"Macedonia to recognize Kosovo"

Its not that I find it hard to believe that Macedonia will recognise Kosovo, it is possible, or perhaps probable.

But what I can't understand is what the Macedonians will receive in return. I find it incredible that Kosovo Albanians will not reciprocate by recognising Macedonia.

The only thing one can conclude is that either the US will be giving Macedonia considerable new financial aid or that Macedonians are terrified of Albanian unrest in Macedonia.

Both are not particularly principled reasons for recognition. I feel sorry for Macedonia.

bganon,

If it is the case that Macedonia will recognise Kosovo because they are terrified of Albanian unrest in Macedonia itself, then they are making a very serious mistake. This recognition will only encourage the Albanians in Macedonia to step up their demands and will lead to great trouble and conflict down the road. Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

I might be wrong but isn't there something very amusing about the fact "Kosovo is recognising FYROM". An unrecognized country on the global stage is now talking about recognising a real country?

They can't. Greece is an EU and NATO member and FYROM understands that K has no choice given the situation. Albanians are making up with the Greeks and the entire region is moving towards EU and NATO. The Albanians in FYROM are backign MK in the name dispute, but Kosova can't.
(Dashnori i Satam, 20 September 2008 19:46

It has been the policy of successive Greek goverments to support the EU integration
of the Balkan countries that wished to, provided they didn't harbour any hostile intentions towards other countries.
Unless there is a negotiated settlement between Serbia & Kosovo Greece will not recognise Kosovo as an independent entity.

> Ademi, a member of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), told Macedonian Alfa TV that this was not the time for Macedonia to insist on Kosovo doing likewise—to recognize the Macedonian state under its constitutional name.

Heaven forbid that the K-albanians would reciprocate. Why would they? Gratitude? Beyond empty gestures such as are seen on this website, Macedonia will see very little.

Now is the time for Serbia to think about a suitable response - by withdrawing it's support on the name issue for instance.

Will also be interesting to see if Macedonia supports Serbia's ICJ bid before the UN GA in an attempt to mollify serb anger.

Maybe, just maybe if FYROM had been a little quicker with the recognition process, we might had called it Macedonia today, too bad.

I am surprised, indeed.

How this looks from Bucharest:

FYRoM fights with the Greek opposition for entering NATO at Bucharest Summit with their constitutional name, "Macedonia" - which Greece opposes. So bitter and stubborn are Macedonians that they simply loose the opportunity of joining NATO together with Albania, despite lobby and support from everybody, only not to give Greeks satisfaction!

Now, after couple months, FYRoM is ready to recognize Kosovo without imposing Kosovo's recognition of "Macedonia", in reply...

To any Macedonian interlocutor:
You resist Greece (which, btw, is coming to the Presidency of EU) over the name's issue, missing a historical opportunity with NATO, but you bend over for Pristina? Why? To boost Kosovo recognition process in the last minute before UN General Assembly (although 2008 moment is already lost for Kosovars, and they are already preparing for 2009)?

Or maybe the Albanian minority pressure is too big to resist? Is Macedonia under threat of collapse and inter-ethnic war, and this compromise will save your future?

Or is EU pressuring you into doing it?

With all due respect, I know that "one needs to be in another one's shoes in order to know his problems", but this lack of coherence Skopje presents is confusing.

Last but not least, how this gesture will affect the "war of words" you have with the Greeks, over the name of your country? In my opinion, they will score big time!

Best from Bucharest,

Hello to everyone
The 60% self-called Macedonians in FYROM will have to recognize Kosovo if they wish stil to exist as federalized country who share the power with the Albanians there that make up the 35% of FYROM population.
If you look deeper is not hard to find that the Deputy Prime Minister is itself Albanian so are the Ministers of Prime Ministers cabinet.
FYROM parlament looks like this:
Macedonians 64
Albanians 34
Others 12
OTHERS ARE :
(Turk,Roma,Serb,Torbes,Bugar Vlach, Greek etc..)

Thanks for attention but not to worry much because after FYROM, Montenegro will recognize as well, Greece will follow very soon and eventually Serbia will do the same. once and for all all will live in peace and hopefully all will join EU.

