"U.S. unhappy with Kosovo's lobbying efforts"

the US is now pointing its finger to kosovo when i fact it is the US who masterminded the whole act. now that its unachievable, the finger pointing is used to save their ass. the countries who recognized were US puppets. now the remaining majority of the conutries in the world have long realized the true intent which is ti have a base in the balkans. why to invest so much is such a small country? what is in kosovo? its not like iraq with oil? why rwanda was left as it is? there was a real genocide there.

Talk about being dumped on from a great height!

It sounds like the Kosovo Govt are being used as scapegoats by the US for the failure of its own dastardly plan!

Maybe wherever the US is there is instability,war drugs and everything immoral.So the rest of the world got sick of your interests and is telling you enough is enough.And albanians just like Serbs paid high enough price for another military base,from which you would send "democracy" bombs to better another oil company.
Thank god the truth is hard to hide this days.

There are some interesting factors at play here.

KV says: “why wouldn't it [the numbers recognising] grow? I can name 23 countries which can recognize Kosova tomorrow because they have no ties with China or Russia (the countries that recognize ROC). The recognitions will grow, trust me.”

But it’s not just countries aligned in some way to China or Russia who are failing to recognise, there are lots of other reasons such as not wanting to encourage their own separatist movements or not wanting to set a precedent in breaking (even more) international laws.

Also, the strongest pressure on nations to recognise the UDI is not coming from Kosovo, but the US which, by all reports, has been fiercely lobbying. If the US is starting to talk about being ‘disappointed’ with the Kosovo Govt and its lobbying efforts, then it is clearly changing tack.

Probably as part of a bid to improve relations with Russia and a recognition that things are not going as planned.

As Peter says, even if they do get their 97 countries, they still have to go before the UN Security Council for approval. They have to deal with China and Russia anyway.

On a separate note, the constant references in these threads to Albanian ‘victories’ in Kosovo goes against the very point of becoming independent. How many Kosovan flags are flying there now compared to the Albanian and US flags? This was never an aim for independence but rather a mono-ethnic takeover of 15% of another (now peaceful) European state which is a UN member.

How on earth can the EU and UN ever have supported such a move??!

Crazy american goverment!! they thought they can fool all the nations in the world. The americans think that they can overpower the UN and international law. but they will never.PLEASE YOUR MESS AMERICA

I think we can thank George Bush for making a complete mess of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Looks like the world has had enough and will no longer support these flawed Western projects.

The determination to keep Kosovo Serbian far exceeds the independence movement.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it looks like the honeymoon is over!

first of all, my direct question:

did the US really believe to get 97 "recognitions"???

how stupid is this???

but, reading that, I slowly begin to understand where our albanian friends got their "next wave"-nonsense from!

well, perhaps the reinforcement of coalition-troops is meant as a preparation against the albanian mob, when they start realizing that they were duped!

we will see...

let´s just wait, since time is on Serbia´s side!

ps:

@Castro: do you really seriously believe that nonsense you are writing about the rest of the world being deserted...?

I think you will be VERY disappointed in the future!

to castor este castro amigo, you are looking the picture like this. those rich countries are adoring their money as their god while the poor countries have their clean conscience intact. thats the main difference. but nevertheles, still the clean at heart are more than the majority in the UN.

Dear castro, from my oasis at the 16th floor of an office building located in the middle of the romanian desert, I salute you and would like to remind you that we, the desert people, still have the right to an opinion and we had the decency to point out that the stance is not anti-albanian, but anti-UDI in the given conditions.
What the future might bring? Inshallah.

PS Now please excuse me, I have to go to my camels. normal ones, 1.9 Tdi.

Joe and Co.

It looks now you need to declare "Koha Ditore" as "SERBIAN PROPAGANDA TOOL" machine - because it uses logic, facts and true. Enough said. You need to go after your media because you don't like the truth, law and reality.

It's true that the recognitions have slowed down a lot, I guess they were too confident when it came to the amount they would get. This is more the US's fault than anyone's.

They can't blame the Kosovo government for this, only themselves. They really did act far too soon as far as recognition was concerned and Kosovo put too much faith in the US. Fact is that the US cannot force anyone to recognize Kosovo, and those countries that did were either loyal allies of America as well as the odd case here and there globally.

Question to everyone here:

Does anyone actually expect the recognitions to grow more than they are now? Sure, forty one is a lot (considering that the most powerful countries in the world economically have done so), but does anyone realistically see it hitting ninety seven after Saudi Arabia do their thing?

In any case, any decision of the General Assembly must be endorsed by the security council (all five members), so I don't get what the US was trying to do here.

I wonder what they will do next, if the recognitions stop, as they seem to have.

The US have created yet another mess, like I have been saying all along. Why can't they just mind their own business instead of getting involved in other parts of the world that are of no value to them?

If the recognitions come pouring in in the near future, forget what I said.

I think that this US plan it won't backfire,as Kosovan Albanians love Americans,while in Iraq and Afghanistan they are hated from local population!!!
I mean, if it wasn't for US,Kosovo would take longer to get independence!
I bet a lot of commentators in here are found of US,but because in this case they have to choose between their country and US,now they are blaming Americans for everything!!!

Kosovo is on a one way ticket plane!
It started fantastic and it will get better.
It is hard work ahead of us,but I am optimistic that in the end,we will be just fine!

It will be the best century for Albanians!
One day all the bad habbits will be gone and our nation with plenty of youth will rule the Europe by working hard,getting rid of the bad reputation which we have now!
Never say never!Who would have thought that we will live this moment,it took us long to declare the independence and this process of recognition will take some time!!!

"Still, the big countries will need to also get some key world players on board. They need to keep doing what they're doing with pressuring Ukraine, and then move on with some countries in the EU like Portugal, Montenegro, Greece, Malta.

These need more than just lobbying, they need pressure.
(Funcakes, 26 May 2008 18:12)"

Funcakes, that is the most refershingly honest post from the Albanian side I have seen on this blog.

So there you have it folks, straight from the horse's mouth. It all comes down to pressure, threats, diplomatic blackmail, bribery in order to force sovereign UN states to break international law and recognise Pristina's UDD. Ah shucks, what happened to the old 'democracy' and democratic principles' malarky. Tossed in the bin as always by the US & its servile allies when it does not suit their agenda.

And all this talk about Kosmet merging with Albania. I have said it all along and people did not believe me, that is the overall plan of the Albanian irrdentists, despite the denials from the Albanians on this site to the contrary.

Kate I would not be so naive when it comes to trusting the US. As we have seen countless times in the last 60 years, they have invoked it and yet at the same time broke it - invasion of Vietnam, Grenada, bombing of Laos & Cambodia, Iraq, YU etc. If the US thinks that the unification of Kosmet and Albania will suit its interests, it will do so overriding even its previous own committments on Pristina's UDD.

However Funcakes, if you think that Serbia will stand idly by and watch 15% of its territory, with most of its religious and cultural heritage absorbed into Muslim Albania you have another think coming. Remember Serbia has strong allies in Russia, China & India who will not be silent. Still though, down Pristina way, wishful thinking is all the locals have left.

41, USA, Germany, Japan, France, GREAT Britain, Canada, Australia, Italy ...
151, Russia, China, and rest of Human Administrated Deserts of Planet Earth !!!
Cant You People See The Diference????

