Kouchner calls on Serbia to drop ICJ plans

"surprising"???

once again,Kouchner proves to be a person without the slightest touch of reality...

or he´s simply naive.

When it comes to Kosovo the new government has done good so far. If they continue with the ICJ case that would be a positive surprise as many people didn't expect them to have the courage to do it.

But if they take Kouchners "advise" and drop the crucially important ICJ trial then they will truly be remembered as traitors to the serbian people.

EU has clearly stated that Kosovo is a separate question from Serbian EU membership. Now when the countries recognizing Kosovo independence will be tried in international court of justice for their criminal behaviour, they will have to prove that their promises to Serbia are more than thin air.

I'm baffled by the stupidity of politicians in the west, as if any country in the world wouldn't do everything possible to defend its territorial integrity. I'd like to see how France would reach if the city of Marseille ethnic Algerians declared independance unilaterally. I just can't be believe what comes out of politicians mouths.

If the US, France, Britain and the others who recognised independence are acting within international law (which they clearly aren't) then they have nothing to fear.

At least this means that they don't own the ICJ and have control over its decisions. That's hopeful.

What is really surprising is that Serbia didn't sue individual countries committing illegal acts against its territorial integrity!

Why is Kouchner so worried?
Surely he has behaved in a legal manner.

What's his problem with the court ruling on this as I'm sure that he must be confident of the outcome.

Perhaps he's not.

Kouchner is a medical doctor. He knows nothing about international law and he is afraid of the position of ICJ ...His advice on Serbs organs traffic when he was in charge of Kosovo would be more interesting.

Surprise, surprise Mr Kouchner, surprise indeed. But the biggest surprise will be when you all going to be found guilty. Oh, what a pleasure to read about Kouchner being surprised.

Mr Jeremic, dear foreign minister of ours, please don’t take Mr Kouchner’s advice seriously. Keep on doing good homework.

And what are the reasons Serbia should not seek the ICJ's opinion, Mr. Kouchner? Is it because the Serbs are not behaving like little lap-dogs, obeying every command from the US/EU, like the K_Albanians do? And while justice is being sought regarding the UDI by the Albanians, a serious probe should also be made into allegations of Kouchner's involvement in the Albanian's organ harvesting activities. Only when all sides are held responsible for their actions in the Balkan wars, can there be any lasting peace. One-sided justice only breeds more hatred, and true reconciliation cannot take place.

And please, enlight me, what other way is there but law? Why are you not seaking clarification and justification in your actions? If you are right in your aproach to Kosovo solution - that can only help you. Lets see what do courts say.

"Mark",

Where do you buy your history books? Toys R Us?

Kosovo was conquered by the Ottomans in the late 13th century. Albanian volunteers actually helped the Serbs to defend against the muslim onslaught. Back then, you were all christian before most sold their faith to a higher bidder.

Shameful, really.

"I believe there are many Serbs that will always be grasping for straws and won't come to grips with the factthat Kosova will never again be a part of Serbia."

I'm sure that the Turks thought the same thing.

To paraphrase the current Governor of the Great State of California:

"We'll be back."

Hey Kouchner!! dont tell the serbian goverment what to do. Serbia has the right to consult ICJ about the US/ EU "Occupation" of Kosovo Province.

Tadic / Jeremic, dont waist the opportunity in september coz if you follow the "robbers" like france then Serbia will remember both of you as traitors as kufr had said.

"I'm baffled by the stupidity of politicians in the west"...I totally aggree -- what is worse, is that their constituents believe everything that the politicians and media tell them...like a bunch of sheep.

The ICJ was created for exactly this purpose -- now that Serbia intends to use it for a legitimate reason, the West wants to discourage it. This exposes blatent hypocrisy and fear that the West has no legal basis to encourage and support Kosovo independence.

Furthermore, western politicians continue to say that Kosovo will not be partitioned along ethnic lines, yet "Kosovo independence" was in fact the partitioning of Serbia along ethnic lines. The hypocrisy never ends.

(...let's see what the opinion of the Western-run ICJ is on the matter.)
(Funcakes, 23 July 2008 13:19)


What are you trying to tell us by that statement?
That there is real law and that there is a albanian and western law. You are either very naïve or you are smoking wacky tobacy or who knows what.I have been reading your one sided, selfish, only albanians and there western masters are right posts for some time now. You are absolutely wrong. Not like Hague circus court, ICJ court is equally run by all international and UN recognized countries. And for that matter, majority of the world countries respects international law and internationally recognized borders of each UN country. ICJ has no choice but to rule in Serbias favor.
You know it, Kosovo sponsors know it and Kouchner knows it.
I hate to brake this news to you, but all the international, local laws or for that matter all the laws in the whole world apply equally to albanians and your western masters. Just like they do to Serbs and rest of the civilized
World.

Frenchman,

October 2006:

Radical Muslims in France's housing estates are waging an undeclared "intifada" against the police, with violent clashes injuring an average of 14 officers each day.

The interior minister, Nicolas Sarkozy, who is also the leading centre-Right candidate for the presidency, has sent heavily equipped units into areas with orders to regain control from drug smuggling gangs and other organised crime rings. Such aggressive raids were "disrupting the underground economy in the estates", one senior official told Le Figaro.

Me: Hahaha. Notice any similarities? French "Kosovo" has yet to play out, mon amie.

Sorry but no. This process is legitimate and quite rational (unlike other moves).

No matter what one believes on Kosovo an ICJ verdict from an ostensibly neutral party, should be welcome.

Frenchman (#24),

At least Nemanja (#26) wrote you a nice comment that hopefully acts as a mirror so you can reflect on the problems inFrance before defending the colonial behaviour of one Frenchman. He should stick to what he is trained to do: be a doctor and treat people who are in need of medical attention and help.

Does Kouchner give reason for why it isn't a good idea to go to the ICJ?

"Kouchner said that it was surprising that Serbia was intending to seek the support of the UN General Assembly in asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give its view on the decision of certain countries to recognize Kosovo’s unilateral independence."

Not exactly sure why Mr. Kouchner is against this. I mean any state or individual would want to take any case of theft to some form of objective arbitration. I mean if you're so sure that your part in international emminent domain is legally legit, I'd say let the Serbs take this to the highest court in the land.

Pretty dumb if you ask me, but then again, most of steps surrounding Kosovo's UDD have proven to be dumb.

Mark (Shqype), yes Kosovo was part of Yugoslavia. But while it was part of Yugoslavia it was also part of Serbia. It was also part of Serbia before The kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes/Yugoslavia existed and after it split up. It never had the right to secede as it was a province and not a republic.