This is a clear message that Tadic's policies are redundant; his attempt to ask the UN's opinion on Kosovos independence' policy.

This was Tadic's attempt to hault the recognition process by luring rogue states whom still have no policy regarding Kosovo, when on the other hand, on the eve of the Serbs proposal to be heard at the UN, their very neighbours are accepting Kosovos independence.

Macedonias decision to recognise Kosovos independence will create a new wave of recognitions due to the balkans being subsequently more stable.

'IF MACEDONIA recognises "Kosova", it will be because it is in MACEDONIA's interests, very simple! I've yet to hear anything from a MACEDONIAN politician re: the matter.'

What interest is that? The interest of a country whose policy will consist of obeying whatever the US or Kosova tells it to do?

If your politicians have not even debated the issue, how on earth do you know whether it is in Macedonia's interest or not. In my experience when politicians don't debate something, thats because whatever they are planning to do IS NOT in the country's interest and politicians are trying to hide it.

Still, I suppose you are right. Perhaps Serbia should cut a deal with Greece agreeing to never recognising Macedonia and to help with Greeks diplomatic effort to insist that Macedonia is named something else. Maybe this would reverse any recent gains made by Kosovo Albanians on Greek diplomacy regarding Kosovo.

After all if its in the Serbian interest to do so, who cares what happens in Macedonia right?

'How is that Brazilian support going Bganon? '

Dashnori i Satam if you want to use arguments of the playground, do it with somebody who enjoys childishness as you do. I'm not interested.

Oh and if Kosovo to you is about some kind of silly competition then I suggest you have forgotten that we are talking about real people here, not some kind of ridiculous football match.

'And why should'nt we work for our own interests?'.

Yeah, keep on persuading me, you are making me think its in the Serbian interest of withdraw recognition of Macedonia. Tell me why it is in Serbia's interest to support Macedonia as an independent nation with its current name, if Macedonia will recognise Kosovo? Give me one good reason. I'm not hysterical on this matter, I'm just looking for a serious answer. It sounds to me you have not the first idea of how diplomacy works. It works two ways, it is not simply a case of referring to ones interest. It is weighing up the consequences of a decision in the longer term. Will the US be a vital trading partner of Macedonia?

I find it amusing that you would criticise Greece for betraying Serbia when you call that same betrayal of Serbia by Macedonia as 'representing Macedonia's interests'. What is that about?

As you say, should Serbia work for Macedonia's interests or its own?

Selfishness goes both ways.

Dashnori i Ceces US troops stationed in Kosovo ensures that there will be no return of Serbian troops in Kosovo, independence or not. Independence and withdrawal of international troops for example would mean the potential return of Serbian troops. Flag waving and national hymns do not solve that problem, nor does it solve real problems such as the economy.

I did not call Macedonians sell outs - that kind of emotionally loaded name calling is beneath me. Quite the contrary, I think that for the time being Macedonia should adopt a wait and see approach on Kosovo independence, as it has done. IMO that would serve the Macedonian self interest best. However, if short term that is untenable, either due to short term threats or bribes it may be that medium term Macedonian interests will suffer. That is a decision to be made by the Macedonian government, which is admittedly stretched on the issue.

Thank you very much Macedonia

So many comments from "experts" om MACEDONIA, it really is laughable; especially the part about MACEDONIA about to collapse with the Albanians about to go on the warpath etc.

Its no wonder the Balkans is such a place, with the venom that everyone laces their views on MACEDONIA with!

IF MACEDONIA recognises "Kosova", it will be because it is in MACEDONIA's interests, very simple! I've yet to hear anything from a MACEDONIAN politician re: the matter.

Yawn... this really isn't that important but my commiserations to Makedonija and I really don't think Greece is that far behind... But at the end it really makes no difference... Kosovo will always be Serbia and that will never change no matter how deluded the US might believe these recognitions count. Fake recognitions of a fake state mean nothing but if it keeps the Albanians happy then that's fine. Hopefully it will stop them burning churches and attacking non-Albanians.

The Greek,

Amongst numerous other countries, four of the five perminent members of UN have abandoned calling Macedonia FYROM, and refer to it as Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia, and two of those are your best friends, United States and United Kingdom.


