Sarkozy: Kosovo is special case

“We must be consistent,” Sarkozy said, adding that the EU supported Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as these were guaranteed by UN Security Council resolutions.

What about UN resolution recognising Serbia's territorial integrity? Or some UN resolutions are binding and others are not.The decision by some EU countries and the US back in February to recognise the illegal UDI in Kosovo will have wider ramifications in many parts of the world for many years to come.The notion
that Kosovo is a special case is totally idiotic and serves only the interests of the West.

I think Sarkozy is a special case.

every attempt by NATO to attack Abkhasia or South Ossetia will be seen as an attack on Russia.

as for Kosovo, I love it when they desperately try to veil the truth...

every little kid knows it better.

Kosovo is the special case that started the precedent.

What a pathetic argument by Sarko. Not even his wife would be convinced by by this laughable argument.
These NATO and EU stooges like Sarko really look more and more ridiculous the more they try to justify their illegal and immoral attempted theft of sovereign Serbian land. Thank you Vlad for exposing to the whole world what hypocrites Cowboy George and his minions are.
Cheers!!

Mr. sarkozy, Many non aligned nation lead by Russia and China would never believed that kosovo is a special case. you have served only the interest of the US lead by Bush.

The WEST should have given negotiation limitless time to iron out their differences and come up on a acceptable term. But it seems the objective of this kosovo UDI thing is to build a new WESTERN Puppet state in the balkans and continued domination by NATO in this part of Europe.

Sarkozy, it all sounds way too unconvincing. Who you kidding? You, your partners/friends/allies? Negotiations failed, because you allowed them to. They were meant to. However, during that time you all rushed in elements that would help speed up eventual independence. Ombudsmen, rewriting of laws, privatization and other mechanisms put in on a timley beat that would ultimately achieve its goal. What about the multi-ethnic state building, return of Serbian refugges etc...that never materialized. Shut up about negotiations failing. The Serbian side was not allowed to do anything during those 8 years + - was completely ignored and shut out. It was the UN/NATO and EU passing through what they wanted for KOSOVO to become the puppet state you all created.

Look at the picture. Sarkozy thinks that if he makes faces and gesticulates much with his hands he will be able to convince people that Kosovo is a "unique case".

CCCC

Dear rolerkoster, actually i really dont care what you will say coz as far as the serbian people and the greater number of nations. kosovo is not a special case and therefore it is a part of Serbia.

THE WEST IS SIMPLY PLAYING DOUBLE STANDARD!!

liburni, it just goes to show how effective Russia really is. What NATO tried to achieve in 10 years, Russia did in a matter of days. Now that is impressive!

Even though NATO spent 10 years attempting to legitimise its occupation in Kosovo, it still failed! It didn't get through the UN (so no final status) and the international community rejects it overwhelmingly.

Remember, it's the West that relies on Russia and not the other way around. Any sanctions will hurt the West more than Russia. That's why Europe can do practically nothing now!

Sorry to say, but NATO and the West miscalculated and shot themselves in the foot.

When will these people in the EU and US stop repeating the ridiculous statement that Kosovo is a 'special case'! Any people's who want to declare independence and justly claim their cause is a special case.

The truth is that Kosovo illeagel independence has set a precedent that will cause choas around the world, start a new cold war, have Russia and the US recognise different regions for their own political interests and put back the relationship that was slowly being built between the east and the west.

George Bush and the EU should now realise that they have set a precedent that will cause problems for the world for years to come!!!

“I reminded Russian President Dmity Medvedev that when Europe recognized Kosovo, Russia condemned Europe’s decision. Russia should not then be surprised that we are condemning its decision now,” the president said.

Does this mean Mr Sarkozy agrees that bouth of these cases Kosovo And Abkhazia\S.Ossetia independence are illegal and against international right, resolution 1244 Helsinki Final act and so on.

The 6 point French brokered cease fire in Georgia was foreseeing internationally supervised negotiations over the final status of the breakaway regions.

