Implications of a Radical government in Serbia

Typical Monty propoganda at its best. Not once did he mention that for the past 15 years his own government's policies have been grossly anti-Serbian. His government has supported whole heartedly the ethnic cleansing of the entire Serb population of Krajina, the fake state of Bosnia which the majority of its inhabitants do not want to exist, and the fake/immoral/illegal state of Kosovo (run by organ traffickers). The problem is you Monty. YOU, Burns, and your friends are responsible for the mess in the Balkans today. The Radicals, whom you hate so much, would not be the largest party in Serbia - not even close - had you and the west actually treated Serbia fairly, with respect. How is that for a novel idea for you?

Serbia is at the mercy of nobody. The only reason you start with that non-sense is the same reason Tadic and his CIA buddies are... fear... and no not fear for the Serbian people.... but fear that a Pro-Serbian bloc would actually lead a prosperous Serbia. This is why we get expressions like.... "Pro-Isolationists", "Extremists", "Ultra Nationalists", who will of course lead Serbia into "hardships", "Isolation", and of course as Tadic puts it "a short trip on the Titanic". Of course Tadic's Pro-CIA party is made up of "Modernists", "Centrists", "Liberals", "Reformists", and of course "Europeans". This my friend is nothing more than a CIA ploy to scare the Serbian people.

And you don't stop with the name calling. Even though the Pro Serbian, Anti-CIA parties (SRS, DSS-NS, SPS, PUPS, JS) managed to get more than the Pro-CIA parties (DS-LSV-SPO-G17,LDP) Serbia apparently
"tilted to the west".

I am absolutely sick of this. Serbia can and will prosper because for the first time since 2000 we will actually have a Pro-Serbian bloc and not a bloc that looks for the best interest of foreigners rather its own people.

Again, nobody out of the Pro-Serbian parties are against the EU.. what sets the Pro-Serbian parties apart from the Pro-CIA parties is that we are not willing to join any foreign organization on our knees but with absolute dignity. We will continue to work towards Europe, we will continue to work towards prosperity and we will continue to work towards to state and national interest of Serbia and no place else.


Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava

Kosovo je Srbija

S Verom u Boga

CCCC

Like always Mr. Montgomery spread a propaganda of deterioration of Serbia’s economy and international isolation. Unfortunately (for him and his bosses) it is hard to believe to this black scenario.

His bosses are in a very critical situation. US economy is on a verge of recession, unemployment is grooving, the prices of gas and Diesel fuel excided $4 per gallon, national debt excided trillions of dollars and prices of food are sky racketing. Even worse! At the beginning of March this year, Iran Oil Bourse stop to accept $US and all transactions are done in Euro and yeans. This means the and of PETRODOLLARS and catastrophe for American monetary system.

At the same time the economical situation in Russia, China, India and even (despite the sanctions) Iran is improving. Despite American pressure India decided to join the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline project. China invests billions of dollars in Iran industry.

Fiat is going to withdraw its agreement to start production of new cars in Zastava? Go ahead, you are going to be a looser. Chinese car maker are waiting. It will be the best occasion to introduce Chinese inexpensive cars to Europe.

And there will not be any isolation of Serbia by even European countries. Just see Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and many other countries that even they are a members of EU and some recognized UDI of Kosovo the official governments’ statements assume that mutual relations will not be affected. So it is THEIR wish, not Serbia’s.

Not enough. Example of Serbia could be start of breaking of EU, where many new members are not very happy with EU policies. It is interesting.

Like always Mr. Montgomery spread a propaganda of deterioration of Serbia’s economy and international isolation. Unfortunately (for him and his bosses) it is hard to believe to this black scenario.

His bosses are in a very critical situation. US economy is on a verge of recession, unemployment is grooving, the prices of gas and Diesel fuel excided $4 per gallon, national debt excided trillions of dollars and prices of food are sky racketing. Even worse! At the beginning of March this year, Iran Oil Bourse stop to accept $US and all transactions are done in Euro and yeans. This means the and of PETRODOLLARS and catastrophe for American monetary system.

At the same time the economical situation in Russia, China, India and even (despite the sanctions) Iran is improving. Despite American pressure India decided to join the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline project. China invests billions of dollars in Iran industry.

Fiat is going to withdraw its agreement to start production of new cars in Zastava? Go ahead, you are going to be a looser. Chinese car maker are waiting. It will be the best occasion to introduce Chinese inexpensive cars to Europe.

And there will not be any isolation of Serbia by even European countries. Just see Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and many other countries that even they are a members of EU and some recognized UDI of Kosovo the official governments’ statements assume that mutual relations will not be affected. So it is THEIR wish, not Serbia’s.

Not enough. Example of Serbia could be start of breaking of EU, where many new members are not very happy with EU policies. It is interesting.

