United Serbia: No Europe, no coalition

I remember very well what my wife's grandfather told us in Belgrade shortly after he was ousted from Krajina by Croat forces in 1995: "When it comes to politics, there isn't more stupid nation in the Balkans than Serbs."

Ever since – and long before that, too – I've been fighting windmills not to surrender in front of that view... view that comes unnecessarily close to a fact.

I understand that in the current situation it is best that SRS, DSS, NS, SPS take the power. And drown with it.

SRS, DSS, NS and SPS running the state and municipalities is the only way to open peoples eyes. It will be hard times, but as arrogance is a true Balkan virtue, this time people not only can have the cake but they have to eat it, too. Help yourself.

In two years time we will hear citizens saying "we didn't know". But it is only as much true as it has been during last 20 years.

Seems like D yeS to all that Europe demands are suffering from a case of sour grapes!

Đilas's suggestion of "trickery" is as preposterous as anyone in SRS-DSS-NS-SPS-PUPS-JS-LS suggesting secretive collusion between LDP and DS to set up anti-democratic protests against such a future non-DS governemnt.

Mind you it does not top the pomposity of Delic who is reported this weekend in western journals that following the formation of SRS-DSS-NS-SPS-PUPS-JS-LS to do just that;

"If the investment slows down, if the exchange rate goes down, we will have no trouble to command huge street protests," he said on the sidelines of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's annual meeting in Kiev."

- one wonders if this is not the plan seeing as he concedes DS will not be governing???

Have DSoros coalesced and colluded to achieve just such a future scenario seeing as they have not won a majority despite driinking all that Champagne and such announcements?

I find such open and public talk by Delic of 'mass protest' against a government that has not even formed yet quite alarming, very dangerous and anti-democratic! But then again not surprising given that Western backed Sakishvilli in Georgia can have such a huge and violent crack down and control all media yet still remains darling of Western applied Democracy!!!

Bganon,

a coalition government must be formed and for that to occur there will indeeed be compromise for who ever forms that coalition based upon SPS-PUPS-JS terms - its as simple as that when the votes had been cast and tallied!

Ultimately SAA will go to Parliment there is no doubts and never were any doubts with this regard. However, what must be spelt out loud and clear is that Serbia signs and can only ratify such an agreement with the implict message of "Serbia with kosovo" that it is conditioned by EU states respecting international laws regarding UN recognsied Serbia - that is the distinctionn for the majority of voters and those representing the majority.

D yeS to all that EUrope demands and conditions were and are still willing to ignore this knowing what that price means as does the Belguim Foriegn Minister who made it very public what Tadic and Delic were only too happy to accomodate and participate in;

"“My understanding is that we’ve only signed the agreement with Serbia itself, without Kosovo,” said De Gucht"

Each and every party who were not inclined to deceive in this clear violation of Serbia's sovereignity were all stil advocating continued EUropean development including SRS, DSS-NS and SPS-PUPS-JS - none of them have ever called for isolation but continued economic development with the Globe and that does not ignore nor isloate European development nor integration but conditions on Serbian territorial integrity!

This is a clear distinction and will become more apparent but lets not mince words the new government represent the majority view and democracy wil be respected just as Serbia's soverignity must be.

"Mathematically (nationalists) can do it (form an opposing coalition), but it goes against the mood of the people. We have legitimacy. Legally they can do it, but it's not legitimate," Djelic said.

This is from Princip's linked Reuters article.

Once again we have the DS claiming ownership of the "mood" and "will" of the Serbian people. The attempt to distinguish between "legal" and "legitimate" reminds me of the arguments of those who supported the bombing of Serbia in 1999 - except in that case the reasoning was reversed. The NATO bombing was "illegal but legitimate", they said. Now the prospect of a DSS/SRS/SPS government is legal but illegitimate. God spare us these verbal gymnastics.

Because the Serbian electorate has not given a clear mandate to any particular party or coalition, it is now all down to numbers. It is the responsibility of all parties to try to form a government. And whatever coalition emerges will not only be legal but also legitimate. That is the democratic system.

fas,

Of course you are right.

Look, I am just an Irishman with a great love for Serbia and its people. I might be naive but I hope that whatever government is formed will act in the interests of the people. You Serbs are like the Irish - you don't like outsiders telling you what to do. That is good.

Here in Ireland we are deep in the campaign for the Lisbon Treaty referendum. As you know, Ireland is the only EU country to have a referendum. The vote is on June 12. At the moment it is 50/50 and as time goes on the NO camp is gaining strength. I will be voting no. My reasons for doing so are not appropriate to this discussion.

When I was in Belgrade a few weeks ago I found a very confused and divided people. I had to physically prevent two friends of mine (both Serbs) from beating each other during a (drunken) discussion on Kosovo. This kind of thing also happens regularly in Ireland - about the "North".