Russia signed it.

And the very next day broke it by unilaterally recognising the independence of SO and Abkhazia.

This is how Russia honours her commitments and respects the international community and the international law.

However, I am looking forward to see how many other nations will recognise SO and Abkhazia- as our Serbian friends tale us the so called non-alienated countries will not as they are against Kosova. From the EU and US no signs in that direction... so let's see dear Serbian friends if we can really draw parallels between Kosova and SO/Abkhazia.

nik:
Standard of living in Serbia is improving (albeit slowly) & will continue to improve wheras judging by those demographics you like to refer to, standard's in Kosovo will continue to fall as population growth continues to outpace that of the basic services & infrastructure that a real government is meant to supply.


rolerkoster:
Appears you are the one that needs a history lesson.

The NATO that was formed ater WWII was formed as a defensive alliance to counter the Warsaw Pact. It's purpose was to 'slow down' any potential military invasion by the soviets for long enough so as to give the US time to prevent the soviets from taking over all of Europe.

When the USSR collapsed in the early 90's & the balkans 'kicked off', NATO decided to 're-invent' itself & so justify it's continued existence by redefining it's mandate to cover active offensive military 'interventions' in non-NATO countries.

In effect, becoming that which it was made to defend against.

The NATO of the 80's bears no resemblence to the NATO of today. And the NATO of today is only relevant when it serves it role as an expeditionary force at the 'behest' of US foreign policy.

Just as the 'republic of Kosovo' is only relevant for as long it serves the needs of that same US foreign policy.


ben:
> so let's see dear Serbian friends if we can really draw parallels between Kosova and SO/Abkhazia.

Makes no difference.
Russia did - supported by it's dependents.
Citing Kosovo like 'uniqueness' as pretext.

Will be other 'interventions'.
Citing you guessed it - 'uniqueness.
Regardless of international law.

And THAT is the Kosovo precedent.

Guaranteed.

Andrej,

“…. Grave consequences …. Serbia needs to move on and realise that Russia will only look after its own interests and would never compromise its interest for those of the Serbs or whoever else it may be! …”

Any eventual grave consequences are exclusive responsibility of the West. They have chosen to destroy all decency in international relations and push everyone around, not Russians. So be it then! Enough of these empty propaganda about human rights, democracy, twisting laws as it suits them, blah, blah… say it as it is, pure naked self interest.

Serbia should indeed move on. Cooperate with our true friends say NO to the West. Russians will of course look after its own interests but it happens to be that strong brotherly Serbia is in Russian interest! So, yes Ossetia and Abkhazia independent, Kosovo is Serbia. Why? Because it is in our interest.

Sarkozy speaks of Consistency? An example of consistency would be respecting international law in ALL instances. But if history has taught us anything it's that France can't think for themselves...they'll get conquered.

Ben,

“…Russia signed it….And the very next day broke it … This is how Russia honours her commitments and respects the international community and the international law.

How many promises had West broken over the years? US and its vassals have deliberately broken International law and rules of behaviour because they taught the will rule the universe to the eternity, without competition. Well, now they will taste their own medicine. They will regret what they have done.

Russia finally had enough of lies and dirty games. From now on, they will do the same what West is doing, protect their national interest. Forget the norms, rules and principles, they only have a sense if they are same for everyone. West lived by the gun, with might is right as only guiding “principle”. As they say, be careful what you are wishing for. Let’s see how they will like to be on the receiving end for a change.

But it seems the objective of this kosovo UDI thing is to build a new WESTERN Puppet state in the balkans and continued domination by NATO in this part of Europe.
(Jevic, 2 September 2008 10:57)

dear Jevic, maybe you should learn history for to understand the meaning of the NATO. maybe you would prefer to live in a Europe, which is still devided between fascist and soviet dictators - maybe as an citizen of an autrcratic governed island - which Yugoslavia.

so better let's talk about Kosovo 2008, and not about Serbian concepts of the 80ies. let's forget the incapability to convince the majority of citizens in Kosovo, that Serbia is their home - and let's talk about the way, how Serbia and Kosovo can co-exist and prosper in peace.