"Justice is on the side of the most powerful" -- spoken like a true mafioso.

The west has been manipulating international law to suit their needs. This will come back to haunt us one day.

@usaSerb
West does what it wants, in all the Western-run organisations such as:

UN
ICJ
NATO
G8



Funcakes,
Wrong again.
Your problem is that you like to shoot from the hip.
You honestly should get your facts strait before you start posting them.
Western powers like to think that they rule the world. But they have been proven wrong over and over lately. There is strong balance of powers in the world to western powers. Russia, China and India are strongest and fastest growing markets in the world. Militarily and economically.Just pray to God that they don’t start acting like western powers.

Tadic will sell out and recognise Kosovo & Metohija as being independent within 2 years.

I wish b92 would publish the whole version in french.

Kouchner: "Mr. Jeremic, it is in the principles of the EU. If you plan to enter EU, ICJ is not the path. It's a rather path of isolation. "

Jeremic: "I have support of Romania and Cypruss to enter EU"

Kouchner: "Kosovo has the support of 20 EU countries to enter EU."

Jeremic: "Sure. I am aware of that, but mr. Kouchner...."
(Kouchner cuts him off)

Kouchner: "I am afraid yourp policies are contradictory to EU. You have to choose. Can't go both ways."


Me: bye bye Serbia's dreams to EU.

Me: Hahahah.

Me: France knows how to deal with Serbs.

France now lobbies for Kosovo's independence in all Frankophone world ----all french news are talking about this...

Mark,

Noel Malcolm? Do you quote Joseph Goebels when discussing WWII?

". . .it's important to note that they [Albanians] were subject to an aggressive policy of Islamization unlike any other Balkan peoples, because the Albanians continued to resist to Ottoman rule, instead of capitulating and paying tribute like the Serbs."

Keep writing some more Albanian "history". . .I could use another good laugh.

If only such courts were active when Serbia conquered Kosova in the 13th century AD. They didn't respect "territorial integrity" then. Nor did they respect it after they occupied Kosova following the Balkan Wars and World War I.

Serbia's territorial integrity is still intact. Kosova was part of YUGOSLAVIA, and had the same de facto rights as Serbia, and the other former Yugoslav republics. Now that Yugoslavia is gone and dismantled, Kosova is free.

Kouchner, as a friend to Serbia, is saying "please, don't make yourself look stupid." My question is simple: even if the ICJ declares that Kosova's independence is valid and legitimate (which they don't have the capacity to do anyway), will the delusional Serbs finally accept the reality? I don't think so. I believe there are many Serbs that will always be grasping for straws and won't come to grips with the fact that Kosova will never again be a part of Serbia. The only chance will be in a united European Union!

Bernard Kouchner, Bernard Kouchner...now where have I heard that name before...?

Ah! Thats right! The ardent admirer of Alia Izetbegovic!

He sat by Izetbegovic death bed some decade ago together with of Richard Holbrooke...

Nemanja, Connecticut:

Noel Malcolm's "KOSOVO: A Short History" will be very enlightening to you. Additionally, one might be interested in learning more by reading "The Albanians in Yugoslavia in Light of Historical Documents," which can be found here: \http://www.alb-net.com/juka2.htm

Now, a few things to point out. Firstly, I'm not sure why you put my name in quotations. My preferred nickname is Shqype, but my first name is Mark, as a Catholic belonging to a people with a proud two millenium long Christian history.

But the Turks fought a Balkan coalition (which included Serbs and Albanians) at the Battle of Kosova in 1389, or the end of the 14th (and nearly 15th) century.

The Serbs began to gain strength in the 13th century when Stefan Simon Nemanjic - previously Zupan - started using, in 1217, the title of king. At that time the Serbs had already taken much land from the Albanians. In 1217, they conquered Peja (Pec) which was to become in 1346 the see of the Serbian Patriarch. The greater part of Kosova, however, was not yet in their power. It was afterward that they got hold of it little by little. But the Serbian kingdom, within the short span of its existence was not marked by fixity. Its precarious stability is indicated by a striking array of capitals: Raška, Priština, Belgrade, Kruševac, Smederevo, Belgrade again, Prizren, Banjska, Shkup (Skopje), Prilep, Smederovo, Kruševac again, Kragujevac. The names of these short-lived capitals suggest that the Serbs invaded and conquered, but then retreated and lost, because of some kind of opposition that they found. In this regard, it is interesting to note an observation made by Vaso Cubrilovic in his rather inhumane memorandum, Expulsion of the Albanians: "The Albanians are the only people during the last millennium that managed not only to resist the nucleus of our state, but also to harm us". This remark indicates that the Serbs were opposed by the aboriginal population.

So again, the Serbs conquered parts of Kosova starting in the 13th century, culminating in Stefan Dushan's grand empire which included parts of Albania, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, etc. While it is unfortunate that a majority of Albanians converted to Islam, it's important to note that they were subject to an aggressive policy of Islamization unlike any other Balkan peoples, because the Albanians continued to resist to Ottoman rule, instead of capitulating and paying tribute like the Serbs.

The consultation to ICJ should proceed as planned on september with the help of the majority of counries who still believes in international law.

Tadic & Jeremic should not pay attention to such nonsense & biased personalities like Kouchner.

Let see what the court (ICJ) will say..

For Frenchman (#24):

Do you have, please, the French version of the news story? Maybe you could post it entirely. Thanks in advance. I speak French (I'm Romanian) and I am really curious how Kouchner put it.

As for France working to persuade the Francophone(not "Frankophone") world, we don't see much of it in Romania. It would be interesting to see what leverage Paris believes to still have here, although I must confess that the 'golden age' of French influence in my country is already a past issue. Today, Viva Hollywood! :)))

The former French President, Francois Mitterrand, was the first one to notice this, and he tried hardly to reverse the phenomenon. But we, Romanians (as all peoples in Eastern Europe and Balkans)already we have a too long history of betrayal from Great Powers, and we learned to keep a more reserved attitude...