For the first time since I began commenting on B92 I am giving my email address. If any of you out there want to contact me, please do.

My heart is with you in Serbia.

What's up with some people? Sounds to me like they have been listening to the world dictators a little too long. Scaremongering and more of the same old stories.

The anti-Serbian powers (DS/EU/US) may attempt to destabilise the country but they will not succeed.

Sure they will do anything and everything to keep their puppets in power but they cannot go against the will of the people this time. Serbians are no longer the fools! This time it is different and that will be obvious soon enough.

Power to the people! Power to Serbia, Russia, China, India and the World who will ensure the agression pact is dismantled.

@Princip - What is the problem you have with people wanting to express their views through demonstrations? Why is demonstrations suddenly anti-democratic?

Is a minority not allowed to demonstrate? Should the Serbs in Kosovo be banned from demonstrating because they are are minority there?

Maybe you really should move to your beloved China, since I can guarantee you, that any non-government approved demonstrations there are quickly quenched.

Last nights programme was uncomfortable viewing for those supporting the DSS position as Samardzic first said that DSS rejection of DSS should be seen in light of the election campaign. Then he said he 'didn't know' whether DSS would support a SAA motion in parliament. Only to be pressed in the end he said that DSS would not sign it. Why the indecision now after a whole electoral campaign based upon rejecting SAA?

Now we even have Dacic making positive noises about SAA and Markovic claiming that at a meeting between SPS and DS he was told that DSS would consider signing SAA.

The message we seem to be getting is that SAA will be signed no matter which coalition gets into power.

I understand that it would be a clever move in some way that a new DSS/SPS/SRS government could send a message to the west / investors that there will be no huge changes in policy. But the problem is that SRS and their supporters truly are against SAA.

And of course that if DSS is thinking of changing its mind their whole campaign was based upon a lie, as were all the accusations against DS for signing it.

DS doesn´t have the ownership of the "mood" and "will" of the Serbian people, Tom.

But they and their masters have the means to Rent-a-crowd, just like in the Good ol´days, questin is? Will it work?

After Serbia-Ukraine-Georgia-Kahzakstan-Lebanon and back again?

Yes Princip but DSS explicitly stated during the campaign that they were against the signing of the agreement as it was recognition of Kosovo.

They also said (did you agree?) that there is a so called hidden chapter meaning that any signing of the document would sign away Kosovo. If that was a lie then it would be ok to sign the SAA with the proviso you mentioned? However, it would expose one of the most repeated charges against the SAA and DS as false. It would also signify that DSS are prepared to state one thing during an election campaign in order to receive votes and then betray those that voted for them afterward.

Cast your mind back. Remember why the government collapsed in the first place? And do you remember the position of DS - exactly the one you stated, that Serbia must enter the EU with Kosovo within its borders.

A lot of fuss, accusations and an election all about nothing then, called by DSS. Somebody is taking the Serbian people for fools and I expect that a few people (here and elsewhere) will go on record to say they feel betrayed by the DSS position on SAA.

I still don't care what De Nobody said, he does not create policy for either Serbian political parties or the EU as a whole. Equally I could find a Spanish statement supportive of Serbia on Kosovo / EU but that wouldn't make it the official EU position. There isn't one.

Tom, I'm with you on the NO stance. It is the same people who will do anything and everything to get it through. The same people desperate to hold onto power. The same people pushing for Kosovo independence. It is now up to Ireland to say NO to the "EU constitution".

Check these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JJlI9swbsA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvIhI7vdMx8

Yes to Freedom and NO to the dictators.

actually... i feel pity for tadic :) this is what his future rides on :)) and i mean 'what' not 'who'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l5DIQHneWo

"The fact that Koštunica received half the votes he had in the last elections clearly states what the citizens think of him and his politics,” Đilas said, adding that he is convinced that the “For a European Serbia” list of five parties led by the Democrats, will form the next government without the inclusion of DSS. "

The Tadic coalition seems to be very poor at mathematics.

Koštunica's block went from 667,615 votes in 2007 to 463,996 in 2008. Retaining approximate 70% of its previous support and not having it halved at all. If the DS want to be in government then they will have to come to an agreement with the SPS coalition.

Forgot to add the link for delic going on record by western journals that DS would organise mass protest against a governemnet taht has not even formed yet;
Serbia Democrats plan to privatise or protest

""If the investment slows down, if the exchange rate goes down, we will have no trouble to command huge street protests," he said "
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL18372477

Serbians are no longer the fools! This time it is different and that will be obvious soon enough. (ZK UK, 19 May 2008 17:12)

what are Serbians? a new tribe discovered? or just fools, as you say? haha : ))

maybe ZK_UK means: the fools will be those which were stolen their votes by wrong promises before the elections? how could SRS fuse with SPS unless one of these parties break principal promises given to their voters?

