"Condition Serbia with Kosovo recognition"

What is this has-been doing poking his nose in the Balkans again? Hasn't he done enough damage? Go home Holbrooke!

Yes, Holbrooke in the Balkans, he is driven to return to the scene of the crime. Hokbrooke states that it will be "an emotional visit". I wonder if that means that he will be visiting the Serb enclaves, to sympathize with the poor people there, or will it be just to side with the Albanians again?

Now the question is who runs the EU? Is it the EU itself or USA? This “EU MUST or MUST NOT do that and that” coming from the mouth of this man (does not even deserve to write his name) is direct slap to the EU’s face. Who does he thinks he is, or any other USA’s diplomat to for that matter, to interfere in the EU’s policy and tell EU’s officials what to do.

I am waiting the EU’s reaction after this arrogant statement, and if the reaction from the EU fials to take place, then it is more than clear who runs the show in Europe.

I am certainly not any supporter of Serbia’s EU membership but this kind of statements coming from someone with very suspicious profile do insult common sense.

Is this what Serbia really wants? Do we really need EU and someone like Holbrook to order us what to do? If other Balkan puppets wish this it is up to them to decide but we Serbs certainly do not need this.

Ben "It's always a joy to see this gentleman in Kosova."

I would question to words 'gentleman', 'joy' and 'Kosova', but it is good to know where he is at any point in time. That means he can't be doing the rounds with William Walker et al starting up some more devastation somewhere else.

They must be worried to wheel in the trouble shooter.

"If Serbia is admitted to the EU, this mast take place if there is full agreement for Belgrade to recognize Kosovo as an independent state," Holbrooke told reporters today.

I'm fed up with Americans, especially shady Holbrooke, telling us Europeans how to run the EU! As my parents in the 1970s would say: Yankee go home!!!

"This, Holbrooke explained, is because Russia has "annexed these Georgian territories", while the UN, EU and the United States took the issue of Kosovo to the UN from 1999 until 2008, "after which Kosovo became independent". "

He most conveniently forgot that while Kosovo was indeed taken to the UN in 1999, it's UDI was in flagrant violation of 1244's recognition of Belgrade's sovereignty.

Just as Pristina welcomed Nato in 1999, I will bet my last euro that if you were take a poll of the population in Ossetia, an overwhelming majority would say they welcome the Russian arrival.

So where is the difference between Kosovo and Ossetia? What real difference is there apart from the convoluted, dishonest logic expoused by this Holbrooke?

I would suggest one stark similarity though: both Kosovo and Ossetia can forget about UN membership.

Well if there are any lingering doubts that Holbrook is a paid spokesman by Pristina to sell the propaganda story to the West, I feel these comments pretty much confirm such assumptions. I mean the man is practically falling over himself not being fast enough in praising the only people in Europe who think he's someone important. Thankfully the US has largely dumped the Kosovo soap opera in the hands of Brussels and US meddling is waning. While I have every reason to believe this overrated individual could be vetted for Secretary of State in an Obama Administration, I at least can rest assured that interests of the EU in getting Serbia on board conflict with Holbrook's personal interests of pushing the Kosovo imperialist agenda to the fullest.

yeah, until the political suroundings don´t allow the liberation of the occupied parts of kosovo and metohija, this is the only kind of visitations the self-proclaimed state will get.

that´s part of the millions of things holbrook doesn´t decide. now that´s the good news, the bad news: therefore - and because of his political wisdom that makes his foreign secretary dream an eternal one - he will write one more book no one needs: answers to questions that nobody asked me, part 87 ....

Recognition of Kosovo has nothing to do with Hyseni or Surroi. It is rather a representation of each country's:
- attitude towards international Law and existing status-quo
- attitude towards the US (and their interests in Europe)
- attitude towards Russia
(economic dependence)
- relationship to Serbia (if any)

It may seem peculiar but the attitude towards Kosovo has virtually nothing to do with Kosovo. It does not appear that any established country is particularly anti-Albanian (for whatever reason that may be, none too obvious).

Similarly, no-one is particularly anti-Ossetian or anti-Georgian either.

It's 99% interests and perhaps 1% affinity.

why is this irrelevent american sticking his big nose in Balkan business?? He has nothing to do with the Balkans anymore.

KOSOVO JE SRPSKO!!FOREVER!

People should watch out for this guy Halbrook. I wouldnt even touch him with a ten foot pole. The Kosovo albanians should b a litte carefull making deals with him, because they always seem to back fire. You guys saw what happend to Karadzic.

"Iowe you said:

"He most conveniently forgot that while Kosovo was indeed taken to the UN in 1999, it's UDI was in flagrant violation of 1244's recognition of Belgrade's sovereignty."

This is Resolution 1244. Can you please point out where does the resoulution recognizes Serbia's sovreignity over Kosovo?

[link]
(Mark, 8 September 2008 18:38) "

Mark, are you really so ignorant or what? Let me enlighten you, just this once.