Kosovo is a special case for Serbia - and in the same way it is a special case for Europe and the world, too.

I agree Sarkozy that Kosovo is a special case coz Kosovo has opened the door for tens of nations all over the world. Nothing more special because all fates and histories are quite unique. Though I am not an ALBANIAN CLUB member one have to assume that they only played rather a passive role of a provocateur and nothing else.

Yet I believe that it's too late to discuss what is special and what not. We are not that stupid like most EU leaders try to show themselves. It's high time to talk of the world we are living in now.

Unfortunately the fairy tale that all peoples are equal and that even small states have some rights has been ruined. We still live in the same cruel world as 50 or 500 years ago. And it makes me sad. Like years ago small nations have chances to survive only if they stick to the big ones.
...

According to the summit declaration, “all European countries have the right to freely choose their foreign policies and their alliances, while respecting international law, and the principles of good neighborly relations and peaceful cooperation.”

So, if that's the case, what recourse is there if a country invades peacekeepers, and which have been put there by the United Nations.
We Europeans have to consider that there are other people in this world besides us.

And to Mr. Sarcozy re: his usage of the word "special"

You're the one that's"SPECIAL" IS YOU GET MY DRIFT.

When Israel conquered Sinay and the West Bank, many common seansed Israeli were sure these territories will become a barganing chip in the coming negotiations. Some of them were horrified when in the 80's more fanatical Israeli governments risked the future of their country, condeming it to eternal war with its neighbours for the sake of settling the "Biblical promise" with Jewish settlers.
Only the extraordinary strength of Israel and the perenial weaknes of the Arabic countries saved israel from disaster. Yet it becomes clear that the occutied land will end up as a barganing chip after all, and the Israel may have to cope with hundreds of thausanda of angry removed settlers!
Serbia had more than a dacade to use its purely on paper soveregnity over Kosovo in order to gain something eles! yet fanatical governments prefered to sacrifice the future of the country, to condam two generations to live worse off than their parants and grand parants all in order to chase to impossible dreal - Serbian Kosovo.
Wake up Serbia!

Mr.Sarkozy is wrong. Serb Kosovo was allowed to be basically destroyed by the ethnic Albanian Muslims.Serb Kosovo now lies in ruins.

What is really laughable here is that Serbias position regarding Kosovo has weakened incredibly with the latest developments in the Caucucus. Sarkozy has a great point. Nato did not attack Serbia and in the matter of weeks recognized Kosovos independence. They internationalized the issue and got UN involved. In 2008 The independence of Kosovo was granted, to go in line with resolution 1244 which stated that there would have to be a final status solution. Until then resoltuion 1244 would be in place and would respect Yugoslavis territorial integrity. It does not guarantee anything after the final status had been resolved, as that could be any soltuion.

What Russia has done, the opposite has happened from what it hoped to would happen. They though they could split the EU and NATO, they have only unified them. They thought they would send a message to the rest of the former soviet republics wth aspirations of joining Nato and EU, and they have done just that. Now they are p roceeding ever so faster with their integration processes to joing these trans-atlantic structures. This is the gravest foreign mistake Russia has made.

Is nationalism so blinding as to reach a degree where all reason is abandoned in face of reality? To compare Kosovo with South Osetia is to agree with Russia, to agree with Russia is to grant Kosovo independence!
(Andrej, 2 September 2008 18:02)

someone drawing so obviously wrong conclusions should not reproach anyone for their "blindness". russia is not saying south ossetia and kosovo are the same. they are saying the difference is that georgia attacked peace keepers and tried to resolve the crisis by force while serbia was commited to peaceful solution since 1999 and especially since the fall of milosevic. whether or not this is correct is irrelevant. the reality is that those who are saying that kosovo and south ossetia are the same are not agreeing with russia, but with countries that claim kosovo udi is illegal and refuse to recognise it - spain and slovakia for example. it should be obvious that those who say kosovo is different are the ones who recognise it, so saying that disagreeing with them means recognising kosovo is really the pinnacle of stupidity.