As for Serbia's future steps to enter EU, this is not something to happen tomorrow. France has the presidency for the next 6 months, and however, Paris has its own issues to push for inside EU (e.g. the opposition toward Turkey). Therefore, there is ground to compromise, since the French are not so stiff as they would like to be seen. A good example is the 1997 dispute between France and US regarding the command position of the NATO Southern Command (now Allied Joint Force Command in Naples), which belongs to US (details at http://www.ndu.edu/inss/books/Books_1998/NATO%201997%20Sept%2098/natoch2.html)
Apparently, trying to get this prized position, France made use behind close doors of the threat to oppose the limited extension of NATO towards Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic planned in 1997 for 1999 (as it happened) by insisting to include Romania and even Bulgaria on the list. (something Americans were against). Paris even made promises to Bucharest that it will fight for Romania entering NATO together with HU, PL and CZ, in the name of the old Franco-Romanian friendship, while they were just playing chicken with the Americans, for their own interest. In the end, we got invited into NATO in 2002, and then entered in 2004. And the Southern Command is still in the hand of an American four-stars General :)))

Best from Bucharest,
George

Back to the main topic (regardless of low-flying eTroll low-life pretending to be French).

This is an easy case. You want suspected war criminals to be tried at international court = you support justice, right? Than stick to that word "justice". You love the court in Hague but don't love the ICJ? Somewhat is wrong, maybe?

Otherwise Serbia does not have much to lose: even if they lose the case and as a result in a huge wave of recognition over 100 countries would recognize Kosovo, few key countries will be a challenge:

1) Cyprus, Slovakia (effectively blocking Kosovo to enter EU)
2) China, Russia (effectively blocking Kosovo to become member of the UN)
3) Again, Slovakia (effectively blocking Kosovo to become NATO member and part of Schengen - see the issue with Kosovo passports)

Having disturbed relationship with majority population in every neighbor country (plus Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, Crna Gora, BiH, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Turkiye, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Italy) the only exception being Albania does not help their case either.

Frenchman,

French, eh? I'm sure you are.

Whole Frankophone world? Quebec does not care about Kosovo. Parti Quebecois supported Kosovo independence to further their failed attempts at separation and continuous failing at doing anything to improve Quebec as a whole, economically and otherwise.
The only card they have left is an 'independence' card which is fading more and more.

People in Quebec are not dumb or retarded, and they understand the differance between their case and Kosovo case.
It is therefore a cheap shot to first suggest that whole Frankphone world is following French politicians (the French themselves are not following them, let alone anyone else), and especially Quebec.
France sold Quebec 400 years ago, and it has as much influence there now as it did then - which is none.
Noone in Quebec CARED about Kosovo independence. Ironically enough, they have run an hour promotional documentary on TV this past week on beauty of Serbia, and how it is an excellent holiday destination.

Well, Serbia is determined to embarass itself in the international stage at all costs...let's see what the opinion of the Western-run ICJ is on the matter.

And let's see how the radical opposition parties in Serbia will take advantage of Tadic's failure at ICJ.

Strike yourself in the foot much?

Dear Serbia,

Dont shoot yourself on the foot. You are already wounded, and wounding yourself more is counterproductive, even more so when you will HAVE TO require medicine to HEAL exactly from the countries you are aiming to sue.

Une
> Say,ICJ finds the declaration of independence of Kosovo was ilegal and than what
Would have thought it was obvious. Recognitions stop. 'Pseudo state in limbo.


Adrian Gashi:
> Serbia should also state clearly that in case that ICJ rules as legitimate Kosova's independence under international law, Serbia will immediately recognize Kosova as an independent state and cease all attempts at partition and setting up parallel structures there.

See no reason why Serbia cannot do this - provided of course that 'pseudo-state' calling itself 'republic of Kosovo' agrees that if ICJ rules UDI as illegitimate, then it will immediately rescind UDI & accept autonomy under Serbian rule.


dan:
> serbia cant enter eu without recognizing of kosovo because 21 out of 27 eu member states have already recognized kosovo as an independent state!

The number that have recognised 'pseudo-state is 20, not 21.

Will spell it out for you as you appear to have trouble counting.

EU does not have a consensus of opinion on legitimacy of fake-state, so can not make it a condition for entry into the EU.

That simple.


Funcakes:
> Serbia will go to the ICJ and all it will get is a NO. Because there won't be consensus in the jury to give Serbia a positive answer.
> Those vetoes work both ways, and Russia is not the only one holding them.

What jury?

ICJ makes its rulings based on a majority decision of the judges that sit on that case.

And the ruling on a case asking for an 'advisory opinion' is non-binding, so talking about 'veto's by any country is nonsensical.

A permanent member of the UN SC can only use its veto if ICJ asks the SC to pass a resolution to 'enforce' one of its rulings, & 'enforcement' can only apply to a case involving a 'contentious issue' between states, not to a case where the UN general assembly asks for an 'advisory opinion'.

And as for your 'guess' that the ICJ would make an unfavourable ruling, seems both Mr Kouchner & Mrs Rice don't share your optimism.


Mark:
> Is the VIEW a binding decision? No it is not.So even if in the wildest serbian dreams the VIEW was pro serbian,who was going to respect it?

Once again, is apparent to most reasonable people that 'the west' has little confidence in an anti-serbian judgement being delivered - not surprising given that it is that 'champion of international law', the US that is behind the K-albanian UDI.

And as for your ideas on the irrelevance of a non-binding judgement, they are simplistic in the extreme.

An 'advisory opinion' derives its status and authority from the fact that it is the official pronouncement of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

And this will have an immediate effect when it comes to any possible future recognitions for K-albanian 'pseudo-state'.

And may well have an effect on the decisions of some states that have already recognised.

Will either get a 'recognition-drought', or that 'phantom 3rd-wave' K'albanians have been dreaming about.

If US was so sure of the latter, would not be blocking the idea.

If France was so sure of the latter, would not be blocking the idea.

And if you & rest of pro K-albanian camp were so sure of the latter, would also not be blocking the idea.

So much for 'your faith' that K-albanian Unilateral Declaration of Independence has any legal basis under international law.

Frenchman is as Frenchman as I am Chinese. His real name is maybe Mehmed Frushi at best. The whole "dialogue" is bogus. Please read carefully that pathetic writing again:

"Kouchner: "Kosovo has the support of 20 EU countries to enter EU."

And think.... think.... Can ANY EU foreign minister say that without a major scandal?

Don't feed eTrolls and quetzalcoatl, the bloodthirsty Aztec pigeon-snake god with your comments. This is a disgusting comment from an other eTroll.

Funny tough. Serbian gang does not use eTrolls. They are as diverse as bganon, bmrusila, ORTHODOX.RU, Mike from USA, myself and more. But no eTrolls, no fake identities, no backstabbing.

I suggest Albanian gang to clean up their act on B92 and act like true Squips: with pride, diligence and honesty. Thanks for that. With such "Frenchmen" you won't achieve here anything, just make more enemies.