If United States wants Albanians to call Macedonia, 'Republic of Macedonia' they would call it 'Reublic of Macedonia.

It would be laughable to even entertain the idea that Ablanians loyalty lies with Greeks or their petty name dispute.

Why don't you threaten to cut friendly ties with UK which refers to Macedonia as Macedonia?

Everyone is big and might these days, but only towards those who are on the floor and being kicked.

Pathetic.

>> "But what I can't understand is what the Macedonians will receive in return. I find it incredible that Kosovo Albanians will not reciprocate by recognising Macedonia."

They can't. Greece is an EU and NATO member and FYROM understands that K has no choice given the situation. Albanians are making up with the Greeks and the entire region is moving towards EU and NATO. The Albanians in FYROM are backign MK in the name dispute, but Kosova can't.

How is that Brazilian support going Bganon? ALL your neighbors, the Europeans, US, Canada, Australia and Japan are backing the Albanians. China

Macedonia should at least wait for the ICJ decision before making any stupid moves.

If they go ahead and recognizes the (probably illegal) unilateral declaration of independence beforehand then I agree with The Greek. Serbia should respond by taking the Greece position in the name dispute.

A1 news reported last night in Macedonia that there will be no Kosovo recognition!

Macedonia's recognition has been lessened in importance with Greece's acceptance of Kosovo passports.

Macedonia's position should be as neutral as possible. I think Albanians should concentrate on creating a viable state; not everything depends on so and so's "recognition".

THe Russian recognition of Sth. Ossetia and Abkhazia is bad for Kosovo, as its obvious that their UDI is a precedant. People should consider that the creators of "Kosova", the EU/US will want a stable as possible region and will not tolerate further Albanian demands. Albanians are a long, long way from creating a viable state consciousness, their strength is in their birth rate, usefulness as a Western bulwark in the region and funding of Western supporters ad infinitum!

Let's see for how long Serbia will keep calling Fyrom, "macedonia". Fyrom will recognise Kosova - no matter if that means that it could face the same situation Serbia faced with Kosovo - with the region of Tetovo.

On the other hand, Albania will keep calling Fyrom as Fyrom, and not "macedonia", no matter of the "present" that Fyrom does to Albania. Only for the sake of good relations with Greece.

ZK UK

I hope you are relizing that this is the 21st century and people want to live in freedom and not under Serbia torture. Albanians will never be under the Serbian rule again and I am sorry that you think that every country out there is a fake country for recognizing Kosova.

What do you think about Russia recognizing Ossetia? Interesting ha? ... btw crimes that Serbs have committed on Albanians, Croats and Bosnians do not come close to anything Georgia might have done to Osetians.

Let's see for how long Serbia will keep calling Fyrom, "macedonia". Fyrom will recognise Kosova - no matter if that means that it could face the same situation Serbia faced with Kosovo - with the region of Tetovo.

On the other hand, Albania will keep calling Fyrom as Fyrom, and not "macedonia", no matter of the "present" that Fyrom does to Albania. Only for the sake of good relations with Greece.
(The Greek, 20 September 2008 20:04)

It's amazing how you sign off as The Greek when no Greek, or anyone else apart from an Albanian would call Kosovo, Kosova. If you want to pass yourself off as a Greek, remember that in the future.

FYROM will recognize Kosovo, that was always a reality. I don't know what is taking them so long. I suppose the same as what is taking Montenegro so long. They are both playing a game.

No matter what FYROM or Montenegro do Albanians will demand more in time. That is a given. I only hope they remember not to whinge to the Serbs when that happens. It will fall on deaf ears just like Serbia's wishes for them not to recognize Kosovo has fallen on deaf ears. They are allowing Albanians to come between them and their Orthodox brothers. Selling your soul for thirty pieces of silver has already been done. It was also regretted.

Russia is where the friendship lies and Serbia should look towards that alliance. Sometimes family can be your worst enemy as our Orthodox brothers in FYROM and Montenegro are about to show us.

I still have not heard a MACEDONIAN will recognize!

