Slovak PM voices strong support for Serbia

Slovak PM voices strong support - This, the Slovak premier continued, is because Bratislava left no room for pressures from the very beginning.
--
We thank our friends in Slovakia and around the world for standing firm and protecting Serbia's integrity along with international law. Kosovo is and always will remain Serbian.

I also thank all of those citizens for overwhelmingly supporting Serbia in those countries where governments have gone against their will and recognised this illegal puppet entity.

Time is on our side and we will prevail once again. Just like the Ottomans and NAZIs, so will NATO get the boot.

Slovakia has not prostituted its principles for EU money or US promises.
This is a real and are quality that is missing throughout the world today.

"If there is at least a tiny piece of justice in this world, the International Court of Justice in The Hague will have to confirm it,"

I think exactly the same, if tis court is a serious and independent court, there can be no other ruling than in favor of international law and that means in favor of Serbia.

let´s just see what future brings.

Slovakia is a clear model for Serbia or any country that aspires to join the European Union. Slovakia is a country that did not fold on it's principals. Joining the EU in theory is not a bad idea, however it could be catastrophic pending on how much the government is willing to compromise and is willing to accept.

If Serbia is to join the EU, we must strictly follow the same formula Slovakia followed.

Is there a video from that press conference available somewhere?


omnipotent:
"Slovakia fears Hungary, thats how I explain their position!"

You have lot of imagination, there is no such fear.

Guys, this is another case in which a country is motivated by undemocratic ethnic fear and has nothing to do with any principle that Slovak government might hold.

"personally prefer Czech Republic) Nice place to visit especially Prague))
A question for the Serbian panel. Which is more interesting Prague or Bratislava?
(EA, 13 October 2008 22:16)"

I think that pretty much shows what the problem is with our dear friends here!

while the vast majority of Albanians ( and of course Serbs also ) lives in poverty and limbo without jobs and a perspective... some naive souls are wasting their energy to pose questions like "which city is more interesting, Prague or Bratislava?"

ps: I just heard that there are protests in Podgorica, and the montenegrin "apparatchik" has sent out police to calm down the protesters...

I´d say that he could be a dicontinued model.

Mark:
If International Court of Justice decides that independance was legal, Slovakia will recognize Kosovo. Slovakia will consider its resolution binding.

I personally prefer the Czech Republic. That is an honorable country of the EU.

I personally prefer Czech Republic) Nice place to visit especially Prague))
A question for the Serbian panel. Which is more interesting Prague or Bratislava?

Ataman:

"The sympathy towards Slavic parts of ex-YU does not apply to Hungary. It is not very good idea to speak Hungarian in public there."

Very misleading, you can speak freely hungarian or any other language anywhere in Slovakia. The other thing is you prabably won't be understood.. (with exception of some southern parts of the country)

"The result is like speaking Russian or Serbian in Kosovo."

Comparing Central Europe to Balkan is pointless.

"English is a mixed bag, I had recently a pretty unpleasant event in CZ trying to speak English. My car had US license plates and they were not very friendly to say the least."

The problem lied with your US licence plates. Czech citizens were not very pleased when their government approved for US radar, Kosovo recognition and other improper movevements towards US interest in Europe withnout their acknowledgement. Czech government made decisions against public will disregarding their opinions. Slovak government on the other hand is the only one in the area that follows public opinion.

"Many Hungarians visit SK and CZ without major issues, but SRB is by a magnitude "safer" to visit for Hungarians. Same applies to CRO versus SK and CZ."

Demagogy, you can feel safe in Slovakia whatever coutry you came from.

"Hungarian businesses are very welcome to Slovakia. In the fact, Slovakian authorities do their best to show the middle finger to Hungarian authorities."

Slovak authorities do nothing more that what falls within valid legislation and legislation of EU.

"I am afraid, some Slovak politicians laugh while looking the car dealers in Hungary suffer and maybe that is the background of the generous 600 Crown registration fee (versus potentially over $20000) "

That fee was the same and even smaller long before hungarian government enforced its absurd registration taxes. As you said the problem lies within hungarian authorities, one and only.

"Fico is a great controversy."