There will be probably still more recognitions to come and I am fearing the joint recognition
of the Arab countries. However,
it is unlikely they will reach the number they'll need.
In a meantime Russia, China, India, Brazil, and a large portion of Asia and Latin America are not going to ever change their mind on this.
This block will grow stronger too.
Whatever happens I think it is worthwhile to keep in mind that Serbia will never give up fighting for Kosovo, for them the timeline here is not an issue.

Funcakes, do you honestly believe that Kosovo could ever merge with Albania and get away with it? It that ever looked like it was going to happen, believe me you sould be stopped not only by Russian "puppets" but also by American "puppets".

America never intended for that to happen. They want Kosovo for themselves and not to serve you up to Albania.

Also, what happened to all this America never forced anyone to recognize Kosovo?
Now I am reading from your lot that America should put pressure on some countries to do just that?

It looks Sahid (Castro) is back but under the new name. He is on weed again - or something stronger this time - he ignores 75% of world population. If he thinks to use same recipe they used in Serbian province - over human production with no legitimate-legal work - to become majority - they are on the wrong path.

Peter,

why wouldn't it grow? I can name 23 countries which can recognizeKosova tomorrow because they have no ties with China or Russia (the countries that recognize ROC). The recognitions will grow, trust me.

Is she kidding me? All of this has been little more than an inside marketting scheme by my government?

I'd write more, but I doubt what I'm thinking would pass the censors here.

Funcakes I just about fell out of my chair laughing.
"Reality imposes itself in Kosovo, there's no way to spin it.
You used reality and Kosovo in the same sentence? To think Kosovo can stand on its own is that reality? My friend Kosovo would'nt know reality if it fell from the sky and exploded all over the province.The US is smarter than people give them credit for.All of this is not a mistake or miscalculation.The goal will eventaully be to link Albania #1 with Albania #2 when #2 is unable to move forward.It is silly to think the US would expect 97 recognitions.The next war in the Balkans will involve Albania directly.

That's democracy you like - pressure, arm-twisting, back-stabbing - just show your true colours - cowboy style drive-through democracy and way of li(f)e.

At least - congratulation to be honest, you got something of moving away from Kosovo.

I hear more and more comments that Kosovo is going to unite with Albania if Russia keeps blocking Kosovo etc. I would like to reminde you all that one of the principles of the Contact group in Kosovo negotiations was that there would be no joining of Kosovo to Albania. I mean if the US and Kosovo etc don't not respect UNSCR 1244 they could at least respect their own principles. Btw KOSOVO JE SRBIJA:)

Keep dreaming funcakes. You forgot that not all NATO members have recognised Kosovo so how do you expect it to merge with Albania? Also, NATO does not admit states that are unstable. Georgia is a good example.

So you really believe the US will risk a huge war for the Albanians? Come back to earth my friend. The Albanians are not that important.

Realty check Funcakes. US through NATO wants to own Kosovo. They have no intention of going through all this trouble only to unify you with Albania. Are you serious?

You are only useful to America when they can control you and that's not going to happen if you join with Albania.

Important question to you. Why would America allow you to join with Albania? What's in it for them?

Adrian
I am really glad to hear that motorised vehicles and high-rise buildings have finally reached even the most backward countries in the Eastern Balkans. You really do deserve the luxury of the basic commodities after half a century of life in shanty houses and donkeys as the main means of transport, under your leader Causescu. This shows that the opportunity given to Romanians to work in Western Europe, albeit only as self-employed (cleaners and construction workers), does help. However, you have missed the point. The issue here is the territorial dispute between the Serbs and Kosovar Albanians, which has nothing to do with personal wealth of individuals.
Agron

“part of the joint plan between the United States and Kosovo was to achieve 97 recognitions by September. After that, Kosovo was supposed to apply for a membership of the UN General Assembly”

June 15 - September 15 time for European Kosovo.

The recognition of Kosovo is a complex matter, and the goal of 97 by September is a joke.

Montenegro needed 2 years to get to that number.

However, that number is still achievable, if the OIC comes to an agreement. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could be crucial in moving that big chunk of 57 countries.

However, again, 5 months to get recognized by half the world is not that easy, so this will have to either stretch longer, or if OIC comes to a concensus, then that's the only way to achieve majority.

Still, the big countries will need to also get some key world players on board. They need to keep doing what they're doing with pressuring Ukraine, and then move on with some countries in the EU like Portugal, Montenegro, Greece, Malta.

These need more than just lobbying, they need pressure.

I agree with her 100%. The Kosovo government has proved itself to be pretty ineffective in this area. The Foreign Minister of Kosovo is the weakest politician in the whole country, and the Prime Minister acted as if countries are competing to see who recognizes first. If you ask me, he is been just as delusional as the Serb politicians who beat their chest saying "Kosovo je Serbia".

Kosovo will probably be recognized by about 80 countries come September, which is pretty good considering the circumstance( Outside of UN and the ineffective Kosovo government).

There is no confirmation of this from any US source.
Koha Ditore belongs to the opposition in Kosovo and has been doing some wishful thinking lately.
It may be true though that the US diplomats have encouraged Kosovo to take the initiative and start lobbying around the world, practically starting the phase two of the recognitions.
From the responses of my Serbian friends here it is clear that hope is really the last to die, no matter what the logic screams about.

On a side-note I did visit a few times Romania in it's worst years. It was pretty sad picture, but don't search for a straw in somebody else's eye if you have a pole in yours.


Back to the topic - I would compare eBay (or any major American business, eBay or Motorola being the best example) with the entire Kosovo situation.

Just look at the Dilbert cartoons and get the answer.

Speaking about the eBay... who does follow or participates into that circus - just look what they did recently with feedback rules. That speaks about the management quality. And you wonder about Kosovo-screw up?

Dear Albanian folks particularly the ones from Kosovo. Please accept the reality that Kosovo will always be Serbia. Serbia will not allow you to be separated from them. EVEN THAT YOU BAGGED 41 STATES ALREADY IT DOES NOT YET MERIT A UN SEAT.
Serbia is ready to talk with you and to find a compromise solution acceptable to both parties. Your declaration last February has not solved anything but further generated more tension in the Balkans.
Face the reality that more countries preferred a solution based on negotiation and not through unilateral step

The dark horse scenario is of course not getting recognized on purpose.

If Kosovo does not get recognized convincingly, then talk of an Albania-Kosovo merger will start to get louder.

No one wants a partially recognized state in the middle of Europe to stay in limbo forever, and if you merge it with Albania, then you force Russia into a different type of reality.

Then Russia would have to not recognize the entire Albanian nation.

So either way, this partial recognition game and the Russian opposition can only lead to recognition. Either a merger between Albania will have to be arranged, or Kosovo will have to be admitted into the UN.

A "limbo" scenario is simply not realistic in that area of Europe. They tried the UNMIK limbo and it failed, the economics cannot sustain it. Especially since Kosovo keeps growing thanks to the high birth rate, which means the liability on EU and UN gets bigger by the day.

Reality imposes itself in Kosovo, there's no way to spin it.

First off, the US embassy denied the rumors that the USA is not pleased with the Kosovo's government efforts for recognition, so let's just get that out of the way.

Second of all, let's put the two options next to each other:

1) Have Kosovo stay in limbo forever, in the middle of Europe, in an area that the EU wants under it's turf ASAP.