1244 reaffirms respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia, which back in 1999, comprises Serbia and Montenegro. When Montenegro seceded in 2006, Serbia became the sole successor to the Yugoslavia seat in the UN. This is why while Montenegro had to apply as a new member, Serbia inherited the Yugoslav seat. Therefore since 2006, 1244 applies solely to Serbia. The West accepted this because it was the EU who brokered this arrangement between Serbia and Montenegro back in 2003.

You get the picture now, I hope.

Mr. Holbrooke...please, discontinue your antics and your display of ignorance. You do not represent the people of the U.S. You represent "special" interest groups that lobby our congress in hopes to buy corrupt politicians.

Holbrooke should be sent to Afghanistan to hunt for terrorists instead of meddling in the balkans again.

We were just about missing you, what a disgrace you represent!!

Dick Holbrooke represents the very worst of American bullying. His brazen support for the KLA terrorists, disregard for international law, pathetic self-aggrandizement, and eternal pursuit of personal financial gain are all well known in Washington. Neither is logic his forte -- I remember his stumbling inability to respond at a press conference in the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo when I asked him how the United States was able to affix its seal as a witness to the Dayton Accords when it did not even recognize the existence of one of the contracting parties (The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia).

However, there is much good to be found by the Serbs in this man's very useful flaws.

Just as his Dayton Accords served to finally legitimize Serb interests by giving formal legal status to the Republika Srpska, Holbrooke's bluster looks likely to help us once again...

Specifically, by overplaying his cards and demanding that Serbia's subservient U.S.-backed President Tadic do the impossible by recognizing Kosovo, Holbrooke might just deliver yet another dream of all patriotic Serbs who are fighting foreign colonization -- Holbrooke might himself block his own collaborators in Belgrade from joining the EU for long enough that the Serbian people will be able to remove them from power and assert Serbian independence once and for all.

So by all means keep it up, Dick! If you succeed in blocking the EU from taking over Serbia by insisting on Kosovo recognition, your name will stand with that of Ratko Mladic as one of the two people who by one method or another saved Serbia's independence from EU takeover against all odds.

Ah, how sweet it is! Sudbina (fate) intervenes yet again to save the Serbs!

Wishing your (Holbrooke's) efforts all the best,

John Bosnitch
Journalist
john.b@imcnews.com

It's always a joy to see this gentleman in Kosova.

I guess Hyseni will have to find a new job. As cynically a Serbian remembered us some time ago the only trip that this guy did is to visit Tirana. Is he attending the conference of the Arab league at least???

Mr. Holbrooke, The Serbs will NEVER give up their hope of one day regaining Kosovo which was ripped away from them through bloody war.

who thinks that EU will accept a state with such major territorial issues? Kosovo says it's independent and recognized by 22 EU nations; Serbia says it's Serbian. This means eventual war and EU wants no wants none of that, all the issues will have to be solved first.

And yes it was a major scene of the crime, something Serbs have yet to apologize.

Who cares what the "FORMER" U.S. Balkan envoy Richard Holbrooke has to say about anything. He is former & his words hold no water, particularly with Serbia.

CCCC

what else could be expected from a man like this balkan-"envoy"...

every simple criminal will also justify his dark doings...

nevertheless, it´s nonsense what he is saying.

and Kosovo WILL come back under Serbia´s folds...as he has called it, but that will very likely happen without war at all.

international law is still there, and it will stay there, until the political scenery changes.

only a question of time.

the "leaders" of east-germany once thought their state would last forever... and they HAD a real state... unlike the K-albanians who don´t.

what will make it last not so pretty long... :)

Iowe you said:

"He most conveniently forgot that while Kosovo was indeed taken to the UN in 1999, it's UDI was in flagrant violation of 1244's recognition of Belgrade's sovereignty."

This is Resolution 1244. Can you please point out where does the resoulution recognizes Serbia's sovreignity over Kosovo?

http://www.nato.int/Kosovo/docu/u990610a.htm

"Now Serbia, ask yourself why Richard Holbrook should need to state the blindingly obvious whilst in Pristina?"
Willie, will you please explain what is so obvious? As for Kosovo - people see things very differently, depending on which vision of global policy one prefers. This leads even
to complete distortions of historical facts.

I think Holbrooke should be more focues on what Muhamed Sacirbey is saying -- former Bosnian FM during the war and UN representative during the war.

He has said you should be investigate for Srebrenica and other war crimes by saying your actions helped the crimes occur?

http://aconvenientgenocide.com/

nothing new and no surprise from an UCK mastermind and certified serb hater; remember him with a machine gun at a UCK stronghold in the summer of 1998? now he sees himself as the Creator and puts pressure on the EU to condition Serbia on Kosovo; unfortunately, the lessons of recent history show that whatever Dick said, the EU obeyed...