Slovak public was able to give western politicians reasonable and stable partner to dealing with. That's a crucial thing that should concern them. Citizens in Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria change their preferences too fast which prevent their governments from taking important decisions.

"Fico is a populist, deals with Hungarian communities heavy-handed way. I cannot really call it a "anti-Hungarian hysteria", but it is fairly close to that."

Slovak government has declared and guarantees that status-quo of all minorities would be preserved. Subject of slovak-hungarian dispute is the agenda of two political parties, one of them is Magyar Coalition Party, which now even begins to lose support of their own electorate after what some of their representatives stated.

"There are certain groups in Hungary which deserve to be dealt heavy-handedly, but what Fico does is makes their voice more appealing for average people. I am not following the entire Slovak issue closely, but it seems, there is little if any dialogue."

In fact the problem lies wihin Hungary itself. Till today they were not able to cope with paramilitary Magyar Garda organisation. National agenda of all politican parties in Hungary cross hungarian border. This reasonably raises voices in neighbouring countries. Fico and slovak diplomacy, if reacted, reacted just to these nationalist movements.

"Given strong popular support, I don't think Serbia has to fear any change even if Fico is no longer at the steering wheel."

Indeed, there is strong popular support and all political parties with exception of hungarian party deny unilaterally declared independence as illegal. But strong public support is in Czech republic and Poland also, still they recognized Kosovo.

"I judge Fico vews pretty close to Haider (??????? ??? ???????? - NOT!), so be careful."

Fico is not right-sided radical, this comparision is ridicul.

"Slovakia does not fear Hungary as a country, but some Slovaks have an attitude which should not be tolerated."

Minority rights is Slovakia match high european standarts which can't be told about Hungary. After what all ethnical minorities were assimilated to the point of extinction, Hungary have very little if any moral right to patronize Slovakia. 95% of hungarian population is now hungarian, from 400-500 000 slovaks speakers after WWI there left barely 12 000 till this day. On the contrary from 500-700 000 after WWI, there left 400 000 Hungarians in Slovakia.

"In USA I did not see more honorable potential president than Mr. Obama since decades, except Dukakis maybe. Even if I don't share his opinion about Kosovo independence I will vote for his team. You do not need to share my opinion. If Joe will vote for McCain/Palin instead of Obama/Biden as he promised earlier, that does not mean I will boo him loudly for that. I will just vote differently."

From the point of view of everybody else but American, american election is just the matter of choice of the less evil. Campaign of both american candidats is full of american patriotism and need of renewing american leadership in the world. Obama is much much more of what you call populist. McCain on the other hand is war-greedy older who won't listed and reason whith anybody when elected. Both of them following american interests only - on behalf of the other world.


Joe:
"I enjoyed your long, balanced comment about Slovakia, fico...(yes I write fico the same way)."

I'm sure his comment was balanced. What would't he do to please his co-patriotic hungarian companion..

"If Serbia is to join the EU, we must strictly follow the same formula Slovakia followed"

The formula that Slovakia followed was the peaceful disintegration of Czechoslovakia.
Serbia is way too far from that.

Sorry for the long rambling in advance.

1) Slovaks are strong friends of everything Croatian and Serbian. This can be immediately seen in their supermarkets. A great deal of products from all over (ex)YU, also FYROM. Much more than in Hungary. Once in a while I have to go (for unrelated reasons) to Sturovo/Párkány and I usually fill the car with groceries I cannot buy in Hungary.

Privately people say the same thing, they usually add "we do not know, what did hit Croatians and Serbs, we like both".

2) The sympathy towards Slavic parts of ex-YU does not apply to Hungary. It is not very good idea to speak Hungarian in public there. The result is like speaking Russian or Serbian in Kosovo. I can say the same about Czech Republic. Better try Russian or German than Hungarian. English is a mixed bag, I had recently a pretty unpleasant event in CZ trying to speak English. My car had US license plates and they were not very friendly to say the least. On the other side I had a wonderful experience in the same city in a hotel and with a very good mechanic. True is true... in the hotel we spoke with the lady whose husband was German and with the mechanic Russian. He fixed the car wonderfully, even if the car had US plates. But he is a famous guy, one of the 10 top mechanics in CZ.