""If the investment slows down, if the exchange rate goes down, we will have no trouble to command huge street protests,"
Djelic

What this is is a call for undoing Serbia no matter who is on the power but DS.
DS is creating a powerfull mixture of know-how, blending US and Milosevic's methods.
D is supposed to stands for Democratic or...?

My email address is:
tcodon@eircom.net
I forgot to include it in my earlier post. There are many of you posters out there that I would happily communicate with - including the Albanian people.
Slainte to all.

I mentioned a few days ago that Palma would be the one to watch in the SPS coalition, and he's certainly proven his worth. No SAA, no deal. And at a time when Nikolic and Kostunica need every seat they can muster to squeak by with a majority, they need the entire SPS coalition.

Interesting times folks, interesting times.

How does Dragan Đilas figure that the DSS "tricked voters" by forming a coalition with the Radicals? I knew they would do that all along.

As I realise,most of serbs commenting in this site,are living in EU, England or USA.It may be temporarely,until Russia,China and India become paradises!!!In my opinion,it's not a good thing to live in one country and blame it for everything!!!

Princip as you are well aware DS has the same stance as all major parties regarding Kosovo. No amount of standing up and screaming about something will help the situation in Kosovo, rather a cool headeded strategy with the support of all the major parties in Serbia (unity at home, greater strength abroad).

If SAA is supposed to be the rallying cry to win back Kosovo you will be sorely mistaken. SAA has precisely nothing to do with Kosovo, despite the lies about hidden chapters and of supposed recognition of Kosovo if the document is signed.

And if the document is signed by a majority in parliament I hope you will not change your mind to support the DS position because it will mean every single criticism you have made over the last few weeks including your comment today has been hot air. The same goes for DSS. Either the signing of the SAA is recognition of Kosovo or it never was.

DSS collapsed the previous government on the SAA. They not only said they wanted not to sign it but to 'nulify' it. It would be an amazing turnaround for them to support it now. And if SAA is passed specifying Serbian sovereignty over Kosovo with the support of all parties, well one has to ask the question - WHY DID THEY (DSS) NOT DO THIS IS THE FIRST PLACE? Instead of wasting the public's time and money with new elections and macho politics about saying 'No'.

Block the whole process of what, EU integration? Are you suggesting that Belgium will openly blackmail Serbia into supporting an independent Kosovo? Do you really think that Serbia will agree to such blackmail? You must have very little faith in Serbs.

Princip, you're right, Djelic gets it wrong when he says that DSS deceived its voters into thinking they wouldn't form a government with the SRS after elections. This was obvious to everyone except, it seems, Djelic. On the other hand, from Samardzic's statement, it is clear that DSS is already preparing to break its promise to voters that it would annul the SAA in parliament, obviously to prevent SPS & co. from joining forces with the DS. This could be a world record for the amount of time after an election that a party breaks its promise. Even worse for them, all of these efforts are probably futile. Palma's comments and the major progress on SPS local coalition agreements with DS and G17 in Kragujevac and Nis are a clear signal that the SPS is moving toward a national coalition with DS.

There never was such accusations. What was said was that not enough was done to prevent the attacks. Where was the police for example when the protestes marched ahead to the U.S. Embassy. Ofcourse an investigation was needed on how things got out of hand.

"Talking about false accusations, what is your comment on the charges from DS & Co.? Wouldn't they charged Kostunica and Ilic as organizators of attack on US Embassy, "

Bganon,

DSS can hold onto their manifesto and vote against it and still retain a coalition if this is the way that the coalition deceide to accomodae/compromise - this is stil in discussion how to overcome the nuances between them. Note that it is Parliment that would pass or stop it and that is down to the new Parlimentarians - note also that Kostunica called eleections rather then immediatly form a new coalition with SRS which he technically could have done with a majority so please lets not continue with this tripe of undemocratic - DSS stood their ground and yes thet did not do as well but that was the most democratic move they could make and if they in coalition have to compromise then that is what happens with democratic coalitions the world over!

The coalition being formed will iron out a compromise that they will deceide upon but SRS-DS-NS-SPS-PUPS-JS know that Serbia's sovereignity is the first priority and all stand for a Serbia in the EU WITH Serbia.

D yeS to all that EUrope asks have shown that they would sign serrbia's sovereignity away without the slightest question of what they were signing.

Lets be clear Parliment will deceide the representative way forward DSS can vote against but can still be passed if this is a free vote. Secondly there can be various drafts that are put forward one of which could be that SAA is ratified on teh proviso that ALL in the EU are clarified that Serbia's integrity and sovereignity is continued - Solona and Rupel see it fit to say the same for Georgia then they can do so for Serbia if they want SAA ratified - I think that would clear the air for Serbia.

