"Recognition is sovereign right of every state"

As it currently stands, 6 out of Serbia's 8 neighbours are not recognising her borders while she recognises all of theirs. Now who is causing the instability in the region.

I add that the idea that the US and EU can control what others do is wrong and smells like imperialism. It should be clear to the Albanians in kosovo that the only reason Montenegro and Macedonia recognized Kosovo is for fear of being excluded from the EU. They didn't do this because they actually believe it is the right thing to do. From the start Kosovo has been a forced country. It was even forced on the Kosovars by a handful of rebels. Thus, it cannot last. As far as international support, there are 50 countries recognizing Kosovo's independence now a full 8 months after decleration of independence. Further, as we saw in the UN general assembly the other day, not many countries were willing to vote no to the ICJ resolution. So much for a new great country.

It’s good for relations between Priština and Skopje, Priština and Podgorica, that recognition took place. Serbia’s the one creating instability, not recognition of Kosovo independence,“ he stated. “

Perhaps Mr Serwer could have explained honestly how it came to recognition by Podgorica and Skopje. After imposing the sort of force and pressure on these two so called countries by USA and some EU members, results are not surprising. It is all the result of demonstrating the force against small countries. I am sure this peace lover is aware of it.

I fear this man is a bit delusional when speaking about instability in the region because of Serbia and yet he still uses cheap talk about greater Serbia. I get disgust each time this man has something to say about Balkan and Serbia. He never changes his rhetoric and each time he points his finger at Serbia for all the troubles in the region. Perhaps Serbia is to blame for American economical failure too, for failure in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This statement by Serwer is so comical its a wonder anyone could take anything Serwer states with any credibility.

Has Serwer forgotton all notion of international laws that underpin the very stability and soverignity of every nation including his own?

Sewer has lost what little credibility he had with such a ridiculous statement since he fails to ascertain who decides a country is a country is defined by the Helsinki final act and UN norms and laws which actually decide the international fraework that provides stability.

Maybe Serwer is a supporter of lawless anarcy for the world as it seems little elese can be concluded from his statement! Clearly he can keep his lawless anarchy to the bounds of the US who seem to be creating the greatest finacial instability across the world and we need not take heed of their illegal stance.

It is the sovereign right of any country to maintain its boundaries - particular when that is guaranteed by a UN resolution.

The UDI does not exist as far as Serbia is concerned - Kosovo is just a troublesome province in the south.

The illegal recognition of Kosovo as an independent country is to reward the mono-ethnic efforts and ambitions of the Albanians in Kosovo who caused the trouble in the first place.

In my view, the breach of 1244 leaves Serbia free to assert its ownership by any means possible - even those that were restricted by 1244. The obligation of 1244 was to find a resolution - the current situation is not a resolution it is an unacceptable imposition on the sovereign state of Serbia.

Regarding the Balkans, Daniel Sewer's analysis has always been pants!

He starts with a recommendation, such as Kosovo must be independent, and then works backwards to try and justify that recommendation. Thus, his analysis and conclusions are incoherent when placed under closer examination. Of course, when he presents them, he only tells those elements that fit his argument so they have the appearance of being credible...

Unfortunately for the aspirations of brussels & Washington Mr Serwer, UN GA decided otherwise. Serbia's case is going before the ICJ. Unmodified.

In the meantime, can watch the US economy implode over trivial 'financial uncertainties'.

Serwer is such a tool. He says recognition is the right of every sovereign state but then turns around and condemns the right of the sovereign nation of Serbia in seeking a UN opinion on Kosovo. It's people like him that make me so critical of my country's foreign policy, and it's people like him that have all but dismantled the facade of American foreign policy being this alleged objective force for good in the world. I really wonder how these people earn such high ranking jobs. The sad thing is that American foreign policy will not change once Serwer and Rice are no longer in power. These ideas and motives are perennial regardless of political orientation.

Mr Serwer,

It's is very difficult to figure out whether you are ignorant, false, pretentious, or a trained arrogant con man.

Serbia put pressure on Montenegro and FYROM. And so did USA, and some EU countries. Why on earth you only condemn Serbia for that?

And from the result we can see whose pressure was the strongest.

It's a sad and unfortunate matter that when USA speaks it speaks with a voice of a hoax. Six months ago I had a short discussion with a high representative from the office of US Secretary of State. He condemned talks of some Serbian representatives about the Serbia's possible embargo of Kosovo. He said no democratic country does that kind of things. If Serbia started embargo it would prove that Serbia doesn't belong to the society of free democratic countries of the world*. When I reminded him of USA's embargo of Cuba, he replied "It is a totally another matter". And walked away, a glass of sparkling champagne in his hand. I tried to speak him a bit later but his adjutant pushed me away.

* In 1998 The United Nations voted 157-2 against the United States embargo of Cuba. 157 countries sided against one country (plus Israel) for the very first time in the history of the world. It's the record of all times in the UN.