3) Many Hungarians visit SK and CZ without major issues, but SRB is by a magnitude "safer" to visit for Hungarians. Same applies to CRO versus SK and CZ. The major issue is the language.

4) Hungarian businesses are very welcome to Slovakia. In the fact, Slovakian authorities do their best to show the middle finger to Hungarian authorities. They make it possible for Hungarians to buy and register the cars in Slovakia - and escape the world's highest registration tax. On a $20000 car the Hungarian reg. tax alone can be over 100% of the car's value, depending on the engine. This is considered an illegal and unmatched practice within EU and it's very unpopular, too. Instead of waiting when if ever will Brussels slap on the Hungarian hand, the people take the initiative and buy/register the cars over the border. Which is great, but I am not sure, what is behind it. I am afraid, some Slovak politicians laugh while looking the car dealers in Hungary suffer and maybe that is the background of the generous 600 Crown registration fee (versus potentially over $20000)

5) Fico is a great controversy.

- under his rule the economy improved, he made the country entry "Euro Zone" from January 1. This is the first country which was once in Warsaw Pact to enter Euro Zone. He lowered the taxes, made the economy streamlined and encouraged the foreign business
- Fico is a populist, deals with Hungarian communities heavy-handed way. I cannot really call it a "anti-Hungarian hysteria", but it is fairly close to that.
- There are certain groups in Hungary which deserve to be dealt heavy-handedly, but what Fico does is makes their voice more appealing for average people. I am not following the entire Slovak issue closely, but it seems, there is little if any dialogue.
- No doubt, Fico is a strong ally of Serbia. Unfortunately his name does not sound good for Hungarians in Vojvodina. Given strong popular support, I don't think Serbia has to fear any change even if Fico is no longer at the steering wheel. I judge Fico vews pretty close to Haider (царство ему небесное - NOT!), so be careful. Countries do not have friends, only allies. Greece is a more respectable ally than Slovakia.


My reply to others:

- ZK, you indeed had great luck with Slovakia. It's not the most respected country (see above), but as people they are great friends of everything Yugo and their government was very useful (for you) lately. Here what was good for you is because it is bad for us, so I don't feel 100% happy. With so much bad luck you deserved to have good luck, just this Fico is a disgrace, unfortunately.

- Bill Bilali, there is no "democratic ethnic fear" ether, LOL, just ethnic fear. And they have it more than necessary. To be fair: Hungarian authorities would do good to crack down on any fascist - but they are as impotent as the others. That would remove some fear. But no, it's OK to march and sing "death to America, death to Russia, kill the Jews/Slovaks/etc/etc" in Budapest nowadays. Jail the neo-nazi bastards, one reason less for Fico to whine.

- Nikola, Slovakia not the best model for Serbia. Serbia is the best model for Serbia.

- Slovakia does not fear Hungary as a country, but some Slovaks have an attitude which should not be tolerated. That includes Fico... actually, fico, all small letters.

- As a tourist destination Bratislava is not as interesting as Praha, but Slovakia is full of castles and other objects of interest. Like Tirana is not the most interesting part of Albania, Podgorica is not the most interesting part of CG, same with Serbia and Beograd, Bulgaria and Sofia, FYROM and Skopje. Some countries are not about the capital city. Praha is way to dominant as a tourist destination in the Czech Republic.

- Many Czechs and Slovaks are still bitter, Miri. But everything has bad and good side. For instance the way they separated is the question of temperament, too.

- Yes, Joe, I 100% share your opinion. What you mean, I think is "Slovakia does not fear Hungary at country level but they fear their own Hungarian population". As I said, Bill Bilali is not correct regarding countries, but probably he did mean the same thing.