FYROMian history:
Ancient Macedonians are FYROMians ancestors.
a) The territory of today's FYROM was inhabited mainly by Thracians and Illyrians and only about 10% by ancient Macedonians.
b) Ancient Macedonians didn't speak a Slavic language. FYROMians speak a Slavic language
c) The ancient Macedonians had already been hellenized when the Slavs (the real FYROMian ancestors) arrive in the Balkans. The ancient Macedonians had thus been replaced by Greeks.

i dont think macedonia will recognise kosovo,but i think greece will recognise kosovo before macedonia does,and then greece and serbia will end their friendship

Wow, incredible insight @ 20. If Macedonia was such a puppet Kosovo would have been recognised by now, right? We would've sold the name to the Greek xenophobes, right?

And why should'nt we work for our own interests? Should we work for Serbia's interests?
The interests of the US coincide with Macedonia's, so why should'nt we work with them!

Before going for MACEDONIA's throat, "b", I would suggest a nice kick into "Greece" since Greece is the regional power and has now recognised Kosovo's passports. In a sense, its now game over, because any other recognitions will be "after the event" as it were.

As for Serbia, if they take the retrograde step of "unrecognisimg "Macedonia", it will only prove how backward Serbia has become; being Greece's lackey who has absolutely no qualms in betraying you, while looking you squarely in the face telling you how much you mean to them! If Serbia takes such a step, it will simply show how powerless they feel themselves to be, as if Kosovo's independence is Macedonia's fault!

nik
Like no one here gives a damn if you are just making stuff up, you are allowed to believe it, if so you wish.

---"Sometimes family can be your worst enemy as our Orthodox brothers in FYROM and Montenegro are about to show us."

What the 'Orthodox Brotherhood' did in 1912 will no longer happen Peggy. FYROM and MN are looking toward Europe. Greece too almost recognized Kosova. Freedom and self-determination are in, empires are out.

Albanians left in other countries (Fyrom, MN) only want equal rights and EU membership. No matter what, I doubt they would ask Serbia for help.

It's time for Serbia to focus on its own affairs and leave Kosova alone. Focus on jobs and investments, not in maintaining an empire.

Albanians are becaming one of the most influented countrys in Balkans. It is a fact that , albanians now are decision makers in three countries and balkan countrys have started to regognize that. Bdogan dont you regognize that as well? Albanians are where they should have been in Balkan for centuries, with the same influence as they always had ,, greeks are regognizing so are macedonians. We both Greeks and Macedonians we always have had good relationship other then maybe a few months or days of wars here and there,, but with the serbs, we have fought for centuries. Albanians and Macedonians have co-existed with each other for years. So have Albanians with Greeks. What goes around came around and Greeks and Macedonians are regognizing that.

It's time for Serbia to focus on its own affairs and leave Kosova alone. Focus on jobs and investments, not in maintaining an empire.
(Dashnori i Satam, 22 September 2008 17:57)

I have news for you. Kosovo is Serbia's affair. It is part of Serbia therefore it becomes Serbia's business.

What do you mean by maintain an empire? What empire are you talking about? If you are talking about retaining Kosovo? That is not maintaining an empire. Your American and British friends are into empires.

Macedonia simply doesn't have a choice. It wants to keep an identity that is real, but like so many other identities is based on miths that do not constitute a truth! Well no one gives a danm if the French really descend from the Gauls, or from the Franks, or the Romanians have anything to do with the Romans, or the Dacians. They are allowed to believe it if so they wish.
Macedonians also want to preserve the integrity of their country which is also untainable. (it is an image of what Serbia may become if it doesn't let Kosovo go). Macedonians want to get integrated in Europe when EU itself is quite weary of expansion.
Obviously they are in a what a chess player would call "zugzwang" - whatever move you make, it is a wrong one!

"Oh and if Kosovo to you is about some kind of silly competition then I suggest you have forgotten that we are talking about real people here, not some kind of ridiculous football match."

Bganon,
and that's why it matters. They were people in 1999 and they are now. 92% of the people have made their mind and want to ensure that what happened in 1999 and before never happens again. Only independence assures that.

And do not call FYROM sellouts, they are doing what every nation does, vote for their best interests. Small Balkans counties need US /EU.