Reminder: Back in 1980 I had great time watching Albanian performances at Ohrid festival. Later we entered Kosovo - and it was YOUR attitude what turned us off. Do not repeat same mistake over and over!

where´s the problem?

i thought there is a mega-wave of new acknowledgements for "indiependent" kosovo coming?

or as hashish tacic would say: "dousand" states will recognise the foxy phantasy ....

with that wave the majority of civilized states would melt -> no sueing possible!

Say,ICJ finds the declaration of independence of Kosovo was ilegal and than what,just so the goverment of serbia can say see we were right,that must be very important for them more important than Kosovo itself i think.That wan't change anything Kosovo its a done deal,going forward,not backwards.

"Serbia has the right to consult ICJ about the US/ EU "Occupation" of Kosovo Province."

Serbia has the right, but then stop begging to get in EU. You can't have it both ways. As you know sticking with Russia means getting ripped off (NIS) and fooled with $1.7 million of expired food. EU or Russia? Choose one

Serbia should also state clearly that in case that ICJ rules as legitimate Kosova's independence under international law, Serbia will immediately recognize Kosova as an independent state and cease all attempts at partition and setting up parallel structures there.

@usaSerb

Sorry to break the news to you, but the West does what it wants, in all the Western-run organisations such as:

UN
ICJ
NATO
G8
...etc

Justice is on the side of the most powerful. That's the key rule of the universe. Now you tell me, who is stronger?

70% of the world wealth, or 30% of the world wealth?

Serbia will go to the ICJ and all it will get is a NO. Because there won't be consensus in the jury to give Serbia a positive answer.

Those vetoes work both ways, and Russia is not the only one holding them.

"Back then, you were all christian before most sold their faith to a higher bidder. Shameful really"

At least Albanians won 13 battles against 2 Sultans before going down. How do you do?? As for faith: Religion is not connected to nationality for us and second, some Serbs kept their faith (Bosniaks were Serbs too) but fought against Christians on behalf of the Sultan for 400 years. Shameful really.

So according to the article the Serbian government is
asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give its VIEW on the decision of certain countries to recognize Kosovo’s unilateral independence.

Is the VIEW a binding decision? No it is not.So even if in the wildest serbian dreams the VIEW was pro serbian,who was going to respect it? Now let's say that the View is pro Kosova's independence.Is Serbia going to accept it? It is another typical charade for the serbian public.Mr. Tadic will be much more relieved if the court says that the countries who recognized Kosova didn't break the international law.It will make the reality more acceptable for those who live in the wonder world.

kouchner is a good man! the next condition for serbia to enter eu will be the arrest of mladic and after it recognizing of kosovo! serbia cant enter eu without recognizing of kosovo because 21 out of 27 eu member states have already recognized kosovo as an independent state! remember me worths!

I've never seen the West lose any battles at all.

The problem with the East is that they get distracted by claiming victory over the small things, while at the end of the day the West still cashes in.

You guys need to learn about a certain rule called CATCH 22. It's very popular in Western politics. If you see someone giving you more rope, it won't be out of generosity, that's for sure.

And when the court rules in favor of Kosovo, Serbia will have to come to terms with reality and recognize it

kouchner is giving you a good advice,because even if he is not a lawyer his country has pretty good lawers to advice him!
So icj will have to look to all the laws that legitimate the supposed control of Serbia on kosovo,and will go up to the treaty of Lausanne.Serbia refused to sign the great puissances proposal because serbia then wanted Durres and more albanian territories...So froma legal point , serbia can not pretend to have legal ground to rule kosovo!

Furthermore, western politicians continue to say that Kosovo will not be partitioned along ethnic lines, yet "Kosovo independence" was in fact the partitioning of Serbia along ethnic lines. The hypocrisy never ends.
(Jon Campbell, USA, 23 July 2008 16:45)

Jon, Kosova was declared independent along adminsitrative lines (existent since Yugoslav times), otherwise there wouldn't be any Serbs within its borders.

It is the Serbs that wanted to partition everything in former Yugoslavia along ethnic lines, hence the Balkan wars of the 90's, and the creation of RS in Bosnia.

Serbs have become experts at wasting the civilized world's precious time and funds with non-sense. At least they are getting used to contact with the west, and it will hopefully one day turn completely westwards.

"Jeremić said that the Serbian government was absolutely determined to defend and respect international law... when it came to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a final settlement for Kosovo’s status."

I'm really glad that Serbia is determined to adhere to international law. They have made huge changes since 99, even though they still have lots to imporve on.
One more note, if you really are so keen on international law and justice and human rights, don't you know then that with a referendum on the Albanian side you would still get an independent Kosovo? Be careful what you wish for.
All in all, i don't think the serb goverment will achieve anything with this move, expect that it will make its politicians more used to international protocol.

Keep writing some more Albanian "history". . .I could use another good laugh.
(Nemanja, Connecticut, 23 July 2008 21:44)

Well, if you keep trying to undermine Albanian history and culture, what do you want from Albanians? Certainly don't expect us to live ina country with you.
Maybe you do that because you're history begins in the 9th century, and you yourself you don't know where you came from, whereas Albanians go back to the neolithic in archeological sites and in the 5th century BC in written word.
But thank you for inquiring about our history, it will be my pleasure to share our rich history with you now:
Exactly during 455-52BC, Herodotus, considered the father of history, named the main city of the "great ethnos, the Illyrians, north of Greece"
Albanopolis. (I have never insulted serbian history before but when you throw dirt on our treasured past and language i dont' have much respect left for you. you wish ancient greek historians named a serbopolis)
Herodotus placed it 40 km north-east of the coastal city of Durres. In the area of today's Kosovo
(more exctly the north-eastern part of Kosovo)
greek historians described the heart of "Illyrian-Dardania", to distingush them from "Troyan-Dardanians" of the time.
If Illyria's epicentre was Albanopolis, and Dardania was Illyrians, then Dardania was ethnically the same to Albanopolis, i.e. Albanian.
. This was in the book number IV titled "History" by Herodotus. This is when history in the written form started, but since that date our history never stopped to be documented by the civilized world. This is true
regardless of the fact that the Academy of Sciences in Belgrade has a special unit with the sole goal to destroy Albanian history. Now can we take you to the ICJ for deliberately,shamelessly, fraudently
trying to spread lies and hatred towards an entire ancient nation and ethnos?

Even if Serbia was a peaceful, mature, spiritually wise country, we still would not want to be under one roof with you, because, take no offence, we have our own language and culture.
Gjon Buzuku's book open's like this "We the lovers of our world"

As for the apparent
French-Albanian commenter, no problem at all, Albania is the only non-french speaking country in the world which is part of the Franchophonie. If you knew Albanian's rich history you would know why.