ZK UK

Both are interdependent on each other. Russia cannot afford isolation from the West any more than the West can afford supply cuts from Russia, who do you think will buy all that oil and gas from Russia if not Europe? You think Russia's economic boom would have been possible without Europe?

Anyway, thankfully neither side will cut each other off, Europe values its resources too much and Russia its money too much, why would they do something so dangerous to each others interests over something as stupid as Georgia? This is why I hope NATO and Russia calm down and stop acting as if they can afford to hurt each other in any way.

Is nationalism so blinding as to reach a degree where all reason is abandoned in face of reality? To compare Kosovo with South Osetia is to agree with Russia, to agree with Russia is to grant Kosovo independence! Just read today's article on what the Russian Ambasador to Tirana has signaled "we are not against independence" since when?
Serbia needs to move on and realise that Russia will only look after its own intersts and would never compromise its interest for those of the Serbs or whoever else it may be!
How is Kosovo similar to South Osetia is beyond me - but it seems it suits the Russians to clam so - despite grave consequences of such claims.

France!!!!!

Why negotiations for the status of Kosova were delayed for so many years. Miteran, was the reason. France was allways in Serbian side. Only Sarkozy understands new world order. The moment you lost France you knew you lost avery hope for including Kosovo in your map. Vive la France, Vive la liberte.

Why doesn't Serbia recognize RS if its such a precedent?

"They want the land, but not the people
(Dashnori i Ceces, 3 September 2008 22:13)"

still spreading the old KLA-propaganda?

well, seems like our dear albanian friend didn´t realize that in regard to the number of serbian documents already given out to K-albanians his statement sounds like desperate agitation.

it is very short sighted to think of Kosovo as a one off (special case) Any peoples looking for there own indpendence will see themselves as a special case.

Serbias goverment as hand an hand in Kosovos independence its been too passive. Could you imagine this happening 5-6 years ago. Any other nation would have put tanks into the region. The Serbian goverment have showed weakness on this issue even Georgia took on the mighty Russians to fight for there cause. We will see more regions going for independence over the next few years, there is a saying in the UK you can't give one without the other.

Will Mr Brown except Scotland as an independent country if the people vote for it?????

There needs to be a solution in Kosovo andits clear Serbs and Albanians can not live together, the province should be divided up.

“…. Both are interdependent on each other. Russia cannot afford isolation from the West any more than the West can afford supply cuts from Russia, who do you think will buy all that oil and gas from Russia if not Europe? You think Russia's economic boom would have been possible without Europe?...”

Peter, true, they are interdependent, BUT - West Europe needs Russia to survive and Russia needs W. Europe to prosper. That is a big difference. Guess who can afford to be stubborn longer, West with a looming recession and cold winter on the way, or Russia with huge financial reserves, self – sufficiency and ever more developing cooperation with Asian giants? Have you heard about new Siberian pipelines for oil and gas to China? New contracts with Venezuela and Kazahstan? A lot is happening at the moment. Russia is already diversifying its customers. It’s not difficult to find new buyers.

"Why on Earth so many Serbs wants to preserve Kosovars as their co-citizens. "

They don't, that's why they tried to throw the Albanians out in 1912,1920's and 1999. They want the land, but not the people

Peter Sydney: Standard of living in Serbia is improving (albeit slowly) & will continue to improve wheras judging by those demographics you like to refer to, standard's in Kosovo will continue to fall as population growth continues to outpace that of the basic services & infrastructure that a real government is meant to supply.

Spot on! One could only imagine how much better off the serbs would have been it they had cut off this mill stone called Kosovo 10 years ago. That is why I keep wondering: Why on Earth so many Serbs wants to preserve Kosovars as their co-citizens. It doesn't make seans!