Serwer is absolutely right.
Overriding feature of these last recognitions is the regional dimension.
There is a cross-reference between national interests of these two countries and ideal of EU integration and greater regional stability.
The use of the same language by Serbia is very surprising indeed, to say the least. A criterion of regional stability is translated by a particular interpretation of national interest, not necessarily the correct one, and that’s what Serwer describes as hegemonic view of relations with your neighbours. Dichotomy of Serbia’s European ambitions and her nationalistic agenda is where the contradiction lies, but that’s an internal debate that doesn’t have to involve Serbia’s neighbours.
There has been a great deal of speculation lately, trying to place culpability on the independence of Kosova for emergence of neo-fascism’s in Serbia. Emergence is the trick word in here. There has been nothing but repackaging of this extreme nationalistic drive pertinent in Serbia throughout last two decades. We are all witness to destruction and death that this ideology brought when applied towards neighbours. Treatment of this problem is the gigantic task of Serbia’s government, containment of the ideology it is an international duty.

I think it is time for the Republika Srpska to make a unilateral declaration of independence. It is also time for the opposition parties in Crna Gora to take down their government, starting this Monday with their anti-recognition demonstration. Why doesn't the Voice of America, excuse me, B92 report Monday's demonstration?

Sidi,

You are absolutely right in your assessment of my critiques of American foreign policy. Indeed, I do decry our strategies in only seeing what is advantageous to us, rather than what is good for the region under study. Allow me to explain.

You say you "find it intriguing that you are ... an American and yet fail to see that the American support for Kosova and the Albanian cause in general, is based primarily on what serves American interests in the region."

This is exactly the point. It serves America's interest. Not the interest of the Balkans or any other state trying to stem the momentum of secession (RS in Bosnia for example). That it benefits Albanians is strictly a matter of convenience. If Kosovo's indepdence did NOT serve Washington's interests, we wouldn't have pushed for it.

You rightly point out Kosovo is a "foothold" of American foreign policy, and I applaud your assessment of that. The problem is this: pro-American sentiment among Albanians and supposedly anti-American sentiment among Slavs (Serbs in particular) is not primordial, perennial, or inherent. Such sentiments are largely a reflection of what we as the US has done. Twenty years ago, Serbs were very much pro-American. As were a good portion of the world. Today, the US - whether rightly or wrongly - is regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Is it just because "they hate us?" No. It's because what we do to further our own interests often complicates what those in the region want. If there is this perceived "anti-American" sentiment among Serbs now (and can you really blame them?), what makes you think that once American foreign policy shifts to accomodate its own interests in the future, that Albanians in the future will be as "loyal"? Look at Iraq, Iran, Nicaragua, Panama, Columbia, Venezuela, Egypt and even Europe over the past 20 - 30 years to note a trend. If after 10 - 15 years Kosovo is as dysfunctional and corrupt as Bosnia, it will in no small part be due to Washington's support of cronies in power who are more interested in staying in power, rather than actually helping the people (Albanians, Serbs, and others).

My point is this: Kosovo's independence is a convenient compatibility with American interests in the region that you rightly identify. We're not interested in building democracy in the region as we're interested in that strategic foothold.

As much as it's always natural to root for the home team, I've sadly noticed that what the home team does usually has unforeseen repercussions for policymakers like Serwer with limited global outlook and a basic understanding of other societies. If we would just come out and say "America is looking out for her own interests. We have the power, the money, and the influence to make it happen, and don't say that's bad because you'd do the exact same thing were you in our shoes", rather than candy coating it in this ridiculous notion that we're spreading democracy and freedom, I'd actually respect it more for its brutal honesty. I love this country, but I've become incredibly critical of its foreign policy.

What about relations between Belgrade & Podgorica and Skopje & Belgrade and even Pristina & Belgrade!

As I look at it. It looks likes to me that Kosovo is a lot smaller in size than Serbia! Serbia can truly if they want to cause true instability in the region. However everybody else in Europe and USA are the ones creating instability.

I had some dinner at Kalemegdanska terasa last night and found a nice Serbian wine. This one was a Cabernet Sauvignon from Radovanovic and it seems there are quite a few options out there. No more Vranac for me or any other Montenegrin and FYROMian produce.

Does that apply for Russia and Nicaragua recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as well?

Well Serwer has a point here. "Recognition is sovereign right of every state." However, recognition means respect for a Sovereignty and borders. By recognizing Kosovo, those States are saying they don't recognize Serbia. It is their right but doesn't make it correct. Everyone has a right to choose criminal behavior over legal standards and norms.

ZK,

Glad to hear your search for a good Serbian wine was successful. I like Kalemegdanska terasa, but it's a bit pricey for me. Try out Mali Kalemegdan on the other side of the fortress. Their Leskovacka muckalica is to die for.

There's also a great kafana on Ulica Ruzeveltova (near Vukov spomenik) called "4+2=6" or something like that. Anyways, they have fantastic rakija, as does the kafana in Kalenic.

I would like to be able to see who's bankrolling his nonsense, it wouldn't surprise me to find US govt money, as well as, ethnic Albanian lobbyist money sitting pretty in his bank account. ANYONE, who casts aside facts and information that don't coincide with their worldview (or the worldview of those that hold his/her purse strings) is a complete joke.

My country has become the world's bully in order to further it's hegemonistic agenda (I would never have thought this possible 25 years ago). We have bullied at least 3/4 of the countries that have recognized the pseudo-welfare-state of Kosovo into doing so. We have betrayed the trust of the one people (Serbs) in the region that backed the allies in both world wars. We have sided with Nazi sympathizers, ones who actively colluded with the fascists and fielded their own SS divisions (Handzar and Skanderbeg) in order to eradicate those who were not like them. I'm disgusted and disappointed at what my once wonderful country has become.