If only such courts were active when Serbia conquered Kosova in the 13th century AD. They didn't respect "territorial integrity" then. Nor did they respect it after they occupied Kosova following the Balkan Wars and World War I.

Serbia's territorial integrity is still intact. Kosova was part of YUGOSLAVIA, and had the same de facto rights as Serbia, and the other former Yugoslav republics. Now that Yugoslavia is gone and dismantled, Kosova is free.

Kouchner, as a friend to Serbia, is saying "please, don't make yourself look stupid." My question is simple: even if the ICJ declares that Kosova's independence is valid and legitimate (which they don't have the capacity to do anyway), will the delusional Serbs finally accept the reality? I don't think so. I believe there are many Serbs that will always be grasping for straws and won't come to grips with the fact that Kosova will never again be a part of Serbia. The only chance will be in a united European Union!

Say,ICJ finds the declaration of independence of Kosovo was ilegal and than what,just so the goverment of serbia can say see we were right,that must be very important for them more important than Kosovo itself i think.That wan't change anything Kosovo its a done deal,going forward,not backwards.

Dear Serbia,

Dont shoot yourself on the foot. You are already wounded, and wounding yourself more is counterproductive, even more so when you will HAVE TO require medicine to HEAL exactly from the countries you are aiming to sue.

I wish b92 would publish the whole version in french.

Kouchner: "Mr. Jeremic, it is in the principles of the EU. If you plan to enter EU, ICJ is not the path. It's a rather path of isolation. "

Jeremic: "I have support of Romania and Cypruss to enter EU"

Kouchner: "Kosovo has the support of 20 EU countries to enter EU."

Jeremic: "Sure. I am aware of that, but mr. Kouchner...."
(Kouchner cuts him off)

Kouchner: "I am afraid yourp policies are contradictory to EU. You have to choose. Can't go both ways."


Me: bye bye Serbia's dreams to EU.

Me: Hahahah.

Me: France knows how to deal with Serbs.

France now lobbies for Kosovo's independence in all Frankophone world ----all french news are talking about this...

Serbia should also state clearly that in case that ICJ rules as legitimate Kosova's independence under international law, Serbia will immediately recognize Kosova as an independent state and cease all attempts at partition and setting up parallel structures there.

@usaSerb

Sorry to break the news to you, but the West does what it wants, in all the Western-run organisations such as:

UN
ICJ
NATO
G8
...etc

Justice is on the side of the most powerful. That's the key rule of the universe. Now you tell me, who is stronger?

70% of the world wealth, or 30% of the world wealth?

Serbia will go to the ICJ and all it will get is a NO. Because there won't be consensus in the jury to give Serbia a positive answer.

Those vetoes work both ways, and Russia is not the only one holding them.

Nemanja, Connecticut:

Noel Malcolm's "KOSOVO: A Short History" will be very enlightening to you. Additionally, one might be interested in learning more by reading "The Albanians in Yugoslavia in Light of Historical Documents," which can be found here: \http://www.alb-net.com/juka2.htm

Now, a few things to point out. Firstly, I'm not sure why you put my name in quotations. My preferred nickname is Shqype, but my first name is Mark, as a Catholic belonging to a people with a proud two millenium long Christian history.

But the Turks fought a Balkan coalition (which included Serbs and Albanians) at the Battle of Kosova in 1389, or the end of the 14th (and nearly 15th) century.

The Serbs began to gain strength in the 13th century when Stefan Simon Nemanjic - previously Zupan - started using, in 1217, the title of king. At that time the Serbs had already taken much land from the Albanians. In 1217, they conquered Peja (Pec) which was to become in 1346 the see of the Serbian Patriarch. The greater part of Kosova, however, was not yet in their power. It was afterward that they got hold of it little by little. But the Serbian kingdom, within the short span of its existence was not marked by fixity. Its precarious stability is indicated by a striking array of capitals: Raška, Priština, Belgrade, Kruševac, Smederevo, Belgrade again, Prizren, Banjska, Shkup (Skopje), Prilep, Smederovo, Kruševac again, Kragujevac. The names of these short-lived capitals suggest that the Serbs invaded and conquered, but then retreated and lost, because of some kind of opposition that they found. In this regard, it is interesting to note an observation made by Vaso Cubrilovic in his rather inhumane memorandum, Expulsion of the Albanians: "The Albanians are the only people during the last millennium that managed not only to resist the nucleus of our state, but also to harm us". This remark indicates that the Serbs were opposed by the aboriginal population.

So again, the Serbs conquered parts of Kosova starting in the 13th century, culminating in Stefan Dushan's grand empire which included parts of Albania, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, etc. While it is unfortunate that a majority of Albanians converted to Islam, it's important to note that they were subject to an aggressive policy of Islamization unlike any other Balkan peoples, because the Albanians continued to resist to Ottoman rule, instead of capitulating and paying tribute like the Serbs.

Well, Serbia is determined to embarass itself in the international stage at all costs...let's see what the opinion of the Western-run ICJ is on the matter.

And let's see how the radical opposition parties in Serbia will take advantage of Tadic's failure at ICJ.

Strike yourself in the foot much?

"Serbia has the right to consult ICJ about the US/ EU "Occupation" of Kosovo Province."

Serbia has the right, but then stop begging to get in EU. You can't have it both ways. As you know sticking with Russia means getting ripped off (NIS) and fooled with $1.7 million of expired food. EU or Russia? Choose one

kouchner is a good man! the next condition for serbia to enter eu will be the arrest of mladic and after it recognizing of kosovo! serbia cant enter eu without recognizing of kosovo because 21 out of 27 eu member states have already recognized kosovo as an independent state! remember me worths!

Frenchman is as Frenchman as I am Chinese. His real name is maybe Mehmed Frushi at best. The whole "dialogue" is bogus. Please read carefully that pathetic writing again:

"Kouchner: "Kosovo has the support of 20 EU countries to enter EU."

And think.... think.... Can ANY EU foreign minister say that without a major scandal?

Don't feed eTrolls and quetzalcoatl, the bloodthirsty Aztec pigeon-snake god with your comments. This is a disgusting comment from an other eTroll.

Funny tough. Serbian gang does not use eTrolls. They are as diverse as bganon, bmrusila, ORTHODOX.RU, Mike from USA, myself and more. But no eTrolls, no fake identities, no backstabbing.

I suggest Albanian gang to clean up their act on B92 and act like true Squips: with pride, diligence and honesty. Thanks for that. With such "Frenchmen" you won't achieve here anything, just make more enemies.