Dear Mr Montgomery,
You are quite right that: "There are those in the West who believe that the above path is a necessary catharsis to once and for all "cure" the Serbian people of the pull of nationalism and the Radical Party. Only after reaching the bottom, this theory goes, will Serbia ever be able to truly begin its democratic transition"

The question however is where is the bottom?
Many after 1999 believed that in few years the vast majority of the Serbs will take it as a part of life that Kosovo is "lost" and will set another national goals, like getting into Schengen's visa white list, joining EU, reconciliation with the neibours etc. The recent elections show that those expectations were premature. So before deciding on its strategy towards Serbia, the West must understand why Serbs reacted so differently on the Eu policies than the other East Europeans or even the other countries of former Yugoslavia?
The answear may be that Serbia wea neither a country behind the Iron Curtain, nor a nation who perceived Yugoslavia as an infringement of its sovereignty.
Serbs believed Yugoslavia to be their country. They believed that it was free enough - they could travel almost without restrictions. Indeed they perceived themselves as guardians of the freedoms of the other Yugoslavian nations and thought of the Western powers as their friends and supporters.
The collaps of Yugoslavia was a collaps of their world. The desire of the other yugoslavian nations for independence was perceived as treachery, the support given by the US to the Kosovo Albanians was unexplainable. Many of them honestly believe that there was a huge conspiracy to destroy Yugoslavia. To them the configuration of aliances from the First World War was indeed real, and they honestly felt betrayed by seeng US, Briatin and France switching to the German side!
All this sounds ludicrous to the Westerners, but that is the way many Serbs see the world.
May be the West should use more carrots than stick.

Serbia need a radical lead goverment to counter Tadic's obvious siding with the WEST. Serbia should build more close relationship with Russia, China, India & other states who RESPECTS serbia's territories and that includes kosovo.

To the B92 Censor: Let the complete message go through even if it displeases, it is not a thought control Serbia needs at this moment.

Montgomery is making Tadic's propaganda, as usual, but by listing the horrible things that would befall Serbia ( if she doesn't obey her foreign friends
-including him), he has actually compiled an impressive list of the wishes every Serbs should desire.
That the West would deny us its 'affection', for exemple, would be litterally a dream come true for our Nation. (Can you imagine our sorrow on seeing Soros packing up and go with all his minions?).
Or, another Montgomery's Serbian 'nightmare': Holland and Belgium blocking our access to the New Austro-Hungary (pardon, the EU), over Mladic and Karadzic?
Horror of all horrors!
And, what if those Lithvanians or Latvians become dis-satisfied with the Serbs? No end to our predicament.
What he doesn't say but obviously mean, is -that under those dark circumstances, God forbid,we
would cease to be hearing his, and other Serbian 'friends' wise advices.
But there is more. The Serbian Army (if the Serbs get hold of it again)would never be given chance to participate in those humanitarian slaughters of Iraqis and Afgans, orchestrated by the Country of His Excellency.
Ambassador, why don't you just concentrate on your own Country which is rapidly slipping into a police state.
Defend your battered Constitution your Government is trampling upon daily, and forget of preaching to us like your kooky fundamentalists. Serbia is not in your Bible-Belt.
The whole World is sick of the U.S. hypocrisy.

"The new government will try to compensate by improving relations with Russia, China, Iran, and other governments of a similar nature."

I'm not sure how Serbia's government (regardless of what eventuates) is like these 3, particularly China (one party communist state) and Iran (Islamic theocracy). This statement is ridiculous.

I would actually say given the closeness of the results, the public haggling over coalitions etc, Serbia is extremely democratic. The only blemish is the interference of the "West" in trying to get their "prefered" result up, but that is actually something that works against the Radicals and is an black mark on the "Democrats".

Serbia will act in it's own interests. If Russia, China etc offer us a better *package* deal (ie cash + respect for integrity etc) - I say there is no problem.

Stop complaining and offer us your own *package* deal!

I suspect that the *package" needs to include:-

1 - Respect for Serbia's borders OR a general redrawing of ALL borders along ethnic lines in ex-Yugoslavia (hello RS and RSK).

2 - Membership of the EU (although we will want to read the small print on that)

3 - No membership of NATO (preferably NATO scrapped altogether).

Nik,

It's an interesting hypothetical isn't it?

To answer your question in a word, yes, it is an option, as long as the policy is consistent, everything can be discussed.

It would be very hard work to come up with such a compromise but I believe Serbia would accept such a challenge if offered.

Unlike the UDI of "Kosova", where your "negotiators" hid behind America's skirts and claimed they acted in good faith.

Bring on the real negotiations! That is precisely what Serbia has been saying!!

Treat Serbia with respect and you will be surprised what could happen.

If not - no deal for "Kosova", EVER.

This is the second time I am sending this comment (Let's see if the B92 Censor may like it, this time)

As I was saying, Montgomery, besides making a blatant attempt to propagandize Tadic's stale speeches, has also made an almost complete list of of the things the Serbs should precisely wish if they want to recover their country from the clutches of their 'friends'.
The ex-ambassador presents all the horrors that would befall Serbia if it doesn't follow their advice.
What are they?
Well, we may , for exemple lose 'affection' the West has bestoved upon us ever since they stopped bombing us.
We may, God Forbid,lose Soros and his minions, who may just pack and go, leaving us orphans to the Free Speech, and other democratic manners.
We may, make angry the Dutch and the Belgium,over not delivering them Mladic and Karadzic for their judicial orgies in Hague.
These paragones of virtues may then, just block our access to a New edition of the Austro-Hungary a.k.a. the EU.
Among other horors he could have mentioned, was that our Serbian Army may miss forever its chance to participate in the humanitarian slaughter of Iraqi or Afgan population.
Montgomery should stop preaching his Democratic Fundamentalism to the Serbs and turn his attention to his own country which is slipping steadily towards a fascist police state. He should defend its battered Constitution instead of giving lectures to the Serbs as though they are inhabitants of his loony Bible-Belt.
-Your excellency,come to understand,the whole World
is already sick of your U.S. hypocrisy.-

Nik wrote: Does ALL include also Sandzak? Preshevo Valley? Northern Vojvodina? Prohor Pchinski monastery? Caribrod (Dimitrovgrad)????