Unfortunately, a majority of Americans have no idea what the real story is in the Balkans. Most Americans would rather keep their eyes closed to most truths throughout the world as long as it doesn't interfere with their daily lives, many could care less about anyone other than themselves, especially those that live halfway around the world. My country's founding fathers would be appalled at what's happening in the US today, they would not recognize the country they founded, we have betrayed them for the pursuit of the almighty dollar (not that it's as mighty as it used to be). Being center-right politically I find not only the Dems, but the Reps as well, to be betrayers of this country and the world now. I NEVER thought I would say this, but the fall of the USSR really brought the worse out of my country, not the best, as I had hoped and the really depressing thing for me is that I see no one in the forseeable future changing this suicidal course. What goes around comes around and I think this economic collapse is part of what's getting ready to come around.

To my fellow Orthardox

As a Macedonian i regret that my country has recognized Kosovo but deep in my heart i belive Kosovo is and alway Serbian.

Pavaresi, how does Serbia and the Serbian Church supposedly loving Russia have anything to do with my opinions on American foreign policy? Your comment makes absolutely no sense.

To Daniel

"It was even forced on the Kosovars by a handful of rebels. "

If you are trying to suggest that the 90% Albanian population of Kosova was not yerning for freedom and independence, and had the independence "forced upon it" by the KLA, you are beyond naive...

To Mike
You criticize America's foreign policy stating that you are "ashamed of my country's policy". Granted that every US citizen (and I am an Albanian-American) has the right to criticize his own government's policy. However, I find it intriguing that you are (or claim to be) an American and yet fail to see that the American support for Kosova and the Albanian cause in general, is based primarily on what serves American interests in the region. Albanians are viewed by the US administrations as being the most loyal US allies in the Balkans. A foothold for American foreign policy in the area. I would go as far as to compare the Albanian factor in the Balkans to the Israeli factor in the middle east. Basically a pillar of pro-american sentiment, surrounded by anti-american slavic sentiment. Now assuming that's the case, your criticism of American policy on Serbia, although righteous at its core, is basically an advocacy of what's not in America's interest. You are an American saying that policies which favor American interests are wrong. I find that troubling.

However, I congratulate you on your sound, albeit resigned, realization that Kosova can never be forced into the ever-diminishing Serbia again.

Sidi, NYC

Sidi, I have absolutely no respect for people who love the US so blindly as Kosovo's Albanians do. Serbia, and my mother was Serbian (not my father), were and are willing to stand up to the most powerful military nation on earth. Doesn't that say something to you? Kosovo's Albanians would do anything to apease their American benefactors. Anyone so willing to please I believe would be immediately ready to fight against the US if the US suddenly changed its policy. I'm not against Albanians having their place in Kosovo, however it must be earned through sincere negotiations, not the fake negotiations that took place earlier. It was fake because the outcome was predetermined. Here's what will happen. Eventually Kosovo will split along ethnic lines. You will have to create a new flag too. As I learned from my mother, Serbs will never give up. Eventually you'll have to do what you all along should have done but were afraid to do, negotiate.

A solution based on NEGOTIATION between the parties is still the most effective way in settling conflicts.

Unilateral action will only add fuel on the fire and therefore will result on more chaos and instability.

Kosovo separatists action is unjustified!!!

Mr. Serwer is confused, he does not even let his testimony beforer the U.S. congress stand in the way of his contradictory statements designed to keep him in the news
in 2003 .MR Sewer testified as follows:

My personal bottom lines on Kosovo final status are these:

There is no alternative to a negotiated solution, one to which the authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina agree prior to UN Security Council approval.
A negotiated solution will not correspond to the maximum demands of either Belgrade or Pristina and will include complicated conditions on both parties.
Negotiations on final status require preparation, including talks on practical issues between Pristina and Belgrade and consultations between Europe and the United States.
Talks on final status should start under joint EU and U.S. sponsorship by 2005, with a goal of completing them within two years.
The United States is an indispensable participant in the decision on Kosovo final status and needs to begin preparing for its role now.

Olli, you are wrong to judge your conversation partner the way you do.
Here is the proof.

What happens with you if your supervisor will learn, you have a g/f in the city of Rajin, you did visit her several time already and you maybe going to marry.

Answer: nothing.

Now imagine the same with your conversation partner! He would lose his job, go under some scrutinity, his life will be a hell.

We are free birds, but no money. They are lackeys. It was our choice where and for whom to work. ;)

---------

I really wonder how these people earn such high ranking jobs.
(Mike, 11 October 2008 16:27)

Mike, ever did ride a bicycle?

1) you push with your feet to what is "down' compared to you
2) you deeply bow to what is "above" compared to you
3) keep your tongue out

It works!

Daniel Serwer, one day when your bankrupt empire disintegrates from within, which one day it will, we will have the sovereign right to recognize each of your vassal states as independent countries too. Then peace and stablity will be seen in the world. Oh, even if you bellowed about greater America and U.S. - nostalgia we would still have our soverign right to recognize your once grand empire as a multitude of independent countries not tied to the central structure of Washington - who can't manage affairs.

Albanians for obvious reasons cannot trust Serbian rule


Yet, that's exactly what the ethnic Albanians want the Serbs to do now, how hypocritical you sound.