Thank you very much Macedonia

Maybe, just maybe if FYROM had been a little quicker with the recognition process, we might had called it Macedonia today, too bad.

This is a clear message that Tadic's policies are redundant; his attempt to ask the UN's opinion on Kosovos independence' policy.

This was Tadic's attempt to hault the recognition process by luring rogue states whom still have no policy regarding Kosovo, when on the other hand, on the eve of the Serbs proposal to be heard at the UN, their very neighbours are accepting Kosovos independence.

Macedonias decision to recognise Kosovos independence will create a new wave of recognitions due to the balkans being subsequently more stable.

Its not that I find it hard to believe that Macedonia will recognise Kosovo, it is possible, or perhaps probable.

But what I can't understand is what the Macedonians will receive in return. I find it incredible that Kosovo Albanians will not reciprocate by recognising Macedonia.

The only thing one can conclude is that either the US will be giving Macedonia considerable new financial aid or that Macedonians are terrified of Albanian unrest in Macedonia.

Both are not particularly principled reasons for recognition. I feel sorry for Macedonia.

>> "But what I can't understand is what the Macedonians will receive in return. I find it incredible that Kosovo Albanians will not reciprocate by recognising Macedonia."

They can't. Greece is an EU and NATO member and FYROM understands that K has no choice given the situation. Albanians are making up with the Greeks and the entire region is moving towards EU and NATO. The Albanians in FYROM are backign MK in the name dispute, but Kosova can't.

How is that Brazilian support going Bganon? ALL your neighbors, the Europeans, US, Canada, Australia and Japan are backing the Albanians. China

Hello to everyone
The 60% self-called Macedonians in FYROM will have to recognize Kosovo if they wish stil to exist as federalized country who share the power with the Albanians there that make up the 35% of FYROM population.
If you look deeper is not hard to find that the Deputy Prime Minister is itself Albanian so are the Ministers of Prime Ministers cabinet.
FYROM parlament looks like this:
Macedonians 64
Albanians 34
Others 12
OTHERS ARE :
(Turk,Roma,Serb,Torbes,Bugar Vlach, Greek etc..)

Thanks for attention but not to worry much because after FYROM, Montenegro will recognize as well, Greece will follow very soon and eventually Serbia will do the same. once and for all all will live in peace and hopefully all will join EU.

bganon,

If it is the case that Macedonia will recognise Kosovo because they are terrified of Albanian unrest in Macedonia itself, then they are making a very serious mistake. This recognition will only encourage the Albanians in Macedonia to step up their demands and will lead to great trouble and conflict down the road. Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

ZK UK

I hope you are relizing that this is the 21st century and people want to live in freedom and not under Serbia torture. Albanians will never be under the Serbian rule again and I am sorry that you think that every country out there is a fake country for recognizing Kosova.

What do you think about Russia recognizing Ossetia? Interesting ha? ... btw crimes that Serbs have committed on Albanians, Croats and Bosnians do not come close to anything Georgia might have done to Osetians.

Albanians are becaming one of the most influented countrys in Balkans. It is a fact that , albanians now are decision makers in three countries and balkan countrys have started to regognize that. Bdogan dont you regognize that as well? Albanians are where they should have been in Balkan for centuries, with the same influence as they always had ,, greeks are regognizing so are macedonians. We both Greeks and Macedonians we always have had good relationship other then maybe a few months or days of wars here and there,, but with the serbs, we have fought for centuries. Albanians and Macedonians have co-existed with each other for years. So have Albanians with Greeks. What goes around came around and Greeks and Macedonians are regognizing that.

"Oh and if Kosovo to you is about some kind of silly competition then I suggest you have forgotten that we are talking about real people here, not some kind of ridiculous football match."

Bganon,
and that's why it matters. They were people in 1999 and they are now. 92% of the people have made their mind and want to ensure that what happened in 1999 and before never happens again. Only independence assures that.

And do not call FYROM sellouts, they are doing what every nation does, vote for their best interests. Small Balkans counties need US /EU.

I am surprised, indeed.

