"UN position in Kosovo neutral"

It looks nobody can’t stop long planned scenario of punishing Serbia for not cooperating and accepting global politicks of injustice and bulling – result - UDI will be more recognized DI, it will take more time but it looks inevitable – Deserved – NO, worth wasting more time – probably NOT – Try to get best deal of it – some kind of partition - if still the option.

They tried to do that by force – “humanitarian bombing” and it didn’t worked (if lasted for couple more weeks – EU and US coalition was on brink of collapse) – they tried to save EU collapse and the face too by bringing Russia to convince Serbia to accept and sign peace agreement and resolution 1244 which looked good at the moment – Kosovo stays as integral part of Serbia and guaranteed Serbia sovereignty.

But it showed again that was just one more political trap to achieve US goals by other means, avoiding civilian killings and destruction of non-military targets at costs of braking EU at start of its existence.

Serbian politicians failed to act during last 9 years and sure decades before – but it was communist regime accepting Tito directions to make Serbian dominance weaker and give Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo good foundation at Serbia’s expense. They all should celebrate Tito as their founder and make the biggest monuments of Tito – never to forget his role in achieving their old lived dreams comes true.

So, Serbian politicians failed in confrontation with unjust western speculators and thieves- EU and US politicians. They didn’t have any chance in that fight – but they didn’t do anything smart to make game at least interesting.

That’s all sad – by knowing that all historians and objective outsiders – and objective Albanians know that most- if not all in Czechs documentary are historical facts with some real stories and personal experiences of Serbian population at the time. It should be considered Albanian side and their suffering too – but historical facts stays and should be interesting seeing debate in which historians – real experts in history should look somebody in the eyes and try to discredit the facts – The Serbian sacrifices and suffering from Balkans wars to WWI and WWII and now heading to WWIII for fighting on right side against fascists, various aggressors and ocupators.

I should mention there is great joy in Ireland over the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by our people. The political establishment is stunned. God bless Ireland. God bless Serbia.

Because of 1244 the UN cannot be neutral on the matter of the territorial integrity of Serbia.

Should EULEX go ahead and therefore act as an imposed 'political settlement' then Serbia could choose to treat 1244 as having run its course and therefore being at an end.

Note that if 1244 is at an end, then Serbia can send its police and troops back into Kosovo quite legally. It would be NATO that would be acting illegally if it stopped them.

The UDI is a violation of 1244 and has no legal status - and no guarantee of permanence. What will not go away is Serbia's insistence that Kosovo is a province of Serbia.

The idea that the UDI is cannot be reversed is wishful thinking. The only possible secure and permanent solution is an agreed strong autonomy under international guarantee - and that has yet to be negotiated.

Thank god for the Irish!

Cheers from Sweden. We were not allowed to vote so the Irish voted for us. If we were allowed to vote it would have been NO here too!

This is the beginning of the end for EU and a new start for Serbia.

“It is all in line with Resolution 1244. As regards the letters sent to Presidents [Boris] Tadić and [Fatmir] Sejdiu, they confirm that the UN’s position continues to be neutral where Kosovo’s status is concerned,” said Varma.

There's a contradiction in terms here, when Varma calls a certain Sejdiu "President" this implies recognition. Now this is clearly not in line with Resolution 1244 and is in conflict with the constitutional order of Serbia, as Mr. Kostunica correctly identified.

My comment is not about who is right or wrong on this issue, it's just pointing out a legal glitch in Varma's message. They need to pay better attention to the legal aspects, otherwise it just gives the impression that the UN is short of legal experts, which affects their credibility (already shattered in Iraq and Afghanistan).

It is all in line with Resolution 1244. As regards the letters sent to Presidents [Boris] Tadić and [Fatmir] Sejdiu, they confirm that the UN’s position continues to be neutral where Kosovo’s status is concerned,” said Varma.

well, now you've heard it from the "horse's mouth". The UN is status neutral, and given that UNSCR 1244 reaffirms Kosovo as being a part of Serbia, the US and EU are effectively admitting that there is nothing they can do to change the status of Kosovo, despite the Albo's declaring independence, a constitution, blah,blah,blah,etc,etc.

So, for all the declarations by the Kosovo Albanians, they are worthless. They will NEVER be a state whether they like it or not, whether the US and EU like it or not.

The Albo's have been blinded by their own propaganda. They dream of independence, but the US dream of using Kosovo for their own purposes. The real key for the US and EU is the north. If they fail to control the north, the Kosovo issue will have been a failure for the West as their real intention is to control Kosovo's resources (The Eu have stated that KOsovo must get it's energy markets up and running as a matter of urgency, and the World Bank said the same thing the other day). Thaci and Sejdiu know this, which is why they keep banging on about "protecting Kosovo's territorial integrity". The only way they'll manage to control this area is by force, and if they try to use force, another war will start.

It'll be interesting to see how the EU and US try to gain COMPLETE control over the north. The Albanians definitely don't have the military prowess to take it, but will the EU and US risk more friction with the international community?

If I may change the subject for a moment, the Irish people have voted NO to the Lisbon Treaty. Interesting times ahead.

Tom,

Indeed. God bless Ireland. God bless Serbia.

The Irish have yet again demonstrated the principles of a true free and independent nation. That no amount of euros or dollars are worth selling your liberty.

The E.U. is simply an instrument of fear. . ."if you don't join, your economy will suffer." It is designed to allow its rich colonial architects free access into new markets in order to gain more customers and exploit local labor and resources.

This is almost as big a scam as NATO. Where small, insignificant countries that never proved a threat to Russia can only receive NATO membership if they "update" their armed forces by purchasing hundreds of billions of dollars of new American-made military hardware. When they do, they then become a threat to the Russians and actually require NATO's protection.

In both the E.U and NATO, its a vicious cycle of stronger, richer countries exploiting the poor and weak ones by fear tactics.

It really needs to stop.

How can UN be neutral on the issue of status? Until the SC decides otherwise, UN's position cannot possibly be neutral.

They can only have one status. The existing one, which is obvious as their own resolution 1244 doesn't change any status.

So what does the law say? Is Kosovo independent or is it still part of Serbia?

The answer is the position that the UN must take and not be neutral.
Mr Ban stop playing games and call a spade a spade. Stop dancing around the issue.