Im so sick and tired of hearing about Milosevic from the ethnic Albanians, for better or worst the man is dead. I don't hear any of you ethnic Albanians apologizing for joining the Nazi cause in WWII and killing as many Serbs as you could then. The past is the past, leave it there, get back to the negotiation table and work it out amongst yourselves without the West.

There is no alternative to a negotiated solution, one to which the authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina agree prior to UN Security Council approval.
(Marko, 11 October 2008 17:17)

Marko, good post - but you forgot the bicycle principle. Hope, B92 did post the "bicycle".

Please give mr SERWER credit for beeing so plain and open the whole time in his raports in regards to former Yugoslavia as a man that understands realistic options. For Montenegro and Macedonia recognition was the best option.It may not suit everybody but it does suit above all to two million Albanians that had the final say regarding their future in accord with international laws that state the rights of selfdetermination of nations.

Mike,
what you forget is that Serbs are allied with the Russians and USA does not get along with the Russian, as simple as that. How sincere would your "We love America now" be when we know that Serbs and Serbian Church loves Russia? You have every reason to love Russia, the history of modern Serbia is linked to it, but you can't fool anyone with your supposedly pro-American views.

Another reason is peace and stability, in the Balkans: Kosova declared independence and FYROM is stabilized. No more wars or uprisings.

Im so sick and tired of hearing about Milosevic from the ethnic Albanians, for better or worst the man is dead. I don't hear any of you ethnic Albanians apologizing for joining the Nazi cause in WWII and killing as many Serbs as you could then. The past is the past, leave it there, get back to the negotiation table and work it out amongst yourselves without the West.
(LMN II, USA, 12 October 2008 16:02)

I have been saying this for a long time now too.
Milosevic is the only convenient excuse they have. They can't let go of him.

He has served them so well as a convenient excuse that they should built a statue in his honour.

Python is totally completely right!

As it currently stands, 6 out of Serbia's 8 neighbours are not recognising her borders while she recognises all of theirs. Now who is causing the instability in the region.
(Python, 11 October 2008 12:51)

I can't think of a more succint and better argument against Sewer!

Great response. I had to reccommend this and would do so over and over!!

Although I will not brag about the pro-Serbian vote of my country (politics is politics and just is just, and lately these 2 dont go together unfortunately), I have 2-3 small comments to post:
1. I find it really intriguing that one day CG votes in favor of Serbian request and next day they recognise the UDI.
2. I find it hypocritical from those that abstained the voting that they, almost unanimous, said the following - more or less:
UK: "the United Kingdom had made it clear it was a strong supporter of the Court, and had for years accepted its compulsory jurisdiction....As to why the United Kingdom was raising questions about the Serbian request, he said the reason was that the request had been motivated primarily for political-–rather than legal-—reasons"
And isnt everything in the diplomatic agenda political? It also means they agree that it was legal request.
Alb: "his delegation “respectfully disagreed” with today’s attempt--“logistically legal, but in essence, manipulative"
So, they too agree it was a legal request, but ....
"He went on to note that Kosovo was a unique case, in its historical and political developments."
Arent they all unique? If there was a standard way of dealing with them, then what would the need of UN existance at all?
Also,
"the Assembly’s involvement “in this very unique case”, along with the possible pronouncement of an opinion by the world Court, might create interpretations that had “wider latitude and scale of application”. Indeed, a “push to the margins” by the Assembly might create a precedent, “with potentially bad applications everywhere”.
So a court's decision (the court "we trust" and blah blah) is pushing to the margins!!!! And on top, it will create problems everywhere.
Usa: "On the question to refer the decision to the Court, she suggested an opinion was unnecessary and unhelpful"
No respect to the ICJ when it isnt us (the usa) that asks for a "war-criminal" to be tried.
"She respectfully asked the Assembly to consider the potential consequences of doing so, noting the potential for others to seize on language to bolster their claims for independence."
So let them be as we have chosen them to be, or there will be more in the future.
FR: "France fully backed the Court, but the request for an advisory opinion was not useful for the recognition of Kosovo"
CAN: "Canada believed today’s action was unlikely to result in an advisory opinion that would foster stability in the region."
GER: "his country was strongly committed to the Court, however, any General Assembly action should contribute to advancing a stable and just settlement for Kosovo and the Western Balkans"
FIN: "Finland was among the 48 countries that had recognized Kosovo, and was concerned about any developments that would create regional instability."
Swis: "felt that a request to the International Court of Justice could lead to uncertainties and undermine economic development in the region."

What is common on all of the above statements? The obvious. That when the ICJ makes a decision, it will in favor of Serbia. At least, that is the first reading out of all those statements.

(for the record, the statements are taken from the official UN site: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/ga10764.doc.htm)

What is common to those states that abstained? They all say: it is a just request, but not "politically correct", in a way. So we sacrifice a part of a country to create our own puppet state out of political correctness...or because we are too arrogant to accept that we were wrong in the first place
Amuzing :)

"There is no alternative to a negotiated solution, one to which the authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina agree prior to UN Security Council approval."

Well, it takes two to tango. Serbs refused independence at any cost, Albanians for obvious reasons cannot trust Serbian rule and autonomy is a joke, since we had it taken away once. So what do you do?