Reminder: Back in 1980 I had great time watching Albanian performances at Ohrid festival. Later we entered Kosovo - and it was YOUR attitude what turned us off. Do not repeat same mistake over and over!

Frenchman,

October 2006:

Radical Muslims in France's housing estates are waging an undeclared "intifada" against the police, with violent clashes injuring an average of 14 officers each day.

The interior minister, Nicolas Sarkozy, who is also the leading centre-Right candidate for the presidency, has sent heavily equipped units into areas with orders to regain control from drug smuggling gangs and other organised crime rings. Such aggressive raids were "disrupting the underground economy in the estates", one senior official told Le Figaro.

Me: Hahaha. Notice any similarities? French "Kosovo" has yet to play out, mon amie.

"Back then, you were all christian before most sold their faith to a higher bidder. Shameful really"

At least Albanians won 13 battles against 2 Sultans before going down. How do you do?? As for faith: Religion is not connected to nationality for us and second, some Serbs kept their faith (Bosniaks were Serbs too) but fought against Christians on behalf of the Sultan for 400 years. Shameful really.

Keep writing some more Albanian "history". . .I could use another good laugh.
(Nemanja, Connecticut, 23 July 2008 21:44)

Well, if you keep trying to undermine Albanian history and culture, what do you want from Albanians? Certainly don't expect us to live ina country with you.
Maybe you do that because you're history begins in the 9th century, and you yourself you don't know where you came from, whereas Albanians go back to the neolithic in archeological sites and in the 5th century BC in written word.
But thank you for inquiring about our history, it will be my pleasure to share our rich history with you now:
Exactly during 455-52BC, Herodotus, considered the father of history, named the main city of the "great ethnos, the Illyrians, north of Greece"
Albanopolis. (I have never insulted serbian history before but when you throw dirt on our treasured past and language i dont' have much respect left for you. you wish ancient greek historians named a serbopolis)
Herodotus placed it 40 km north-east of the coastal city of Durres. In the area of today's Kosovo
(more exctly the north-eastern part of Kosovo)
greek historians described the heart of "Illyrian-Dardania", to distingush them from "Troyan-Dardanians" of the time.
If Illyria's epicentre was Albanopolis, and Dardania was Illyrians, then Dardania was ethnically the same to Albanopolis, i.e. Albanian.
. This was in the book number IV titled "History" by Herodotus. This is when history in the written form started, but since that date our history never stopped to be documented by the civilized world. This is true
regardless of the fact that the Academy of Sciences in Belgrade has a special unit with the sole goal to destroy Albanian history. Now can we take you to the ICJ for deliberately,shamelessly, fraudently
trying to spread lies and hatred towards an entire ancient nation and ethnos?

Even if Serbia was a peaceful, mature, spiritually wise country, we still would not want to be under one roof with you, because, take no offence, we have our own language and culture.
Gjon Buzuku's book open's like this "We the lovers of our world"

As for the apparent
French-Albanian commenter, no problem at all, Albania is the only non-french speaking country in the world which is part of the Franchophonie. If you knew Albanian's rich history you would know why.

When it comes to Kosovo the new government has done good so far. If they continue with the ICJ case that would be a positive surprise as many people didn't expect them to have the courage to do it.

But if they take Kouchners "advise" and drop the crucially important ICJ trial then they will truly be remembered as traitors to the serbian people.

EU has clearly stated that Kosovo is a separate question from Serbian EU membership. Now when the countries recognizing Kosovo independence will be tried in international court of justice for their criminal behaviour, they will have to prove that their promises to Serbia are more than thin air.

"surprising"???

once again,Kouchner proves to be a person without the slightest touch of reality...

or he´s simply naive.

So according to the article the Serbian government is
asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give its VIEW on the decision of certain countries to recognize Kosovo’s unilateral independence.

Is the VIEW a binding decision? No it is not.So even if in the wildest serbian dreams the VIEW was pro serbian,who was going to respect it? Now let's say that the View is pro Kosova's independence.Is Serbia going to accept it? It is another typical charade for the serbian public.Mr. Tadic will be much more relieved if the court says that the countries who recognized Kosova didn't break the international law.It will make the reality more acceptable for those who live in the wonder world.

kouchner is giving you a good advice,because even if he is not a lawyer his country has pretty good lawers to advice him!
So icj will have to look to all the laws that legitimate the supposed control of Serbia on kosovo,and will go up to the treaty of Lausanne.Serbia refused to sign the great puissances proposal because serbia then wanted Durres and more albanian territories...So froma legal point , serbia can not pretend to have legal ground to rule kosovo!

Furthermore, western politicians continue to say that Kosovo will not be partitioned along ethnic lines, yet "Kosovo independence" was in fact the partitioning of Serbia along ethnic lines. The hypocrisy never ends.
(Jon Campbell, USA, 23 July 2008 16:45)

Jon, Kosova was declared independent along adminsitrative lines (existent since Yugoslav times), otherwise there wouldn't be any Serbs within its borders.

It is the Serbs that wanted to partition everything in former Yugoslavia along ethnic lines, hence the Balkan wars of the 90's, and the creation of RS in Bosnia.

Serbs have become experts at wasting the civilized world's precious time and funds with non-sense. At least they are getting used to contact with the west, and it will hopefully one day turn completely westwards.

"Jeremić said that the Serbian government was absolutely determined to defend and respect international law... when it came to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a final settlement for Kosovo’s status."

I'm really glad that Serbia is determined to adhere to international law. They have made huge changes since 99, even though they still have lots to imporve on.
One more note, if you really are so keen on international law and justice and human rights, don't you know then that with a referendum on the Albanian side you would still get an independent Kosovo? Be careful what you wish for.
All in all, i don't think the serb goverment will achieve anything with this move, expect that it will make its politicians more used to international protocol.

And when the court rules in favor of Kosovo, Serbia will have to come to terms with reality and recognize it

Tadic will sell out and recognise Kosovo & Metohija as being independent within 2 years.

"Kouchner said that it was surprising that Serbia was intending to seek the support of the UN General Assembly in asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give its view on the decision of certain countries to recognize Kosovo’s unilateral independence."

Not exactly sure why Mr. Kouchner is against this. I mean any state or individual would want to take any case of theft to some form of objective arbitration. I mean if you're so sure that your part in international emminent domain is legally legit, I'd say let the Serbs take this to the highest court in the land.

Pretty dumb if you ask me, but then again, most of steps surrounding Kosovo's UDD have proven to be dumb.

"Mark",

Where do you buy your history books? Toys R Us?