If Ban relies on 1244 then he should realise that it specifically "reaffirms" sovereingty and territorial integrity - therefore 1244 could not be interpreted as neutral to Status of Serbia nor could Ban or UNMIK suggest "neutral" staus. If that is the case then one could interpret that the Helsinki Final act and the UN charter means nothing since they are all "neutral" to any conflict - all international norms and laws are null and void all peace agreements are null and void - everybody can act in defense of tehir self determination how ever they choose where ever they choose! Serbians from Krajina should return on mass in the next few year and claim the same self determination since bandinter is now proven void and we all know each conflict is unique !!!

Tadic as President seems unsurprisingly quiet!!

I am proud to be Irish today.

I have to say that it was good to see Dermot Ahern, the former Irish foreign Minister ( who was the one who recommended to the Irish government to recognise the illegal entity of Kosova, much to the embarressment of many Irish people ) concede defeat on the Lisbon Treaty.

Let's hope that the latest posturing of the UN Secretary on Kosovo will receive a rejection similar to that given by the electorate in the Irish Republic to the Lisbon Treaty, concocted as it was by distant politicians
and elitist eurocrats.

God bless the Irish people and all the people of Serbia.

David Crowley.

If the UN's position is not neutral then the situation on the ground will continue to evolve until it is.

That most likely means Serbia will continue to strengthen ties to loyal citizens while the Albanians remain an isolated audience for the theatrics being played out in Pristina.

This converts to the defacto partition strengthening while independence remains blocked at both the EU and UN.

Ireland's NO vote also provides a nice boost to Serbia's position. Thank you to the Irish people - you did the right thing!

Wow guys, what can I say, proud to be Irish today after the Irish people's emphatic 2 fingers to the EU superstate and the preservation of our national sovereignty and independence.

I'm a member of the Workers Party of Ireland, a Republican Socialist organisation founded on the ideals of the men of 1916 and their forefathers who gave the ultimate sacrifice against British imperialism.

When I was at the doors canvassing for the NO vote, many ordinary people were concerned about the possibility of Ireland being forced to join up to a European army, (Irish troops partaking in areas like Kosovo without UN mandate) the possibility of conscription and the further erosion of our sovereignty. Also many people were concerned about the erosion of workers and union rights. I voted No yesterday to preserve Irish neutrality, independence, sovereignty, freedom but also that of Serbia's as this NO vote will undermine the EULEX propject in the occupied Serbian province of Kosmet.

The Irish have spoken. Barosso and Solana better listen

As a current Deputy Secretary of State Pan Gi Mun should be aware that such a "neutrality" is in the favor of only the Snake and Solana. So with Russian veto there's no way he can be re-elected for the second period.

Thanks Tom! Thanks for the support!

since the EU will go back to the drawing board due to the NO VOTE in IRELAND, the UN security council will likely reject the eulex when they meet on 20 june. with this kosovo will also be back to basics i guess.

Tom
i am glad to see the Irish voted NO. We in the UK dont get a say because they know the public want out of the EU.The only people who have beifited from the EU are the former Eastern BLock(Communist states)We as normal UK people have gained nothing. We are totally opposed to Eastern Europeans coming into our country. One of the biggest fears of Albania joining the EU is they will all want to come over to Britian like the Poles. Hence the BNP (UK Facist) are gaining votes.

Now and then I realize how crazy
this whole thing with Kosovo 'independence' is.
The International community pushed by the USA decides to snatch the part of Serbia without Serbia's consent and against the international law try to force the world including Serbia to accept its territory as 'another country'.
How can they convince Serbs to give it up? Is there a rational argument to prove that it would be ever possible?
Also calling up 'the reality on the ground' is ridicilous.

It is the abstract reality- of the same international community detached from reality of the Balkan region-
they forced upon us.

But in the reality of the people living in the Balkans, Kosovo 'independence' is a sick joke which can turn nasty.

Last few days the Cosmopolitans in Serbia suffered several strikes :

1. Treason of Zuplanovic revealed the DS real face.

2. Pan Gi Mun clown showed that Tadic's words to keep Kosovo are just his own night dreams.

3. Anti Polish voting in Ireland has put an end to form a EU Constitution and next thing to happen will be encreasing protests of the rich Europeans to stop the EU draft.

4. SPS is ready to be back to the reality and form a Cabinet with the patriots.

5. The Snake puppet is told to accept a "Constitution" to further split the Europeans.

neutral only in words but in deed it approves kosovo independence by recognizing the new realities on the ground. kermabon doesnt like this either to be under the UN. so more chaos foreseen?

this shows that the status of Kosovo is not independent, the UN has not recognised it, its sat on the fence. It also shows that the EU will be calling the shots in Kosovo again not a sign of a truly independent state. It will be interesting to see what happens in the north, i think they will allow the Serbs to govern themselves, they will publically moan about it but its less of a headache for them to allow the Serbs to govern themselves. Again most of the press releases are for Serbia to join the EU. The EU will keep its hand in Kosovo to stop any Islamic terroist groups forming.

Postings in here that are in favour of Serbia’s isolation and SRS-DSS government are not doing any favour to Serbs. In fact, they make Serbs look like very radical, war criminals supporters and with the rejecting and backwardly attitude.
Some of the postings make you wonder if these Serbs posters are Serbs or they are someone else claiming to be Serbs.

Tom O’Donoghue

I wish you good luck. Here is what BBC correspondent says about the results:

Confusion

Our correspondent says that many voters seem to have voted No for the simple reason that they did not understand the treaty, despite a high-profile campaign led by Prime Minister Brian Cowen, which had the support of most of the country's main parties.
Mr Cowen accused the No camp of "misrepresentation", saying voters had voiced concern about "issues that clearly weren't in the treaty at all", the Irish Times reported.

"pls. bear in mind that Russia is one of the five veto holders, not the ONLY veto holder. So, if Ban authorises EULEX. he will not get elected bc. of a Russian veto, if he doesn't he will not get elected bc. of 3 vetoes. Poor Ban, he is trapped. But, before you put the vetoes on the same level, pls tell me how much is the US funding for the UNO and how much is the Russian one. Afterwards you'll understand why some vetoes sometimes don't count.
(genc, 13 June 2008 21:57)"

genc

Don't be naive. Only ONE veto is required kill any UNSC resolution. Ask the Taiwanses, they have been trying to get in since 1972.

So the US contributes the lion's share of the UN budget -- do you know the REAL reason why? Because New York where the UN office is located isn't exactly the cheapest place in the world -- the day the US stops paying its dues, the UN will move out and deprive the UN of the prestige of hosting this international body. So the US is really looking after its own interest by footing most of the bill. Anyway what is your point? Japan contributes more to the UN than China. But it is China that wields the veto, not Tokyo. And that's why Taiwan continues to be locked out of the UN. The same will apply to Kosovo too vis-a-vis the Russian (and Chinese) veto. As I said earlier, you need just ONE veto, not five! If this upsets you and Pristina, tough luck!

lowe,

I'm not naive. The game now it's about authorising EULEX, which Russia seems not to be able to block by its veto. Guess why?

