see anywhere in this article Mr. Tadic’s name that you’re referring to. What I consider great cultures of Europe – Italy, Chechs-Slovakian, Hungary, Spain etc. Most of their representatives keep repeating what is obvious – UDI is wrong, shame and forced through behind the scene by blackmailing, arm-twisting etc. That’s what they all publicly said and everybody intelligent can see and get it.
I understand that you can see it different for your one purpose – but that’s fact and truth and we see it again and again every day in news. You don’t like the facts or truth – that’s not my problem. But you don’t have credibility to low-punch them for expressing their views – and just because they are not against Serbs – you don’t like them.
P.S. You didn't get it in original too, because it was censured by B92 - but it's OK.

This trip of Slowakian FM in Pristina remind me of some comedies of the great Barone de 'Curtis alias Toto'...

Joe

"Do you know what "historic image" comes to the mind of people in Western countries when they hear the name of Serbia? "

Well that depends, a Hungarian nationalist might think of Serbian oppression of the Hungarian people, while another person might think of someone like Nikola Tesla, while most others in the Western world are either uneducated or simply don't care about Serbia or any other country that's not theirs. Or do you happen to know what everyone thinks of Serbia that you can make such a claim?

"And the current Slovak government, which includes a radical nationalist Slovak party is unfortunately very short sighted. It is cutting budget allocations to Hungarian schools, institutions, etc. WAsn't it similar in Kosovo when Milosevic policies started?"

Right, and this is the only minority in Europe with problems? What do you say to minority rights of people like the Sorbs in a democratic, Western state like Germany?

Joe, you have "finished studies in western europe"? :)

did you finish with or without a degree? :)

...since your comments make us doubt it!

Wasn't he a great comedian, Luigi.

Peter,

I don't think your example of the Sorbs (Upper and Lower Sorbs) a total of only 50,000 people, who always lived in Germany is a very good example. The Hungarians of Slovakia, close to 1 million before WWI and "thrown to the lions" in 1920 lived in their own country until that date. Even today with some 550,000 (10% of the total population) they would deserve much more rights. With that number in some countries they would be considered a "constituant part" with egal rights and not as a minority.

Thomas K,

Of course many Slavs were 'Hungarified' back in the day, especially in the nineteenth century when Hungarian nationalism was strong. But I don't see how that should make that one million who self-identified as Hungarians on the eve of Trianon any less 'Hungarian', unless you think blood-line matters more than self-identification.

And, yes, after WWI lots of Hungarians were driven, thrown, urged out by the Slovaks, just like lots of Slovaks living in Hungary were given the same treatment.

As for political rights, I think for starters the Hungarians' national identity should be respected by the Slovak government, includng by its foreign minister, and they should not have to be subject to insults such as that they 'constitute a cancer on the Slovak national body' (Kubis).

And Slovakia, the "powerhouse" of Europe, refuses to bend over the will of US and EU.

What a paradox!

Sorry Mike but you display a great amount of naivety about Slovakia's so-called "principled stance".
If they would not have 550,000 Hungarians in Southern Slovakia they would have recognized Kosovo just like most European countries. But they are afaid of the "implications", meaning the Hungarians could ask for autonomy.
And the current Slovak government, which includes a radical nationalist Slovak party is unfortunately very short sighted. It is cutting budget allocations to Hungarian schools, institutions, etc. WAsn't it similar in Kosovo when Milosevic policies started?

dd,

Let's be serious.
Did Tadic really represent yesterday one of the "greatest cultures"?
Do you know what "historic image" comes to the mind of people in Western countries when they hear the name of Serbia?
What do you mean "Joe under stolen identity" ? Do you think I am Vassily, Otto, Jean-Francois or Ahmed in reality? Why would I hide behind an other name? Thank God I am not a member of a minority in Serbia, who would fear some represals.
Is it so hard for you to understand that one doesn't have to be an Albanian to be justifiably critical of some Serbs or some Serbian policies?

While in Prishtina,Kosova the Slovak FM was asked a question by a jornalist where he was standing: In Republic of Serbia or Kosova, and his answer was simple "KOSOVA". I wonder why he did not say Republic of Serbia!!!