But it seems the objective of this kosovo UDI thing is to build a new WESTERN Puppet state in the balkans and continued domination by NATO in this part of Europe.
(Jevic, 2 September 2008 10:57)

dear Jevic, maybe you should learn history for to understand the meaning of the NATO. maybe you would prefer to live in a Europe, which is still devided between fascist and soviet dictators - maybe as an citizen of an autrcratic governed island - which Yugoslavia.

so better let's talk about Kosovo 2008, and not about Serbian concepts of the 80ies. let's forget the incapability to convince the majority of citizens in Kosovo, that Serbia is their home - and let's talk about the way, how Serbia and Kosovo can co-exist and prosper in peace.

Kosovo is a special case for Serbia - and in the same way it is a special case for Europe and the world, too.

France!!!!!

Why negotiations for the status of Kosova were delayed for so many years. Miteran, was the reason. France was allways in Serbian side. Only Sarkozy understands new world order. The moment you lost France you knew you lost avery hope for including Kosovo in your map. Vive la France, Vive la liberte.

When Israel conquered Sinay and the West Bank, many common seansed Israeli were sure these territories will become a barganing chip in the coming negotiations. Some of them were horrified when in the 80's more fanatical Israeli governments risked the future of their country, condeming it to eternal war with its neighbours for the sake of settling the "Biblical promise" with Jewish settlers.
Only the extraordinary strength of Israel and the perenial weaknes of the Arabic countries saved israel from disaster. Yet it becomes clear that the occutied land will end up as a barganing chip after all, and the Israel may have to cope with hundreds of thausanda of angry removed settlers!
Serbia had more than a dacade to use its purely on paper soveregnity over Kosovo in order to gain something eles! yet fanatical governments prefered to sacrifice the future of the country, to condam two generations to live worse off than their parants and grand parants all in order to chase to impossible dreal - Serbian Kosovo.
Wake up Serbia!

The 6 point French brokered cease fire in Georgia was foreseeing internationally supervised negotiations over the final status of the breakaway regions.

Russia signed it.

And the very next day broke it by unilaterally recognising the independence of SO and Abkhazia.

This is how Russia honours her commitments and respects the international community and the international law.

However, I am looking forward to see how many other nations will recognise SO and Abkhazia- as our Serbian friends tale us the so called non-alienated countries will not as they are against Kosova. From the EU and US no signs in that direction... so let's see dear Serbian friends if we can really draw parallels between Kosova and SO/Abkhazia.

Look at the picture. Sarkozy thinks that if he makes faces and gesticulates much with his hands he will be able to convince people that Kosovo is a "unique case".

CCCC

What is really laughable here is that Serbias position regarding Kosovo has weakened incredibly with the latest developments in the Caucucus. Sarkozy has a great point. Nato did not attack Serbia and in the matter of weeks recognized Kosovos independence. They internationalized the issue and got UN involved. In 2008 The independence of Kosovo was granted, to go in line with resolution 1244 which stated that there would have to be a final status solution. Until then resoltuion 1244 would be in place and would respect Yugoslavis territorial integrity. It does not guarantee anything after the final status had been resolved, as that could be any soltuion.

What Russia has done, the opposite has happened from what it hoped to would happen. They though they could split the EU and NATO, they have only unified them. They thought they would send a message to the rest of the former soviet republics wth aspirations of joining Nato and EU, and they have done just that. Now they are p roceeding ever so faster with their integration processes to joing these trans-atlantic structures. This is the gravest foreign mistake Russia has made.

“We must be consistent,” Sarkozy said, adding that the EU supported Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as these were guaranteed by UN Security Council resolutions.

What about UN resolution recognising Serbia's territorial integrity? Or some UN resolutions are binding and others are not.The decision by some EU countries and the US back in February to recognise the illegal UDI in Kosovo will have wider ramifications in many parts of the world for many years to come.The notion
that Kosovo is a special case is totally idiotic and serves only the interests of the West.