As for the rest, it will come in due time.

Hey Tom,
Can we switch places with you?
If Ireland doesn't like to be in EU, then Albania or Kosova, or both can take your place.

By the way, before 1974, when Ireland joined European Community it was one of the most poor countries of Europe. Today, thanks to more than half a billion dollars that Ireland receives each year from EU, Ireland is one of the most booming places.
Unfortunately, like someone (not here) has pointed out the Irish villagers were unhappy because before EU the could sell their sheep with a better price. This is how much this vote was understood.
And for the EULEX failure!! Just dream on.

If I may change the subject for a moment, the Irish people have voted NO to the Lisbon Treaty. Interesting times ahead.
(Tom O'Donoghue, 13 June 2008 14:03)

Yes Tom, then why don't you just step out? Or you want the benefits, but don't want to pay for them?

#18

Rote Kapelle,

pls. bear in mind that Russia is one of the five veto holders, not the ONLY veto holder. So, if Ban authorises EULEX. he will not get elected bc. of a Russian veto, if he doesn't he will not get elected bc. of 3 vetoes. Poor Ban, he is trapped. But, before you put the vetoes on the same level, pls tell me how much is the US funding for the UNO and how much is the Russian one. Afterwards you'll understand why some vetoes sometimes don't count.

lowe:

to the first one: it's going to be a step by step approach, just wait for the next UN Secretary report.

The second one: Kosovo is not Taiwan, Serbia is not China, Russia has other priorities which will come sooner or later. I cannot say how long it's going to last, no one can, but I wouldn't look at Taipeh's direction. Rather I'm looking towards a convergence of interests of US EU and Russia in the Balkans in the near future (if Russia wants to make business with EU through Serbia, thay'll need a stabilized region). Anyway, Kosovo will do pretty good without being a UN member in the near future, and it doesn't need to be a member soon.

UNSC powers>Under Chapter Six of the Charter, "Pacific Settlement of Disputes", the Security Council "may investigate any dispute, or any situation which might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute". The Council may "recommend appropriate procedures or methods of adjustment" if it determines that the situation might endanger international peace and security. Under Chapter Seven, the Council has broader power to decide what measures are to be taken in situations involving "threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, or acts of aggression". In such situations, the Council is not limited to recommendations but may take action, including the use of armed force "to maintain or restore international peace and security".

Some of you are keen to define the territorial status of now, Kosovo-which it is sovreging and fully independent from Serbia,based on a resolution (1244)that does not define the status or protect the the status of Yugoslavia, note, Serbia is not even mentioned there. The entire clause is the pre-amble, which it is totally legal what Mr. Ban has suggested. UN is not an organization that defends, destroys or creates states. Remember 1244 does not define the territory, sovregnity of Serbia at all.

Kosovo is sovreign and Independent, and the UN understands it. Serbia sooner or later will have to recognize Kosovo as a sovreign and independenT country.

Serbs deserve an explanation by this current government.

"since the EU will go back to the drawing board due to the NO VOTE in IRELAND, the UN security council will likely reject the eulex when they meet on 20 june. with this kosovo will also be back to basics i guess."

Some of you are pinning their hopes in an unfathomable destructive storm to take place in EU in order to "save Kosovo".

I bet you will have more chance for this with the solar eclipse of August 1. Who knows it might help too!!

"lowe,

I'm not naive. The game now it's about authorising EULEX, which Russia seems not to be able to block by its veto. Guess why?

As for the rest, it will come in due time.
(genc, 14 June 2008 13:22)"

genc

You may recall that Eulex wanted intially to take over and supplant UNMIK. Feith was even pompous enough to declare that publicly. But that's not going to happen anymore, is it? Eulex is now going to be under UNMIK's umbrella. This is a climbdown on Eulex's part. There is no reason for the Russians to oppose such an arrangement since they have stipulated all along that authority rests with the UN not Eulex, which the former is now delegating to the latter.

As for your "the rest it will come in due time", here I assume that you are referring to Kosovo becoming a UN member. Well, all I will say is that I wouldn't hold my breath for that to happen anytime soon if ever if I were Pristina. You only need to look at Taipeh's experience -- as I said, it only takes ONE veto.

UNSG role is that>>>The Secretary-General was envisioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt as a "world moderator," but the office was defined in the UN Charter as the organization's "chief administrative officer" (Article 97). Nevertheless, this more restricted description has not prevented the office holders from speaking out and playing important roles on global issues, to various degrees.

"lowe:

to the first one: it's going to be a step by step approach, just wait for the next UN Secretary report.

The second one: Kosovo is not Taiwan, Serbia is not China, Russia has other priorities which will come sooner or later. I cannot say how long it's going to last, no one can, but I wouldn't look at Taipeh's direction. Rather I'm looking towards a convergence of interests of US EU and Russia in the Balkans in the near future (if Russia wants to make business with EU through Serbia, thay'll need a stabilized region). Anyway, Kosovo will do pretty good without being a UN member in the near future, and it doesn't need to be a member soon.
(genc, 14 June 2008 16:35)"

genc

Sorry to have to differ from you again.

I don't know what you mean by a step by step approach but obviously Eulex is going to have to defer to the UN in the foreseeable future however much it obviously prefers to be its own boss.

You are about Kosovo not being Taiwan, however with a touch of irony - Taiwan is for all purposes a fully developed economy with a per capita GNP higher than most if not all of the newer EU members. Yet it runs into a brickwall everytime it tries to enter the UN. Don't expect Kosovo to fare any better.

Yes, there may be a convergence of interest between EU and Russia in the future -- do remember however that this convergence is likely to be a middle-ground compromise scenario rather than the complete about turn by Mosocw to the Western viewpoint that you appeared to be assuming. And this convergence, who knows, will probably just leave the US out in the cold.

Moreover it seems to me that it is the resource poor West that needs Russian energy resources much more than the Russians need to sell to the EU. China, Japan, India are amongst the economic giants elsewhere competing for this same Russian oil, gas etc. Will the US have to compete with EU for this same Russian resources too in the future? Who knows. As you can see the Russians are thus not exactly short of customers. Seems to me that the EU will actually be the more eager (desperate even) of the two to do business. Don't be surprised therefore if your predicted convergence actually turn out eventually to be more on Russia's terms! And then where will that leave Kosovo?

what the lisbon treaty has to do with Kosova independence??? Nothing...

anyway USA has a constitution and Kosova has a constitution as well, this means we are independent and thanks to Ireland we will be long time to come, and maybe joining our destiny country.