Indeed it is good to have a spot on Americans dealing with Kosovo-government. There has been obvious indication US is not satisfied with Kosovo's engagement for more recognitions. Kosovo secretary of state Hyseni is not beeing seen as the right person to run this office. US advisers are prefering Veton Surroi (Ovner of the news-station quoted by B92).

I hope b92 can bring more on this.

To the poster above. I thought that the "Kosovo minister" was representing" this office" (foreign office of affairs) as you put it not some Kosovar..?

Richard Holbrooke! i suggest you go back to your country and stick your nose there and solve your own internal problems. your comments will not help in resolving the kosovo problem.

Macedonia and Montenegro have their own minds and for sure they will decide what is best for them.

if I wrote about the german-reunification-example, you shouldn´t bend reality into absurdity!

Kosovo is serbian territory, it always was, since todays inhabitants came to the balkan-peninsula, so there is nothing the K-albanians could "re-unite" with, since there was never such connection.

can you understand that? and in 1912, Serbia liberated it´s southern territory from the Ottoman Empire, once again, the Albanians had no contribution.

you are filled up with hatred, learned fake history in your "schools" and now you want to lecture here about 1912 and Russia?

you can write a thousand times about millions of Albanians taking up arms and fight until death or whatever your flawed mind manages to invent, but you will be quite disappointed in the future, I guess.

there won´t be any violence, and if Serbia should be forced into it, then my dear, I do not believe you would have much of a chance,but that´s albanian fantasies, and I do not wish to share your violent dreams...

to cut it short: there can only be one re-unification, and that does not include Albania, for sure.

you may dream of it, my dear, but you should rather get yourself a job and improve your life, instead of depending on foreign help.

"There were three options, for Kosovo to go back under Serbia's fold, which would have caused war, to stay under the UN, which was no longer possible, and to declare independence. It was an easy decision," the former U.S. official was quoted as saying today.

As Far As we were concerned Kosovo And Metohia could have stayed in our democratic country peacefuly , its the Albanians who would cause instability and war if they don't get what they want, so basicly what Hallbrooke is saying "Brake the international law and give Albanians evrything they want or they will cause wars and instability in the region"

Richard Holbrooke is a great man he is always welcomed in kosovo he has done much for peace and stability in the balkans and he is absolutely right serbia cant join eu without recognition of kosovo that is 100% sure.

if obama wins the election in the us richard holbrooke will be the US-secretary of state

Hey Richard, how about pressuring Washington to recognize Texas,California and few other territories it illegally annexed to the U.S. first?

Now Serbia, ask yourself why Richard Holbrook should need to state the blindingly obvious whilst in Pristina?

"and Kosovo WILL come back under Serbia´s folds...as he has called it, but that will very likely happen without war at all. international law is still there, and it will stay there, until the political scenery changes.

only a question of time.

the "leaders" of east-germany once thought their state would last forever... and they HAD a real state... unlike the K-albanians who don´t."

The German analogy means that K will be united with Albania, something denied by Russia in 1912. You still don't get it, right? Serbia wants to join EU and is begging them to speed it up. No recognition, means no EU. All it takes one EU state to block it.

If you think that K with 95% Non-Serb population will join Serbia instead of Albania that is your problem. Albania will join NATO next year and Kosova will too in 5-10 years.

Just because the UN was in charge of Kosovo that does not mean that Serbia wasn't soverign over it. It is a part of Serbia and will continue to be.

Kosovo is certainly on the right side to prosper and move forward.

Serbia on the other hand has signed the SAA and that is good news for all, but as Holbrook messaged was clearly targeted towards all EU and as you probably done know all EU countries need to sign this agreement for Serbia to actually ratify today's Serbian parliament agreement to join the EU.

The world does not revolve around Serbia... the sooner you the serbs realise that the better...

Several EU members have not and will never recognize Kosovo. What this pupazzo is talking about?

Go write an unbiased book. Learn to cook. Basket weave. Try another sport. But stay out of the Balkans.

Jovan

So to you the issue of Kosovo and serbia is similar to that of the two germanies? Let's make it simple and and follow your logic:two million Albanians that live today in kosovo one day will join serbia voluntarily and without even throwing a fight. So the picture will look exactly like the united germany right? You don't think that they would like to unite with Albania instead of Serbia? Or that it will make it to similar to Germany?

I don't think Hyseni is the right guy for the job. I am sure there is other credibel personalities in Kosovo who can run foregin affairs just as good as his serbian counterpart. I think as a minister of foregin affairs Kosovo should seek a personnel that at least look and sound somewhat like Vuk Jeremich

Holbroke's comments are certainly emotional Kosovo for Holbroke has become a crusade.

Serbia should not join the EU without establishing that Kosovo is its province.

However, this should be done by the
clear-thinking democratic part of Serbia and not by any rabid nationalists.

The west were wrong to reward the rabid mono-ethnic ambition of the Albanians who live in Kosovo. They were more of the cause of trouble than Milosevic ever was.