If Solano and Rupel cant do so then I think we have questios to ask of D yeS (Tadic and Delic) as to their understanding of what they signed - Whats taht they say SAA is neutral - what exactly does that mean? Moreover why can't they say what they did for Georgia equally for Serbia? Why not?.

Bganon your right someone is not being totally honest and the lack of public support for Serbia's sovereignity by Solano and Rupel while clearly Belguim FM Minister and those who illegally act against Intermational laws within the EU continues makes many understand what is the truth!

Bganon,
if Tadic and co are not willing to stand up for Serbia's sovereignity now when will they ever do so? The time is now not later. later when the scenario will be that many in the EU remind Serbia that they signed with a particular understanding and will say "Serbia did not question it then so why question it now when you are so far on teh path to EU integration? - fait acompli?" - that will be the view!!! Don't you get that as you cant be that naive? Or is that what you are happy with and believe everyone in serbia should be deceived with this later, later we will be able to protect our integrity as it gets harder and harder?

ou may not care for Belgiums view but it only takes one country to block the whole process irrespective of all that Serba does -and I thought you havd a better undertsanding then many others with regards the workings of the EU!!!

Koštunica's block went from 667,615 votes in 2007 to 463,996 in 2008. Retaining approximate 70% of its previous support and not having it halved at all.
(PJD, 19 May 2008 12:55)

please stay honest, dear PJD. the party of Kostunica lost half of the votes - you are talking about the Kostunica list.

As I have been saying, there will be a civil war in Serbia if SRS-SPS-DSS form the government. Demonstrations will lead to civil war in Serbia because the situation there is fragile and people are tired with the poor standard of living. Many people here laugh when I say civil war in Serbia can happen, but mark my words that if SRS-SPS and DSS form the next government, civil war will emerge and the government will be overthrown.

Peace.

Tom, great comparison Kosova with Ireland. What's next...Italy with Mars?

One thing we are now seeing is a more plural Serbian government instead of the same old players. An EU perspective is going to change everything. It's going to be a choice of whether to stick to your traditional Serbia or a Serbia that can withstand change and a better future. It's in your hands, pick wisely.

Bganon,

"… one of the most repeated charges against the SAA and DS as false…"

Talking about false accusations, what is your comment on the charges from DS & Co.? Wouldn't they charged Kostunica and Ilic as organizators of attack on US Embassy, and there was even accusation that they DSS was preparing military intervention in Kosovo.

"… I still don't care what De Nobody (Belgian Ambassador), said, he does not create policy … EU as a whole. …"

No, he doesn't, but he is doing what few biggest powers in EU wants. So, unfortunately, it is very relevant for us.

"… Are you suggesting that Belgium will openly blackmail Serbia into supporting an independent Kosovo?…"

Of course they will. Belgium does not have its own Balkan policy, they are just doing what the big boys tell them to do. It is convenient for the string pullers to stay in the shadows from time to time and let the puppets in the full lights…

"… Do you really think that Serbia will agree to such blackmail?…"

Some of our politicians would.

Stevan I don't know if those accusations are true or not. But as somebody who took part in the demonstrations and as somebody who watched the US embassy burning, I can tell you that the police had been deliberately withdrawn.

In other words the crowd was allowed to cause the damage it did. DSS are in charge of police and chose not to intervene. I can't accuse Kostunica of organising it because there is no evidence to show this, but I can accuse him of not preventing acts of breaking the law in public.

There should be an investigation to see how this collapse of law came about and whoever is accountable should be sanctioned. I would expect this of any country.

But none of this explains a potential U turn by DSS on the SAA issue. I realise they wanted to go to the country on this issue and so artificially created this link between Kosovo and EU in order to take votes from SRS, but this policy failed. Thats one reason why they are reconsidering.

If De Nobody is doing what the big EU powers want then it makes sense that they say the same thing as he said. They have not done so.

The beauty of Serbian democracy is that we have all viewpoints represented. The fact that Cedo Jovanovic (6 percent) would recognise an independent Kosovo does not mean the Serbian people will do so.

Have a little more faith.

What a shame still socialist party out there in serbia they are getting votes and having right to be involved in serbian government after what really they did to serbian nation and others in serbian name in 90 WHAT A JOKE!!!!

Ingrate,

"… In my opinion,it's not a good thing to live in one country and blame it for everything … most of serbs commenting in this site,are living in EU, England or USA. …"

I disagree. Serbs have all right to criticize wrong doings of the governments of the countries where they live.

Many posters on this site think that Serbs who are living in the Western countries are not competent to comment on events in Serbia. I would say they have every right to do so. I say just the opposite, many of them are in position to have much better informed opinions then Serbs who lived in Serbia only, as they can compare two worlds with all their advantages and disadvantages.

Suzana,

"… most privileged minority in the world, the Serbs…."

Serbs in Kosovo privileged? How? Do they have better quality barbed wire for protection then some other ethnic groups elsewhere in the world who are in the similar danger of the total annihilation?