The USA and EU will get what they want!

The position of the UN is pro-independence. I said it, there you go.

It seems that Ban Ki Moon is soft about the kosovo issue and look's that he is siding with the west. Emperor Bush's shadow is taking over the UN

Sounds like there is some confusion at the UN and if the headline is true then the UN is neutral and 1244 remains in force as well as the UN in Kosovo. Once i am elected i will have to study this more. Since the US jump the gun on this Kosovo business i will have to look into this closely.

"lowe,

Thanks for confirming, thru Taiwan, that the UN membership plays no role in the everyday life of a people.

May I remind you that the Russians are building oil and gas pipes worth billions of Euro to Europe.
Do you think they're building them to keep them eventually shut?
The Russians are smart businessmen, sb. here was convinced that Rusia would turn the gas off for those EU members who were to recognise Kosovo...

Even with the Chinese and Indian Market, the EU market is the most interesting and the most important for Russia in the many yrs. to come. (Compare the living standards in China/India with the European ones and you'll understand why).
Kosovo maybe will have to wait for the Ukrainian and Georgian issue to get resolved, before having the Russian blessing. Maybe. I'm no prophet, unlike some people here. But I can guess that there is no backing from recognition from USA/EU. They've gone too far now, and Kosovo doesn't lie in a Russian zone of interest, like Ukraina and Georgia for example.
(genc, 15 June 2008 18:48)"

genc

if UN membership doesn't matter, then why is Taipeh applying every year knowing that they will be getting a humilating rejection? Like it or not for Taiwan (and Kosovo) UN membership is the ultimate symbol of state sovereignty.

Why do you assume that it is Russia that is footing the bill for building the pipelines in Europe or Asia? It is actually the BUYERS that foot most of the bill in return for some guaranteed amount of supplies -- now who is the more eager to do business?

The Asian economies are continuing to boom, in case you do not know, the Chinese have overtaken the British in world trade. And the UK is itself the EU leader in world commerce with the Germans a bit behind.

My bottom line is that the EU will need the increasingly affluent Russians more and more for their manufacutred goods exports AND for their raw material as imports. This will continue to be the trend in the foreseeable future.

"Your last paragraph confirms what I've said: that EU is very important for Russia. In this context the Kosovo issue will have to be solved, sooner or later. And, having most EU recognized Kosovo, no one would expect them to take the decision back. Simply Russia cannot dictate what to do in European area, but it can use this case to dictate on what to do in its vicinity. For the rest see my previous post.
(genc, 16 June 2008 13:20) "

genc

Your implicit assumption all along has been that the Russians will cave in to UK, Germany, etc. That Moscow needs the West much more than vice versa. I don't see it that way at all.

The balance of power in the world today is multi-polar however much the West still seems to like to delude itself and live in a time warp. My assessment is that increasingly it is the relatively resource poor West that relies more and more on Moscow (and others) for energy, markets and yes, peace in the continent.

Sure, Russia cannot tell EU what to do. But the reverse is true too. Moreover the EU (as the Irish had shown) are far from a united lot.

Kosovo won't enter the UN anytime soon -- it takes only one veto. So they won't mind. Okay, I would also add here that you don't expect Pristina to enter the EU too -- yes, it also takes only one veto here too!.

As you yourself indicated, not all EU members have recognized Kosovo. Here I would add don't expect them to do so anytime soon. In fact some like the Cypriots, Slovaks and Spanish actually harbor deep migivings about the whole UDI.

The truth of the matter is that in this small continent there just no consensus regardless of what the bureaucrats in Brussels like to spin for public consumption.

All the best to you in your endeavors.

The EU mission if it ever makes it to Kosovo will consist of nothing but state creating dilettante's collecting a pay-packet furthering their careers with no real interest in being there. The money is good that is why they will be involved if it ever happens. This 2000 man mission will achieve nothing but infurirate the Alanians more as it dawns on them that what they had been offered by Belgrade is more than what they will get now. Its about maintaining the status-quo (as it is with UN workers)
Get real, no serious judge, policeman professional will bend over backwards or risk ther lives for "Kosova". Get Thaci to give Belgrade a call and sign for less than independence and more thaN AUTONOMY.

The UN is backing off from Kosovo, under pressure from the EU/US. But the EU is not ready to move in and take effective control. The situation is confused.

Into the void, Albanian nationalists will move, and seize what is not being granted to them by the international community.

One can only imagine how a conflict could escalate out of the bureaucratic mess that's been created. If Russia were to send a humanitarian force into Kosovo, the mess can only get worse.

lowe,

Thanks for confirming, thru Taiwan, that the UN membership plays no role in the everyday life of a people.

May I remind you that the Russians are building oil and gas pipes worth billions of Euro to Europe.
Do you think they're building them to keep them eventually shut?
The Russians are smart businessmen, sb. here was convinced that Rusia would turn the gas off for those EU members who were to recognise Kosovo...

Even with the Chinese and Indian Market, the EU market is the most interesting and the most important for Russia in the many yrs. to come. (Compare the living standards in China/India with the European ones and you'll understand why).
Kosovo maybe will have to wait for the Ukrainian and Georgian issue to get resolved, before having the Russian blessing. Maybe. I'm no prophet, unlike some people here. But I can guess that there is no backing from recognition from USA/EU. They've gone too far now, and Kosovo doesn't lie in a Russian zone of interest, like Ukraina and Georgia for example.

Sooner or later, Serbia will have to recognize the independence of Kosovo and both countries will live peacefully as two good neighbors. There is no other way around!

lowe,

pls. read carefuly my posts before answering. I know UN membership is the ultimate symbol of state sovereignity. What I said was that UN memebership has no effect in the everyday life of the citizens. And I believe that for Kosovo it will take much less than for Taiwan. One thing is China blockin Taiwan, another thing is Russia, using the Kosovo contest for its own goals.

Your last paragraph confirms what I've said: that EU is very important for Russia. In this context the Kosovo issue will have to be solved, sooner or later. And, having most EU recognized Kosovo, no one would expect them to take the decision back. Simply Russia cannot dictate what to do in European area, but it can use this case to dictate on what to do in its vicinity. For the rest see my previous post.