2) Have Kosovo merge with Albania, thanks to the Russian opposition to recognize Kosovo as-is.

Now which one seems more realistic? Kosovo keeps growing at high speed with it's birth rate, foreign aid and expenditure is absolutely necessary to sustain it. And the bill grows bigger each year.

How long do you think the West will foot that bill? Forever? Think again.

Another thing I heard was..."the next war will involve Albania directly."

No, that's not quite right. In such an event, that would involve NATO directly. You seem to have forgotten a little summit that happened this April.

So Albania is in NATO, Kosovo soon to merge with it, who's gonna fight who? And who's gonna win? Russia gonna fight NATO?

Over Kosovo? For Serbia? Don't you think you're stretching it a bit?

The cards are probably being played in such a way that a unification is right around the corner. First, Albania is in NATO. Then, Kosovo merges with Albania. That blocks any attempt of a war, because the only viable war would be NATO vs. Russia, and that scenario has no winners, so that one is never played.

The cards are probably being played in such a way that a unification is right around the corner. First, Albania is in NATO. Then, Kosovo merges with Albania. That blocks any attempt of a war, because the only viable war would be NATO vs. Russia, and that scenario has no winners, so that one is never played.
(Funcakes, 27 May 2008 00:10)

Now this is funny. Are you taking a leaf out of the Rudder and Fin book of Public Relations.
Not only do you not know what you are talking about, but you want people to believe that Kosovo is a legal entity which has been shown to be anything but.

hey funcakes, you seemingly didn´t understand...

but I´ll try to explain you that, the albanian population will not increase in the way you are perhaps wishing...

the Albanians are simply always coming too late, and it´s the same with the population growth... you will soon have reached your climax in that regard!

of course, you are, as always, free to dream about millions and millions of albanians ruling not only the balkans, but even the whole universe! :)

what you can believe me is, that you are far off the road, if you really believe what you have written above...

I am still very interested to see that announced new "wave" of "recognitions" :)

well, you were not even accepted at the latest table-tennis event in europe...

so much for your acceptance within Europe...

To: Agron Prestreshi

Dear sir,
please do yourself a favor and keep your posts focussed on Kosovo problems, and ignore the (obviously more developed) neighboring or distant countries (e.g. Romania). By simply referring to their wealth, Kosovo image is getting just more damage.

In case you cannot resist the urge to ventilate your anger&frustration on countries like mine (who has nothing against Albanians or Kosovo per se, it is just the UDI bothering us...) at least do this in a more entertaining way, e.g. by using some of the paranoid nonsenses expressed already on this forum by some Albanians (like "Romanians are of Christian Orthodox faith, therefore they are under Slavic domination and, by consequence, they are fans of Serbs, Milosevic and Putin". Such statements, compared with your strange talk about "Ceausescu's donkeys" (?), have at least the merit to make us, Romanians, laugh (which is good for health, by the way).

Last but not least, any Albanian mentioning Ceausescu in front of Romanians is risking only a good laugh, because even during Ceausescu, we all knew about and enjoyed many jokes about Albanians living under Enver Hoxha regime (the image of donkeys is a reminiscence of your Albanian experience, isn't so? must have been very tough times...)

Summarizing: with the measure you judge others, you shall be judged, too.

And now, if you have endured reading this post, feel free to go and feed those donkeys!

Best from Bucharest,
George

Funcakes to you greater albania idea well that's rich. Keep doing whatever your doing and reality will stay a blur to you. Good luck with your albania war idea too. Pristina are bitting off more than they can chew. And Serbia is just waiting for them to choke.

(Agron Prestreshi, 27 May 2008 02:11)

hahaha Have you ever looked at Europe's map? Romania is not in Eastern Balkans and my comment was reffering to the "human administered desert" mentioned by your compadre castro and not making any alusion to wealth, it's just that my temporary office is at the 16th floor (we did not find anything else to rent and is very expensive) and I took a look at B92 just before I left the office.
For the rest, you are clearly driven by angryness so ...facts and logic are irrelevant.

Peggy,

"… You are only useful to America when they can control you and that's not going to happen if you join with Albania. .."

They control Albania too.

"… Why would America allow you to join with Albania? What's in it for them?…"

Americans are playing The Grand Chessboard game. For various reasons they want to change balance of power in the Balkans more to their advantage. That means weakening, destroying the Orthodox countries, (Serbia and Greece in the first place), and strengthening Muslims.

Funcakes, I would say its more reliable that Kosovo will merge back into Serbia if the US can not sustain it rather than Albania .

You guys keep telling us to stop dreaming when we say that Kosovo is Serbia and look what you are talking about.

Its kinda like Tito's dream of merging Albania with Yugoslavia.

“… once you allow a country into NATO, everyone is REQUIRED to fight in behalf of that country if it is ever attacked….”

Hm, I’m not so sure about that Funcakes. Remember 1974 war between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus? Both NATO members.

Do you expect NATO to go to war against Russia over Georgia or Ukraine for example? What do you think how many solders are NATO members such as Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark … ready to sacrifice for Georgia? Risk Russian rockets retaliation? I don’t think they would be very enthusiastic about such a war. They only take active part in nearly zero-risk missions. If they would be really pushed hard to fight more equally strong advesary, that would probably be the end of the NATO. Americans don’t like to suffer casualties either. They only go to war against small, weak, poor, defenseless countries.

Wow, do you think Kosovo independence might not be such an easy sell because the Albanians got caught selling 70% of Western Europe's heroin? http://www.kosovocompromise.com/cms/item/topic/en.html?view=story&id=881§ionId=1
Or trafficking in sex slaves? http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/EUR70/010/2004
Or ripping out the organs from live victims and putting them for sale to the highest bidder? http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/21/europe/EU-GEN-Serbia-Organ-Trafficking.php

Or that Kosovo has no legal economy and will have to be financially supported by international aid, forever?

Nah, you are right -- must just be Kosovo Albanian "lobbying efforts" that are not as successful as they should be -- NOT!

PS Now, the US denies that this report in the Kosovo Albanian media is accurate. But why would they make up something so obviously unfavorable to themselves?

Why do people still go on with this Kosovo merging with Albania story? NATO/EU will not allow it, so why still talk about it?

The powers that be have decreed that Kosovo and Albania will exist as separate states, not as a unified, ethnic whole, and there is nothing anyone can do about it, same way RS and Northern Kosovo will not be rejoined to Serbia, nor will Herzeg be rejoined to Croatia. Times of ethnic nationalism in the Balkans is over, get with the program, anyone who stands up against this ideology will only have NATO to deal with, regardless of whether it is Serbs, Albanians or Croats, end of story.

Hi Peter,

Well, lets hope that it never come to the war, but,

"… Russia's army too much credit…. most of their army is inferior … to NATO. .. Russia would stand (no) chance … against NATO…"

It wouldn't be first time that superior Army try it's luck on Russians and gets annihilated in the process.

NATO Armies are technologically very well equipped but they have their weaknesses. You see that even rag- tag disorganized resistance of small, badly equipped groups of Iraqis are able to bring the NATO Army to the breaking point. Air force is very important but it can't do everything. NATO Air Force was not even able to eliminate main capabilities of Serb Army that was practically defenseless but used simple, low teach decoys and masking techniques very effectively.