Serwer is absolutely right.
Overriding feature of these last recognitions is the regional dimension.
There is a cross-reference between national interests of these two countries and ideal of EU integration and greater regional stability.
The use of the same language by Serbia is very surprising indeed, to say the least. A criterion of regional stability is translated by a particular interpretation of national interest, not necessarily the correct one, and that’s what Serwer describes as hegemonic view of relations with your neighbours. Dichotomy of Serbia’s European ambitions and her nationalistic agenda is where the contradiction lies, but that’s an internal debate that doesn’t have to involve Serbia’s neighbours.
There has been a great deal of speculation lately, trying to place culpability on the independence of Kosova for emergence of neo-fascism’s in Serbia. Emergence is the trick word in here. There has been nothing but repackaging of this extreme nationalistic drive pertinent in Serbia throughout last two decades. We are all witness to destruction and death that this ideology brought when applied towards neighbours. Treatment of this problem is the gigantic task of Serbia’s government, containment of the ideology it is an international duty.

I add that the idea that the US and EU can control what others do is wrong and smells like imperialism. It should be clear to the Albanians in kosovo that the only reason Montenegro and Macedonia recognized Kosovo is for fear of being excluded from the EU. They didn't do this because they actually believe it is the right thing to do. From the start Kosovo has been a forced country. It was even forced on the Kosovars by a handful of rebels. Thus, it cannot last. As far as international support, there are 50 countries recognizing Kosovo's independence now a full 8 months after decleration of independence. Further, as we saw in the UN general assembly the other day, not many countries were willing to vote no to the ICJ resolution. So much for a new great country.

As it currently stands, 6 out of Serbia's 8 neighbours are not recognising her borders while she recognises all of theirs. Now who is causing the instability in the region.

It is the sovereign right of any country to maintain its boundaries - particular when that is guaranteed by a UN resolution.

The UDI does not exist as far as Serbia is concerned - Kosovo is just a troublesome province in the south.

The illegal recognition of Kosovo as an independent country is to reward the mono-ethnic efforts and ambitions of the Albanians in Kosovo who caused the trouble in the first place.

In my view, the breach of 1244 leaves Serbia free to assert its ownership by any means possible - even those that were restricted by 1244. The obligation of 1244 was to find a resolution - the current situation is not a resolution it is an unacceptable imposition on the sovereign state of Serbia.

It’s good for relations between Priština and Skopje, Priština and Podgorica, that recognition took place. Serbia’s the one creating instability, not recognition of Kosovo independence,“ he stated. “

Perhaps Mr Serwer could have explained honestly how it came to recognition by Podgorica and Skopje. After imposing the sort of force and pressure on these two so called countries by USA and some EU members, results are not surprising. It is all the result of demonstrating the force against small countries. I am sure this peace lover is aware of it.

I fear this man is a bit delusional when speaking about instability in the region because of Serbia and yet he still uses cheap talk about greater Serbia. I get disgust each time this man has something to say about Balkan and Serbia. He never changes his rhetoric and each time he points his finger at Serbia for all the troubles in the region. Perhaps Serbia is to blame for American economical failure too, for failure in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This statement by Serwer is so comical its a wonder anyone could take anything Serwer states with any credibility.

Has Serwer forgotton all notion of international laws that underpin the very stability and soverignity of every nation including his own?

Sewer has lost what little credibility he had with such a ridiculous statement since he fails to ascertain who decides a country is a country is defined by the Helsinki final act and UN norms and laws which actually decide the international fraework that provides stability.

Maybe Serwer is a supporter of lawless anarcy for the world as it seems little elese can be concluded from his statement! Clearly he can keep his lawless anarchy to the bounds of the US who seem to be creating the greatest finacial instability across the world and we need not take heed of their illegal stance.

Olli, you are wrong to judge your conversation partner the way you do.
Here is the proof.

What happens with you if your supervisor will learn, you have a g/f in the city of Rajin, you did visit her several time already and you maybe going to marry.

Answer: nothing.

Now imagine the same with your conversation partner! He would lose his job, go under some scrutinity, his life will be a hell.

We are free birds, but no money. They are lackeys. It was our choice where and for whom to work. ;)

---------

I really wonder how these people earn such high ranking jobs.
(Mike, 11 October 2008 16:27)

Mike, ever did ride a bicycle?

1) you push with your feet to what is "down' compared to you
2) you deeply bow to what is "above" compared to you
3) keep your tongue out

It works!

There is no alternative to a negotiated solution, one to which the authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina agree prior to UN Security Council approval.
(Marko, 11 October 2008 17:17)

Marko, good post - but you forgot the bicycle principle. Hope, B92 did post the "bicycle".

To Daniel

"It was even forced on the Kosovars by a handful of rebels. "

If you are trying to suggest that the 90% Albanian population of Kosova was not yerning for freedom and independence, and had the independence "forced upon it" by the KLA, you are beyond naive...