Some of you are keen to define the territorial status of now, Kosovo-which it is sovreging and fully independent from Serbia,based on a resolution (1244)that does not define the status or protect the the status of Yugoslavia, note, Serbia is not even mentioned there. The entire clause is the pre-amble, which it is totally legal what Mr. Ban has suggested. UN is not an organization that defends, destroys or creates states. Remember 1244 does not define the territory, sovregnity of Serbia at all.

Kosovo is sovreign and Independent, and the UN understands it. Serbia sooner or later will have to recognize Kosovo as a sovreign and independenT country.

Serbs deserve an explanation by this current government.

Postings in here that are in favour of Serbia’s isolation and SRS-DSS government are not doing any favour to Serbs. In fact, they make Serbs look like very radical, war criminals supporters and with the rejecting and backwardly attitude.
Some of the postings make you wonder if these Serbs posters are Serbs or they are someone else claiming to be Serbs.

Tom O’Donoghue

I wish you good luck. Here is what BBC correspondent says about the results:

Confusion

Our correspondent says that many voters seem to have voted No for the simple reason that they did not understand the treaty, despite a high-profile campaign led by Prime Minister Brian Cowen, which had the support of most of the country's main parties.
Mr Cowen accused the No camp of "misrepresentation", saying voters had voiced concern about "issues that clearly weren't in the treaty at all", the Irish Times reported.

neutral only in words but in deed it approves kosovo independence by recognizing the new realities on the ground. kermabon doesnt like this either to be under the UN. so more chaos foreseen?

Hey Tom,
Can we switch places with you?
If Ireland doesn't like to be in EU, then Albania or Kosova, or both can take your place.

By the way, before 1974, when Ireland joined European Community it was one of the most poor countries of Europe. Today, thanks to more than half a billion dollars that Ireland receives each year from EU, Ireland is one of the most booming places.
Unfortunately, like someone (not here) has pointed out the Irish villagers were unhappy because before EU the could sell their sheep with a better price. This is how much this vote was understood.
And for the EULEX failure!! Just dream on.

It is all in line with Resolution 1244. As regards the letters sent to Presidents [Boris] Tadić and [Fatmir] Sejdiu, they confirm that the UN’s position continues to be neutral where Kosovo’s status is concerned,” said Varma.

well, now you've heard it from the "horse's mouth". The UN is status neutral, and given that UNSCR 1244 reaffirms Kosovo as being a part of Serbia, the US and EU are effectively admitting that there is nothing they can do to change the status of Kosovo, despite the Albo's declaring independence, a constitution, blah,blah,blah,etc,etc.

So, for all the declarations by the Kosovo Albanians, they are worthless. They will NEVER be a state whether they like it or not, whether the US and EU like it or not.

The Albo's have been blinded by their own propaganda. They dream of independence, but the US dream of using Kosovo for their own purposes. The real key for the US and EU is the north. If they fail to control the north, the Kosovo issue will have been a failure for the West as their real intention is to control Kosovo's resources (The Eu have stated that KOsovo must get it's energy markets up and running as a matter of urgency, and the World Bank said the same thing the other day). Thaci and Sejdiu know this, which is why they keep banging on about "protecting Kosovo's territorial integrity". The only way they'll manage to control this area is by force, and if they try to use force, another war will start.

It'll be interesting to see how the EU and US try to gain COMPLETE control over the north. The Albanians definitely don't have the military prowess to take it, but will the EU and US risk more friction with the international community?

#18

Rote Kapelle,

pls. bear in mind that Russia is one of the five veto holders, not the ONLY veto holder. So, if Ban authorises EULEX. he will not get elected bc. of a Russian veto, if he doesn't he will not get elected bc. of 3 vetoes. Poor Ban, he is trapped. But, before you put the vetoes on the same level, pls tell me how much is the US funding for the UNO and how much is the Russian one. Afterwards you'll understand why some vetoes sometimes don't count.

this shows that the status of Kosovo is not independent, the UN has not recognised it, its sat on the fence. It also shows that the EU will be calling the shots in Kosovo again not a sign of a truly independent state. It will be interesting to see what happens in the north, i think they will allow the Serbs to govern themselves, they will publically moan about it but its less of a headache for them to allow the Serbs to govern themselves. Again most of the press releases are for Serbia to join the EU. The EU will keep its hand in Kosovo to stop any Islamic terroist groups forming.

“It is all in line with Resolution 1244. As regards the letters sent to Presidents [Boris] Tadić and [Fatmir] Sejdiu, they confirm that the UN’s position continues to be neutral where Kosovo’s status is concerned,” said Varma.

There's a contradiction in terms here, when Varma calls a certain Sejdiu "President" this implies recognition. Now this is clearly not in line with Resolution 1244 and is in conflict with the constitutional order of Serbia, as Mr. Kostunica correctly identified.

My comment is not about who is right or wrong on this issue, it's just pointing out a legal glitch in Varma's message. They need to pay better attention to the legal aspects, otherwise it just gives the impression that the UN is short of legal experts, which affects their credibility (already shattered in Iraq and Afghanistan).

Because of 1244 the UN cannot be neutral on the matter of the territorial integrity of Serbia.

Should EULEX go ahead and therefore act as an imposed 'political settlement' then Serbia could choose to treat 1244 as having run its course and therefore being at an end.

Note that if 1244 is at an end, then Serbia can send its police and troops back into Kosovo quite legally. It would be NATO that would be acting illegally if it stopped them.

The UDI is a violation of 1244 and has no legal status - and no guarantee of permanence. What will not go away is Serbia's insistence that Kosovo is a province of Serbia.

The idea that the UDI is cannot be reversed is wishful thinking. The only possible secure and permanent solution is an agreed strong autonomy under international guarantee - and that has yet to be negotiated.

How can UN be neutral on the issue of status? Until the SC decides otherwise, UN's position cannot possibly be neutral.

They can only have one status. The existing one, which is obvious as their own resolution 1244 doesn't change any status.

So what does the law say? Is Kosovo independent or is it still part of Serbia?

The answer is the position that the UN must take and not be neutral.
Mr Ban stop playing games and call a spade a spade. Stop dancing around the issue.

If Ban relies on 1244 then he should realise that it specifically "reaffirms" sovereingty and territorial integrity - therefore 1244 could not be interpreted as neutral to Status of Serbia nor could Ban or UNMIK suggest "neutral" staus. If that is the case then one could interpret that the Helsinki Final act and the UN charter means nothing since they are all "neutral" to any conflict - all international norms and laws are null and void all peace agreements are null and void - everybody can act in defense of tehir self determination how ever they choose where ever they choose! Serbians from Krajina should return on mass in the next few year and claim the same self determination since bandinter is now proven void and we all know each conflict is unique !!!