Main weaknesses of the NATO Armies for such en offensive war is lack of motivation, unwillingness to take casualties, and different interests of member countries. For example you should definitely add Greece to the list of the strong NATO armies. But our Orthodox brothers Greeks, refused to fight against us in the 1999. There are strong indications that they even provided us with some vital information's. We were always allies in the difficult times through the centuries. There were quite a few Greek volunteers on the Serb side in the 90's. They are similarly friendly with Russians and wouldn't want to fight against them. As a meter of fact, Greeks are getting ever closer to Russia in the last time.

"… Russia … a military alliance with China…."

They are moving in that direction. Have you noticed Medvedev's second foreign visit?

Hello Stevan

I thought I should clarify that I don't believe NATO would be able to defeat Russia as a whole (there would be no way that they could handle Russia's vast size, winter and partizans), but I do think in a one-on-one as far as armies go, they would be able to beat Russia's, unless Russia had China as an ally (to use their unlimited manpower).

So to conclude, NATO would not be able to invade Russia and occupy them, but on neutral ground or in defense of a NATO country, I think Russia would be beaten.

US embassy in Kosovo denied this information given in Kosovar media.
In the end, US and Eu are unhappy with many things ongoind in Serbia. Why is Serbia not thinking about those issues?! Let's start with your own dooryard first! Neighbours, in this case Kosovo, can think about its dooryard by its own...

The USA should understand that it made a mistake to endorse the new government of Kosovo and should endorse Serbia's claim to Kosovo.

Plz I'm sorry if someone felt offended by the Desert thing, but you'r making to much deal out of recognition, look at the Taiwan is stronger than all these countries recognized only by 23 "states", and Kosovo already have recognition of 41 STATES, I pesonaly encourage Albanians to Work in All thre Republic's Albania, Kosova and Macedonia and develope a closer ties with neigbours especially with small and friendly nations like Macedonians and Montenegrins but why not with Serbs and Greeks too if they are open to do so, so Thank you AMERICA for Advise, and you states that are trying to make mess in balkans Mind Your Own Bussineses!!!

P.S. By the way i'm no SAHID, im CASTRO.

Stevan

"If they would be really pushed hard to fight more equally strong advesary, that would probably be the end of the NATO."

I think you give Russia's army too much credit. While it is indeed one of the most powerful armies in the world, most of their army is inferior in terms of equipment when compared to NATO, the technologically superior US airforce alone would be able to neutralise Russia's main capabilities.

The only thing Russia truly has to its advantage is its nuclear arsenal, but then again, that's something that the US has as well.

Regarding Denmark, Belgium etc. OK, fair enough, but then again, NATO also has some pretty strong armies like the British, German, French, Italian, Turkish and Spanish armies. Even Poland's army is quite strong, so I don't think Russia would stand a chance (theoretically) against NATO, unless it had a military alliance with China.

Hey Stefan, are you threating the EU and US with a possible Serbia Russia China Union? lol pathetic!

get the BASE and give the INDIPENDENCE !!!
thats all that happened in Kosova between albanians and US americans...
so after this its not important to keep attention in the numbers of countries that recognise this new state...important thing is that HOW Russia and China will deal with this game..!
will they again and again accept to play this game who USA gives the rules ??? remember Iraq invasion, Kosovo invasion and the most importantof all the period after 11 September that changed all the balances of the world...
Peace brothers

I think it's a further blow to the unilateral policy of the hundredth self proclaimed Policeman of the world, obviously with pretended good intentions, like the Saint Alliance of Austria, Russia and others in the 19th century. But the policy of this new Policeman is not bringing order, but disorder, disagreement and not agreement, instability and not stability, in the wrong belief that he can "Divide and rule", but he has pulled too much the rope. It's like a Policeman acting like a hooligan. But what will happen when the increasing number of unstable situations created by the "Hooligan Policeman" will go out of control? The war of all against all.

Again, the Kosovo problem has only 2 possible solutions. It's an ever-growing bill for US and EU, we're talking about sustaining 2 million people that keep growing at ridiculously fast rates.

That bill will not be payed forever. US and EU are running against a money-timeline here.

So, if Russia keeps refusing to recognize Kosovo, then the only other option to get rid of the Kosovo high cost of maintenance is to merge it with Albania.

That way it would be up to Albania and Kosovo to pull themselves out of poverty. Of course, with US and EU aid, but not nearly as much as the bill that the US and EU are paying right now to mantain Kosovo.

It all comes down to a simple economic question.

And the merger actually does avoid war, because once you allow a country into NATO, everyone is REQUIRED to fight in behalf of that country if it is ever attacked.

So it doesn't matter if Greece or Spain have not recognized Kosovo. If they allowed Albania into NATO, then they signed a pledge to defend it if it's ever at war.

So all in all, the cards have been played in such a way that if Kosovo is not recognized, then a merger with Albania will have to be imposed as the only other solution. Otherwise, the cost to mantain Kosovo in limbo forever would be too big for US and EU, and that's when they won't benefit anything out of it.

They can only benefit if Kosovo is either recognized or merged with Albania.

And of course, seeing how Albanians are the only pro-US in the region, that is well rewarded. Anyone who aligns with Russia, well, they will keep getting these type of "rude shocks" until they learn that the Balkans must align with the West.

That's just the way it is. Europe wants them under it's turf, and they will do whatever it takes to minimize Russia's influence in it.

Do you think we care if the US supports Thaci or Surroi?? As long as they don't support Kostunica we're happy.
Obviously, in better circumstances we would like Albanian people to decide their own fate. But since our neighbours have made that 'slightly' difficult, no Albanian would really mind a little bit (or alot) of American influence.

NATO and Russia going to war?
Wow, some of you need to put the pipe down, or put the war games away, or just get some fresh air and sunshine...
Aside from the unlikeliness of that scenario, it is even unlikely that Russia will intervene directly in the South Caucasus, however much you might click your heels and wish for it. To quote from a Jan. '08 TOL article by Valery Dzutsev (fairly old but still the smartest thing I've read on the subject):

"Any decisive outcome of the Georgian conflicts might potentially have negative implications for Russia. On the one hand, if South Ossetia and Abkhazia are reintegrated into Georgia, Russia will not be able to hinder Georgian progress into NATO. This would also send a message to the Russian North Caucasus and could trigger the revival of rebellions there and further jeopardize security in an already precarious region.

"On the other hand, if the restive Georgian territories are recognized by Russia and borders are changed, Russia loses some of its leverage in Georgia. Furthermore, it could trigger a conflict that would require intervention by Russian troops, creating a risky political situation as the Russian public is still wary of the human cost of the Chechen conflict.

"There is another huge risk to recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Conceding their separation from Georgia could give rise to other separatist movements, and not just in Chechnya. The Russian Federation is the most multinational – and therefore one of the most prone to break up along ethnic lines – among the countries of the former Soviet Union. In other words, Russia might gain new territory at the expense of Georgia, but might have to fight to retain the integrity of its borders elsewhere."

Yes, despite all appearances, Smiley's "bear" is walking a tightrope here folks... and however much it growls and waves its paws it's not likely to hurl itself into the abyss just to gratify a few loopy nationalists (of whichever country, theirs or yours). Pretty smart critters, those bears. Smarter than those carrion birds, eagles, I think (I hope)
Peace, C

“part of the joint plan between the United States and Kosovo was to achieve 97 recognitions by September. After that, Kosovo was supposed to apply for a membership of the UN General Assembly”

June 15 - September 15 time for European Kosovo.