I remember very well what my wife's grandfather told us in Belgrade shortly after he was ousted from Krajina by Croat forces in 1995: "When it comes to politics, there isn't more stupid nation in the Balkans than Serbs."

Ever since – and long before that, too – I've been fighting windmills not to surrender in front of that view... view that comes unnecessarily close to a fact.

I understand that in the current situation it is best that SRS, DSS, NS, SPS take the power. And drown with it.

SRS, DSS, NS and SPS running the state and municipalities is the only way to open peoples eyes. It will be hard times, but as arrogance is a true Balkan virtue, this time people not only can have the cake but they have to eat it, too. Help yourself.

In two years time we will hear citizens saying "we didn't know". But it is only as much true as it has been during last 20 years.

Last nights programme was uncomfortable viewing for those supporting the DSS position as Samardzic first said that DSS rejection of DSS should be seen in light of the election campaign. Then he said he 'didn't know' whether DSS would support a SAA motion in parliament. Only to be pressed in the end he said that DSS would not sign it. Why the indecision now after a whole electoral campaign based upon rejecting SAA?

Now we even have Dacic making positive noises about SAA and Markovic claiming that at a meeting between SPS and DS he was told that DSS would consider signing SAA.

The message we seem to be getting is that SAA will be signed no matter which coalition gets into power.

I understand that it would be a clever move in some way that a new DSS/SPS/SRS government could send a message to the west / investors that there will be no huge changes in policy. But the problem is that SRS and their supporters truly are against SAA.

And of course that if DSS is thinking of changing its mind their whole campaign was based upon a lie, as were all the accusations against DS for signing it.

@Princip - What is the problem you have with people wanting to express their views through demonstrations? Why is demonstrations suddenly anti-democratic?

Is a minority not allowed to demonstrate? Should the Serbs in Kosovo be banned from demonstrating because they are are minority there?

Maybe you really should move to your beloved China, since I can guarantee you, that any non-government approved demonstrations there are quickly quenched.

Princip, you're right, Djelic gets it wrong when he says that DSS deceived its voters into thinking they wouldn't form a government with the SRS after elections. This was obvious to everyone except, it seems, Djelic. On the other hand, from Samardzic's statement, it is clear that DSS is already preparing to break its promise to voters that it would annul the SAA in parliament, obviously to prevent SPS & co. from joining forces with the DS. This could be a world record for the amount of time after an election that a party breaks its promise. Even worse for them, all of these efforts are probably futile. Palma's comments and the major progress on SPS local coalition agreements with DS and G17 in Kragujevac and Nis are a clear signal that the SPS is moving toward a national coalition with DS.

Serbians are no longer the fools! This time it is different and that will be obvious soon enough. (ZK UK, 19 May 2008 17:12)

what are Serbians? a new tribe discovered? or just fools, as you say? haha : ))

maybe ZK_UK means: the fools will be those which were stolen their votes by wrong promises before the elections? how could SRS fuse with SPS unless one of these parties break principal promises given to their voters?

Yes Princip but DSS explicitly stated during the campaign that they were against the signing of the agreement as it was recognition of Kosovo.

They also said (did you agree?) that there is a so called hidden chapter meaning that any signing of the document would sign away Kosovo. If that was a lie then it would be ok to sign the SAA with the proviso you mentioned? However, it would expose one of the most repeated charges against the SAA and DS as false. It would also signify that DSS are prepared to state one thing during an election campaign in order to receive votes and then betray those that voted for them afterward.

Cast your mind back. Remember why the government collapsed in the first place? And do you remember the position of DS - exactly the one you stated, that Serbia must enter the EU with Kosovo within its borders.

A lot of fuss, accusations and an election all about nothing then, called by DSS. Somebody is taking the Serbian people for fools and I expect that a few people (here and elsewhere) will go on record to say they feel betrayed by the DSS position on SAA.

I still don't care what De Nobody said, he does not create policy for either Serbian political parties or the EU as a whole. Equally I could find a Spanish statement supportive of Serbia on Kosovo / EU but that wouldn't make it the official EU position. There isn't one.

As I have been saying, there will be a civil war in Serbia if SRS-SPS-DSS form the government. Demonstrations will lead to civil war in Serbia because the situation there is fragile and people are tired with the poor standard of living. Many people here laugh when I say civil war in Serbia can happen, but mark my words that if SRS-SPS and DSS form the next government, civil war will emerge and the government will be overthrown.

Peace.

Koštunica's block went from 667,615 votes in 2007 to 463,996 in 2008. Retaining approximate 70% of its previous support and not having it halved at all.
(PJD, 19 May 2008 12:55)

please stay honest, dear PJD. the party of Kostunica lost half of the votes - you are talking about the Kostunica list.

Tom, great comparison Kosova with Ireland. What's next...Italy with Mars?