Tadic as President seems unsurprisingly quiet!!

If the UN's position is not neutral then the situation on the ground will continue to evolve until it is.

That most likely means Serbia will continue to strengthen ties to loyal citizens while the Albanians remain an isolated audience for the theatrics being played out in Pristina.

This converts to the defacto partition strengthening while independence remains blocked at both the EU and UN.

Ireland's NO vote also provides a nice boost to Serbia's position. Thank you to the Irish people - you did the right thing!

If I may change the subject for a moment, the Irish people have voted NO to the Lisbon Treaty. Interesting times ahead.

UNSG role is that>>>The Secretary-General was envisioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt as a "world moderator," but the office was defined in the UN Charter as the organization's "chief administrative officer" (Article 97). Nevertheless, this more restricted description has not prevented the office holders from speaking out and playing important roles on global issues, to various degrees.

UNSC powers>Under Chapter Six of the Charter, "Pacific Settlement of Disputes", the Security Council "may investigate any dispute, or any situation which might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute". The Council may "recommend appropriate procedures or methods of adjustment" if it determines that the situation might endanger international peace and security. Under Chapter Seven, the Council has broader power to decide what measures are to be taken in situations involving "threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, or acts of aggression". In such situations, the Council is not limited to recommendations but may take action, including the use of armed force "to maintain or restore international peace and security".

It looks nobody can’t stop long planned scenario of punishing Serbia for not cooperating and accepting global politicks of injustice and bulling – result - UDI will be more recognized DI, it will take more time but it looks inevitable – Deserved – NO, worth wasting more time – probably NOT – Try to get best deal of it – some kind of partition - if still the option.

They tried to do that by force – “humanitarian bombing” and it didn’t worked (if lasted for couple more weeks – EU and US coalition was on brink of collapse) – they tried to save EU collapse and the face too by bringing Russia to convince Serbia to accept and sign peace agreement and resolution 1244 which looked good at the moment – Kosovo stays as integral part of Serbia and guaranteed Serbia sovereignty.

But it showed again that was just one more political trap to achieve US goals by other means, avoiding civilian killings and destruction of non-military targets at costs of braking EU at start of its existence.

Serbian politicians failed to act during last 9 years and sure decades before – but it was communist regime accepting Tito directions to make Serbian dominance weaker and give Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo good foundation at Serbia’s expense. They all should celebrate Tito as their founder and make the biggest monuments of Tito – never to forget his role in achieving their old lived dreams comes true.

So, Serbian politicians failed in confrontation with unjust western speculators and thieves- EU and US politicians. They didn’t have any chance in that fight – but they didn’t do anything smart to make game at least interesting.

That’s all sad – by knowing that all historians and objective outsiders – and objective Albanians know that most- if not all in Czechs documentary are historical facts with some real stories and personal experiences of Serbian population at the time. It should be considered Albanian side and their suffering too – but historical facts stays and should be interesting seeing debate in which historians – real experts in history should look somebody in the eyes and try to discredit the facts – The Serbian sacrifices and suffering from Balkans wars to WWI and WWII and now heading to WWIII for fighting on right side against fascists, various aggressors and ocupators.

I should mention there is great joy in Ireland over the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by our people. The political establishment is stunned. God bless Ireland. God bless Serbia.

since the EU will go back to the drawing board due to the NO VOTE in IRELAND, the UN security council will likely reject the eulex when they meet on 20 june. with this kosovo will also be back to basics i guess.

Thank god for the Irish!

Cheers from Sweden. We were not allowed to vote so the Irish voted for us. If we were allowed to vote it would have been NO here too!

This is the beginning of the end for EU and a new start for Serbia.

Tom,

Indeed. God bless Ireland. God bless Serbia.

The Irish have yet again demonstrated the principles of a true free and independent nation. That no amount of euros or dollars are worth selling your liberty.

The E.U. is simply an instrument of fear. . ."if you don't join, your economy will suffer." It is designed to allow its rich colonial architects free access into new markets in order to gain more customers and exploit local labor and resources.

This is almost as big a scam as NATO. Where small, insignificant countries that never proved a threat to Russia can only receive NATO membership if they "update" their armed forces by purchasing hundreds of billions of dollars of new American-made military hardware. When they do, they then become a threat to the Russians and actually require NATO's protection.

In both the E.U and NATO, its a vicious cycle of stronger, richer countries exploiting the poor and weak ones by fear tactics.

It really needs to stop.

As a current Deputy Secretary of State Pan Gi Mun should be aware that such a "neutrality" is in the favor of only the Snake and Solana. So with Russian veto there's no way he can be re-elected for the second period.

Wow guys, what can I say, proud to be Irish today after the Irish people's emphatic 2 fingers to the EU superstate and the preservation of our national sovereignty and independence.

I'm a member of the Workers Party of Ireland, a Republican Socialist organisation founded on the ideals of the men of 1916 and their forefathers who gave the ultimate sacrifice against British imperialism.

When I was at the doors canvassing for the NO vote, many ordinary people were concerned about the possibility of Ireland being forced to join up to a European army, (Irish troops partaking in areas like Kosovo without UN mandate) the possibility of conscription and the further erosion of our sovereignty. Also many people were concerned about the erosion of workers and union rights. I voted No yesterday to preserve Irish neutrality, independence, sovereignty, freedom but also that of Serbia's as this NO vote will undermine the EULEX propject in the occupied Serbian province of Kosmet.

The Irish have spoken. Barosso and Solana better listen

Now and then I realize how crazy
this whole thing with Kosovo 'independence' is.
The International community pushed by the USA decides to snatch the part of Serbia without Serbia's consent and against the international law try to force the world including Serbia to accept its territory as 'another country'.
How can they convince Serbs to give it up? Is there a rational argument to prove that it would be ever possible?
Also calling up 'the reality on the ground' is ridicilous.

It is the abstract reality- of the same international community detached from reality of the Balkan region-
they forced upon us.

But in the reality of the people living in the Balkans, Kosovo 'independence' is a sick joke which can turn nasty.

Thanks Tom! Thanks for the support!

"since the EU will go back to the drawing board due to the NO VOTE in IRELAND, the UN security council will likely reject the eulex when they meet on 20 june. with this kosovo will also be back to basics i guess."