- EA, CZ authorities are more corrupt than Hungarian authorities. As for "country" every country has enough honorable people. Many countries have crooks at the steering wheel. IMO, the most honorable politicians in Central/East Europe are Mr. Jeremic and Mr. Tadic hands-down. In USA I did not see more honorable potential president than Mr. Obama since decades, except Dukakis maybe. Even if I don't share his opinion about Kosovo independence I will vote for his team. You do not need to share my opinion. If Joe will vote for McCain/Palin instead of Obama/Biden as he promised earlier, that does not mean I will boo him loudly for that. I will just vote differently. I believe, the current leadership in Pristina has much blood on theor hands and is both politically impotent and corrupt - but if you vote for them, that is your choice and it has nothing to do with your character. But I expect the same towards me. That's the "Western Democracy", as I learned.

- Jovan, yes, milo is a commie-turned-miloseviclapdog-turned-criminal-turned-democrat-turned-smuggler. One day he will sit in jail, if he is lucky... or smell the (roots of) roses earlier than expected - if he is less lucky.

- Mark, we will wait and see. Regardless, what court will say: both Pristina and Beograd will gain ca. 2 years and under lucky circumstances (both partners have professionals and intellectuals at the steering wheel, not warlords and fascists on both sides) they will be at the negotiating table.

Hugh, that was long, sorry.

Slovakia fears Hungary, thats how I explain their position! But once the EU stops giving them Money they gonna accept Kosovo within 24 hrs! Cause remember, the little-big city of Bratislavsky is dependent from EU money , not the numerous Serbian and Romanian tourists with their valuable currencies!

Bill Bilali,

You got it right. Slovakia is motivated UNIQUELY by undemocratic ethnic fear. They fear that the half million Hungarians (about 10% of the population) would imitate the K-Albanians. Instead of treating them democratically like equals they are discriminated more and more. It is very strange that this can happen within the EU. Unfortunately the EU does not care too much about minorities and what is going on within the borders of individual EU member countries. Slovakia is emboldened by this "hands off" EU attitude. So much about "democratic" EU.

Funny guy this "omnipotent"... having money as his/her only value, of all he could possess. Oh my, oh my...
Sarcasm, I guess.

What if the ICJ says that independence was legal? Will Cvetkovic,Jeremic,Tadic, and all you serbs that post here accept it? Or will you come up with all sorts of excuses to show that the court is biased? Since you believe so much on international law and that Serbia is not at fault at all you should be honest to yourselves.

Ataman,

I enjoyed your long, balanced comment about Slovakia, fico...(yes I write fico the same way).
You will not see me here for 3 weeks. We are flighing to Hungary via Vienna, will spend our time in Dunantul. I will be hardly on the internet. That will be an interesting change.

@5

Slovakia accepted EULEX, that's the formula.

For now.

Second formula: In order to enter EU Serbia should first define its borders.

I think that Slovakia just simply want to draw attention by supporting Serbia. The know that Serbia wont never reach the EU unless they accept the reality. With these intensions Serbia is just going backwards and towards an isolations.

It is unbelievable how fast and how often some people here change their preferences. I am wandering what happened with praising Russia? Isn't it interesting any more? Soon you will have no country to praise because you will not have any country to suuport you and all coments will be gone.

regardless of our political differences, bon voage, Joe.
We usually fly not through Vienna but through "Nándorfehérvár" ("White Fortress of the Ruler", in Hungarian). It's much cheaper than on-line tickets: JAT has consolidator agencies, only few other companies do. The most common route is via London combining Virgin Atlantic and JAT. The arrival is pretty convenient, people easily catch the night train to Budapest (15 Euro one-way, 20 Euro Austrian couchette). Plenty room to store the luggage. The mid-Summer (high season) price from the West Coast is ca. $1000 round-trip or ca. $700 one-way, this is at least $300 less than anything on-line.

I am 20% of the time in "Nándorfehérvár", 80% of the time near BP, so who knows.. ;)

I am wandering what happened with praising Russia? Isn't it interesting any more? Soon you will have no country to praise because you will not have any country to suuport you and all coments will be gone.
(Ujku, 14 October 2008 09:39)

Ujku, the comments will be arriving on the Bluetooth module of your phone.... apropos, Harald Bluetooth.... So many times was it said: "Russia or Europe". Well... little history lession. What is "Rus" or "Russians", what is the difference between "Ярослав Владимирович" and Jarislaffe Waldemarsson (son of Rogneda Rogwalddottir)? Or did Ingwar Hroerikrson ever know Игорь Рюрикович in person?