Commentator wrote: To answer your question in a word, yes, it is an option, as long as the policy is consistent, everything can be discussed.

With discussions like yours the whole hell will break loose! The international community respects the borders of Serbia (except for the claim that Kosovo is part of Serbia)But theoretically, in the early 90's when Serbs controlled 1/3 of Croatia and 2/3 of Bosnia, they were in excellent position to offer 2/3 of Kosovo to Albania, 1/3 of Vojvodina to Hungary etc. in return of recognition of unification of RSK and SK to Serbia, the Serbs could have ended up with a bunch of Allies. Thank God such a dangerous precedent did not occur!

Our dear comrade,

it is obvious that your government knew well how to deal with undecisive Milosevic and servile Tadic in order to create hell in former Yugoslavia and Serbia. Of course, both of them were perfect vessel for implementation of your selfish policy of conflict- creation (Divide et impera), because they were always possible to scare. What worries you nowadays is a government that is indeed ready to set maximalist requests and stand behind them. You know well that, with a government like that, the USA will be forced to compromise and make concessions to it. In plane language, it will mean that your pervertly corrupt politicians and officials will no longer be able to repay to Albanian narco- mafia and clerofascist circles in Bosnia and Croatia. Bad news, as we know how mafia treats those who do not deliver, don't we? That is why you spared no effort in doing your little part in this anti- radicals propaganda. Nice try, but in vane - the USA just went a step too far. Don't foget, there is nothing that you haven't tried against us and the bottom has already been touched.

commentator wrote: "Respect for Serbia's borders OR a general redrawing of ALL borders along ethnic lines in ex-Yugoslavia (hello RS and RSK)."
Question: Does ALL include also Sandzak? Preshevo Valley? Northern Vojvodina? Prohor Pchinski monastery? Caribrod (Dimitrovgrad)????

Nik #15
What you say about the Austro-Hungary's resudual influence is correct but so is the fact that the A-H (just as the EU now) had a strong hierarchy in its national and ethnic composition.
Just as then, we have now in the EU nations that are masters, those that are caretakers, then the servants ,the beggars ,and finally -the dogs.
The EU masters are obviously on the other side of the Atlantic, the caretakers are Germany etc,. A larger class is the servants such as Poland etc
then come beggars Bulgaria etc and finally -the dogs.
There is no doubt that Croats and Slovenes were perfectly happy to play the role of imperial dogs ( they have demonstrated that with their fidelity to the empire), but -Serbs are different.
They don't want the Doghouse entrance the EU is offering them, which is exactly what they are facing. After being bombed and stolen a part of their territory, if pushed into, Serbia would give a mighty indigestion to the EU (Austro-Huns got their teeth cracked trying to do just that).
The place for the Serbs is the East where they are respected and understood.
You, being a nostalgic Croat(or Madjar?) for Franz Josef's times, wouldn't understand that.
(Incidentally, Serbia was never a part of the Russian Empire. Your knowledge of history leaves to be desired)

mario wrote: "The international community respects the borders of Serbia (except for the claim that Kosovo is part of Serbia)"

That's a machiavellian statement worthy of Condi or Bush if I have every seen one!

So, in return, I propose that Serbia solemnly declare its "respect for the borders" of Bosnia and Croatia, except for their claims to the RS and RSK respectively.

You'll notice that in my original post I suggested this as one of 2 options:-

Respect for Serbia's borders OR a general redrawing of ALL borders along ethnic lines in ex-Yugoslavia (hello RS and RSK).

Translate: If we cannot have RS and RSK, there will be no "Kosova"... END OF STORY.

Nik.
Most Serbs are comming from different position then yours. This position is based on their own historical experiance. Same is when it comes to Austrian-Hungarian Empire.
Krajina was formed in Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and settled with Serbs, to prevent Turkish raids from Bosnia. They enjoyed autonomy and lived tax-free, and had freedom of religion. But, when Austria took over Bosnia, Krajina was abandoned, and placed under rule of Zagreb. In Bosnia, new government did not care about equality of Serbs, and decided to keep feudal system in place. Serbs were the only SERFS in Empire!
No wonder that Gavrilo Princip killed Ferdinand in Sarajevo.
Should Serbs join another "Austrian-Hungarian Empire" ? I think yes. But, not as serfs. Equality is the key.