Some of you are pinning their hopes in an unfathomable destructive storm to take place in EU in order to "save Kosovo".

I bet you will have more chance for this with the solar eclipse of August 1. Who knows it might help too!!

If I may change the subject for a moment, the Irish people have voted NO to the Lisbon Treaty. Interesting times ahead.
(Tom O'Donoghue, 13 June 2008 14:03)

Yes Tom, then why don't you just step out? Or you want the benefits, but don't want to pay for them?

Last few days the Cosmopolitans in Serbia suffered several strikes :

1. Treason of Zuplanovic revealed the DS real face.

2. Pan Gi Mun clown showed that Tadic's words to keep Kosovo are just his own night dreams.

3. Anti Polish voting in Ireland has put an end to form a EU Constitution and next thing to happen will be encreasing protests of the rich Europeans to stop the EU draft.

4. SPS is ready to be back to the reality and form a Cabinet with the patriots.

5. The Snake puppet is told to accept a "Constitution" to further split the Europeans.

I am proud to be Irish today.

I have to say that it was good to see Dermot Ahern, the former Irish foreign Minister ( who was the one who recommended to the Irish government to recognise the illegal entity of Kosova, much to the embarressment of many Irish people ) concede defeat on the Lisbon Treaty.

Let's hope that the latest posturing of the UN Secretary on Kosovo will receive a rejection similar to that given by the electorate in the Irish Republic to the Lisbon Treaty, concocted as it was by distant politicians
and elitist eurocrats.

God bless the Irish people and all the people of Serbia.

David Crowley.

Tom
i am glad to see the Irish voted NO. We in the UK dont get a say because they know the public want out of the EU.The only people who have beifited from the EU are the former Eastern BLock(Communist states)We as normal UK people have gained nothing. We are totally opposed to Eastern Europeans coming into our country. One of the biggest fears of Albania joining the EU is they will all want to come over to Britian like the Poles. Hence the BNP (UK Facist) are gaining votes.

what the lisbon treaty has to do with Kosova independence??? Nothing...

anyway USA has a constitution and Kosova has a constitution as well, this means we are independent and thanks to Ireland we will be long time to come, and maybe joining our destiny country.

The USA and EU will get what they want!

The position of the UN is pro-independence. I said it, there you go.

Sounds like there is some confusion at the UN and if the headline is true then the UN is neutral and 1244 remains in force as well as the UN in Kosovo. Once i am elected i will have to study this more. Since the US jump the gun on this Kosovo business i will have to look into this closely.

It seems that Ban Ki Moon is soft about the kosovo issue and look's that he is siding with the west. Emperor Bush's shadow is taking over the UN

"pls. bear in mind that Russia is one of the five veto holders, not the ONLY veto holder. So, if Ban authorises EULEX. he will not get elected bc. of a Russian veto, if he doesn't he will not get elected bc. of 3 vetoes. Poor Ban, he is trapped. But, before you put the vetoes on the same level, pls tell me how much is the US funding for the UNO and how much is the Russian one. Afterwards you'll understand why some vetoes sometimes don't count.
(genc, 13 June 2008 21:57)"

genc

Don't be naive. Only ONE veto is required kill any UNSC resolution. Ask the Taiwanses, they have been trying to get in since 1972.

So the US contributes the lion's share of the UN budget -- do you know the REAL reason why? Because New York where the UN office is located isn't exactly the cheapest place in the world -- the day the US stops paying its dues, the UN will move out and deprive the UN of the prestige of hosting this international body. So the US is really looking after its own interest by footing most of the bill. Anyway what is your point? Japan contributes more to the UN than China. But it is China that wields the veto, not Tokyo. And that's why Taiwan continues to be locked out of the UN. The same will apply to Kosovo too vis-a-vis the Russian (and Chinese) veto. As I said earlier, you need just ONE veto, not five! If this upsets you and Pristina, tough luck!

lowe,

I'm not naive. The game now it's about authorising EULEX, which Russia seems not to be able to block by its veto. Guess why?

As for the rest, it will come in due time.

"lowe,

I'm not naive. The game now it's about authorising EULEX, which Russia seems not to be able to block by its veto. Guess why?

As for the rest, it will come in due time.
(genc, 14 June 2008 13:22)"

genc

You may recall that Eulex wanted intially to take over and supplant UNMIK. Feith was even pompous enough to declare that publicly. But that's not going to happen anymore, is it? Eulex is now going to be under UNMIK's umbrella. This is a climbdown on Eulex's part. There is no reason for the Russians to oppose such an arrangement since they have stipulated all along that authority rests with the UN not Eulex, which the former is now delegating to the latter.

As for your "the rest it will come in due time", here I assume that you are referring to Kosovo becoming a UN member. Well, all I will say is that I wouldn't hold my breath for that to happen anytime soon if ever if I were Pristina. You only need to look at Taipeh's experience -- as I said, it only takes ONE veto.

lowe:

to the first one: it's going to be a step by step approach, just wait for the next UN Secretary report.

The second one: Kosovo is not Taiwan, Serbia is not China, Russia has other priorities which will come sooner or later. I cannot say how long it's going to last, no one can, but I wouldn't look at Taipeh's direction. Rather I'm looking towards a convergence of interests of US EU and Russia in the Balkans in the near future (if Russia wants to make business with EU through Serbia, thay'll need a stabilized region). Anyway, Kosovo will do pretty good without being a UN member in the near future, and it doesn't need to be a member soon.

"lowe:

to the first one: it's going to be a step by step approach, just wait for the next UN Secretary report.

The second one: Kosovo is not Taiwan, Serbia is not China, Russia has other priorities which will come sooner or later. I cannot say how long it's going to last, no one can, but I wouldn't look at Taipeh's direction. Rather I'm looking towards a convergence of interests of US EU and Russia in the Balkans in the near future (if Russia wants to make business with EU through Serbia, thay'll need a stabilized region). Anyway, Kosovo will do pretty good without being a UN member in the near future, and it doesn't need to be a member soon.
(genc, 14 June 2008 16:35)"

genc

Sorry to have to differ from you again.

I don't know what you mean by a step by step approach but obviously Eulex is going to have to defer to the UN in the foreseeable future however much it obviously prefers to be its own boss.

You are about Kosovo not being Taiwan, however with a touch of irony - Taiwan is for all purposes a fully developed economy with a per capita GNP higher than most if not all of the newer EU members. Yet it runs into a brickwall everytime it tries to enter the UN. Don't expect Kosovo to fare any better.