I think that this US plan it won't backfire,as Kosovan Albanians love Americans,while in Iraq and Afghanistan they are hated from local population!!!
I mean, if it wasn't for US,Kosovo would take longer to get independence!
I bet a lot of commentators in here are found of US,but because in this case they have to choose between their country and US,now they are blaming Americans for everything!!!

Kosovo is on a one way ticket plane!
It started fantastic and it will get better.
It is hard work ahead of us,but I am optimistic that in the end,we will be just fine!

It will be the best century for Albanians!
One day all the bad habbits will be gone and our nation with plenty of youth will rule the Europe by working hard,getting rid of the bad reputation which we have now!
Never say never!Who would have thought that we will live this moment,it took us long to declare the independence and this process of recognition will take some time!!!

41, USA, Germany, Japan, France, GREAT Britain, Canada, Australia, Italy ...
151, Russia, China, and rest of Human Administrated Deserts of Planet Earth !!!
Cant You People See The Diference????

Peter,

why wouldn't it grow? I can name 23 countries which can recognizeKosova tomorrow because they have no ties with China or Russia (the countries that recognize ROC). The recognitions will grow, trust me.

The recognition of Kosovo is a complex matter, and the goal of 97 by September is a joke.

Montenegro needed 2 years to get to that number.

However, that number is still achievable, if the OIC comes to an agreement. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could be crucial in moving that big chunk of 57 countries.

However, again, 5 months to get recognized by half the world is not that easy, so this will have to either stretch longer, or if OIC comes to a concensus, then that's the only way to achieve majority.

Still, the big countries will need to also get some key world players on board. They need to keep doing what they're doing with pressuring Ukraine, and then move on with some countries in the EU like Portugal, Montenegro, Greece, Malta.

These need more than just lobbying, they need pressure.

The dark horse scenario is of course not getting recognized on purpose.

If Kosovo does not get recognized convincingly, then talk of an Albania-Kosovo merger will start to get louder.

No one wants a partially recognized state in the middle of Europe to stay in limbo forever, and if you merge it with Albania, then you force Russia into a different type of reality.

Then Russia would have to not recognize the entire Albanian nation.

So either way, this partial recognition game and the Russian opposition can only lead to recognition. Either a merger between Albania will have to be arranged, or Kosovo will have to be admitted into the UN.

A "limbo" scenario is simply not realistic in that area of Europe. They tried the UNMIK limbo and it failed, the economics cannot sustain it. Especially since Kosovo keeps growing thanks to the high birth rate, which means the liability on EU and UN gets bigger by the day.

Reality imposes itself in Kosovo, there's no way to spin it.

the US is now pointing its finger to kosovo when i fact it is the US who masterminded the whole act. now that its unachievable, the finger pointing is used to save their ass. the countries who recognized were US puppets. now the remaining majority of the conutries in the world have long realized the true intent which is ti have a base in the balkans. why to invest so much is such a small country? what is in kosovo? its not like iraq with oil? why rwanda was left as it is? there was a real genocide there.

Talk about being dumped on from a great height!

It sounds like the Kosovo Govt are being used as scapegoats by the US for the failure of its own dastardly plan!

There are some interesting factors at play here.

KV says: “why wouldn't it [the numbers recognising] grow? I can name 23 countries which can recognize Kosova tomorrow because they have no ties with China or Russia (the countries that recognize ROC). The recognitions will grow, trust me.”

But it’s not just countries aligned in some way to China or Russia who are failing to recognise, there are lots of other reasons such as not wanting to encourage their own separatist movements or not wanting to set a precedent in breaking (even more) international laws.

Also, the strongest pressure on nations to recognise the UDI is not coming from Kosovo, but the US which, by all reports, has been fiercely lobbying. If the US is starting to talk about being ‘disappointed’ with the Kosovo Govt and its lobbying efforts, then it is clearly changing tack.

Probably as part of a bid to improve relations with Russia and a recognition that things are not going as planned.

As Peter says, even if they do get their 97 countries, they still have to go before the UN Security Council for approval. They have to deal with China and Russia anyway.

On a separate note, the constant references in these threads to Albanian ‘victories’ in Kosovo goes against the very point of becoming independent. How many Kosovan flags are flying there now compared to the Albanian and US flags? This was never an aim for independence but rather a mono-ethnic takeover of 15% of another (now peaceful) European state which is a UN member.

How on earth can the EU and UN ever have supported such a move??!

Dear castro, from my oasis at the 16th floor of an office building located in the middle of the romanian desert, I salute you and would like to remind you that we, the desert people, still have the right to an opinion and we had the decency to point out that the stance is not anti-albanian, but anti-UDI in the given conditions.
What the future might bring? Inshallah.

PS Now please excuse me, I have to go to my camels. normal ones, 1.9 Tdi.

I agree with her 100%. The Kosovo government has proved itself to be pretty ineffective in this area. The Foreign Minister of Kosovo is the weakest politician in the whole country, and the Prime Minister acted as if countries are competing to see who recognizes first. If you ask me, he is been just as delusional as the Serb politicians who beat their chest saying "Kosovo je Serbia".

Kosovo will probably be recognized by about 80 countries come September, which is pretty good considering the circumstance( Outside of UN and the ineffective Kosovo government).

There will be probably still more recognitions to come and I am fearing the joint recognition
of the Arab countries. However,
it is unlikely they will reach the number they'll need.
In a meantime Russia, China, India, Brazil, and a large portion of Asia and Latin America are not going to ever change their mind on this.
This block will grow stronger too.
Whatever happens I think it is worthwhile to keep in mind that Serbia will never give up fighting for Kosovo, for them the timeline here is not an issue.

First off, the US embassy denied the rumors that the USA is not pleased with the Kosovo's government efforts for recognition, so let's just get that out of the way.

Second of all, let's put the two options next to each other:

1) Have Kosovo stay in limbo forever, in the middle of Europe, in an area that the EU wants under it's turf ASAP.

2) Have Kosovo merge with Albania, thanks to the Russian opposition to recognize Kosovo as-is.

Now which one seems more realistic? Kosovo keeps growing at high speed with it's birth rate, foreign aid and expenditure is absolutely necessary to sustain it. And the bill grows bigger each year.

How long do you think the West will foot that bill? Forever? Think again.

Another thing I heard was..."the next war will involve Albania directly."

No, that's not quite right. In such an event, that would involve NATO directly. You seem to have forgotten a little summit that happened this April.

So Albania is in NATO, Kosovo soon to merge with it, who's gonna fight who? And who's gonna win? Russia gonna fight NATO?

Over Kosovo? For Serbia? Don't you think you're stretching it a bit?

The cards are probably being played in such a way that a unification is right around the corner. First, Albania is in NATO. Then, Kosovo merges with Albania. That blocks any attempt of a war, because the only viable war would be NATO vs. Russia, and that scenario has no winners, so that one is never played.