Peter RV,
I find your underatanding of EU really paulp! What mastrs and servents???
The EU citizens enjoy equal right in all EU countries. So the citizens of the poorest EU country could enjoy equal rights with the locals in the richest one!
Serb nationalists are full of hatred and contempt for other nations and that has to change! EU is mostly about reconciliation: Germany and France in the West, Greece and Bulgaria in the East. It is about turning old enemies into new friends. Serbs can't join if they keep hating their neighbours. Bulgariansd may be the poores in EU, but on the sigh "European Parliament" written in all EU languages(behind the speakers on every oficial press conference the EU)the writing in Bulgarian is first. Alphabetical order indeed but hardly a honour given to beggers.
Of course Serbia was never part of the Russian Empire, but Eastern Ukraine was and is still less developed then Western Ukraine that was part of A-H. (By the way the Eastern Ukrainians often acquse the Western ukrainians for having been servants to their Western masters.
Franz Josef was far from being dempcratic ruller but he was loved by its people of all nationalities as much as Josip Tito - much more of a dictator. Yet he should still be reveared because he had the fortitude to break with Stalin and keep Yugoslavia away from the East, wher you whant top bring Serbia!!!
It hurts loosing territories. But as the saing gos Milosevic had to throw up what Pasic had once devoured. Serbia was a champion in the region for annexing foreign lands where few or no Serbs lived.
Todays borders of Serbia (after Kosovo is gone) are equally fair or unfair as any in the region. Serbia could join as a normal country in the region. But it maust show willingness to reconcile with its neighbours. The other option is to stay under heavy and demeaning visa regime, to be vewed as a pariah nation, acqused (may be not always rightly) of being the troublemaked etc.

This is typical american snobbery. The us state department published a report that grades every country (except the us) on how democratic it is while Human Rights Watch points out the loss of civil liberties in the us. When is the usa going to reform, mr. montgomery?

Filip (#23)

-Some Serbs ARE capable of rational thinking and they will eventually win over fake radical patriots. Fake radical patriots are only using patriotism to distract the public from all the political murders and other criminal acts they supported during the 90's-

These heavy words disclose more about their author than about their target.
First,to my knowledge the SRS has never been in power in Serbia, so those 'political murders' and 'criminal acts' you mention, are most likely a product of the passionate, and I would say, quite an irrational hatred you have developed for that political formation.
Patriotism, for your information, is essentially an irrational feeling, just as is the love for one's own family. We don't live by bread alone. It could be irritating, that is true, but also very necessary when
the traditional values of the Nation are under attack.
The intensity of your hatred towards the serbian nationalism, makes me think that you too come from one those numerous ethnical minorities we have in Serbia.
As such, you have neither the feeling for, nor the desire to tolerate the Serbian patriotism in any form.
Let's call spades,-spades, gentlemen.

A radical government will destroy Serbia, regions within Serbia like Vojvodina will pursue separation as the only escape from the Belarus of the Balkans.

Nik,
As I said before, since you are not a Serb, you wouldn't understand much of what I was talking about.
Serbs are different from you and let's leave it at that.

Mr. Montgomery, as far as the it concerns the economic part I have to disagree with you. In all former communist countries we have heared US ambassadors preaching doom when the former communists would be chosen and always they have proved to be quite conscientious rulers for the economy. So I think we should give the Radicals and their allies the benefit of the doubt in this respect. At least they will learn from it and become a more constructive opposition.

The great challange will of course be in foreign policy. It is a big step from destructive opposition to formulating a consistent policy. Sisalj's recent remarks from The Hague suggest that he might become a disruptive. And Samardzic's Kosovo policy until now has been characterized by corruption and an inability to pay wages. It will be a challenge to build something positive on this weak base. But I hope that at least they will learn from trying.

Peter said:
As I said before, since you are not a Serb, you wouldn't understand much of what I was talking about.
...
Peter, do not generalize please. Some Serbs ARE capable of rational thinking and they will eventually win over fake radical patriots. Fake radical patriots are only using patriotism to distract the public from all the political murders and other criminal acts they supported during the 90's.

Hmmm.... Lots of angry people *here* telling mr. Montgomery how wrong his predictions are. Yet no one is commenting on the reality and the recent interest hike and inflation rates mentioned in this article:

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/business-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=05&dd=29&nav_id=50643

--

An excellent analysis as usual. As far as Kosova is concerned, a Radical-led government in Serbia would definitely be beneficial for the Albanians in the long-term. Shame Milosevic did not stay in power for another two years as Kosova would have been in the EU by now.

..then stop helping them..

Peter RV wrote: "These paragones of virtues may then, just block our access to a New edition of the Austro-Hungary a.k.a. the EU."

You may joke about a defunct empire, but unlike Yugoslavia, it survived many tribulations, faught as a unit for four years and broke only when it was completly exhausted. But its legacy prevailed. As Commentator could explain it to you it is still visible where its former borders were! The regions that were part of it are still better off then those that were under the Russian Empire or the Ottoman Empire. So joining the news Austro-Hungarian Empire is not such a bad thing after all.

"Two or three years (at most) down the road, Serbians will find that...". I will keep in mind the appointment in my agenda, I would not lose the opportunity to see if your hazarduous forecast has come true and Serbia will have the need of the help of the West or if the West in economical crisis would need even the help of others to come out of it.

Do you think a Serbian-American as a US Ambassador could help U S / Serbian relations?

Peter:
"First,to my knowledge the SRS has never been in power in Serbia,"

:) Are you joking? They were never opposition to Milosevic, they were usually "opposition" and sometimes on power. Seselj is the most valuable player of Milosevic – always helping to the commies to stay on power. Seselj is NOT a Serbian nationalist. It's ridiculous to say soemthing like that for him. He is just a scam, man who is not even familiar with simple rules of politeness. Man who called our price Alexander a pig, man who accepted some Catholic Maltese Order. Seselj is either a cold blooded criminal or a weirdo and lunatic but NOT a nationalist. The only nation which had benefits from Sloba & Seselj was Albanians. They achieved everything they wanted. If we had government supported by west Kosovo would have never get indiependent

A radical government will destroy Serbia, regions within Serbia like Vojvodina will pursue separation as the only escape from the Belarus of the Balkans.