To Mike
You criticize America's foreign policy stating that you are "ashamed of my country's policy". Granted that every US citizen (and I am an Albanian-American) has the right to criticize his own government's policy. However, I find it intriguing that you are (or claim to be) an American and yet fail to see that the American support for Kosova and the Albanian cause in general, is based primarily on what serves American interests in the region. Albanians are viewed by the US administrations as being the most loyal US allies in the Balkans. A foothold for American foreign policy in the area. I would go as far as to compare the Albanian factor in the Balkans to the Israeli factor in the middle east. Basically a pillar of pro-american sentiment, surrounded by anti-american slavic sentiment. Now assuming that's the case, your criticism of American policy on Serbia, although righteous at its core, is basically an advocacy of what's not in America's interest. You are an American saying that policies which favor American interests are wrong. I find that troubling.

However, I congratulate you on your sound, albeit resigned, realization that Kosova can never be forced into the ever-diminishing Serbia again.

Sidi, NYC

I would like to be able to see who's bankrolling his nonsense, it wouldn't surprise me to find US govt money, as well as, ethnic Albanian lobbyist money sitting pretty in his bank account. ANYONE, who casts aside facts and information that don't coincide with their worldview (or the worldview of those that hold his/her purse strings) is a complete joke.

My country has become the world's bully in order to further it's hegemonistic agenda (I would never have thought this possible 25 years ago). We have bullied at least 3/4 of the countries that have recognized the pseudo-welfare-state of Kosovo into doing so. We have betrayed the trust of the one people (Serbs) in the region that backed the allies in both world wars. We have sided with Nazi sympathizers, ones who actively colluded with the fascists and fielded their own SS divisions (Handzar and Skanderbeg) in order to eradicate those who were not like them. I'm disgusted and disappointed at what my once wonderful country has become.

Unfortunately, a majority of Americans have no idea what the real story is in the Balkans. Most Americans would rather keep their eyes closed to most truths throughout the world as long as it doesn't interfere with their daily lives, many could care less about anyone other than themselves, especially those that live halfway around the world. My country's founding fathers would be appalled at what's happening in the US today, they would not recognize the country they founded, we have betrayed them for the pursuit of the almighty dollar (not that it's as mighty as it used to be). Being center-right politically I find not only the Dems, but the Reps as well, to be betrayers of this country and the world now. I NEVER thought I would say this, but the fall of the USSR really brought the worse out of my country, not the best, as I had hoped and the really depressing thing for me is that I see no one in the forseeable future changing this suicidal course. What goes around comes around and I think this economic collapse is part of what's getting ready to come around.

Please give mr SERWER credit for beeing so plain and open the whole time in his raports in regards to former Yugoslavia as a man that understands realistic options. For Montenegro and Macedonia recognition was the best option.It may not suit everybody but it does suit above all to two million Albanians that had the final say regarding their future in accord with international laws that state the rights of selfdetermination of nations.

Sidi,

You are absolutely right in your assessment of my critiques of American foreign policy. Indeed, I do decry our strategies in only seeing what is advantageous to us, rather than what is good for the region under study. Allow me to explain.

You say you "find it intriguing that you are ... an American and yet fail to see that the American support for Kosova and the Albanian cause in general, is based primarily on what serves American interests in the region."

This is exactly the point. It serves America's interest. Not the interest of the Balkans or any other state trying to stem the momentum of secession (RS in Bosnia for example). That it benefits Albanians is strictly a matter of convenience. If Kosovo's indepdence did NOT serve Washington's interests, we wouldn't have pushed for it.

You rightly point out Kosovo is a "foothold" of American foreign policy, and I applaud your assessment of that. The problem is this: pro-American sentiment among Albanians and supposedly anti-American sentiment among Slavs (Serbs in particular) is not primordial, perennial, or inherent. Such sentiments are largely a reflection of what we as the US has done. Twenty years ago, Serbs were very much pro-American. As were a good portion of the world. Today, the US - whether rightly or wrongly - is regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Is it just because "they hate us?" No. It's because what we do to further our own interests often complicates what those in the region want. If there is this perceived "anti-American" sentiment among Serbs now (and can you really blame them?), what makes you think that once American foreign policy shifts to accomodate its own interests in the future, that Albanians in the future will be as "loyal"? Look at Iraq, Iran, Nicaragua, Panama, Columbia, Venezuela, Egypt and even Europe over the past 20 - 30 years to note a trend. If after 10 - 15 years Kosovo is as dysfunctional and corrupt as Bosnia, it will in no small part be due to Washington's support of cronies in power who are more interested in staying in power, rather than actually helping the people (Albanians, Serbs, and others).

My point is this: Kosovo's independence is a convenient compatibility with American interests in the region that you rightly identify. We're not interested in building democracy in the region as we're interested in that strategic foothold.

As much as it's always natural to root for the home team, I've sadly noticed that what the home team does usually has unforeseen repercussions for policymakers like Serwer with limited global outlook and a basic understanding of other societies. If we would just come out and say "America is looking out for her own interests. We have the power, the money, and the influence to make it happen, and don't say that's bad because you'd do the exact same thing were you in our shoes", rather than candy coating it in this ridiculous notion that we're spreading democracy and freedom, I'd actually respect it more for its brutal honesty. I love this country, but I've become incredibly critical of its foreign policy.

Albanians for obvious reasons cannot trust Serbian rule


Yet, that's exactly what the ethnic Albanians want the Serbs to do now, how hypocritical you sound.

Im so sick and tired of hearing about Milosevic from the ethnic Albanians, for better or worst the man is dead. I don't hear any of you ethnic Albanians apologizing for joining the Nazi cause in WWII and killing as many Serbs as you could then. The past is the past, leave it there, get back to the negotiation table and work it out amongst yourselves without the West.