Dear rolerkoster, actually i really dont care what you will say coz as far as the serbian people and the greater number of nations. kosovo is not a special case and therefore it is a part of Serbia.

THE WEST IS SIMPLY PLAYING DOUBLE STANDARD!!

Mr. sarkozy, Many non aligned nation lead by Russia and China would never believed that kosovo is a special case. you have served only the interest of the US lead by Bush.

The WEST should have given negotiation limitless time to iron out their differences and come up on a acceptable term. But it seems the objective of this kosovo UDI thing is to build a new WESTERN Puppet state in the balkans and continued domination by NATO in this part of Europe.

every attempt by NATO to attack Abkhasia or South Ossetia will be seen as an attack on Russia.

as for Kosovo, I love it when they desperately try to veil the truth...

every little kid knows it better.

I think Sarkozy is a special case.

Kosovo is the special case that started the precedent.

Sarkozy, it all sounds way too unconvincing. Who you kidding? You, your partners/friends/allies? Negotiations failed, because you allowed them to. They were meant to. However, during that time you all rushed in elements that would help speed up eventual independence. Ombudsmen, rewriting of laws, privatization and other mechanisms put in on a timley beat that would ultimately achieve its goal. What about the multi-ethnic state building, return of Serbian refugges etc...that never materialized. Shut up about negotiations failing. The Serbian side was not allowed to do anything during those 8 years + - was completely ignored and shut out. It was the UN/NATO and EU passing through what they wanted for KOSOVO to become the puppet state you all created.

"Why on Earth so many Serbs wants to preserve Kosovars as their co-citizens. "

They don't, that's why they tried to throw the Albanians out in 1912,1920's and 1999. They want the land, but not the people

What a pathetic argument by Sarko. Not even his wife would be convinced by by this laughable argument.
These NATO and EU stooges like Sarko really look more and more ridiculous the more they try to justify their illegal and immoral attempted theft of sovereign Serbian land. Thank you Vlad for exposing to the whole world what hypocrites Cowboy George and his minions are.
Cheers!!

When will these people in the EU and US stop repeating the ridiculous statement that Kosovo is a 'special case'! Any people's who want to declare independence and justly claim their cause is a special case.

The truth is that Kosovo illeagel independence has set a precedent that will cause choas around the world, start a new cold war, have Russia and the US recognise different regions for their own political interests and put back the relationship that was slowly being built between the east and the west.

George Bush and the EU should now realise that they have set a precedent that will cause problems for the world for years to come!!!

nik:
Standard of living in Serbia is improving (albeit slowly) & will continue to improve wheras judging by those demographics you like to refer to, standard's in Kosovo will continue to fall as population growth continues to outpace that of the basic services & infrastructure that a real government is meant to supply.


rolerkoster:
Appears you are the one that needs a history lesson.

The NATO that was formed ater WWII was formed as a defensive alliance to counter the Warsaw Pact. It's purpose was to 'slow down' any potential military invasion by the soviets for long enough so as to give the US time to prevent the soviets from taking over all of Europe.

When the USSR collapsed in the early 90's & the balkans 'kicked off', NATO decided to 're-invent' itself & so justify it's continued existence by redefining it's mandate to cover active offensive military 'interventions' in non-NATO countries.

In effect, becoming that which it was made to defend against.

The NATO of the 80's bears no resemblence to the NATO of today. And the NATO of today is only relevant when it serves it role as an expeditionary force at the 'behest' of US foreign policy.

Just as the 'republic of Kosovo' is only relevant for as long it serves the needs of that same US foreign policy.


ben:
> so let's see dear Serbian friends if we can really draw parallels between Kosova and SO/Abkhazia.

Makes no difference.
Russia did - supported by it's dependents.
Citing Kosovo like 'uniqueness' as pretext.

Will be other 'interventions'.
Citing you guessed it - 'uniqueness.
Regardless of international law.

And THAT is the Kosovo precedent.