One thing we are now seeing is a more plural Serbian government instead of the same old players. An EU perspective is going to change everything. It's going to be a choice of whether to stick to your traditional Serbia or a Serbia that can withstand change and a better future. It's in your hands, pick wisely.

Stevan I don't know if those accusations are true or not. But as somebody who took part in the demonstrations and as somebody who watched the US embassy burning, I can tell you that the police had been deliberately withdrawn.

In other words the crowd was allowed to cause the damage it did. DSS are in charge of police and chose not to intervene. I can't accuse Kostunica of organising it because there is no evidence to show this, but I can accuse him of not preventing acts of breaking the law in public.

There should be an investigation to see how this collapse of law came about and whoever is accountable should be sanctioned. I would expect this of any country.

But none of this explains a potential U turn by DSS on the SAA issue. I realise they wanted to go to the country on this issue and so artificially created this link between Kosovo and EU in order to take votes from SRS, but this policy failed. Thats one reason why they are reconsidering.

If De Nobody is doing what the big EU powers want then it makes sense that they say the same thing as he said. They have not done so.

The beauty of Serbian democracy is that we have all viewpoints represented. The fact that Cedo Jovanovic (6 percent) would recognise an independent Kosovo does not mean the Serbian people will do so.

Have a little more faith.

What's up with some people? Sounds to me like they have been listening to the world dictators a little too long. Scaremongering and more of the same old stories.

The anti-Serbian powers (DS/EU/US) may attempt to destabilise the country but they will not succeed.

Sure they will do anything and everything to keep their puppets in power but they cannot go against the will of the people this time. Serbians are no longer the fools! This time it is different and that will be obvious soon enough.

Power to the people! Power to Serbia, Russia, China, India and the World who will ensure the agression pact is dismantled.

I mentioned a few days ago that Palma would be the one to watch in the SPS coalition, and he's certainly proven his worth. No SAA, no deal. And at a time when Nikolic and Kostunica need every seat they can muster to squeak by with a majority, they need the entire SPS coalition.

Interesting times folks, interesting times.

As I realise,most of serbs commenting in this site,are living in EU, England or USA.It may be temporarely,until Russia,China and India become paradises!!!In my opinion,it's not a good thing to live in one country and blame it for everything!!!

Princip as you are well aware DS has the same stance as all major parties regarding Kosovo. No amount of standing up and screaming about something will help the situation in Kosovo, rather a cool headeded strategy with the support of all the major parties in Serbia (unity at home, greater strength abroad).

If SAA is supposed to be the rallying cry to win back Kosovo you will be sorely mistaken. SAA has precisely nothing to do with Kosovo, despite the lies about hidden chapters and of supposed recognition of Kosovo if the document is signed.

And if the document is signed by a majority in parliament I hope you will not change your mind to support the DS position because it will mean every single criticism you have made over the last few weeks including your comment today has been hot air. The same goes for DSS. Either the signing of the SAA is recognition of Kosovo or it never was.

DSS collapsed the previous government on the SAA. They not only said they wanted not to sign it but to 'nulify' it. It would be an amazing turnaround for them to support it now. And if SAA is passed specifying Serbian sovereignty over Kosovo with the support of all parties, well one has to ask the question - WHY DID THEY (DSS) NOT DO THIS IS THE FIRST PLACE? Instead of wasting the public's time and money with new elections and macho politics about saying 'No'.

Block the whole process of what, EU integration? Are you suggesting that Belgium will openly blackmail Serbia into supporting an independent Kosovo? Do you really think that Serbia will agree to such blackmail? You must have very little faith in Serbs.

Seems like D yeS to all that Europe demands are suffering from a case of sour grapes!

Đilas's suggestion of "trickery" is as preposterous as anyone in SRS-DSS-NS-SPS-PUPS-JS-LS suggesting secretive collusion between LDP and DS to set up anti-democratic protests against such a future non-DS governemnt.

Mind you it does not top the pomposity of Delic who is reported this weekend in western journals that following the formation of SRS-DSS-NS-SPS-PUPS-JS-LS to do just that;

"If the investment slows down, if the exchange rate goes down, we will have no trouble to command huge street protests," he said on the sidelines of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's annual meeting in Kiev."

- one wonders if this is not the plan seeing as he concedes DS will not be governing???

Have DSoros coalesced and colluded to achieve just such a future scenario seeing as they have not won a majority despite driinking all that Champagne and such announcements?

I find such open and public talk by Delic of 'mass protest' against a government that has not even formed yet quite alarming, very dangerous and anti-democratic! But then again not surprising given that Western backed Sakishvilli in Georgia can have such a huge and violent crack down and control all media yet still remains darling of Western applied Democracy!!!