Plz I'm sorry if someone felt offended by the Desert thing, but you'r making to much deal out of recognition, look at the Taiwan is stronger than all these countries recognized only by 23 "states", and Kosovo already have recognition of 41 STATES, I pesonaly encourage Albanians to Work in All thre Republic's Albania, Kosova and Macedonia and develope a closer ties with neigbours especially with small and friendly nations like Macedonians and Montenegrins but why not with Serbs and Greeks too if they are open to do so, so Thank you AMERICA for Advise, and you states that are trying to make mess in balkans Mind Your Own Bussineses!!!

P.S. By the way i'm no SAHID, im CASTRO.

There is no confirmation of this from any US source.
Koha Ditore belongs to the opposition in Kosovo and has been doing some wishful thinking lately.
It may be true though that the US diplomats have encouraged Kosovo to take the initiative and start lobbying around the world, practically starting the phase two of the recognitions.
From the responses of my Serbian friends here it is clear that hope is really the last to die, no matter what the logic screams about.

Joe and Co.

It looks now you need to declare "Koha Ditore" as "SERBIAN PROPAGANDA TOOL" machine - because it uses logic, facts and true. Enough said. You need to go after your media because you don't like the truth, law and reality.

It's true that the recognitions have slowed down a lot, I guess they were too confident when it came to the amount they would get. This is more the US's fault than anyone's.

They can't blame the Kosovo government for this, only themselves. They really did act far too soon as far as recognition was concerned and Kosovo put too much faith in the US. Fact is that the US cannot force anyone to recognize Kosovo, and those countries that did were either loyal allies of America as well as the odd case here and there globally.

Question to everyone here:

Does anyone actually expect the recognitions to grow more than they are now? Sure, forty one is a lot (considering that the most powerful countries in the world economically have done so), but does anyone realistically see it hitting ninety seven after Saudi Arabia do their thing?

In any case, any decision of the General Assembly must be endorsed by the security council (all five members), so I don't get what the US was trying to do here.

I wonder what they will do next, if the recognitions stop, as they seem to have.

The US have created yet another mess, like I have been saying all along. Why can't they just mind their own business instead of getting involved in other parts of the world that are of no value to them?

If the recognitions come pouring in in the near future, forget what I said.

I think we can thank George Bush for making a complete mess of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Looks like the world has had enough and will no longer support these flawed Western projects.

The determination to keep Kosovo Serbian far exceeds the independence movement.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it looks like the honeymoon is over!

to castor este castro amigo, you are looking the picture like this. those rich countries are adoring their money as their god while the poor countries have their clean conscience intact. thats the main difference. but nevertheles, still the clean at heart are more than the majority in the UN.

Adrian
I am really glad to hear that motorised vehicles and high-rise buildings have finally reached even the most backward countries in the Eastern Balkans. You really do deserve the luxury of the basic commodities after half a century of life in shanty houses and donkeys as the main means of transport, under your leader Causescu. This shows that the opportunity given to Romanians to work in Western Europe, albeit only as self-employed (cleaners and construction workers), does help. However, you have missed the point. The issue here is the territorial dispute between the Serbs and Kosovar Albanians, which has nothing to do with personal wealth of individuals.
Agron

US embassy in Kosovo denied this information given in Kosovar media.
In the end, US and Eu are unhappy with many things ongoind in Serbia. Why is Serbia not thinking about those issues?! Let's start with your own dooryard first! Neighbours, in this case Kosovo, can think about its dooryard by its own...

Again, the Kosovo problem has only 2 possible solutions. It's an ever-growing bill for US and EU, we're talking about sustaining 2 million people that keep growing at ridiculously fast rates.

That bill will not be payed forever. US and EU are running against a money-timeline here.

So, if Russia keeps refusing to recognize Kosovo, then the only other option to get rid of the Kosovo high cost of maintenance is to merge it with Albania.

That way it would be up to Albania and Kosovo to pull themselves out of poverty. Of course, with US and EU aid, but not nearly as much as the bill that the US and EU are paying right now to mantain Kosovo.

It all comes down to a simple economic question.

And the merger actually does avoid war, because once you allow a country into NATO, everyone is REQUIRED to fight in behalf of that country if it is ever attacked.

So it doesn't matter if Greece or Spain have not recognized Kosovo. If they allowed Albania into NATO, then they signed a pledge to defend it if it's ever at war.

So all in all, the cards have been played in such a way that if Kosovo is not recognized, then a merger with Albania will have to be imposed as the only other solution. Otherwise, the cost to mantain Kosovo in limbo forever would be too big for US and EU, and that's when they won't benefit anything out of it.

They can only benefit if Kosovo is either recognized or merged with Albania.

And of course, seeing how Albanians are the only pro-US in the region, that is well rewarded. Anyone who aligns with Russia, well, they will keep getting these type of "rude shocks" until they learn that the Balkans must align with the West.

That's just the way it is. Europe wants them under it's turf, and they will do whatever it takes to minimize Russia's influence in it.

Stevan

"If they would be really pushed hard to fight more equally strong advesary, that would probably be the end of the NATO."

I think you give Russia's army too much credit. While it is indeed one of the most powerful armies in the world, most of their army is inferior in terms of equipment when compared to NATO, the technologically superior US airforce alone would be able to neutralise Russia's main capabilities.

The only thing Russia truly has to its advantage is its nuclear arsenal, but then again, that's something that the US has as well.

Regarding Denmark, Belgium etc. OK, fair enough, but then again, NATO also has some pretty strong armies like the British, German, French, Italian, Turkish and Spanish armies. Even Poland's army is quite strong, so I don't think Russia would stand a chance (theoretically) against NATO, unless it had a military alliance with China.

Hey Stefan, are you threating the EU and US with a possible Serbia Russia China Union? lol pathetic!

get the BASE and give the INDIPENDENCE !!!
thats all that happened in Kosova between albanians and US americans...
so after this its not important to keep attention in the numbers of countries that recognise this new state...important thing is that HOW Russia and China will deal with this game..!
will they again and again accept to play this game who USA gives the rules ??? remember Iraq invasion, Kosovo invasion and the most importantof all the period after 11 September that changed all the balances of the world...
Peace brothers

Why do people still go on with this Kosovo merging with Albania story? NATO/EU will not allow it, so why still talk about it?

The powers that be have decreed that Kosovo and Albania will exist as separate states, not as a unified, ethnic whole, and there is nothing anyone can do about it, same way RS and Northern Kosovo will not be rejoined to Serbia, nor will Herzeg be rejoined to Croatia. Times of ethnic nationalism in the Balkans is over, get with the program, anyone who stands up against this ideology will only have NATO to deal with, regardless of whether it is Serbs, Albanians or Croats, end of story.

On a side-note I did visit a few times Romania in it's worst years. It was pretty sad picture, but don't search for a straw in somebody else's eye if you have a pole in yours.


Back to the topic - I would compare eBay (or any major American business, eBay or Motorola being the best example) with the entire Kosovo situation.

Just look at the Dilbert cartoons and get the answer.

Speaking about the eBay... who does follow or participates into that circus - just look what they did recently with feedback rules. That speaks about the management quality. And you wonder about Kosovo-screw up?

Hello Stevan

I thought I should clarify that I don't believe NATO would be able to defeat Russia as a whole (there would be no way that they could handle Russia's vast size, winter and partizans), but I do think in a one-on-one as far as armies go, they would be able to beat Russia's, unless Russia had China as an ally (to use their unlimited manpower).