Unfortunately for the aspirations of brussels & Washington Mr Serwer, UN GA decided otherwise. Serbia's case is going before the ICJ. Unmodified.

In the meantime, can watch the US economy implode over trivial 'financial uncertainties'.

Mr Serwer,

It's is very difficult to figure out whether you are ignorant, false, pretentious, or a trained arrogant con man.

Serbia put pressure on Montenegro and FYROM. And so did USA, and some EU countries. Why on earth you only condemn Serbia for that?

And from the result we can see whose pressure was the strongest.

It's a sad and unfortunate matter that when USA speaks it speaks with a voice of a hoax. Six months ago I had a short discussion with a high representative from the office of US Secretary of State. He condemned talks of some Serbian representatives about the Serbia's possible embargo of Kosovo. He said no democratic country does that kind of things. If Serbia started embargo it would prove that Serbia doesn't belong to the society of free democratic countries of the world*. When I reminded him of USA's embargo of Cuba, he replied "It is a totally another matter". And walked away, a glass of sparkling champagne in his hand. I tried to speak him a bit later but his adjutant pushed me away.

* In 1998 The United Nations voted 157-2 against the United States embargo of Cuba. 157 countries sided against one country (plus Israel) for the very first time in the history of the world. It's the record of all times in the UN.

Does that apply for Russia and Nicaragua recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as well?

Mike,
what you forget is that Serbs are allied with the Russians and USA does not get along with the Russian, as simple as that. How sincere would your "We love America now" be when we know that Serbs and Serbian Church loves Russia? You have every reason to love Russia, the history of modern Serbia is linked to it, but you can't fool anyone with your supposedly pro-American views.

Another reason is peace and stability, in the Balkans: Kosova declared independence and FYROM is stabilized. No more wars or uprisings.

Sidi, I have absolutely no respect for people who love the US so blindly as Kosovo's Albanians do. Serbia, and my mother was Serbian (not my father), were and are willing to stand up to the most powerful military nation on earth. Doesn't that say something to you? Kosovo's Albanians would do anything to apease their American benefactors. Anyone so willing to please I believe would be immediately ready to fight against the US if the US suddenly changed its policy. I'm not against Albanians having their place in Kosovo, however it must be earned through sincere negotiations, not the fake negotiations that took place earlier. It was fake because the outcome was predetermined. Here's what will happen. Eventually Kosovo will split along ethnic lines. You will have to create a new flag too. As I learned from my mother, Serbs will never give up. Eventually you'll have to do what you all along should have done but were afraid to do, negotiate.

Pavaresi, how does Serbia and the Serbian Church supposedly loving Russia have anything to do with my opinions on American foreign policy? Your comment makes absolutely no sense.

To my fellow Orthardox

As a Macedonian i regret that my country has recognized Kosovo but deep in my heart i belive Kosovo is and alway Serbian.

A solution based on NEGOTIATION between the parties is still the most effective way in settling conflicts.

Unilateral action will only add fuel on the fire and therefore will result on more chaos and instability.

Kosovo separatists action is unjustified!!!

Daniel Serwer, one day when your bankrupt empire disintegrates from within, which one day it will, we will have the sovereign right to recognize each of your vassal states as independent countries too. Then peace and stablity will be seen in the world. Oh, even if you bellowed about greater America and U.S. - nostalgia we would still have our soverign right to recognize your once grand empire as a multitude of independent countries not tied to the central structure of Washington - who can't manage affairs.

Regarding the Balkans, Daniel Sewer's analysis has always been pants!

He starts with a recommendation, such as Kosovo must be independent, and then works backwards to try and justify that recommendation. Thus, his analysis and conclusions are incoherent when placed under closer examination. Of course, when he presents them, he only tells those elements that fit his argument so they have the appearance of being credible...

Well Serwer has a point here. "Recognition is sovereign right of every state." However, recognition means respect for a Sovereignty and borders. By recognizing Kosovo, those States are saying they don't recognize Serbia. It is their right but doesn't make it correct. Everyone has a right to choose criminal behavior over legal standards and norms.

I think it is time for the Republika Srpska to make a unilateral declaration of independence. It is also time for the opposition parties in Crna Gora to take down their government, starting this Monday with their anti-recognition demonstration. Why doesn't the Voice of America, excuse me, B92 report Monday's demonstration?

Serwer is such a tool. He says recognition is the right of every sovereign state but then turns around and condemns the right of the sovereign nation of Serbia in seeking a UN opinion on Kosovo. It's people like him that make me so critical of my country's foreign policy, and it's people like him that have all but dismantled the facade of American foreign policy being this alleged objective force for good in the world. I really wonder how these people earn such high ranking jobs. The sad thing is that American foreign policy will not change once Serwer and Rice are no longer in power. These ideas and motives are perennial regardless of political orientation.

What about relations between Belgrade & Podgorica and Skopje & Belgrade and even Pristina & Belgrade!

As I look at it. It looks likes to me that Kosovo is a lot smaller in size than Serbia! Serbia can truly if they want to cause true instability in the region. However everybody else in Europe and USA are the ones creating instability.