To Mark (post #42) again:

Okay, regarding 1244, I shall make life easier for you by directing you to the BBC archive document: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1874523.stm

Take note in particular of the following provision in the agreement "In the event that Montenegro leaves the union of states, the international documents relating to the FRY, especially UN Security Council Resolution 1244, would relate in their entirety to Serbia as successor."

This agreement was brokered by the EU (Solana).

the thing is, the PRoblem is, we are still in the midst of the conflict, so what we see here on this site, a form of "concurrent" posts, are perhaps almost the best we can do. one poster takes position A, another aggressively B, AND so on. and believe me, i am not above it -- i am THOroughly immersed in the strife, and at least as fiesty as anyone else. but i do frequently reflect (as a few others do) how sad it is that we are still in a kind of war, but w/words...

Holbrook has not always been my favorite person -- he has a huge ego (or so he's been accused of) -- but i agree with him here 100%. serbia must make peace in the balkans, and only serbia can, and knows it. it has NOT totally made this choice, yet, and so the tensions and intrigues continue. but if and when it does decide so, the balkans will look very different indeed, and hope may once again return to all of its inhabitants.

Iowe

No need to call me names,just because B92 allows you to do it.

The wording in the resolution is clear and simple.It reaffirms and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia.It says Yugoslavia it doesn't say Serbia&Montenegro or Serbia or the successor of Yugoslavia.Kosovo although stripped from its autonomy by Milosevic was still part of Yugoslavia not Serbia and not Montenegro. You mention the 2006 when Montenegro seceded from Serbia and with the West's blessings Serbia became the sole successor to Yugoslavia. And that is the reason according to you that 1244 applies only to Serbia from 2006.Is there any international agreement that states that 1244 from 2006 applies only to Serbia?Or is just Serbian wishful thinking? Do you know anything about Kosovo and Albanian position during Serbia-Montenegro split? Even before the split in 2006 Kosovo had began the status process in October 2005, when the Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide recommended the begining of the status process. Kosovo wasn't treated as part of Serbia or Montenegro during the split.It was a proccess a part.

"Kosovo is serbian territory, it always was, since todays inhabitants came to the balkan-peninsula"

Memo to you:
History began long time before Serbs came into the Balkans and even longer before the took Kosovo from the Byzantines. The Bulgars, th Byzantines and the Turks ruled it for 3 times longer than you. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/26/kosovo.serbia

"They are 130,000 Serbs in Kosovo right now and they have more rights than Albanians in Serbia.
(Alban, 10 September 2008 15:08)"

Alban, my dear, Kosovo IS Serbia, don´t you know that? :)

those 100.000 Albanians living in Belgrade are ashamed by comments like yours.

"Iowe

No need to call me names,just because B92 allows you to do it.

The wording in the resolution is clear and simple.It reaffirms and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia.It says Yugoslavia it doesn't say Serbia&Montenegro or Serbia or the successor of Yugoslavia.Kosovo although stripped from its autonomy by Milosevic was still part of Yugoslavia not Serbia and not Montenegro. You mention the 2006 when Montenegro seceded from Serbia and with the West's blessings Serbia became the sole successor to Yugoslavia. And that is the reason according to you that 1244 applies only to Serbia from 2006.Is there any international agreement that states that 1244 from 2006 applies only to Serbia?Or is just Serbian wishful thinking? Do you know anything about Kosovo and Albanian position during Serbia-Montenegro split? Even before the split in 2006 Kosovo had began the status process in October 2005, when the Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide recommended the begining of the status process. Kosovo wasn't treated as part of Serbia or Montenegro during the split.It was a proccess a part.
(Mark, 10 September 2008 01:02) "

Mark,

I don't know what you find so confusing.

1244 does not mention Serbia and Montenegro because 1244 was created in the year 1999. Yugoslavia only changed its name to Serbia and Montenegro 4 years later in 2003.

Serbia became the successor state to the former Yugoslavia when Montenegro became independent. Hence 1244 now refers solely to Serbia.

You can refer to the CNN or BBC archives for a history on how this came about through EU mediation. Why don't you go to a history or political science professor at a university near you?

I don't call you or anyone names. But it is obvious to me you really are utterly ignorant about the history of 1244.

>> Serbia should not join the EU without establishing that Kosovo is its province.

Then they will not join. EU /US /NATO are not in the mood for more wars, it's settled. Serbs can of course decline EU

>> The west were wrong to reward the rabid mono-ethnic ambition of the Albanians who live in Kosovo. They were more of the cause of trouble than Milosevic ever was.

Yeah OK on the Milosevic part.

They are 130,000 Serbs in Kosovo right now and they have more rights than Albanians in Serbia.

"Alban, my dear, Kosovo IS Serbia, don´t you know that?"

There is some confusion: That double-headed eagle that is flown in Kosovo the Albanian one. The same one that Skenderbeg who beat two Sultans 13 times leading Albanian soldiers in battle.