How this looks from Bucharest:

FYRoM fights with the Greek opposition for entering NATO at Bucharest Summit with their constitutional name, "Macedonia" - which Greece opposes. So bitter and stubborn are Macedonians that they simply loose the opportunity of joining NATO together with Albania, despite lobby and support from everybody, only not to give Greeks satisfaction!

Now, after couple months, FYRoM is ready to recognize Kosovo without imposing Kosovo's recognition of "Macedonia", in reply...

To any Macedonian interlocutor:
You resist Greece (which, btw, is coming to the Presidency of EU) over the name's issue, missing a historical opportunity with NATO, but you bend over for Pristina? Why? To boost Kosovo recognition process in the last minute before UN General Assembly (although 2008 moment is already lost for Kosovars, and they are already preparing for 2009)?

Or maybe the Albanian minority pressure is too big to resist? Is Macedonia under threat of collapse and inter-ethnic war, and this compromise will save your future?

Or is EU pressuring you into doing it?

With all due respect, I know that "one needs to be in another one's shoes in order to know his problems", but this lack of coherence Skopje presents is confusing.

Last but not least, how this gesture will affect the "war of words" you have with the Greeks, over the name of your country? In my opinion, they will score big time!

Best from Bucharest,

Let's see for how long Serbia will keep calling Fyrom, "macedonia". Fyrom will recognise Kosova - no matter if that means that it could face the same situation Serbia faced with Kosovo - with the region of Tetovo.

On the other hand, Albania will keep calling Fyrom as Fyrom, and not "macedonia", no matter of the "present" that Fyrom does to Albania. Only for the sake of good relations with Greece.

They can't. Greece is an EU and NATO member and FYROM understands that K has no choice given the situation. Albanians are making up with the Greeks and the entire region is moving towards EU and NATO. The Albanians in FYROM are backign MK in the name dispute, but Kosova can't.
(Dashnori i Satam, 20 September 2008 19:46

It has been the policy of successive Greek goverments to support the EU integration
of the Balkan countries that wished to, provided they didn't harbour any hostile intentions towards other countries.
Unless there is a negotiated settlement between Serbia & Kosovo Greece will not recognise Kosovo as an independent entity.

Yawn... this really isn't that important but my commiserations to Makedonija and I really don't think Greece is that far behind... But at the end it really makes no difference... Kosovo will always be Serbia and that will never change no matter how deluded the US might believe these recognitions count. Fake recognitions of a fake state mean nothing but if it keeps the Albanians happy then that's fine. Hopefully it will stop them burning churches and attacking non-Albanians.

Let's see for how long Serbia will keep calling Fyrom, "macedonia". Fyrom will recognise Kosova - no matter if that means that it could face the same situation Serbia faced with Kosovo - with the region of Tetovo.

On the other hand, Albania will keep calling Fyrom as Fyrom, and not "macedonia", no matter of the "present" that Fyrom does to Albania. Only for the sake of good relations with Greece.
(The Greek, 20 September 2008 20:04)

It's amazing how you sign off as The Greek when no Greek, or anyone else apart from an Albanian would call Kosovo, Kosova. If you want to pass yourself off as a Greek, remember that in the future.

FYROM will recognize Kosovo, that was always a reality. I don't know what is taking them so long. I suppose the same as what is taking Montenegro so long. They are both playing a game.

No matter what FYROM or Montenegro do Albanians will demand more in time. That is a given. I only hope they remember not to whinge to the Serbs when that happens. It will fall on deaf ears just like Serbia's wishes for them not to recognize Kosovo has fallen on deaf ears. They are allowing Albanians to come between them and their Orthodox brothers. Selling your soul for thirty pieces of silver has already been done. It was also regretted.

Russia is where the friendship lies and Serbia should look towards that alliance. Sometimes family can be your worst enemy as our Orthodox brothers in FYROM and Montenegro are about to show us.

i dont think macedonia will recognise kosovo,but i think greece will recognise kosovo before macedonia does,and then greece and serbia will end their friendship

> Ademi, a member of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), told Macedonian Alfa TV that this was not the time for Macedonia to insist on Kosovo doing likewise—to recognize the Macedonian state under its constitutional name.