Yes, there may be a convergence of interest between EU and Russia in the future -- do remember however that this convergence is likely to be a middle-ground compromise scenario rather than the complete about turn by Mosocw to the Western viewpoint that you appeared to be assuming. And this convergence, who knows, will probably just leave the US out in the cold.

Moreover it seems to me that it is the resource poor West that needs Russian energy resources much more than the Russians need to sell to the EU. China, Japan, India are amongst the economic giants elsewhere competing for this same Russian oil, gas etc. Will the US have to compete with EU for this same Russian resources too in the future? Who knows. As you can see the Russians are thus not exactly short of customers. Seems to me that the EU will actually be the more eager (desperate even) of the two to do business. Don't be surprised therefore if your predicted convergence actually turn out eventually to be more on Russia's terms! And then where will that leave Kosovo?

The UN is backing off from Kosovo, under pressure from the EU/US. But the EU is not ready to move in and take effective control. The situation is confused.

Into the void, Albanian nationalists will move, and seize what is not being granted to them by the international community.

One can only imagine how a conflict could escalate out of the bureaucratic mess that's been created. If Russia were to send a humanitarian force into Kosovo, the mess can only get worse.

lowe,

Thanks for confirming, thru Taiwan, that the UN membership plays no role in the everyday life of a people.

May I remind you that the Russians are building oil and gas pipes worth billions of Euro to Europe.
Do you think they're building them to keep them eventually shut?
The Russians are smart businessmen, sb. here was convinced that Rusia would turn the gas off for those EU members who were to recognise Kosovo...

Even with the Chinese and Indian Market, the EU market is the most interesting and the most important for Russia in the many yrs. to come. (Compare the living standards in China/India with the European ones and you'll understand why).
Kosovo maybe will have to wait for the Ukrainian and Georgian issue to get resolved, before having the Russian blessing. Maybe. I'm no prophet, unlike some people here. But I can guess that there is no backing from recognition from USA/EU. They've gone too far now, and Kosovo doesn't lie in a Russian zone of interest, like Ukraina and Georgia for example.

Sooner or later, Serbia will have to recognize the independence of Kosovo and both countries will live peacefully as two good neighbors. There is no other way around!

"lowe,

Thanks for confirming, thru Taiwan, that the UN membership plays no role in the everyday life of a people.

May I remind you that the Russians are building oil and gas pipes worth billions of Euro to Europe.
Do you think they're building them to keep them eventually shut?
The Russians are smart businessmen, sb. here was convinced that Rusia would turn the gas off for those EU members who were to recognise Kosovo...

Even with the Chinese and Indian Market, the EU market is the most interesting and the most important for Russia in the many yrs. to come. (Compare the living standards in China/India with the European ones and you'll understand why).
Kosovo maybe will have to wait for the Ukrainian and Georgian issue to get resolved, before having the Russian blessing. Maybe. I'm no prophet, unlike some people here. But I can guess that there is no backing from recognition from USA/EU. They've gone too far now, and Kosovo doesn't lie in a Russian zone of interest, like Ukraina and Georgia for example.
(genc, 15 June 2008 18:48)"

genc

if UN membership doesn't matter, then why is Taipeh applying every year knowing that they will be getting a humilating rejection? Like it or not for Taiwan (and Kosovo) UN membership is the ultimate symbol of state sovereignty.

Why do you assume that it is Russia that is footing the bill for building the pipelines in Europe or Asia? It is actually the BUYERS that foot most of the bill in return for some guaranteed amount of supplies -- now who is the more eager to do business?

The Asian economies are continuing to boom, in case you do not know, the Chinese have overtaken the British in world trade. And the UK is itself the EU leader in world commerce with the Germans a bit behind.

My bottom line is that the EU will need the increasingly affluent Russians more and more for their manufacutred goods exports AND for their raw material as imports. This will continue to be the trend in the foreseeable future.

lowe,

pls. read carefuly my posts before answering. I know UN membership is the ultimate symbol of state sovereignity. What I said was that UN memebership has no effect in the everyday life of the citizens. And I believe that for Kosovo it will take much less than for Taiwan. One thing is China blockin Taiwan, another thing is Russia, using the Kosovo contest for its own goals.

Your last paragraph confirms what I've said: that EU is very important for Russia. In this context the Kosovo issue will have to be solved, sooner or later. And, having most EU recognized Kosovo, no one would expect them to take the decision back. Simply Russia cannot dictate what to do in European area, but it can use this case to dictate on what to do in its vicinity. For the rest see my previous post.

"Your last paragraph confirms what I've said: that EU is very important for Russia. In this context the Kosovo issue will have to be solved, sooner or later. And, having most EU recognized Kosovo, no one would expect them to take the decision back. Simply Russia cannot dictate what to do in European area, but it can use this case to dictate on what to do in its vicinity. For the rest see my previous post.
(genc, 16 June 2008 13:20) "

genc

Your implicit assumption all along has been that the Russians will cave in to UK, Germany, etc. That Moscow needs the West much more than vice versa. I don't see it that way at all.

The balance of power in the world today is multi-polar however much the West still seems to like to delude itself and live in a time warp. My assessment is that increasingly it is the relatively resource poor West that relies more and more on Moscow (and others) for energy, markets and yes, peace in the continent.

Sure, Russia cannot tell EU what to do. But the reverse is true too. Moreover the EU (as the Irish had shown) are far from a united lot.

Kosovo won't enter the UN anytime soon -- it takes only one veto. So they won't mind. Okay, I would also add here that you don't expect Pristina to enter the EU too -- yes, it also takes only one veto here too!.

As you yourself indicated, not all EU members have recognized Kosovo. Here I would add don't expect them to do so anytime soon. In fact some like the Cypriots, Slovaks and Spanish actually harbor deep migivings about the whole UDI.

The truth of the matter is that in this small continent there just no consensus regardless of what the bureaucrats in Brussels like to spin for public consumption.

All the best to you in your endeavors.

The EU mission if it ever makes it to Kosovo will consist of nothing but state creating dilettante's collecting a pay-packet furthering their careers with no real interest in being there. The money is good that is why they will be involved if it ever happens. This 2000 man mission will achieve nothing but infurirate the Alanians more as it dawns on them that what they had been offered by Belgrade is more than what they will get now. Its about maintaining the status-quo (as it is with UN workers)
Get real, no serious judge, policeman professional will bend over backwards or risk ther lives for "Kosova". Get Thaci to give Belgrade a call and sign for less than independence and more thaN AUTONOMY.