Just because I know, all you are so interested in history of Dardania - let's talk Russia for the change.

Since Waldemar, who was the daddy of Jarislaffe Waldemarsson can be found on many Serb icons... Serbia already did chose "West" over the "East" - and many years ago. And Jarislaffe is not a second-rank personality either. These guys are known personalities - and based on the skull, even the face of Jarislaffe was restored. So they are for real.

LOL

Guys, this is another case in which a country is motivated by undemocratic ethnic fear and has nothing to do with any principle that Slovak government might hold.

What if the ICJ says that independence was legal? Will Cvetkovic,Jeremic,Tadic, and all you serbs that post here accept it? Or will you come up with all sorts of excuses to show that the court is biased? Since you believe so much on international law and that Serbia is not at fault at all you should be honest to yourselves.

"If Serbia is to join the EU, we must strictly follow the same formula Slovakia followed"

The formula that Slovakia followed was the peaceful disintegration of Czechoslovakia.
Serbia is way too far from that.

Slovakia fears Hungary, thats how I explain their position! But once the EU stops giving them Money they gonna accept Kosovo within 24 hrs! Cause remember, the little-big city of Bratislavsky is dependent from EU money , not the numerous Serbian and Romanian tourists with their valuable currencies!

I personally prefer the Czech Republic. That is an honorable country of the EU.

I personally prefer Czech Republic) Nice place to visit especially Prague))
A question for the Serbian panel. Which is more interesting Prague or Bratislava?

Slovak PM voices strong support - This, the Slovak premier continued, is because Bratislava left no room for pressures from the very beginning.
--
We thank our friends in Slovakia and around the world for standing firm and protecting Serbia's integrity along with international law. Kosovo is and always will remain Serbian.

I also thank all of those citizens for overwhelmingly supporting Serbia in those countries where governments have gone against their will and recognised this illegal puppet entity.

Time is on our side and we will prevail once again. Just like the Ottomans and NAZIs, so will NATO get the boot.

Bill Bilali,

You got it right. Slovakia is motivated UNIQUELY by undemocratic ethnic fear. They fear that the half million Hungarians (about 10% of the population) would imitate the K-Albanians. Instead of treating them democratically like equals they are discriminated more and more. It is very strange that this can happen within the EU. Unfortunately the EU does not care too much about minorities and what is going on within the borders of individual EU member countries. Slovakia is emboldened by this "hands off" EU attitude. So much about "democratic" EU.

@5

Slovakia accepted EULEX, that's the formula.

For now.

Second formula: In order to enter EU Serbia should first define its borders.

Is there a video from that press conference available somewhere?


omnipotent:
"Slovakia fears Hungary, thats how I explain their position!"

You have lot of imagination, there is no such fear.

I think that Slovakia just simply want to draw attention by supporting Serbia. The know that Serbia wont never reach the EU unless they accept the reality. With these intensions Serbia is just going backwards and towards an isolations.

Slovakia has not prostituted its principles for EU money or US promises.
This is a real and are quality that is missing throughout the world today.

"If there is at least a tiny piece of justice in this world, the International Court of Justice in The Hague will have to confirm it,"

I think exactly the same, if tis court is a serious and independent court, there can be no other ruling than in favor of international law and that means in favor of Serbia.

let´s just see what future brings.

Slovakia is a clear model for Serbia or any country that aspires to join the European Union. Slovakia is a country that did not fold on it's principals. Joining the EU in theory is not a bad idea, however it could be catastrophic pending on how much the government is willing to compromise and is willing to accept.

If Serbia is to join the EU, we must strictly follow the same formula Slovakia followed.

Funny guy this "omnipotent"... having money as his/her only value, of all he could possess. Oh my, oh my...
Sarcasm, I guess.