Heaven forbid that the K-albanians would reciprocate. Why would they? Gratitude? Beyond empty gestures such as are seen on this website, Macedonia will see very little.

Now is the time for Serbia to think about a suitable response - by withdrawing it's support on the name issue for instance.

Will also be interesting to see if Macedonia supports Serbia's ICJ bid before the UN GA in an attempt to mollify serb anger.

I might be wrong but isn't there something very amusing about the fact "Kosovo is recognising FYROM". An unrecognized country on the global stage is now talking about recognising a real country?

Macedonia should at least wait for the ICJ decision before making any stupid moves.

If they go ahead and recognizes the (probably illegal) unilateral declaration of independence beforehand then I agree with The Greek. Serbia should respond by taking the Greece position in the name dispute.

'IF MACEDONIA recognises "Kosova", it will be because it is in MACEDONIA's interests, very simple! I've yet to hear anything from a MACEDONIAN politician re: the matter.'

What interest is that? The interest of a country whose policy will consist of obeying whatever the US or Kosova tells it to do?

If your politicians have not even debated the issue, how on earth do you know whether it is in Macedonia's interest or not. In my experience when politicians don't debate something, thats because whatever they are planning to do IS NOT in the country's interest and politicians are trying to hide it.

Still, I suppose you are right. Perhaps Serbia should cut a deal with Greece agreeing to never recognising Macedonia and to help with Greeks diplomatic effort to insist that Macedonia is named something else. Maybe this would reverse any recent gains made by Kosovo Albanians on Greek diplomacy regarding Kosovo.

After all if its in the Serbian interest to do so, who cares what happens in Macedonia right?

'How is that Brazilian support going Bganon? '

Dashnori i Satam if you want to use arguments of the playground, do it with somebody who enjoys childishness as you do. I'm not interested.

Oh and if Kosovo to you is about some kind of silly competition then I suggest you have forgotten that we are talking about real people here, not some kind of ridiculous football match.

I still have not heard a MACEDONIAN will recognize!

Wow, incredible insight @ 20. If Macedonia was such a puppet Kosovo would have been recognised by now, right? We would've sold the name to the Greek xenophobes, right?

And why should'nt we work for our own interests? Should we work for Serbia's interests?
The interests of the US coincide with Macedonia's, so why should'nt we work with them!

Before going for MACEDONIA's throat, "b", I would suggest a nice kick into "Greece" since Greece is the regional power and has now recognised Kosovo's passports. In a sense, its now game over, because any other recognitions will be "after the event" as it were.

As for Serbia, if they take the retrograde step of "unrecognisimg "Macedonia", it will only prove how backward Serbia has become; being Greece's lackey who has absolutely no qualms in betraying you, while looking you squarely in the face telling you how much you mean to them! If Serbia takes such a step, it will simply show how powerless they feel themselves to be, as if Kosovo's independence is Macedonia's fault!

'And why should'nt we work for our own interests?'.

Yeah, keep on persuading me, you are making me think its in the Serbian interest of withdraw recognition of Macedonia. Tell me why it is in Serbia's interest to support Macedonia as an independent nation with its current name, if Macedonia will recognise Kosovo? Give me one good reason. I'm not hysterical on this matter, I'm just looking for a serious answer. It sounds to me you have not the first idea of how diplomacy works. It works two ways, it is not simply a case of referring to ones interest. It is weighing up the consequences of a decision in the longer term. Will the US be a vital trading partner of Macedonia?

I find it amusing that you would criticise Greece for betraying Serbia when you call that same betrayal of Serbia by Macedonia as 'representing Macedonia's interests'. What is that about?

As you say, should Serbia work for Macedonia's interests or its own?

Selfishness goes both ways.

Dashnori i Ceces US troops stationed in Kosovo ensures that there will be no return of Serbian troops in Kosovo, independence or not. Independence and withdrawal of international troops for example would mean the potential return of Serbian troops. Flag waving and national hymns do not solve that problem, nor does it solve real problems such as the economy.