Peter,

I don't think your example of the Sorbs (Upper and Lower Sorbs) a total of only 50,000 people, who always lived in Germany is a very good example. The Hungarians of Slovakia, close to 1 million before WWI and "thrown to the lions" in 1920 lived in their own country until that date. Even today with some 550,000 (10% of the total population) they would deserve much more rights. With that number in some countries they would be considered a "constituant part" with egal rights and not as a minority.

This trip of Slowakian FM in Pristina remind me of some comedies of the great Barone de 'Curtis alias Toto'...

B92,

You apparently censured me why I tried to respond to "dd" about stolen identity.
Funny, funny or ridiculous.
You would have apparantly no problem if I would have acknowledged it.

Slovakia is certainly one of the European countries on the opposite side of the prevailing sentiment among political elites in Brussels, but I still highly respect them for their integrity and principled stance on this issue.

Yes, when should one go to the Kosovo and expres his support to the few brave ones stying there more than now.

"If they would not have 550,000 Hungarians in Southern Slovakia they would have recognized Kosovo just like most European countries."

Maybe so Joe, I can't rule that hypothesis out. Yet at the same time "little" Slovakia seems far more likely to be strong-armed by greater European powers than say Korea, Japan, Ireland, or even Sweden, and they still refuse to recognize Kosovo's UDD despite the risks. You may not agree with it, but in my book, given the circumstances, that's gutsy.

Wasn't he a great comedian, Luigi.

once again, the reactions of our dear k-albanian friends clearly show that they do not like, what is taking place. that´s reality, kids!

the best part of it is: " “During the talks, it was stressed that a lot of countries that had recognized Kosovo often exhibited uncertainty and doubts in private conversations over whether they had done the right thing, because they did so under certain pressure from the U.S. and other countries,” he added"

well, so much for legitimacy, kids!

...and always keep in mind, things of this kind of doubtful legitimacy do not last...

let´s see what future brings!

that crippled creation will perish...
and..

truth, law and morality or with other words: Serbia will prevail!

It's so unreal and unbelieveble that some try to make fun of diplomats representing greatest cultures and states with proven-recognized european historic image.
I don't know how to explain this side of cyberspace where some uneducated people covering behind stolen identities - joe, miri, luigi - can get chance to express lowest punches at high level state officials -representatives.
This world is heading nowhere - back to wild-cowboys WEST.

The decision of Slovakia not to recognise Kosovo is another country who have respect for international law and did not bow to the self interest of the USA and their European poodles. The secruity of the world needs countries like Slovakia to uphold international law for the safety of humanity in the Balkans. Going back to the days of ethnic strife in this part of the world are unthinkable. This will happen if Kosovo is allowed to become a functional ficitious state which is illeagal, immoral and unworkable.

The Kosovo Albanians suffered terribly under Milosovic and Sebia, but that is the past and cannot be an excuse for violating international law and destablaising the region. I have sympathy for the Kosovo Albanians, but the onl;y way forward is through consenus with Serbia and not declaring illeagal independence.

Joe

"Do you know what "historic image" comes to the mind of people in Western countries when they hear the name of Serbia? "

Well that depends, a Hungarian nationalist might think of Serbian oppression of the Hungarian people, while another person might think of someone like Nikola Tesla, while most others in the Western world are either uneducated or simply don't care about Serbia or any other country that's not theirs. Or do you happen to know what everyone thinks of Serbia that you can make such a claim?

"And the current Slovak government, which includes a radical nationalist Slovak party is unfortunately very short sighted. It is cutting budget allocations to Hungarian schools, institutions, etc. WAsn't it similar in Kosovo when Milosevic policies started?"

Right, and this is the only minority in Europe with problems? What do you say to minority rights of people like the Sorbs in a democratic, Western state like Germany?

Dear Joe,

Thanks again (and again) for expressing your sympathy with Hungarian cause worldwide.
To me, unfortunately this does not mean horribly much. Most I am currently worried about is what we will do after we return back this Summer from the States. My job is - surprise - in Belgrade, but my house near BP. If Budapest would be under Slovak, Serbian, Romanian or even Albanian flag - I would say: "good riddance of the thieves in Hungarian government!"