"personally prefer Czech Republic) Nice place to visit especially Prague))
A question for the Serbian panel. Which is more interesting Prague or Bratislava?
(EA, 13 October 2008 22:16)"

I think that pretty much shows what the problem is with our dear friends here!

while the vast majority of Albanians ( and of course Serbs also ) lives in poverty and limbo without jobs and a perspective... some naive souls are wasting their energy to pose questions like "which city is more interesting, Prague or Bratislava?"

ps: I just heard that there are protests in Podgorica, and the montenegrin "apparatchik" has sent out police to calm down the protesters...

I´d say that he could be a dicontinued model.

Mark:
If International Court of Justice decides that independance was legal, Slovakia will recognize Kosovo. Slovakia will consider its resolution binding.

Sorry for the long rambling in advance.

1) Slovaks are strong friends of everything Croatian and Serbian. This can be immediately seen in their supermarkets. A great deal of products from all over (ex)YU, also FYROM. Much more than in Hungary. Once in a while I have to go (for unrelated reasons) to Sturovo/Párkány and I usually fill the car with groceries I cannot buy in Hungary.

Privately people say the same thing, they usually add "we do not know, what did hit Croatians and Serbs, we like both".

2) The sympathy towards Slavic parts of ex-YU does not apply to Hungary. It is not very good idea to speak Hungarian in public there. The result is like speaking Russian or Serbian in Kosovo. I can say the same about Czech Republic. Better try Russian or German than Hungarian. English is a mixed bag, I had recently a pretty unpleasant event in CZ trying to speak English. My car had US license plates and they were not very friendly to say the least. On the other side I had a wonderful experience in the same city in a hotel and with a very good mechanic. True is true... in the hotel we spoke with the lady whose husband was German and with the mechanic Russian. He fixed the car wonderfully, even if the car had US plates. But he is a famous guy, one of the 10 top mechanics in CZ.

3) Many Hungarians visit SK and CZ without major issues, but SRB is by a magnitude "safer" to visit for Hungarians. Same applies to CRO versus SK and CZ. The major issue is the language.

4) Hungarian businesses are very welcome to Slovakia. In the fact, Slovakian authorities do their best to show the middle finger to Hungarian authorities. They make it possible for Hungarians to buy and register the cars in Slovakia - and escape the world's highest registration tax. On a $20000 car the Hungarian reg. tax alone can be over 100% of the car's value, depending on the engine. This is considered an illegal and unmatched practice within EU and it's very unpopular, too. Instead of waiting when if ever will Brussels slap on the Hungarian hand, the people take the initiative and buy/register the cars over the border. Which is great, but I am not sure, what is behind it. I am afraid, some Slovak politicians laugh while looking the car dealers in Hungary suffer and maybe that is the background of the generous 600 Crown registration fee (versus potentially over $20000)

5) Fico is a great controversy.

- under his rule the economy improved, he made the country entry "Euro Zone" from January 1. This is the first country which was once in Warsaw Pact to enter Euro Zone. He lowered the taxes, made the economy streamlined and encouraged the foreign business
- Fico is a populist, deals with Hungarian communities heavy-handed way. I cannot really call it a "anti-Hungarian hysteria", but it is fairly close to that.
- There are certain groups in Hungary which deserve to be dealt heavy-handedly, but what Fico does is makes their voice more appealing for average people. I am not following the entire Slovak issue closely, but it seems, there is little if any dialogue.
- No doubt, Fico is a strong ally of Serbia. Unfortunately his name does not sound good for Hungarians in Vojvodina. Given strong popular support, I don't think Serbia has to fear any change even if Fico is no longer at the steering wheel. I judge Fico vews pretty close to Haider (царство ему небесное - NOT!), so be careful. Countries do not have friends, only allies. Greece is a more respectable ally than Slovakia.


My reply to others:

- ZK, you indeed had great luck with Slovakia. It's not the most respected country (see above), but as people they are great friends of everything Yugo and their government was very useful (for you) lately. Here what was good for you is because it is bad for us, so I don't feel 100% happy. With so much bad luck you deserved to have good luck, just this Fico is a disgrace, unfortunately.