An excellent analysis as usual. As far as Kosova is concerned, a Radical-led government in Serbia would definitely be beneficial for the Albanians in the long-term. Shame Milosevic did not stay in power for another two years as Kosova would have been in the EU by now.

Peter said:
As I said before, since you are not a Serb, you wouldn't understand much of what I was talking about.
...
Peter, do not generalize please. Some Serbs ARE capable of rational thinking and they will eventually win over fake radical patriots. Fake radical patriots are only using patriotism to distract the public from all the political murders and other criminal acts they supported during the 90's.

Like always Mr. Montgomery spread a propaganda of deterioration of Serbia’s economy and international isolation. Unfortunately (for him and his bosses) it is hard to believe to this black scenario.

His bosses are in a very critical situation. US economy is on a verge of recession, unemployment is grooving, the prices of gas and Diesel fuel excided $4 per gallon, national debt excided trillions of dollars and prices of food are sky racketing. Even worse! At the beginning of March this year, Iran Oil Bourse stop to accept $US and all transactions are done in Euro and yeans. This means the and of PETRODOLLARS and catastrophe for American monetary system.

At the same time the economical situation in Russia, China, India and even (despite the sanctions) Iran is improving. Despite American pressure India decided to join the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline project. China invests billions of dollars in Iran industry.

Fiat is going to withdraw its agreement to start production of new cars in Zastava? Go ahead, you are going to be a looser. Chinese car maker are waiting. It will be the best occasion to introduce Chinese inexpensive cars to Europe.

And there will not be any isolation of Serbia by even European countries. Just see Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and many other countries that even they are a members of EU and some recognized UDI of Kosovo the official governments’ statements assume that mutual relations will not be affected. So it is THEIR wish, not Serbia’s.

Not enough. Example of Serbia could be start of breaking of EU, where many new members are not very happy with EU policies. It is interesting.

Like always Mr. Montgomery spread a propaganda of deterioration of Serbia’s economy and international isolation. Unfortunately (for him and his bosses) it is hard to believe to this black scenario.

His bosses are in a very critical situation. US economy is on a verge of recession, unemployment is grooving, the prices of gas and Diesel fuel excided $4 per gallon, national debt excided trillions of dollars and prices of food are sky racketing. Even worse! At the beginning of March this year, Iran Oil Bourse stop to accept $US and all transactions are done in Euro and yeans. This means the and of PETRODOLLARS and catastrophe for American monetary system.

At the same time the economical situation in Russia, China, India and even (despite the sanctions) Iran is improving. Despite American pressure India decided to join the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline project. China invests billions of dollars in Iran industry.

Fiat is going to withdraw its agreement to start production of new cars in Zastava? Go ahead, you are going to be a looser. Chinese car maker are waiting. It will be the best occasion to introduce Chinese inexpensive cars to Europe.

And there will not be any isolation of Serbia by even European countries. Just see Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and many other countries that even they are a members of EU and some recognized UDI of Kosovo the official governments’ statements assume that mutual relations will not be affected. So it is THEIR wish, not Serbia’s.

Not enough. Example of Serbia could be start of breaking of EU, where many new members are not very happy with EU policies. It is interesting.

Peter RV,
I find your underatanding of EU really paulp! What mastrs and servents???
The EU citizens enjoy equal right in all EU countries. So the citizens of the poorest EU country could enjoy equal rights with the locals in the richest one!
Serb nationalists are full of hatred and contempt for other nations and that has to change! EU is mostly about reconciliation: Germany and France in the West, Greece and Bulgaria in the East. It is about turning old enemies into new friends. Serbs can't join if they keep hating their neighbours. Bulgariansd may be the poores in EU, but on the sigh "European Parliament" written in all EU languages(behind the speakers on every oficial press conference the EU)the writing in Bulgarian is first. Alphabetical order indeed but hardly a honour given to beggers.
Of course Serbia was never part of the Russian Empire, but Eastern Ukraine was and is still less developed then Western Ukraine that was part of A-H. (By the way the Eastern Ukrainians often acquse the Western ukrainians for having been servants to their Western masters.
Franz Josef was far from being dempcratic ruller but he was loved by its people of all nationalities as much as Josip Tito - much more of a dictator. Yet he should still be reveared because he had the fortitude to break with Stalin and keep Yugoslavia away from the East, wher you whant top bring Serbia!!!
It hurts loosing territories. But as the saing gos Milosevic had to throw up what Pasic had once devoured. Serbia was a champion in the region for annexing foreign lands where few or no Serbs lived.
Todays borders of Serbia (after Kosovo is gone) are equally fair or unfair as any in the region. Serbia could join as a normal country in the region. But it maust show willingness to reconcile with its neighbours. The other option is to stay under heavy and demeaning visa regime, to be vewed as a pariah nation, acqused (may be not always rightly) of being the troublemaked etc.

Typical Monty propoganda at its best. Not once did he mention that for the past 15 years his own government's policies have been grossly anti-Serbian. His government has supported whole heartedly the ethnic cleansing of the entire Serb population of Krajina, the fake state of Bosnia which the majority of its inhabitants do not want to exist, and the fake/immoral/illegal state of Kosovo (run by organ traffickers). The problem is you Monty. YOU, Burns, and your friends are responsible for the mess in the Balkans today. The Radicals, whom you hate so much, would not be the largest party in Serbia - not even close - had you and the west actually treated Serbia fairly, with respect. How is that for a novel idea for you?