Richard Holbrooke is a great man he is always welcomed in kosovo he has done much for peace and stability in the balkans and he is absolutely right serbia cant join eu without recognition of kosovo that is 100% sure.

if obama wins the election in the us richard holbrooke will be the US-secretary of state

It's always a joy to see this gentleman in Kosova.

I guess Hyseni will have to find a new job. As cynically a Serbian remembered us some time ago the only trip that this guy did is to visit Tirana. Is he attending the conference of the Arab league at least???

who thinks that EU will accept a state with such major territorial issues? Kosovo says it's independent and recognized by 22 EU nations; Serbia says it's Serbian. This means eventual war and EU wants no wants none of that, all the issues will have to be solved first.

And yes it was a major scene of the crime, something Serbs have yet to apologize.

Indeed it is good to have a spot on Americans dealing with Kosovo-government. There has been obvious indication US is not satisfied with Kosovo's engagement for more recognitions. Kosovo secretary of state Hyseni is not beeing seen as the right person to run this office. US advisers are prefering Veton Surroi (Ovner of the news-station quoted by B92).

I hope b92 can bring more on this.

Iowe you said:

"He most conveniently forgot that while Kosovo was indeed taken to the UN in 1999, it's UDI was in flagrant violation of 1244's recognition of Belgrade's sovereignty."

This is Resolution 1244. Can you please point out where does the resoulution recognizes Serbia's sovreignity over Kosovo?

http://www.nato.int/Kosovo/docu/u990610a.htm

the thing is, the PRoblem is, we are still in the midst of the conflict, so what we see here on this site, a form of "concurrent" posts, are perhaps almost the best we can do. one poster takes position A, another aggressively B, AND so on. and believe me, i am not above it -- i am THOroughly immersed in the strife, and at least as fiesty as anyone else. but i do frequently reflect (as a few others do) how sad it is that we are still in a kind of war, but w/words...

Holbrook has not always been my favorite person -- he has a huge ego (or so he's been accused of) -- but i agree with him here 100%. serbia must make peace in the balkans, and only serbia can, and knows it. it has NOT totally made this choice, yet, and so the tensions and intrigues continue. but if and when it does decide so, the balkans will look very different indeed, and hope may once again return to all of its inhabitants.

"and Kosovo WILL come back under Serbia´s folds...as he has called it, but that will very likely happen without war at all. international law is still there, and it will stay there, until the political scenery changes.

only a question of time.

the "leaders" of east-germany once thought their state would last forever... and they HAD a real state... unlike the K-albanians who don´t."

The German analogy means that K will be united with Albania, something denied by Russia in 1912. You still don't get it, right? Serbia wants to join EU and is begging them to speed it up. No recognition, means no EU. All it takes one EU state to block it.

If you think that K with 95% Non-Serb population will join Serbia instead of Albania that is your problem. Albania will join NATO next year and Kosova will too in 5-10 years.

What is this has-been doing poking his nose in the Balkans again? Hasn't he done enough damage? Go home Holbrooke!

why is this irrelevent american sticking his big nose in Balkan business?? He has nothing to do with the Balkans anymore.

KOSOVO JE SRPSKO!!FOREVER!

To the poster above. I thought that the "Kosovo minister" was representing" this office" (foreign office of affairs) as you put it not some Kosovar..?

Ben "It's always a joy to see this gentleman in Kosova."

I would question to words 'gentleman', 'joy' and 'Kosova', but it is good to know where he is at any point in time. That means he can't be doing the rounds with William Walker et al starting up some more devastation somewhere else.

They must be worried to wheel in the trouble shooter.

Now the question is who runs the EU? Is it the EU itself or USA? This “EU MUST or MUST NOT do that and that” coming from the mouth of this man (does not even deserve to write his name) is direct slap to the EU’s face. Who does he thinks he is, or any other USA’s diplomat to for that matter, to interfere in the EU’s policy and tell EU’s officials what to do.

I am waiting the EU’s reaction after this arrogant statement, and if the reaction from the EU fials to take place, then it is more than clear who runs the show in Europe.

I am certainly not any supporter of Serbia’s EU membership but this kind of statements coming from someone with very suspicious profile do insult common sense.

Is this what Serbia really wants? Do we really need EU and someone like Holbrook to order us what to do? If other Balkan puppets wish this it is up to them to decide but we Serbs certainly do not need this.

"If Serbia is admitted to the EU, this mast take place if there is full agreement for Belgrade to recognize Kosovo as an independent state," Holbrooke told reporters today.

I'm fed up with Americans, especially shady Holbrooke, telling us Europeans how to run the EU! As my parents in the 1970s would say: Yankee go home!!!

People should watch out for this guy Halbrook. I wouldnt even touch him with a ten foot pole. The Kosovo albanians should b a litte carefull making deals with him, because they always seem to back fire. You guys saw what happend to Karadzic.