- Bill Bilali, there is no "democratic ethnic fear" ether, LOL, just ethnic fear. And they have it more than necessary. To be fair: Hungarian authorities would do good to crack down on any fascist - but they are as impotent as the others. That would remove some fear. But no, it's OK to march and sing "death to America, death to Russia, kill the Jews/Slovaks/etc/etc" in Budapest nowadays. Jail the neo-nazi bastards, one reason less for Fico to whine.

- Nikola, Slovakia not the best model for Serbia. Serbia is the best model for Serbia.

- Slovakia does not fear Hungary as a country, but some Slovaks have an attitude which should not be tolerated. That includes Fico... actually, fico, all small letters.

- As a tourist destination Bratislava is not as interesting as Praha, but Slovakia is full of castles and other objects of interest. Like Tirana is not the most interesting part of Albania, Podgorica is not the most interesting part of CG, same with Serbia and Beograd, Bulgaria and Sofia, FYROM and Skopje. Some countries are not about the capital city. Praha is way to dominant as a tourist destination in the Czech Republic.

- Many Czechs and Slovaks are still bitter, Miri. But everything has bad and good side. For instance the way they separated is the question of temperament, too.

- Yes, Joe, I 100% share your opinion. What you mean, I think is "Slovakia does not fear Hungary at country level but they fear their own Hungarian population". As I said, Bill Bilali is not correct regarding countries, but probably he did mean the same thing.

- EA, CZ authorities are more corrupt than Hungarian authorities. As for "country" every country has enough honorable people. Many countries have crooks at the steering wheel. IMO, the most honorable politicians in Central/East Europe are Mr. Jeremic and Mr. Tadic hands-down. In USA I did not see more honorable potential president than Mr. Obama since decades, except Dukakis maybe. Even if I don't share his opinion about Kosovo independence I will vote for his team. You do not need to share my opinion. If Joe will vote for McCain/Palin instead of Obama/Biden as he promised earlier, that does not mean I will boo him loudly for that. I will just vote differently. I believe, the current leadership in Pristina has much blood on theor hands and is both politically impotent and corrupt - but if you vote for them, that is your choice and it has nothing to do with your character. But I expect the same towards me. That's the "Western Democracy", as I learned.

- Jovan, yes, milo is a commie-turned-miloseviclapdog-turned-criminal-turned-democrat-turned-smuggler. One day he will sit in jail, if he is lucky... or smell the (roots of) roses earlier than expected - if he is less lucky.

- Mark, we will wait and see. Regardless, what court will say: both Pristina and Beograd will gain ca. 2 years and under lucky circumstances (both partners have professionals and intellectuals at the steering wheel, not warlords and fascists on both sides) they will be at the negotiating table.

Hugh, that was long, sorry.

It is unbelievable how fast and how often some people here change their preferences. I am wandering what happened with praising Russia? Isn't it interesting any more? Soon you will have no country to praise because you will not have any country to suuport you and all coments will be gone.

Ataman,

I enjoyed your long, balanced comment about Slovakia, fico...(yes I write fico the same way).
You will not see me here for 3 weeks. We are flighing to Hungary via Vienna, will spend our time in Dunantul. I will be hardly on the internet. That will be an interesting change.

Ataman:

"The sympathy towards Slavic parts of ex-YU does not apply to Hungary. It is not very good idea to speak Hungarian in public there."

Very misleading, you can speak freely hungarian or any other language anywhere in Slovakia. The other thing is you prabably won't be understood.. (with exception of some southern parts of the country)

"The result is like speaking Russian or Serbian in Kosovo."

Comparing Central Europe to Balkan is pointless.

"English is a mixed bag, I had recently a pretty unpleasant event in CZ trying to speak English. My car had US license plates and they were not very friendly to say the least."

The problem lied with your US licence plates. Czech citizens were not very pleased when their government approved for US radar, Kosovo recognition and other improper movevements towards US interest in Europe withnout their acknowledgement. Czech government made decisions against public will disregarding their opinions. Slovak government on the other hand is the only one in the area that follows public opinion.

"Many Hungarians visit SK and CZ without major issues, but SRB is by a magnitude "safer" to visit for Hungarians. Same applies to CRO versus SK and CZ."

Demagogy, you can feel safe in Slovakia whatever coutry you came from.