I did not call Macedonians sell outs - that kind of emotionally loaded name calling is beneath me. Quite the contrary, I think that for the time being Macedonia should adopt a wait and see approach on Kosovo independence, as it has done. IMO that would serve the Macedonian self interest best. However, if short term that is untenable, either due to short term threats or bribes it may be that medium term Macedonian interests will suffer. That is a decision to be made by the Macedonian government, which is admittedly stretched on the issue.

---"Sometimes family can be your worst enemy as our Orthodox brothers in FYROM and Montenegro are about to show us."

What the 'Orthodox Brotherhood' did in 1912 will no longer happen Peggy. FYROM and MN are looking toward Europe. Greece too almost recognized Kosova. Freedom and self-determination are in, empires are out.

Albanians left in other countries (Fyrom, MN) only want equal rights and EU membership. No matter what, I doubt they would ask Serbia for help.

It's time for Serbia to focus on its own affairs and leave Kosova alone. Focus on jobs and investments, not in maintaining an empire.

So many comments from "experts" om MACEDONIA, it really is laughable; especially the part about MACEDONIA about to collapse with the Albanians about to go on the warpath etc.

Its no wonder the Balkans is such a place, with the venom that everyone laces their views on MACEDONIA with!

IF MACEDONIA recognises "Kosova", it will be because it is in MACEDONIA's interests, very simple! I've yet to hear anything from a MACEDONIAN politician re: the matter.

The Greek,

Amongst numerous other countries, four of the five perminent members of UN have abandoned calling Macedonia FYROM, and refer to it as Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia, and two of those are your best friends, United States and United Kingdom.


If United States wants Albanians to call Macedonia, 'Republic of Macedonia' they would call it 'Reublic of Macedonia.

It would be laughable to even entertain the idea that Ablanians loyalty lies with Greeks or their petty name dispute.

Why don't you threaten to cut friendly ties with UK which refers to Macedonia as Macedonia?

Everyone is big and might these days, but only towards those who are on the floor and being kicked.

Pathetic.

Macedonia simply doesn't have a choice. It wants to keep an identity that is real, but like so many other identities is based on miths that do not constitute a truth! Well no one gives a danm if the French really descend from the Gauls, or from the Franks, or the Romanians have anything to do with the Romans, or the Dacians. They are allowed to believe it if so they wish.
Macedonians also want to preserve the integrity of their country which is also untainable. (it is an image of what Serbia may become if it doesn't let Kosovo go). Macedonians want to get integrated in Europe when EU itself is quite weary of expansion.
Obviously they are in a what a chess player would call "zugzwang" - whatever move you make, it is a wrong one!

A1 news reported last night in Macedonia that there will be no Kosovo recognition!

Macedonia's recognition has been lessened in importance with Greece's acceptance of Kosovo passports.

Macedonia's position should be as neutral as possible. I think Albanians should concentrate on creating a viable state; not everything depends on so and so's "recognition".

THe Russian recognition of Sth. Ossetia and Abkhazia is bad for Kosovo, as its obvious that their UDI is a precedant. People should consider that the creators of "Kosova", the EU/US will want a stable as possible region and will not tolerate further Albanian demands. Albanians are a long, long way from creating a viable state consciousness, their strength is in their birth rate, usefulness as a Western bulwark in the region and funding of Western supporters ad infinitum!

FYROMian history:
Ancient Macedonians are FYROMians ancestors.
a) The territory of today's FYROM was inhabited mainly by Thracians and Illyrians and only about 10% by ancient Macedonians.
b) Ancient Macedonians didn't speak a Slavic language. FYROMians speak a Slavic language
c) The ancient Macedonians had already been hellenized when the Slavs (the real FYROMian ancestors) arrive in the Balkans. The ancient Macedonians had thus been replaced by Greeks.

nik
Like no one here gives a damn if you are just making stuff up, you are allowed to believe it, if so you wish.

It's time for Serbia to focus on its own affairs and leave Kosova alone. Focus on jobs and investments, not in maintaining an empire.
(Dashnori i Satam, 22 September 2008 17:57)

I have news for you. Kosovo is Serbia's affair. It is part of Serbia therefore it becomes Serbia's business.

What do you mean by maintain an empire? What empire are you talking about? If you are talking about retaining Kosovo? That is not maintaining an empire. Your American and British friends are into empires.