So to conclude, NATO would not be able to invade Russia and occupy them, but on neutral ground or in defense of a NATO country, I think Russia would be beaten.

Do you think we care if the US supports Thaci or Surroi?? As long as they don't support Kostunica we're happy.
Obviously, in better circumstances we would like Albanian people to decide their own fate. But since our neighbours have made that 'slightly' difficult, no Albanian would really mind a little bit (or alot) of American influence.

Is she kidding me? All of this has been little more than an inside marketting scheme by my government?

I'd write more, but I doubt what I'm thinking would pass the censors here.

Maybe wherever the US is there is instability,war drugs and everything immoral.So the rest of the world got sick of your interests and is telling you enough is enough.And albanians just like Serbs paid high enough price for another military base,from which you would send "democracy" bombs to better another oil company.
Thank god the truth is hard to hide this days.

Crazy american goverment!! they thought they can fool all the nations in the world. The americans think that they can overpower the UN and international law. but they will never.PLEASE YOUR MESS AMERICA

first of all, my direct question:

did the US really believe to get 97 "recognitions"???

how stupid is this???

but, reading that, I slowly begin to understand where our albanian friends got their "next wave"-nonsense from!

well, perhaps the reinforcement of coalition-troops is meant as a preparation against the albanian mob, when they start realizing that they were duped!

we will see...

let´s just wait, since time is on Serbia´s side!

ps:

@Castro: do you really seriously believe that nonsense you are writing about the rest of the world being deserted...?

I think you will be VERY disappointed in the future!

It looks Sahid (Castro) is back but under the new name. He is on weed again - or something stronger this time - he ignores 75% of world population. If he thinks to use same recipe they used in Serbian province - over human production with no legitimate-legal work - to become majority - they are on the wrong path.

That's democracy you like - pressure, arm-twisting, back-stabbing - just show your true colours - cowboy style drive-through democracy and way of li(f)e.

At least - congratulation to be honest, you got something of moving away from Kosovo.

Funcakes, do you honestly believe that Kosovo could ever merge with Albania and get away with it? It that ever looked like it was going to happen, believe me you sould be stopped not only by Russian "puppets" but also by American "puppets".

America never intended for that to happen. They want Kosovo for themselves and not to serve you up to Albania.

Also, what happened to all this America never forced anyone to recognize Kosovo?
Now I am reading from your lot that America should put pressure on some countries to do just that?

Funcakes I just about fell out of my chair laughing.
"Reality imposes itself in Kosovo, there's no way to spin it.
You used reality and Kosovo in the same sentence? To think Kosovo can stand on its own is that reality? My friend Kosovo would'nt know reality if it fell from the sky and exploded all over the province.The US is smarter than people give them credit for.All of this is not a mistake or miscalculation.The goal will eventaully be to link Albania #1 with Albania #2 when #2 is unable to move forward.It is silly to think the US would expect 97 recognitions.The next war in the Balkans will involve Albania directly.

Keep dreaming funcakes. You forgot that not all NATO members have recognised Kosovo so how do you expect it to merge with Albania? Also, NATO does not admit states that are unstable. Georgia is a good example.

So you really believe the US will risk a huge war for the Albanians? Come back to earth my friend. The Albanians are not that important.

Realty check Funcakes. US through NATO wants to own Kosovo. They have no intention of going through all this trouble only to unify you with Albania. Are you serious?

You are only useful to America when they can control you and that's not going to happen if you join with Albania.

Important question to you. Why would America allow you to join with Albania? What's in it for them?

Funcakes to you greater albania idea well that's rich. Keep doing whatever your doing and reality will stay a blur to you. Good luck with your albania war idea too. Pristina are bitting off more than they can chew. And Serbia is just waiting for them to choke.

The cards are probably being played in such a way that a unification is right around the corner. First, Albania is in NATO. Then, Kosovo merges with Albania. That blocks any attempt of a war, because the only viable war would be NATO vs. Russia, and that scenario has no winners, so that one is never played.
(Funcakes, 27 May 2008 00:10)

Now this is funny. Are you taking a leaf out of the Rudder and Fin book of Public Relations.
Not only do you not know what you are talking about, but you want people to believe that Kosovo is a legal entity which has been shown to be anything but.

I hear more and more comments that Kosovo is going to unite with Albania if Russia keeps blocking Kosovo etc. I would like to reminde you all that one of the principles of the Contact group in Kosovo negotiations was that there would be no joining of Kosovo to Albania. I mean if the US and Kosovo etc don't not respect UNSCR 1244 they could at least respect their own principles. Btw KOSOVO JE SRBIJA:)

"Still, the big countries will need to also get some key world players on board. They need to keep doing what they're doing with pressuring Ukraine, and then move on with some countries in the EU like Portugal, Montenegro, Greece, Malta.

These need more than just lobbying, they need pressure.
(Funcakes, 26 May 2008 18:12)"

Funcakes, that is the most refershingly honest post from the Albanian side I have seen on this blog.

So there you have it folks, straight from the horse's mouth. It all comes down to pressure, threats, diplomatic blackmail, bribery in order to force sovereign UN states to break international law and recognise Pristina's UDD. Ah shucks, what happened to the old 'democracy' and democratic principles' malarky. Tossed in the bin as always by the US & its servile allies when it does not suit their agenda.

And all this talk about Kosmet merging with Albania. I have said it all along and people did not believe me, that is the overall plan of the Albanian irrdentists, despite the denials from the Albanians on this site to the contrary.

Kate I would not be so naive when it comes to trusting the US. As we have seen countless times in the last 60 years, they have invoked it and yet at the same time broke it - invasion of Vietnam, Grenada, bombing of Laos & Cambodia, Iraq, YU etc. If the US thinks that the unification of Kosmet and Albania will suit its interests, it will do so overriding even its previous own committments on Pristina's UDD.

However Funcakes, if you think that Serbia will stand idly by and watch 15% of its territory, with most of its religious and cultural heritage absorbed into Muslim Albania you have another think coming. Remember Serbia has strong allies in Russia, China & India who will not be silent. Still though, down Pristina way, wishful thinking is all the locals have left.

(Agron Prestreshi, 27 May 2008 02:11)

hahaha Have you ever looked at Europe's map? Romania is not in Eastern Balkans and my comment was reffering to the "human administered desert" mentioned by your compadre castro and not making any alusion to wealth, it's just that my temporary office is at the 16th floor (we did not find anything else to rent and is very expensive) and I took a look at B92 just before I left the office.
For the rest, you are clearly driven by angryness so ...facts and logic are irrelevant.

Peggy,

"… You are only useful to America when they can control you and that's not going to happen if you join with Albania. .."

They control Albania too.

"… Why would America allow you to join with Albania? What's in it for them?…"

Americans are playing The Grand Chessboard game. For various reasons they want to change balance of power in the Balkans more to their advantage. That means weakening, destroying the Orthodox countries, (Serbia and Greece in the first place), and strengthening Muslims.

Funcakes, I would say its more reliable that Kosovo will merge back into Serbia if the US can not sustain it rather than Albania .

You guys keep telling us to stop dreaming when we say that Kosovo is Serbia and look what you are talking about.

Its kinda like Tito's dream of merging Albania with Yugoslavia.