I had some dinner at Kalemegdanska terasa last night and found a nice Serbian wine. This one was a Cabernet Sauvignon from Radovanovic and it seems there are quite a few options out there. No more Vranac for me or any other Montenegrin and FYROMian produce.

Mr. Serwer is confused, he does not even let his testimony beforer the U.S. congress stand in the way of his contradictory statements designed to keep him in the news
in 2003 .MR Sewer testified as follows:

My personal bottom lines on Kosovo final status are these:

There is no alternative to a negotiated solution, one to which the authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina agree prior to UN Security Council approval.
A negotiated solution will not correspond to the maximum demands of either Belgrade or Pristina and will include complicated conditions on both parties.
Negotiations on final status require preparation, including talks on practical issues between Pristina and Belgrade and consultations between Europe and the United States.
Talks on final status should start under joint EU and U.S. sponsorship by 2005, with a goal of completing them within two years.
The United States is an indispensable participant in the decision on Kosovo final status and needs to begin preparing for its role now.

ZK,

Glad to hear your search for a good Serbian wine was successful. I like Kalemegdanska terasa, but it's a bit pricey for me. Try out Mali Kalemegdan on the other side of the fortress. Their Leskovacka muckalica is to die for.

There's also a great kafana on Ulica Ruzeveltova (near Vukov spomenik) called "4+2=6" or something like that. Anyways, they have fantastic rakija, as does the kafana in Kalenic.

"There is no alternative to a negotiated solution, one to which the authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina agree prior to UN Security Council approval."

Well, it takes two to tango. Serbs refused independence at any cost, Albanians for obvious reasons cannot trust Serbian rule and autonomy is a joke, since we had it taken away once. So what do you do?

Im so sick and tired of hearing about Milosevic from the ethnic Albanians, for better or worst the man is dead. I don't hear any of you ethnic Albanians apologizing for joining the Nazi cause in WWII and killing as many Serbs as you could then. The past is the past, leave it there, get back to the negotiation table and work it out amongst yourselves without the West.
(LMN II, USA, 12 October 2008 16:02)

I have been saying this for a long time now too.
Milosevic is the only convenient excuse they have. They can't let go of him.

He has served them so well as a convenient excuse that they should built a statue in his honour.

Python is totally completely right!

As it currently stands, 6 out of Serbia's 8 neighbours are not recognising her borders while she recognises all of theirs. Now who is causing the instability in the region.
(Python, 11 October 2008 12:51)

I can't think of a more succint and better argument against Sewer!

Great response. I had to reccommend this and would do so over and over!!

Although I will not brag about the pro-Serbian vote of my country (politics is politics and just is just, and lately these 2 dont go together unfortunately), I have 2-3 small comments to post:
1. I find it really intriguing that one day CG votes in favor of Serbian request and next day they recognise the UDI.
2. I find it hypocritical from those that abstained the voting that they, almost unanimous, said the following - more or less:
UK: "the United Kingdom had made it clear it was a strong supporter of the Court, and had for years accepted its compulsory jurisdiction....As to why the United Kingdom was raising questions about the Serbian request, he said the reason was that the request had been motivated primarily for political-–rather than legal-—reasons"
And isnt everything in the diplomatic agenda political? It also means they agree that it was legal request.
Alb: "his delegation “respectfully disagreed” with today’s attempt--“logistically legal, but in essence, manipulative"
So, they too agree it was a legal request, but ....
"He went on to note that Kosovo was a unique case, in its historical and political developments."
Arent they all unique? If there was a standard way of dealing with them, then what would the need of UN existance at all?
Also,
"the Assembly’s involvement “in this very unique case”, along with the possible pronouncement of an opinion by the world Court, might create interpretations that had “wider latitude and scale of application”. Indeed, a “push to the margins” by the Assembly might create a precedent, “with potentially bad applications everywhere”.
So a court's decision (the court "we trust" and blah blah) is pushing to the margins!!!! And on top, it will create problems everywhere.
Usa: "On the question to refer the decision to the Court, she suggested an opinion was unnecessary and unhelpful"
No respect to the ICJ when it isnt us (the usa) that asks for a "war-criminal" to be tried.
"She respectfully asked the Assembly to consider the potential consequences of doing so, noting the potential for others to seize on language to bolster their claims for independence."
So let them be as we have chosen them to be, or there will be more in the future.
FR: "France fully backed the Court, but the request for an advisory opinion was not useful for the recognition of Kosovo"
CAN: "Canada believed today’s action was unlikely to result in an advisory opinion that would foster stability in the region."
GER: "his country was strongly committed to the Court, however, any General Assembly action should contribute to advancing a stable and just settlement for Kosovo and the Western Balkans"
FIN: "Finland was among the 48 countries that had recognized Kosovo, and was concerned about any developments that would create regional instability."
Swis: "felt that a request to the International Court of Justice could lead to uncertainties and undermine economic development in the region."

What is common on all of the above statements? The obvious. That when the ICJ makes a decision, it will in favor of Serbia. At least, that is the first reading out of all those statements.

(for the record, the statements are taken from the official UN site: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/ga10764.doc.htm)

What is common to those states that abstained? They all say: it is a just request, but not "politically correct", in a way. So we sacrifice a part of a country to create our own puppet state out of political correctness...or because we are too arrogant to accept that we were wrong in the first place
Amuzing :)