Who cares what the "FORMER" U.S. Balkan envoy Richard Holbrooke has to say about anything. He is former & his words hold no water, particularly with Serbia.

CCCC

Mr. Holbrooke, The Serbs will NEVER give up their hope of one day regaining Kosovo which was ripped away from them through bloody war.

what else could be expected from a man like this balkan-"envoy"...

every simple criminal will also justify his dark doings...

nevertheless, it´s nonsense what he is saying.

and Kosovo WILL come back under Serbia´s folds...as he has called it, but that will very likely happen without war at all.

international law is still there, and it will stay there, until the political scenery changes.

only a question of time.

the "leaders" of east-germany once thought their state would last forever... and they HAD a real state... unlike the K-albanians who don´t.

what will make it last not so pretty long... :)

We were just about missing you, what a disgrace you represent!!

"Iowe you said:

"He most conveniently forgot that while Kosovo was indeed taken to the UN in 1999, it's UDI was in flagrant violation of 1244's recognition of Belgrade's sovereignty."

This is Resolution 1244. Can you please point out where does the resoulution recognizes Serbia's sovreignity over Kosovo?

[link]
(Mark, 8 September 2008 18:38) "

Mark, are you really so ignorant or what? Let me enlighten you, just this once.

1244 reaffirms respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia, which back in 1999, comprises Serbia and Montenegro. When Montenegro seceded in 2006, Serbia became the sole successor to the Yugoslavia seat in the UN. This is why while Montenegro had to apply as a new member, Serbia inherited the Yugoslav seat. Therefore since 2006, 1244 applies solely to Serbia. The West accepted this because it was the EU who brokered this arrangement between Serbia and Montenegro back in 2003.

You get the picture now, I hope.

Jovan

So to you the issue of Kosovo and serbia is similar to that of the two germanies? Let's make it simple and and follow your logic:two million Albanians that live today in kosovo one day will join serbia voluntarily and without even throwing a fight. So the picture will look exactly like the united germany right? You don't think that they would like to unite with Albania instead of Serbia? Or that it will make it to similar to Germany?

nothing new and no surprise from an UCK mastermind and certified serb hater; remember him with a machine gun at a UCK stronghold in the summer of 1998? now he sees himself as the Creator and puts pressure on the EU to condition Serbia on Kosovo; unfortunately, the lessons of recent history show that whatever Dick said, the EU obeyed...

Richard Holbrooke! i suggest you go back to your country and stick your nose there and solve your own internal problems. your comments will not help in resolving the kosovo problem.

Macedonia and Montenegro have their own minds and for sure they will decide what is best for them.

I don't think Hyseni is the right guy for the job. I am sure there is other credibel personalities in Kosovo who can run foregin affairs just as good as his serbian counterpart. I think as a minister of foregin affairs Kosovo should seek a personnel that at least look and sound somewhat like Vuk Jeremich

if I wrote about the german-reunification-example, you shouldn´t bend reality into absurdity!

Kosovo is serbian territory, it always was, since todays inhabitants came to the balkan-peninsula, so there is nothing the K-albanians could "re-unite" with, since there was never such connection.

can you understand that? and in 1912, Serbia liberated it´s southern territory from the Ottoman Empire, once again, the Albanians had no contribution.

you are filled up with hatred, learned fake history in your "schools" and now you want to lecture here about 1912 and Russia?

you can write a thousand times about millions of Albanians taking up arms and fight until death or whatever your flawed mind manages to invent, but you will be quite disappointed in the future, I guess.

there won´t be any violence, and if Serbia should be forced into it, then my dear, I do not believe you would have much of a chance,but that´s albanian fantasies, and I do not wish to share your violent dreams...

to cut it short: there can only be one re-unification, and that does not include Albania, for sure.

you may dream of it, my dear, but you should rather get yourself a job and improve your life, instead of depending on foreign help.

Kosovo is certainly on the right side to prosper and move forward.

Serbia on the other hand has signed the SAA and that is good news for all, but as Holbrook messaged was clearly targeted towards all EU and as you probably done know all EU countries need to sign this agreement for Serbia to actually ratify today's Serbian parliament agreement to join the EU.

The world does not revolve around Serbia... the sooner you the serbs realise that the better...

Just because the UN was in charge of Kosovo that does not mean that Serbia wasn't soverign over it. It is a part of Serbia and will continue to be.

"There were three options, for Kosovo to go back under Serbia's fold, which would have caused war, to stay under the UN, which was no longer possible, and to declare independence. It was an easy decision," the former U.S. official was quoted as saying today.

As Far As we were concerned Kosovo And Metohia could have stayed in our democratic country peacefuly , its the Albanians who would cause instability and war if they don't get what they want, so basicly what Hallbrooke is saying "Brake the international law and give Albanians evrything they want or they will cause wars and instability in the region"

Iowe

No need to call me names,just because B92 allows you to do it.