To: Agron Prestreshi

Dear sir,
please do yourself a favor and keep your posts focussed on Kosovo problems, and ignore the (obviously more developed) neighboring or distant countries (e.g. Romania). By simply referring to their wealth, Kosovo image is getting just more damage.

In case you cannot resist the urge to ventilate your anger&frustration on countries like mine (who has nothing against Albanians or Kosovo per se, it is just the UDI bothering us...) at least do this in a more entertaining way, e.g. by using some of the paranoid nonsenses expressed already on this forum by some Albanians (like "Romanians are of Christian Orthodox faith, therefore they are under Slavic domination and, by consequence, they are fans of Serbs, Milosevic and Putin". Such statements, compared with your strange talk about "Ceausescu's donkeys" (?), have at least the merit to make us, Romanians, laugh (which is good for health, by the way).

Last but not least, any Albanian mentioning Ceausescu in front of Romanians is risking only a good laugh, because even during Ceausescu, we all knew about and enjoyed many jokes about Albanians living under Enver Hoxha regime (the image of donkeys is a reminiscence of your Albanian experience, isn't so? must have been very tough times...)

Summarizing: with the measure you judge others, you shall be judged, too.

And now, if you have endured reading this post, feel free to go and feed those donkeys!

Best from Bucharest,
George

hey funcakes, you seemingly didn´t understand...

but I´ll try to explain you that, the albanian population will not increase in the way you are perhaps wishing...

the Albanians are simply always coming too late, and it´s the same with the population growth... you will soon have reached your climax in that regard!

of course, you are, as always, free to dream about millions and millions of albanians ruling not only the balkans, but even the whole universe! :)

what you can believe me is, that you are far off the road, if you really believe what you have written above...

I am still very interested to see that announced new "wave" of "recognitions" :)

well, you were not even accepted at the latest table-tennis event in europe...

so much for your acceptance within Europe...

“… once you allow a country into NATO, everyone is REQUIRED to fight in behalf of that country if it is ever attacked….”

Hm, I’m not so sure about that Funcakes. Remember 1974 war between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus? Both NATO members.

Do you expect NATO to go to war against Russia over Georgia or Ukraine for example? What do you think how many solders are NATO members such as Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark … ready to sacrifice for Georgia? Risk Russian rockets retaliation? I don’t think they would be very enthusiastic about such a war. They only take active part in nearly zero-risk missions. If they would be really pushed hard to fight more equally strong advesary, that would probably be the end of the NATO. Americans don’t like to suffer casualties either. They only go to war against small, weak, poor, defenseless countries.

Wow, do you think Kosovo independence might not be such an easy sell because the Albanians got caught selling 70% of Western Europe's heroin? http://www.kosovocompromise.com/cms/item/topic/en.html?view=story&id=881§ionId=1
Or trafficking in sex slaves? http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/EUR70/010/2004
Or ripping out the organs from live victims and putting them for sale to the highest bidder? http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/21/europe/EU-GEN-Serbia-Organ-Trafficking.php

Or that Kosovo has no legal economy and will have to be financially supported by international aid, forever?

Nah, you are right -- must just be Kosovo Albanian "lobbying efforts" that are not as successful as they should be -- NOT!

PS Now, the US denies that this report in the Kosovo Albanian media is accurate. But why would they make up something so obviously unfavorable to themselves?

Dear Albanian folks particularly the ones from Kosovo. Please accept the reality that Kosovo will always be Serbia. Serbia will not allow you to be separated from them. EVEN THAT YOU BAGGED 41 STATES ALREADY IT DOES NOT YET MERIT A UN SEAT.
Serbia is ready to talk with you and to find a compromise solution acceptable to both parties. Your declaration last February has not solved anything but further generated more tension in the Balkans.
Face the reality that more countries preferred a solution based on negotiation and not through unilateral step

Hi Peter,

Well, lets hope that it never come to the war, but,

"… Russia's army too much credit…. most of their army is inferior … to NATO. .. Russia would stand (no) chance … against NATO…"

It wouldn't be first time that superior Army try it's luck on Russians and gets annihilated in the process.

NATO Armies are technologically very well equipped but they have their weaknesses. You see that even rag- tag disorganized resistance of small, badly equipped groups of Iraqis are able to bring the NATO Army to the breaking point. Air force is very important but it can't do everything. NATO Air Force was not even able to eliminate main capabilities of Serb Army that was practically defenseless but used simple, low teach decoys and masking techniques very effectively.

Main weaknesses of the NATO Armies for such en offensive war is lack of motivation, unwillingness to take casualties, and different interests of member countries. For example you should definitely add Greece to the list of the strong NATO armies. But our Orthodox brothers Greeks, refused to fight against us in the 1999. There are strong indications that they even provided us with some vital information's. We were always allies in the difficult times through the centuries. There were quite a few Greek volunteers on the Serb side in the 90's. They are similarly friendly with Russians and wouldn't want to fight against them. As a meter of fact, Greeks are getting ever closer to Russia in the last time.

"… Russia … a military alliance with China…."

They are moving in that direction. Have you noticed Medvedev's second foreign visit?

The USA should understand that it made a mistake to endorse the new government of Kosovo and should endorse Serbia's claim to Kosovo.

I think it's a further blow to the unilateral policy of the hundredth self proclaimed Policeman of the world, obviously with pretended good intentions, like the Saint Alliance of Austria, Russia and others in the 19th century. But the policy of this new Policeman is not bringing order, but disorder, disagreement and not agreement, instability and not stability, in the wrong belief that he can "Divide and rule", but he has pulled too much the rope. It's like a Policeman acting like a hooligan. But what will happen when the increasing number of unstable situations created by the "Hooligan Policeman" will go out of control? The war of all against all.

NATO and Russia going to war?
Wow, some of you need to put the pipe down, or put the war games away, or just get some fresh air and sunshine...
Aside from the unlikeliness of that scenario, it is even unlikely that Russia will intervene directly in the South Caucasus, however much you might click your heels and wish for it. To quote from a Jan. '08 TOL article by Valery Dzutsev (fairly old but still the smartest thing I've read on the subject):

"Any decisive outcome of the Georgian conflicts might potentially have negative implications for Russia. On the one hand, if South Ossetia and Abkhazia are reintegrated into Georgia, Russia will not be able to hinder Georgian progress into NATO. This would also send a message to the Russian North Caucasus and could trigger the revival of rebellions there and further jeopardize security in an already precarious region.

"On the other hand, if the restive Georgian territories are recognized by Russia and borders are changed, Russia loses some of its leverage in Georgia. Furthermore, it could trigger a conflict that would require intervention by Russian troops, creating a risky political situation as the Russian public is still wary of the human cost of the Chechen conflict.

"There is another huge risk to recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Conceding their separation from Georgia could give rise to other separatist movements, and not just in Chechnya. The Russian Federation is the most multinational – and therefore one of the most prone to break up along ethnic lines – among the countries of the former Soviet Union. In other words, Russia might gain new territory at the expense of Georgia, but might have to fight to retain the integrity of its borders elsewhere."

Yes, despite all appearances, Smiley's "bear" is walking a tightrope here folks... and however much it growls and waves its paws it's not likely to hurl itself into the abyss just to gratify a few loopy nationalists (of whichever country, theirs or yours). Pretty smart critters, those bears. Smarter than those carrion birds, eagles, I think (I hope)
Peace, C