Kosovo was conquered by the Ottomans in the late 13th century. Albanian volunteers actually helped the Serbs to defend against the muslim onslaught. Back then, you were all christian before most sold their faith to a higher bidder.

Shameful, really.

"I believe there are many Serbs that will always be grasping for straws and won't come to grips with the factthat Kosova will never again be a part of Serbia."

I'm sure that the Turks thought the same thing.

To paraphrase the current Governor of the Great State of California:

"We'll be back."

"I'm baffled by the stupidity of politicians in the west"...I totally aggree -- what is worse, is that their constituents believe everything that the politicians and media tell them...like a bunch of sheep.

The ICJ was created for exactly this purpose -- now that Serbia intends to use it for a legitimate reason, the West wants to discourage it. This exposes blatent hypocrisy and fear that the West has no legal basis to encourage and support Kosovo independence.

Furthermore, western politicians continue to say that Kosovo will not be partitioned along ethnic lines, yet "Kosovo independence" was in fact the partitioning of Serbia along ethnic lines. The hypocrisy never ends.

Mark (Shqype), yes Kosovo was part of Yugoslavia. But while it was part of Yugoslavia it was also part of Serbia. It was also part of Serbia before The kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes/Yugoslavia existed and after it split up. It never had the right to secede as it was a province and not a republic.

(...let's see what the opinion of the Western-run ICJ is on the matter.)
(Funcakes, 23 July 2008 13:19)


What are you trying to tell us by that statement?
That there is real law and that there is a albanian and western law. You are either very naïve or you are smoking wacky tobacy or who knows what.I have been reading your one sided, selfish, only albanians and there western masters are right posts for some time now. You are absolutely wrong. Not like Hague circus court, ICJ court is equally run by all international and UN recognized countries. And for that matter, majority of the world countries respects international law and internationally recognized borders of each UN country. ICJ has no choice but to rule in Serbias favor.
You know it, Kosovo sponsors know it and Kouchner knows it.
I hate to brake this news to you, but all the international, local laws or for that matter all the laws in the whole world apply equally to albanians and your western masters. Just like they do to Serbs and rest of the civilized
World.

Frenchman (#24),

At least Nemanja (#26) wrote you a nice comment that hopefully acts as a mirror so you can reflect on the problems inFrance before defending the colonial behaviour of one Frenchman. He should stick to what he is trained to do: be a doctor and treat people who are in need of medical attention and help.

Mark,

Noel Malcolm? Do you quote Joseph Goebels when discussing WWII?

". . .it's important to note that they [Albanians] were subject to an aggressive policy of Islamization unlike any other Balkan peoples, because the Albanians continued to resist to Ottoman rule, instead of capitulating and paying tribute like the Serbs."

Keep writing some more Albanian "history". . .I could use another good laugh.

"Justice is on the side of the most powerful" -- spoken like a true mafioso.

The west has been manipulating international law to suit their needs. This will come back to haunt us one day.

Bernard Kouchner, Bernard Kouchner...now where have I heard that name before...?

Ah! Thats right! The ardent admirer of Alia Izetbegovic!

He sat by Izetbegovic death bed some decade ago together with of Richard Holbrooke...

Back to the main topic (regardless of low-flying eTroll low-life pretending to be French).

This is an easy case. You want suspected war criminals to be tried at international court = you support justice, right? Than stick to that word "justice". You love the court in Hague but don't love the ICJ? Somewhat is wrong, maybe?

Otherwise Serbia does not have much to lose: even if they lose the case and as a result in a huge wave of recognition over 100 countries would recognize Kosovo, few key countries will be a challenge:

1) Cyprus, Slovakia (effectively blocking Kosovo to enter EU)
2) China, Russia (effectively blocking Kosovo to become member of the UN)
3) Again, Slovakia (effectively blocking Kosovo to become NATO member and part of Schengen - see the issue with Kosovo passports)

Having disturbed relationship with majority population in every neighbor country (plus Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, Crna Gora, BiH, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Turkiye, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Italy) the only exception being Albania does not help their case either.

where´s the problem?

i thought there is a mega-wave of new acknowledgements for "indiependent" kosovo coming?

or as hashish tacic would say: "dousand" states will recognise the foxy phantasy ....

with that wave the majority of civilized states would melt -> no sueing possible!

I've never seen the West lose any battles at all.

The problem with the East is that they get distracted by claiming victory over the small things, while at the end of the day the West still cashes in.

You guys need to learn about a certain rule called CATCH 22. It's very popular in Western politics. If you see someone giving you more rope, it won't be out of generosity, that's for sure.

What is really surprising is that Serbia didn't sue individual countries committing illegal acts against its territorial integrity!

And please, enlight me, what other way is there but law? Why are you not seaking clarification and justification in your actions? If you are right in your aproach to Kosovo solution - that can only help you. Lets see what do courts say.

Kouchner is a medical doctor. He knows nothing about international law and he is afraid of the position of ICJ ...His advice on Serbs organs traffic when he was in charge of Kosovo would be more interesting.

Does Kouchner give reason for why it isn't a good idea to go to the ICJ?

If the US, France, Britain and the others who recognised independence are acting within international law (which they clearly aren't) then they have nothing to fear.

At least this means that they don't own the ICJ and have control over its decisions. That's hopeful.

Hey Kouchner!! dont tell the serbian goverment what to do. Serbia has the right to consult ICJ about the US/ EU "Occupation" of Kosovo Province.

Tadic / Jeremic, dont waist the opportunity in september coz if you follow the "robbers" like france then Serbia will remember both of you as traitors as kufr had said.

Surprise, surprise Mr Kouchner, surprise indeed. But the biggest surprise will be when you all going to be found guilty. Oh, what a pleasure to read about Kouchner being surprised.

Mr Jeremic, dear foreign minister of ours, please don’t take Mr Kouchner’s advice seriously. Keep on doing good homework.

Sorry but no. This process is legitimate and quite rational (unlike other moves).

No matter what one believes on Kosovo an ICJ verdict from an ostensibly neutral party, should be welcome.

Why is Kouchner so worried?
Surely he has behaved in a legal manner.

What's his problem with the court ruling on this as I'm sure that he must be confident of the outcome.

Perhaps he's not.

And what are the reasons Serbia should not seek the ICJ's opinion, Mr. Kouchner? Is it because the Serbs are not behaving like little lap-dogs, obeying every command from the US/EU, like the K_Albanians do? And while justice is being sought regarding the UDI by the Albanians, a serious probe should also be made into allegations of Kouchner's involvement in the Albanian's organ harvesting activities. Only when all sides are held responsible for their actions in the Balkan wars, can there be any lasting peace. One-sided justice only breeds more hatred, and true reconciliation cannot take place.