The wording in the resolution is clear and simple.It reaffirms and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia.It says Yugoslavia it doesn't say Serbia&Montenegro or Serbia or the successor of Yugoslavia.Kosovo although stripped from its autonomy by Milosevic was still part of Yugoslavia not Serbia and not Montenegro. You mention the 2006 when Montenegro seceded from Serbia and with the West's blessings Serbia became the sole successor to Yugoslavia. And that is the reason according to you that 1244 applies only to Serbia from 2006.Is there any international agreement that states that 1244 from 2006 applies only to Serbia?Or is just Serbian wishful thinking? Do you know anything about Kosovo and Albanian position during Serbia-Montenegro split? Even before the split in 2006 Kosovo had began the status process in October 2005, when the Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide recommended the begining of the status process. Kosovo wasn't treated as part of Serbia or Montenegro during the split.It was a proccess a part.

Recognition of Kosovo has nothing to do with Hyseni or Surroi. It is rather a representation of each country's:
- attitude towards international Law and existing status-quo
- attitude towards the US (and their interests in Europe)
- attitude towards Russia
(economic dependence)
- relationship to Serbia (if any)

It may seem peculiar but the attitude towards Kosovo has virtually nothing to do with Kosovo. It does not appear that any established country is particularly anti-Albanian (for whatever reason that may be, none too obvious).

Similarly, no-one is particularly anti-Ossetian or anti-Georgian either.

It's 99% interests and perhaps 1% affinity.

Yes, Holbrooke in the Balkans, he is driven to return to the scene of the crime. Hokbrooke states that it will be "an emotional visit". I wonder if that means that he will be visiting the Serb enclaves, to sympathize with the poor people there, or will it be just to side with the Albanians again?

yeah, until the political suroundings don´t allow the liberation of the occupied parts of kosovo and metohija, this is the only kind of visitations the self-proclaimed state will get.

that´s part of the millions of things holbrook doesn´t decide. now that´s the good news, the bad news: therefore - and because of his political wisdom that makes his foreign secretary dream an eternal one - he will write one more book no one needs: answers to questions that nobody asked me, part 87 ....

"This, Holbrooke explained, is because Russia has "annexed these Georgian territories", while the UN, EU and the United States took the issue of Kosovo to the UN from 1999 until 2008, "after which Kosovo became independent". "

He most conveniently forgot that while Kosovo was indeed taken to the UN in 1999, it's UDI was in flagrant violation of 1244's recognition of Belgrade's sovereignty.

Just as Pristina welcomed Nato in 1999, I will bet my last euro that if you were take a poll of the population in Ossetia, an overwhelming majority would say they welcome the Russian arrival.

So where is the difference between Kosovo and Ossetia? What real difference is there apart from the convoluted, dishonest logic expoused by this Holbrooke?

I would suggest one stark similarity though: both Kosovo and Ossetia can forget about UN membership.

Well if there are any lingering doubts that Holbrook is a paid spokesman by Pristina to sell the propaganda story to the West, I feel these comments pretty much confirm such assumptions. I mean the man is practically falling over himself not being fast enough in praising the only people in Europe who think he's someone important. Thankfully the US has largely dumped the Kosovo soap opera in the hands of Brussels and US meddling is waning. While I have every reason to believe this overrated individual could be vetted for Secretary of State in an Obama Administration, I at least can rest assured that interests of the EU in getting Serbia on board conflict with Holbrook's personal interests of pushing the Kosovo imperialist agenda to the fullest.

Holbrooke should be sent to Afghanistan to hunt for terrorists instead of meddling in the balkans again.

Now Serbia, ask yourself why Richard Holbrook should need to state the blindingly obvious whilst in Pristina?

Mr. Holbrooke...please, discontinue your antics and your display of ignorance. You do not represent the people of the U.S. You represent "special" interest groups that lobby our congress in hopes to buy corrupt politicians.

>> Serbia should not join the EU without establishing that Kosovo is its province.

Then they will not join. EU /US /NATO are not in the mood for more wars, it's settled. Serbs can of course decline EU

>> The west were wrong to reward the rabid mono-ethnic ambition of the Albanians who live in Kosovo. They were more of the cause of trouble than Milosevic ever was.

Yeah OK on the Milosevic part.

They are 130,000 Serbs in Kosovo right now and they have more rights than Albanians in Serbia.

"Kosovo is serbian territory, it always was, since todays inhabitants came to the balkan-peninsula"

Memo to you:
History began long time before Serbs came into the Balkans and even longer before the took Kosovo from the Byzantines. The Bulgars, th Byzantines and the Turks ruled it for 3 times longer than you. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/26/kosovo.serbia

"Now Serbia, ask yourself why Richard Holbrook should need to state the blindingly obvious whilst in Pristina?"
Willie, will you please explain what is so obvious? As for Kosovo - people see things very differently, depending on which vision of global policy one prefers. This leads even
to complete distortions of historical facts.