Guaranteed.

liburni, it just goes to show how effective Russia really is. What NATO tried to achieve in 10 years, Russia did in a matter of days. Now that is impressive!

Even though NATO spent 10 years attempting to legitimise its occupation in Kosovo, it still failed! It didn't get through the UN (so no final status) and the international community rejects it overwhelmingly.

Remember, it's the West that relies on Russia and not the other way around. Any sanctions will hurt the West more than Russia. That's why Europe can do practically nothing now!

Sorry to say, but NATO and the West miscalculated and shot themselves in the foot.

According to the summit declaration, “all European countries have the right to freely choose their foreign policies and their alliances, while respecting international law, and the principles of good neighborly relations and peaceful cooperation.”

So, if that's the case, what recourse is there if a country invades peacekeepers, and which have been put there by the United Nations.
We Europeans have to consider that there are other people in this world besides us.

And to Mr. Sarcozy re: his usage of the word "special"

You're the one that's"SPECIAL" IS YOU GET MY DRIFT.

Why doesn't Serbia recognize RS if its such a precedent?

I agree Sarkozy that Kosovo is a special case coz Kosovo has opened the door for tens of nations all over the world. Nothing more special because all fates and histories are quite unique. Though I am not an ALBANIAN CLUB member one have to assume that they only played rather a passive role of a provocateur and nothing else.

Yet I believe that it's too late to discuss what is special and what not. We are not that stupid like most EU leaders try to show themselves. It's high time to talk of the world we are living in now.

Unfortunately the fairy tale that all peoples are equal and that even small states have some rights has been ruined. We still live in the same cruel world as 50 or 500 years ago. And it makes me sad. Like years ago small nations have chances to survive only if they stick to the big ones.
...

Ben,

“…Russia signed it….And the very next day broke it … This is how Russia honours her commitments and respects the international community and the international law.

How many promises had West broken over the years? US and its vassals have deliberately broken International law and rules of behaviour because they taught the will rule the universe to the eternity, without competition. Well, now they will taste their own medicine. They will regret what they have done.

Russia finally had enough of lies and dirty games. From now on, they will do the same what West is doing, protect their national interest. Forget the norms, rules and principles, they only have a sense if they are same for everyone. West lived by the gun, with might is right as only guiding “principle”. As they say, be careful what you are wishing for. Let’s see how they will like to be on the receiving end for a change.

Is nationalism so blinding as to reach a degree where all reason is abandoned in face of reality? To compare Kosovo with South Osetia is to agree with Russia, to agree with Russia is to grant Kosovo independence! Just read today's article on what the Russian Ambasador to Tirana has signaled "we are not against independence" since when?
Serbia needs to move on and realise that Russia will only look after its own intersts and would never compromise its interest for those of the Serbs or whoever else it may be!
How is Kosovo similar to South Osetia is beyond me - but it seems it suits the Russians to clam so - despite grave consequences of such claims.

Andrej,

“…. Grave consequences …. Serbia needs to move on and realise that Russia will only look after its own interests and would never compromise its interest for those of the Serbs or whoever else it may be! …”

Any eventual grave consequences are exclusive responsibility of the West. They have chosen to destroy all decency in international relations and push everyone around, not Russians. So be it then! Enough of these empty propaganda about human rights, democracy, twisting laws as it suits them, blah, blah… say it as it is, pure naked self interest.

Serbia should indeed move on. Cooperate with our true friends say NO to the West. Russians will of course look after its own interests but it happens to be that strong brotherly Serbia is in Russian interest! So, yes Ossetia and Abkhazia independent, Kosovo is Serbia. Why? Because it is in our interest.