This is how Hungarian State does treat their own people who are returning from USA after a long exile. My business and know-how will go to Serbia, my tax to USA, many of our products to Albania, Croatia, Slovenia. Hungary - with their attitude - will get zilch, nothing. Shame to our government.

I eat what I cook: I am going to work in Serbia after giving up my existence in USA. And we actually work with Albanians, too - they are pretty good customers. Just on Kosovo matter we disagree strongly.

I am not a self-hating Hungarian, I just hate if a cleptocrat government thinks, my family is the best object to deprive of money just because we spent 5 years in Germany and 15 years in USA.

An average American middle-class family of five would be robbed of ca. $40000 - $50000 (no mistake with zeroes!) returning to Hungary by these greedy bastards unless they do some funny stuff with their family cars in Slovakia or in certain States within USA.

So don't feel so sorry for the 550000 Slovak-Hungarians: they are busy to provide car-asylum for Hungarians living in Hungary or returning to Hungary. It's a well-known business. Because as bad (or as good?) the Slovak or Serbian government is, they are not idiots chasing away returning Americans. I should call our government not just cleptocracy but also idiocracy.

For me is very funny ...
The FM of a country that hasn't recognized the governament of another one goes there meet the president the prime minister say that he has voted in favour of Eulex has his own troop and then makes a declaration that they are outlaw !!
Barone De curtis dove sei ?

Joe,

You missed the point. I didn’t see anywhere in this article Mr. Tadic’s name that you’re referring to. What I consider great cultures of Europe – Italy, Chechs-Slovakian, Hungary, Spain etc. Most of their representatives keep repeating what is obvious – UDI is wrong, shame and forced through behind the scene by blackmailing, arm-twisting etc. That’s what they all publicly said and everybody intelligent can see and get it.
I understand that you can see it different for your one purpose – but that’s fact and truth and we see it again and again every day in news. You don’t like the facts or truth – that’s not my problem. But you don’t have credibility to low-punch them for expressing their views – and just because they are not against Serbs – you don’t like them.
P.S. You didn't get it in original too, because it was censured by B92 - but it's OK.

Dear Ataman,

I appreciate your message. I sympathize with your situation and your problems. Now I know about your national identity and your plans to "make it" in today's global economy. It is not easy and the situation in Hungary does not help. I still have relatives there and I am well informed about the country's overall situation. It is unfortunately not rosy, far from it. A lot of mistakes were committed. It would be too long to list them. I am even surprised that the situation is not worse. I call it 'woodoo' economics.
I left Hungary much earlier than you and finished my studies in Western Europe.
I visite Hungary with my wife every year, bought a very nice villa and planned to spend part of the year there once retired. Due however to the catastrophic quality of medical care lately and no medical insurance our plans will have to be altered...reduced to short visites. A recent serious illness of my wife made us really aware of the fantastic quality of medical service here in the US. If treated in Hungary she would not be alive anymore.
Well I got long-winded.
Ataman, you show a lot of determination, energy and know-how and I am sure you will make it in Belgrade. I wish you and your family all the best. Good luck!!!

Joe, you have "finished studies in western europe"? :)

did you finish with or without a degree? :)

...since your comments make us doubt it!

Joe:
You can not be serious...

"The Hungarians of Slovakia, close to 1 million before WWI and "thrown to the lions" in 1920 lived in their own country until that date."
- Have you ever heard about the politics of hungarization? - so, there you can have an explanation for the 1M Hungarians living in Slovakia before WWI you are writing about.

"Even today with some 550,000 (10% of the total population) they would deserve much more rights."
- What kind of rights do you mean? Right for political autonomy, or even right for secession? ;-)

Thomas K,

Of course many Slavs were 'Hungarified' back in the day, especially in the nineteenth century when Hungarian nationalism was strong. But I don't see how that should make that one million who self-identified as Hungarians on the eve of Trianon any less 'Hungarian', unless you think blood-line matters more than self-identification.

And, yes, after WWI lots of Hungarians were driven, thrown, urged out by the Slovaks, just like lots of Slovaks living in Hungary were given the same treatment.

As for political rights, I think for starters the Hungarians' national identity should be respected by the Slovak government, includng by its foreign minister, and they should not have to be subject to insults such as that they 'constitute a cancer on the Slovak national body' (Kubis).