Serbia need a radical lead goverment to counter Tadic's obvious siding with the WEST. Serbia should build more close relationship with Russia, China, India & other states who RESPECTS serbia's territories and that includes kosovo.

To the B92 Censor: Let the complete message go through even if it displeases, it is not a thought control Serbia needs at this moment.

Montgomery is making Tadic's propaganda, as usual, but by listing the horrible things that would befall Serbia ( if she doesn't obey her foreign friends
-including him), he has actually compiled an impressive list of the wishes every Serbs should desire.
That the West would deny us its 'affection', for exemple, would be litterally a dream come true for our Nation. (Can you imagine our sorrow on seeing Soros packing up and go with all his minions?).
Or, another Montgomery's Serbian 'nightmare': Holland and Belgium blocking our access to the New Austro-Hungary (pardon, the EU), over Mladic and Karadzic?
Horror of all horrors!
And, what if those Lithvanians or Latvians become dis-satisfied with the Serbs? No end to our predicament.
What he doesn't say but obviously mean, is -that under those dark circumstances, God forbid,we
would cease to be hearing his, and other Serbian 'friends' wise advices.
But there is more. The Serbian Army (if the Serbs get hold of it again)would never be given chance to participate in those humanitarian slaughters of Iraqis and Afgans, orchestrated by the Country of His Excellency.
Ambassador, why don't you just concentrate on your own Country which is rapidly slipping into a police state.
Defend your battered Constitution your Government is trampling upon daily, and forget of preaching to us like your kooky fundamentalists. Serbia is not in your Bible-Belt.
The whole World is sick of the U.S. hypocrisy.

Peter RV wrote: "These paragones of virtues may then, just block our access to a New edition of the Austro-Hungary a.k.a. the EU."

You may joke about a defunct empire, but unlike Yugoslavia, it survived many tribulations, faught as a unit for four years and broke only when it was completly exhausted. But its legacy prevailed. As Commentator could explain it to you it is still visible where its former borders were! The regions that were part of it are still better off then those that were under the Russian Empire or the Ottoman Empire. So joining the news Austro-Hungarian Empire is not such a bad thing after all.

Nik.
Most Serbs are comming from different position then yours. This position is based on their own historical experiance. Same is when it comes to Austrian-Hungarian Empire.
Krajina was formed in Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and settled with Serbs, to prevent Turkish raids from Bosnia. They enjoyed autonomy and lived tax-free, and had freedom of religion. But, when Austria took over Bosnia, Krajina was abandoned, and placed under rule of Zagreb. In Bosnia, new government did not care about equality of Serbs, and decided to keep feudal system in place. Serbs were the only SERFS in Empire!
No wonder that Gavrilo Princip killed Ferdinand in Sarajevo.
Should Serbs join another "Austrian-Hungarian Empire" ? I think yes. But, not as serfs. Equality is the key.

Hmmm.... Lots of angry people *here* telling mr. Montgomery how wrong his predictions are. Yet no one is commenting on the reality and the recent interest hike and inflation rates mentioned in this article:

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/business-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=05&dd=29&nav_id=50643

--

Do you think a Serbian-American as a US Ambassador could help U S / Serbian relations?

Serbia is at the mercy of nobody. The only reason you start with that non-sense is the same reason Tadic and his CIA buddies are... fear... and no not fear for the Serbian people.... but fear that a Pro-Serbian bloc would actually lead a prosperous Serbia. This is why we get expressions like.... "Pro-Isolationists", "Extremists", "Ultra Nationalists", who will of course lead Serbia into "hardships", "Isolation", and of course as Tadic puts it "a short trip on the Titanic". Of course Tadic's Pro-CIA party is made up of "Modernists", "Centrists", "Liberals", "Reformists", and of course "Europeans". This my friend is nothing more than a CIA ploy to scare the Serbian people.

And you don't stop with the name calling. Even though the Pro Serbian, Anti-CIA parties (SRS, DSS-NS, SPS, PUPS, JS) managed to get more than the Pro-CIA parties (DS-LSV-SPO-G17,LDP) Serbia apparently
"tilted to the west".

I am absolutely sick of this. Serbia can and will prosper because for the first time since 2000 we will actually have a Pro-Serbian bloc and not a bloc that looks for the best interest of foreigners rather its own people.

Again, nobody out of the Pro-Serbian parties are against the EU.. what sets the Pro-Serbian parties apart from the Pro-CIA parties is that we are not willing to join any foreign organization on our knees but with absolute dignity. We will continue to work towards Europe, we will continue to work towards prosperity and we will continue to work towards to state and national interest of Serbia and no place else.


Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava

Kosovo je Srbija

S Verom u Boga

CCCC

Dear Mr Montgomery,
You are quite right that: "There are those in the West who believe that the above path is a necessary catharsis to once and for all "cure" the Serbian people of the pull of nationalism and the Radical Party. Only after reaching the bottom, this theory goes, will Serbia ever be able to truly begin its democratic transition"

The question however is where is the bottom?
Many after 1999 believed that in few years the vast majority of the Serbs will take it as a part of life that Kosovo is "lost" and will set another national goals, like getting into Schengen's visa white list, joining EU, reconciliation with the neibours etc. The recent elections show that those expectations were premature. So before deciding on its strategy towards Serbia, the West must understand why Serbs reacted so differently on the Eu policies than the other East Europeans or even the other countries of former Yugoslavia?
The answear may be that Serbia wea neither a country behind the Iron Curtain, nor a nation who perceived Yugoslavia as an infringement of its sovereignty.
Serbs believed Yugoslavia to be their country. They believed that it was free enough - they could travel almost without restrictions. Indeed they perceived themselves as guardians of the freedoms of the other Yugoslavian nations and thought of the Western powers as their friends and supporters.
The collaps of Yugoslavia was a collaps of their world. The desire of the other yugoslavian nations for independence was perceived as treachery, the support given by the US to the Kosovo Albanians was unexplainable. Many of them honestly believe that there was a huge conspiracy to destroy Yugoslavia. To them the configuration of aliances from the First World War was indeed real, and they honestly felt betrayed by seeng US, Briatin and France switching to the German side!
All this sounds ludicrous to the Westerners, but that is the way many Serbs see the world.
May be the West should use more carrots than stick.

commentator wrote: "Respect for Serbia's borders OR a general redrawing of ALL borders along ethnic lines in ex-Yugoslavia (hello RS and RSK)."
Question: Does ALL include also Sandzak? Preshevo Valley? Northern Vojvodina? Prohor Pchinski monastery? Caribrod (Dimitrovgrad)????

Nik wrote: Does ALL include also Sandzak? Preshevo Valley? Northern Vojvodina? Prohor Pchinski monastery? Caribrod (Dimitrovgrad)????

Commentator wrote: To answer your question in a word, yes, it is an option, as long as the policy is consistent, everything can be discussed.

With discussions like yours the whole hell will break loose! The international community respects the borders of Serbia (except for the claim that Kosovo is part of Serbia)But theoretically, in the early 90's when Serbs controlled 1/3 of Croatia and 2/3 of Bosnia, they were in excellent position to offer 2/3 of Kosovo to Albania, 1/3 of Vojvodina to Hungary etc. in return of recognition of unification of RSK and SK to Serbia, the Serbs could have ended up with a bunch of Allies. Thank God such a dangerous precedent did not occur!

"The new government will try to compensate by improving relations with Russia, China, Iran, and other governments of a similar nature."

I'm not sure how Serbia's government (regardless of what eventuates) is like these 3, particularly China (one party communist state) and Iran (Islamic theocracy). This statement is ridiculous.

I would actually say given the closeness of the results, the public haggling over coalitions etc, Serbia is extremely democratic. The only blemish is the interference of the "West" in trying to get their "prefered" result up, but that is actually something that works against the Radicals and is an black mark on the "Democrats".

Serbia will act in it's own interests. If Russia, China etc offer us a better *package* deal (ie cash + respect for integrity etc) - I say there is no problem.

Stop complaining and offer us your own *package* deal!

I suspect that the *package" needs to include:-

1 - Respect for Serbia's borders OR a general redrawing of ALL borders along ethnic lines in ex-Yugoslavia (hello RS and RSK).

2 - Membership of the EU (although we will want to read the small print on that)

3 - No membership of NATO (preferably NATO scrapped altogether).

..then stop helping them..

Nik,

It's an interesting hypothetical isn't it?

To answer your question in a word, yes, it is an option, as long as the policy is consistent, everything can be discussed.

It would be very hard work to come up with such a compromise but I believe Serbia would accept such a challenge if offered.

Unlike the UDI of "Kosova", where your "negotiators" hid behind America's skirts and claimed they acted in good faith.

Bring on the real negotiations! That is precisely what Serbia has been saying!!

Treat Serbia with respect and you will be surprised what could happen.

If not - no deal for "Kosova", EVER.

This is the second time I am sending this comment (Let's see if the B92 Censor may like it, this time)

As I was saying, Montgomery, besides making a blatant attempt to propagandize Tadic's stale speeches, has also made an almost complete list of of the things the Serbs should precisely wish if they want to recover their country from the clutches of their 'friends'.
The ex-ambassador presents all the horrors that would befall Serbia if it doesn't follow their advice.
What are they?
Well, we may , for exemple lose 'affection' the West has bestoved upon us ever since they stopped bombing us.
We may, God Forbid,lose Soros and his minions, who may just pack and go, leaving us orphans to the Free Speech, and other democratic manners.
We may, make angry the Dutch and the Belgium,over not delivering them Mladic and Karadzic for their judicial orgies in Hague.
These paragones of virtues may then, just block our access to a New edition of the Austro-Hungary a.k.a. the EU.
Among other horors he could have mentioned, was that our Serbian Army may miss forever its chance to participate in the humanitarian slaughter of Iraqi or Afgan population.
Montgomery should stop preaching his Democratic Fundamentalism to the Serbs and turn his attention to his own country which is slipping steadily towards a fascist police state. He should defend its battered Constitution instead of giving lectures to the Serbs as though they are inhabitants of his loony Bible-Belt.
-Your excellency,come to understand,the whole World
is already sick of your U.S. hypocrisy.-

mario wrote: "The international community respects the borders of Serbia (except for the claim that Kosovo is part of Serbia)"

That's a machiavellian statement worthy of Condi or Bush if I have every seen one!