I think Holbrooke should be more focues on what Muhamed Sacirbey is saying -- former Bosnian FM during the war and UN representative during the war.

He has said you should be investigate for Srebrenica and other war crimes by saying your actions helped the crimes occur?

http://aconvenientgenocide.com/

Dick Holbrooke represents the very worst of American bullying. His brazen support for the KLA terrorists, disregard for international law, pathetic self-aggrandizement, and eternal pursuit of personal financial gain are all well known in Washington. Neither is logic his forte -- I remember his stumbling inability to respond at a press conference in the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo when I asked him how the United States was able to affix its seal as a witness to the Dayton Accords when it did not even recognize the existence of one of the contracting parties (The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia).

However, there is much good to be found by the Serbs in this man's very useful flaws.

Just as his Dayton Accords served to finally legitimize Serb interests by giving formal legal status to the Republika Srpska, Holbrooke's bluster looks likely to help us once again...

Specifically, by overplaying his cards and demanding that Serbia's subservient U.S.-backed President Tadic do the impossible by recognizing Kosovo, Holbrooke might just deliver yet another dream of all patriotic Serbs who are fighting foreign colonization -- Holbrooke might himself block his own collaborators in Belgrade from joining the EU for long enough that the Serbian people will be able to remove them from power and assert Serbian independence once and for all.

So by all means keep it up, Dick! If you succeed in blocking the EU from taking over Serbia by insisting on Kosovo recognition, your name will stand with that of Ratko Mladic as one of the two people who by one method or another saved Serbia's independence from EU takeover against all odds.

Ah, how sweet it is! Sudbina (fate) intervenes yet again to save the Serbs!

Wishing your (Holbrooke's) efforts all the best,

John Bosnitch
Journalist
john.b@imcnews.com

Holbroke's comments are certainly emotional Kosovo for Holbroke has become a crusade.

Hey Richard, how about pressuring Washington to recognize Texas,California and few other territories it illegally annexed to the U.S. first?

Several EU members have not and will never recognize Kosovo. What this pupazzo is talking about?

Serbia should not join the EU without establishing that Kosovo is its province.

However, this should be done by the
clear-thinking democratic part of Serbia and not by any rabid nationalists.

The west were wrong to reward the rabid mono-ethnic ambition of the Albanians who live in Kosovo. They were more of the cause of trouble than Milosevic ever was.

Go write an unbiased book. Learn to cook. Basket weave. Try another sport. But stay out of the Balkans.

"They are 130,000 Serbs in Kosovo right now and they have more rights than Albanians in Serbia.
(Alban, 10 September 2008 15:08)"

Alban, my dear, Kosovo IS Serbia, don´t you know that? :)

those 100.000 Albanians living in Belgrade are ashamed by comments like yours.

"Alban, my dear, Kosovo IS Serbia, don´t you know that?"

There is some confusion: That double-headed eagle that is flown in Kosovo the Albanian one. The same one that Skenderbeg who beat two Sultans 13 times leading Albanian soldiers in battle.

"Iowe

No need to call me names,just because B92 allows you to do it.

The wording in the resolution is clear and simple.It reaffirms and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia.It says Yugoslavia it doesn't say Serbia&Montenegro or Serbia or the successor of Yugoslavia.Kosovo although stripped from its autonomy by Milosevic was still part of Yugoslavia not Serbia and not Montenegro. You mention the 2006 when Montenegro seceded from Serbia and with the West's blessings Serbia became the sole successor to Yugoslavia. And that is the reason according to you that 1244 applies only to Serbia from 2006.Is there any international agreement that states that 1244 from 2006 applies only to Serbia?Or is just Serbian wishful thinking? Do you know anything about Kosovo and Albanian position during Serbia-Montenegro split? Even before the split in 2006 Kosovo had began the status process in October 2005, when the Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide recommended the begining of the status process. Kosovo wasn't treated as part of Serbia or Montenegro during the split.It was a proccess a part.
(Mark, 10 September 2008 01:02) "

Mark,

I don't know what you find so confusing.

1244 does not mention Serbia and Montenegro because 1244 was created in the year 1999. Yugoslavia only changed its name to Serbia and Montenegro 4 years later in 2003.

Serbia became the successor state to the former Yugoslavia when Montenegro became independent. Hence 1244 now refers solely to Serbia.

You can refer to the CNN or BBC archives for a history on how this came about through EU mediation. Why don't you go to a history or political science professor at a university near you?

I don't call you or anyone names. But it is obvious to me you really are utterly ignorant about the history of 1244.

To Mark (post #42) again:

Okay, regarding 1244, I shall make life easier for you by directing you to the BBC archive document: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1874523.stm

Take note in particular of the following provision in the agreement "In the event that Montenegro leaves the union of states, the international documents relating to the FRY, especially UN Security Council Resolution 1244, would relate in their entirety to Serbia as successor."

This agreement was brokered by the EU (Solana).