Forgot to add the link for delic going on record by western journals that DS would organise mass protest against a governemnet taht has not even formed yet;
Serbia Democrats plan to privatise or protest

""If the investment slows down, if the exchange rate goes down, we will have no trouble to command huge street protests," he said "
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL18372477

"The fact that Koštunica received half the votes he had in the last elections clearly states what the citizens think of him and his politics,” Đilas said, adding that he is convinced that the “For a European Serbia” list of five parties led by the Democrats, will form the next government without the inclusion of DSS. "

The Tadic coalition seems to be very poor at mathematics.

Koštunica's block went from 667,615 votes in 2007 to 463,996 in 2008. Retaining approximate 70% of its previous support and not having it halved at all. If the DS want to be in government then they will have to come to an agreement with the SPS coalition.

Bganon,

a coalition government must be formed and for that to occur there will indeeed be compromise for who ever forms that coalition based upon SPS-PUPS-JS terms - its as simple as that when the votes had been cast and tallied!

Ultimately SAA will go to Parliment there is no doubts and never were any doubts with this regard. However, what must be spelt out loud and clear is that Serbia signs and can only ratify such an agreement with the implict message of "Serbia with kosovo" that it is conditioned by EU states respecting international laws regarding UN recognsied Serbia - that is the distinctionn for the majority of voters and those representing the majority.

D yeS to all that EUrope demands and conditions were and are still willing to ignore this knowing what that price means as does the Belguim Foriegn Minister who made it very public what Tadic and Delic were only too happy to accomodate and participate in;

"“My understanding is that we’ve only signed the agreement with Serbia itself, without Kosovo,” said De Gucht"

Each and every party who were not inclined to deceive in this clear violation of Serbia's sovereignity were all stil advocating continued EUropean development including SRS, DSS-NS and SPS-PUPS-JS - none of them have ever called for isolation but continued economic development with the Globe and that does not ignore nor isloate European development nor integration but conditions on Serbian territorial integrity!

This is a clear distinction and will become more apparent but lets not mince words the new government represent the majority view and democracy wil be respected just as Serbia's soverignity must be.

"Mathematically (nationalists) can do it (form an opposing coalition), but it goes against the mood of the people. We have legitimacy. Legally they can do it, but it's not legitimate," Djelic said.

This is from Princip's linked Reuters article.

Once again we have the DS claiming ownership of the "mood" and "will" of the Serbian people. The attempt to distinguish between "legal" and "legitimate" reminds me of the arguments of those who supported the bombing of Serbia in 1999 - except in that case the reasoning was reversed. The NATO bombing was "illegal but legitimate", they said. Now the prospect of a DSS/SRS/SPS government is legal but illegitimate. God spare us these verbal gymnastics.

Because the Serbian electorate has not given a clear mandate to any particular party or coalition, it is now all down to numbers. It is the responsibility of all parties to try to form a government. And whatever coalition emerges will not only be legal but also legitimate. That is the democratic system.

DS doesn´t have the ownership of the "mood" and "will" of the Serbian people, Tom.

But they and their masters have the means to Rent-a-crowd, just like in the Good ol´days, questin is? Will it work?

After Serbia-Ukraine-Georgia-Kahzakstan-Lebanon and back again?

fas,

Of course you are right.

Look, I am just an Irishman with a great love for Serbia and its people. I might be naive but I hope that whatever government is formed will act in the interests of the people. You Serbs are like the Irish - you don't like outsiders telling you what to do. That is good.

Here in Ireland we are deep in the campaign for the Lisbon Treaty referendum. As you know, Ireland is the only EU country to have a referendum. The vote is on June 12. At the moment it is 50/50 and as time goes on the NO camp is gaining strength. I will be voting no. My reasons for doing so are not appropriate to this discussion.

When I was in Belgrade a few weeks ago I found a very confused and divided people. I had to physically prevent two friends of mine (both Serbs) from beating each other during a (drunken) discussion on Kosovo. This kind of thing also happens regularly in Ireland - about the "North".

For the first time since I began commenting on B92 I am giving my email address. If any of you out there want to contact me, please do.

My heart is with you in Serbia.

Tom, I'm with you on the NO stance. It is the same people who will do anything and everything to get it through. The same people desperate to hold onto power. The same people pushing for Kosovo independence. It is now up to Ireland to say NO to the "EU constitution".

Check these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JJlI9swbsA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvIhI7vdMx8

Yes to Freedom and NO to the dictators.

How does Dragan Đilas figure that the DSS "tricked voters" by forming a coalition with the Radicals? I knew they would do that all along.

My email address is:
tcodon@eircom.net
I forgot to include it in my earlier post. There are many of you posters out there that I would happily communicate with - including the Albanian people.
Slainte to all.