I'm baffled by the stupidity of politicians in the west, as if any country in the world wouldn't do everything possible to defend its territorial integrity. I'd like to see how France would reach if the city of Marseille ethnic Algerians declared independance unilaterally. I just can't be believe what comes out of politicians mouths.

@usaSerb
West does what it wants, in all the Western-run organisations such as:

UN
ICJ
NATO
G8



Funcakes,
Wrong again.
Your problem is that you like to shoot from the hip.
You honestly should get your facts strait before you start posting them.
Western powers like to think that they rule the world. But they have been proven wrong over and over lately. There is strong balance of powers in the world to western powers. Russia, China and India are strongest and fastest growing markets in the world. Militarily and economically.Just pray to God that they don’t start acting like western powers.

The consultation to ICJ should proceed as planned on september with the help of the majority of counries who still believes in international law.

Tadic & Jeremic should not pay attention to such nonsense & biased personalities like Kouchner.

Let see what the court (ICJ) will say..

For Frenchman (#24):

Do you have, please, the French version of the news story? Maybe you could post it entirely. Thanks in advance. I speak French (I'm Romanian) and I am really curious how Kouchner put it.

As for France working to persuade the Francophone(not "Frankophone") world, we don't see much of it in Romania. It would be interesting to see what leverage Paris believes to still have here, although I must confess that the 'golden age' of French influence in my country is already a past issue. Today, Viva Hollywood! :)))

The former French President, Francois Mitterrand, was the first one to notice this, and he tried hardly to reverse the phenomenon. But we, Romanians (as all peoples in Eastern Europe and Balkans)already we have a too long history of betrayal from Great Powers, and we learned to keep a more reserved attitude...

As for Serbia's future steps to enter EU, this is not something to happen tomorrow. France has the presidency for the next 6 months, and however, Paris has its own issues to push for inside EU (e.g. the opposition toward Turkey). Therefore, there is ground to compromise, since the French are not so stiff as they would like to be seen. A good example is the 1997 dispute between France and US regarding the command position of the NATO Southern Command (now Allied Joint Force Command in Naples), which belongs to US (details at http://www.ndu.edu/inss/books/Books_1998/NATO%201997%20Sept%2098/natoch2.html)
Apparently, trying to get this prized position, France made use behind close doors of the threat to oppose the limited extension of NATO towards Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic planned in 1997 for 1999 (as it happened) by insisting to include Romania and even Bulgaria on the list. (something Americans were against). Paris even made promises to Bucharest that it will fight for Romania entering NATO together with HU, PL and CZ, in the name of the old Franco-Romanian friendship, while they were just playing chicken with the Americans, for their own interest. In the end, we got invited into NATO in 2002, and then entered in 2004. And the Southern Command is still in the hand of an American four-stars General :)))

Best from Bucharest,
George

Une
> Say,ICJ finds the declaration of independence of Kosovo was ilegal and than what
Would have thought it was obvious. Recognitions stop. 'Pseudo state in limbo.


Adrian Gashi:
> Serbia should also state clearly that in case that ICJ rules as legitimate Kosova's independence under international law, Serbia will immediately recognize Kosova as an independent state and cease all attempts at partition and setting up parallel structures there.

See no reason why Serbia cannot do this - provided of course that 'pseudo-state' calling itself 'republic of Kosovo' agrees that if ICJ rules UDI as illegitimate, then it will immediately rescind UDI & accept autonomy under Serbian rule.


dan:
> serbia cant enter eu without recognizing of kosovo because 21 out of 27 eu member states have already recognized kosovo as an independent state!

The number that have recognised 'pseudo-state is 20, not 21.

Will spell it out for you as you appear to have trouble counting.

EU does not have a consensus of opinion on legitimacy of fake-state, so can not make it a condition for entry into the EU.

That simple.


Funcakes:
> Serbia will go to the ICJ and all it will get is a NO. Because there won't be consensus in the jury to give Serbia a positive answer.
> Those vetoes work both ways, and Russia is not the only one holding them.

What jury?

ICJ makes its rulings based on a majority decision of the judges that sit on that case.

And the ruling on a case asking for an 'advisory opinion' is non-binding, so talking about 'veto's by any country is nonsensical.

A permanent member of the UN SC can only use its veto if ICJ asks the SC to pass a resolution to 'enforce' one of its rulings, & 'enforcement' can only apply to a case involving a 'contentious issue' between states, not to a case where the UN general assembly asks for an 'advisory opinion'.

And as for your 'guess' that the ICJ would make an unfavourable ruling, seems both Mr Kouchner & Mrs Rice don't share your optimism.


Mark:
> Is the VIEW a binding decision? No it is not.So even if in the wildest serbian dreams the VIEW was pro serbian,who was going to respect it?

Once again, is apparent to most reasonable people that 'the west' has little confidence in an anti-serbian judgement being delivered - not surprising given that it is that 'champion of international law', the US that is behind the K-albanian UDI.

And as for your ideas on the irrelevance of a non-binding judgement, they are simplistic in the extreme.

An 'advisory opinion' derives its status and authority from the fact that it is the official pronouncement of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

And this will have an immediate effect when it comes to any possible future recognitions for K-albanian 'pseudo-state'.

And may well have an effect on the decisions of some states that have already recognised.

Will either get a 'recognition-drought', or that 'phantom 3rd-wave' K'albanians have been dreaming about.

If US was so sure of the latter, would not be blocking the idea.

If France was so sure of the latter, would not be blocking the idea.

And if you & rest of pro K-albanian camp were so sure of the latter, would also not be blocking the idea.

So much for 'your faith' that K-albanian Unilateral Declaration of Independence has any legal basis under international law.

Frenchman,

French, eh? I'm sure you are.

Whole Frankophone world? Quebec does not care about Kosovo. Parti Quebecois supported Kosovo independence to further their failed attempts at separation and continuous failing at doing anything to improve Quebec as a whole, economically and otherwise.
The only card they have left is an 'independence' card which is fading more and more.

People in Quebec are not dumb or retarded, and they understand the differance between their case and Kosovo case.
It is therefore a cheap shot to first suggest that whole Frankphone world is following French politicians (the French themselves are not following them, let alone anyone else), and especially Quebec.
France sold Quebec 400 years ago, and it has as much influence there now as it did then - which is none.
Noone in Quebec CARED about Kosovo independence. Ironically enough, they have run an hour promotional documentary on TV this past week on beauty of Serbia, and how it is an excellent holiday destination.