So, in return, I propose that Serbia solemnly declare its "respect for the borders" of Bosnia and Croatia, except for their claims to the RS and RSK respectively.

You'll notice that in my original post I suggested this as one of 2 options:-

Respect for Serbia's borders OR a general redrawing of ALL borders along ethnic lines in ex-Yugoslavia (hello RS and RSK).

Translate: If we cannot have RS and RSK, there will be no "Kosova"... END OF STORY.

Mr. Montgomery, as far as the it concerns the economic part I have to disagree with you. In all former communist countries we have heared US ambassadors preaching doom when the former communists would be chosen and always they have proved to be quite conscientious rulers for the economy. So I think we should give the Radicals and their allies the benefit of the doubt in this respect. At least they will learn from it and become a more constructive opposition.

The great challange will of course be in foreign policy. It is a big step from destructive opposition to formulating a consistent policy. Sisalj's recent remarks from The Hague suggest that he might become a disruptive. And Samardzic's Kosovo policy until now has been characterized by corruption and an inability to pay wages. It will be a challenge to build something positive on this weak base. But I hope that at least they will learn from trying.

Nik #15
What you say about the Austro-Hungary's resudual influence is correct but so is the fact that the A-H (just as the EU now) had a strong hierarchy in its national and ethnic composition.
Just as then, we have now in the EU nations that are masters, those that are caretakers, then the servants ,the beggars ,and finally -the dogs.
The EU masters are obviously on the other side of the Atlantic, the caretakers are Germany etc,. A larger class is the servants such as Poland etc
then come beggars Bulgaria etc and finally -the dogs.
There is no doubt that Croats and Slovenes were perfectly happy to play the role of imperial dogs ( they have demonstrated that with their fidelity to the empire), but -Serbs are different.
They don't want the Doghouse entrance the EU is offering them, which is exactly what they are facing. After being bombed and stolen a part of their territory, if pushed into, Serbia would give a mighty indigestion to the EU (Austro-Huns got their teeth cracked trying to do just that).
The place for the Serbs is the East where they are respected and understood.
You, being a nostalgic Croat(or Madjar?) for Franz Josef's times, wouldn't understand that.
(Incidentally, Serbia was never a part of the Russian Empire. Your knowledge of history leaves to be desired)

Our dear comrade,

it is obvious that your government knew well how to deal with undecisive Milosevic and servile Tadic in order to create hell in former Yugoslavia and Serbia. Of course, both of them were perfect vessel for implementation of your selfish policy of conflict- creation (Divide et impera), because they were always possible to scare. What worries you nowadays is a government that is indeed ready to set maximalist requests and stand behind them. You know well that, with a government like that, the USA will be forced to compromise and make concessions to it. In plane language, it will mean that your pervertly corrupt politicians and officials will no longer be able to repay to Albanian narco- mafia and clerofascist circles in Bosnia and Croatia. Bad news, as we know how mafia treats those who do not deliver, don't we? That is why you spared no effort in doing your little part in this anti- radicals propaganda. Nice try, but in vane - the USA just went a step too far. Don't foget, there is nothing that you haven't tried against us and the bottom has already been touched.

Nik,
As I said before, since you are not a Serb, you wouldn't understand much of what I was talking about.
Serbs are different from you and let's leave it at that.

"Two or three years (at most) down the road, Serbians will find that...". I will keep in mind the appointment in my agenda, I would not lose the opportunity to see if your hazarduous forecast has come true and Serbia will have the need of the help of the West or if the West in economical crisis would need even the help of others to come out of it.

Filip (#23)

-Some Serbs ARE capable of rational thinking and they will eventually win over fake radical patriots. Fake radical patriots are only using patriotism to distract the public from all the political murders and other criminal acts they supported during the 90's-

These heavy words disclose more about their author than about their target.
First,to my knowledge the SRS has never been in power in Serbia, so those 'political murders' and 'criminal acts' you mention, are most likely a product of the passionate, and I would say, quite an irrational hatred you have developed for that political formation.
Patriotism, for your information, is essentially an irrational feeling, just as is the love for one's own family. We don't live by bread alone. It could be irritating, that is true, but also very necessary when
the traditional values of the Nation are under attack.
The intensity of your hatred towards the serbian nationalism, makes me think that you too come from one those numerous ethnical minorities we have in Serbia.
As such, you have neither the feeling for, nor the desire to tolerate the Serbian patriotism in any form.
Let's call spades,-spades, gentlemen.

This is typical american snobbery. The us state department published a report that grades every country (except the us) on how democratic it is while Human Rights Watch points out the loss of civil liberties in the us. When is the usa going to reform, mr. montgomery?

Peter:
"First,to my knowledge the SRS has never been in power in Serbia,"

:) Are you joking? They were never opposition to Milosevic, they were usually "opposition" and sometimes on power. Seselj is the most valuable player of Milosevic – always helping to the commies to stay on power. Seselj is NOT a Serbian nationalist. It's ridiculous to say soemthing like that for him. He is just a scam, man who is not even familiar with simple rules of politeness. Man who called our price Alexander a pig, man who accepted some Catholic Maltese Order. Seselj is either a cold blooded criminal or a weirdo and lunatic but NOT a nationalist. The only nation which had benefits from Sloba & Seselj was Albanians. They achieved everything they wanted. If we had government supported by west Kosovo would have never get indiependent