""If the investment slows down, if the exchange rate goes down, we will have no trouble to command huge street protests,"
Djelic

What this is is a call for undoing Serbia no matter who is on the power but DS.
DS is creating a powerfull mixture of know-how, blending US and Milosevic's methods.
D is supposed to stands for Democratic or...?

actually... i feel pity for tadic :) this is what his future rides on :)) and i mean 'what' not 'who'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l5DIQHneWo

What a shame still socialist party out there in serbia they are getting votes and having right to be involved in serbian government after what really they did to serbian nation and others in serbian name in 90 WHAT A JOKE!!!!

Bganon,

DSS can hold onto their manifesto and vote against it and still retain a coalition if this is the way that the coalition deceide to accomodae/compromise - this is stil in discussion how to overcome the nuances between them. Note that it is Parliment that would pass or stop it and that is down to the new Parlimentarians - note also that Kostunica called eleections rather then immediatly form a new coalition with SRS which he technically could have done with a majority so please lets not continue with this tripe of undemocratic - DSS stood their ground and yes thet did not do as well but that was the most democratic move they could make and if they in coalition have to compromise then that is what happens with democratic coalitions the world over!

The coalition being formed will iron out a compromise that they will deceide upon but SRS-DS-NS-SPS-PUPS-JS know that Serbia's sovereignity is the first priority and all stand for a Serbia in the EU WITH Serbia.

D yeS to all that EUrope asks have shown that they would sign serrbia's sovereignity away without the slightest question of what they were signing.

Lets be clear Parliment will deceide the representative way forward DSS can vote against but can still be passed if this is a free vote. Secondly there can be various drafts that are put forward one of which could be that SAA is ratified on teh proviso that ALL in the EU are clarified that Serbia's integrity and sovereignity is continued - Solona and Rupel see it fit to say the same for Georgia then they can do so for Serbia if they want SAA ratified - I think that would clear the air for Serbia.

If Solano and Rupel cant do so then I think we have questios to ask of D yeS (Tadic and Delic) as to their understanding of what they signed - Whats taht they say SAA is neutral - what exactly does that mean? Moreover why can't they say what they did for Georgia equally for Serbia? Why not?.

Bganon your right someone is not being totally honest and the lack of public support for Serbia's sovereignity by Solano and Rupel while clearly Belguim FM Minister and those who illegally act against Intermational laws within the EU continues makes many understand what is the truth!

Bganon,
if Tadic and co are not willing to stand up for Serbia's sovereignity now when will they ever do so? The time is now not later. later when the scenario will be that many in the EU remind Serbia that they signed with a particular understanding and will say "Serbia did not question it then so why question it now when you are so far on teh path to EU integration? - fait acompli?" - that will be the view!!! Don't you get that as you cant be that naive? Or is that what you are happy with and believe everyone in serbia should be deceived with this later, later we will be able to protect our integrity as it gets harder and harder?

ou may not care for Belgiums view but it only takes one country to block the whole process irrespective of all that Serba does -and I thought you havd a better undertsanding then many others with regards the workings of the EU!!!

Bganon,

"… one of the most repeated charges against the SAA and DS as false…"

Talking about false accusations, what is your comment on the charges from DS & Co.? Wouldn't they charged Kostunica and Ilic as organizators of attack on US Embassy, and there was even accusation that they DSS was preparing military intervention in Kosovo.

"… I still don't care what De Nobody (Belgian Ambassador), said, he does not create policy … EU as a whole. …"

No, he doesn't, but he is doing what few biggest powers in EU wants. So, unfortunately, it is very relevant for us.

"… Are you suggesting that Belgium will openly blackmail Serbia into supporting an independent Kosovo?…"

Of course they will. Belgium does not have its own Balkan policy, they are just doing what the big boys tell them to do. It is convenient for the string pullers to stay in the shadows from time to time and let the puppets in the full lights…

"… Do you really think that Serbia will agree to such blackmail?…"

Some of our politicians would.

Ingrate,

"… In my opinion,it's not a good thing to live in one country and blame it for everything … most of serbs commenting in this site,are living in EU, England or USA. …"

I disagree. Serbs have all right to criticize wrong doings of the governments of the countries where they live.

Many posters on this site think that Serbs who are living in the Western countries are not competent to comment on events in Serbia. I would say they have every right to do so. I say just the opposite, many of them are in position to have much better informed opinions then Serbs who lived in Serbia only, as they can compare two worlds with all their advantages and disadvantages.

Suzana,

"… most privileged minority in the world, the Serbs…."

Serbs in Kosovo privileged? How? Do they have better quality barbed wire for protection then some other ethnic groups elsewhere in the world who are in the similar danger of the total annihilation?

There never was such accusations. What was said was that not enough was done to prevent the attacks. Where was the police for example when the protestes marched ahead to the U.S. Embassy. Ofcourse an investigation was needed on how things got out of hand.

"Talking about false accusations, what is your comment on the charges from DS & Co.? Wouldn't they charged Kostunica and Ilic as organizators of attack on US Embassy, "