Is nationalism so blinding as to reach a degree where all reason is abandoned in face of reality? To compare Kosovo with South Osetia is to agree with Russia, to agree with Russia is to grant Kosovo independence!
(Andrej, 2 September 2008 18:02)

someone drawing so obviously wrong conclusions should not reproach anyone for their "blindness". russia is not saying south ossetia and kosovo are the same. they are saying the difference is that georgia attacked peace keepers and tried to resolve the crisis by force while serbia was commited to peaceful solution since 1999 and especially since the fall of milosevic. whether or not this is correct is irrelevant. the reality is that those who are saying that kosovo and south ossetia are the same are not agreeing with russia, but with countries that claim kosovo udi is illegal and refuse to recognise it - spain and slovakia for example. it should be obvious that those who say kosovo is different are the ones who recognise it, so saying that disagreeing with them means recognising kosovo is really the pinnacle of stupidity.

“I reminded Russian President Dmity Medvedev that when Europe recognized Kosovo, Russia condemned Europe’s decision. Russia should not then be surprised that we are condemning its decision now,” the president said.

Does this mean Mr Sarkozy agrees that bouth of these cases Kosovo And Abkhazia\S.Ossetia independence are illegal and against international right, resolution 1244 Helsinki Final act and so on.

Sarkozy speaks of Consistency? An example of consistency would be respecting international law in ALL instances. But if history has taught us anything it's that France can't think for themselves...they'll get conquered.

it is very short sighted to think of Kosovo as a one off (special case) Any peoples looking for there own indpendence will see themselves as a special case.

Serbias goverment as hand an hand in Kosovos independence its been too passive. Could you imagine this happening 5-6 years ago. Any other nation would have put tanks into the region. The Serbian goverment have showed weakness on this issue even Georgia took on the mighty Russians to fight for there cause. We will see more regions going for independence over the next few years, there is a saying in the UK you can't give one without the other.

Will Mr Brown except Scotland as an independent country if the people vote for it?????

There needs to be a solution in Kosovo andits clear Serbs and Albanians can not live together, the province should be divided up.

ZK UK

Both are interdependent on each other. Russia cannot afford isolation from the West any more than the West can afford supply cuts from Russia, who do you think will buy all that oil and gas from Russia if not Europe? You think Russia's economic boom would have been possible without Europe?

Anyway, thankfully neither side will cut each other off, Europe values its resources too much and Russia its money too much, why would they do something so dangerous to each others interests over something as stupid as Georgia? This is why I hope NATO and Russia calm down and stop acting as if they can afford to hurt each other in any way.

Mr.Sarkozy is wrong. Serb Kosovo was allowed to be basically destroyed by the ethnic Albanian Muslims.Serb Kosovo now lies in ruins.

“…. Both are interdependent on each other. Russia cannot afford isolation from the West any more than the West can afford supply cuts from Russia, who do you think will buy all that oil and gas from Russia if not Europe? You think Russia's economic boom would have been possible without Europe?...”

Peter, true, they are interdependent, BUT - West Europe needs Russia to survive and Russia needs W. Europe to prosper. That is a big difference. Guess who can afford to be stubborn longer, West with a looming recession and cold winter on the way, or Russia with huge financial reserves, self – sufficiency and ever more developing cooperation with Asian giants? Have you heard about new Siberian pipelines for oil and gas to China? New contracts with Venezuela and Kazahstan? A lot is happening at the moment. Russia is already diversifying its customers. It’s not difficult to find new buyers.

Peter Sydney: Standard of living in Serbia is improving (albeit slowly) & will continue to improve wheras judging by those demographics you like to refer to, standard's in Kosovo will continue to fall as population growth continues to outpace that of the basic services & infrastructure that a real government is meant to supply.

Spot on! One could only imagine how much better off the serbs would have been it they had cut off this mill stone called Kosovo 10 years ago. That is why I keep wondering: Why on Earth so many Serbs wants to preserve Kosovars as their co-citizens. It doesn't make seans!

"They want the land, but not the people
(Dashnori i Ceces, 3 September 2008 22:13)"

still spreading the old KLA-propaganda?

well, seems like our dear albanian friend didn´t realize that in regard to the number of serbian documents already given out to K-albanians his statement sounds like desperate agitation.