"Hungarian businesses are very welcome to Slovakia. In the fact, Slovakian authorities do their best to show the middle finger to Hungarian authorities."

Slovak authorities do nothing more that what falls within valid legislation and legislation of EU.

"I am afraid, some Slovak politicians laugh while looking the car dealers in Hungary suffer and maybe that is the background of the generous 600 Crown registration fee (versus potentially over $20000) "

That fee was the same and even smaller long before hungarian government enforced its absurd registration taxes. As you said the problem lies within hungarian authorities, one and only.

"Fico is a great controversy."

Slovak public was able to give western politicians reasonable and stable partner to dealing with. That's a crucial thing that should concern them. Citizens in Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria change their preferences too fast which prevent their governments from taking important decisions.

"Fico is a populist, deals with Hungarian communities heavy-handed way. I cannot really call it a "anti-Hungarian hysteria", but it is fairly close to that."

Slovak government has declared and guarantees that status-quo of all minorities would be preserved. Subject of slovak-hungarian dispute is the agenda of two political parties, one of them is Magyar Coalition Party, which now even begins to lose support of their own electorate after what some of their representatives stated.

"There are certain groups in Hungary which deserve to be dealt heavy-handedly, but what Fico does is makes their voice more appealing for average people. I am not following the entire Slovak issue closely, but it seems, there is little if any dialogue."

In fact the problem lies wihin Hungary itself. Till today they were not able to cope with paramilitary Magyar Garda organisation. National agenda of all politican parties in Hungary cross hungarian border. This reasonably raises voices in neighbouring countries. Fico and slovak diplomacy, if reacted, reacted just to these nationalist movements.

"Given strong popular support, I don't think Serbia has to fear any change even if Fico is no longer at the steering wheel."

Indeed, there is strong popular support and all political parties with exception of hungarian party deny unilaterally declared independence as illegal. But strong public support is in Czech republic and Poland also, still they recognized Kosovo.

"I judge Fico vews pretty close to Haider (??????? ??? ???????? - NOT!), so be careful."

Fico is not right-sided radical, this comparision is ridicul.

"Slovakia does not fear Hungary as a country, but some Slovaks have an attitude which should not be tolerated."

Minority rights is Slovakia match high european standarts which can't be told about Hungary. After what all ethnical minorities were assimilated to the point of extinction, Hungary have very little if any moral right to patronize Slovakia. 95% of hungarian population is now hungarian, from 400-500 000 slovaks speakers after WWI there left barely 12 000 till this day. On the contrary from 500-700 000 after WWI, there left 400 000 Hungarians in Slovakia.

"In USA I did not see more honorable potential president than Mr. Obama since decades, except Dukakis maybe. Even if I don't share his opinion about Kosovo independence I will vote for his team. You do not need to share my opinion. If Joe will vote for McCain/Palin instead of Obama/Biden as he promised earlier, that does not mean I will boo him loudly for that. I will just vote differently."

From the point of view of everybody else but American, american election is just the matter of choice of the less evil. Campaign of both american candidats is full of american patriotism and need of renewing american leadership in the world. Obama is much much more of what you call populist. McCain on the other hand is war-greedy older who won't listed and reason whith anybody when elected. Both of them following american interests only - on behalf of the other world.


Joe:
"I enjoyed your long, balanced comment about Slovakia, fico...(yes I write fico the same way)."

I'm sure his comment was balanced. What would't he do to please his co-patriotic hungarian companion..

regardless of our political differences, bon voage, Joe.
We usually fly not through Vienna but through "Nándorfehérvár" ("White Fortress of the Ruler", in Hungarian). It's much cheaper than on-line tickets: JAT has consolidator agencies, only few other companies do. The most common route is via London combining Virgin Atlantic and JAT. The arrival is pretty convenient, people easily catch the night train to Budapest (15 Euro one-way, 20 Euro Austrian couchette). Plenty room to store the luggage. The mid-Summer (high season) price from the West Coast is ca. $1000 round-trip or ca. $700 one-way, this is at least $300 less than anything on-line.

I am 20% of the time in "Nándorfehérvár", 80% of the time near BP, so who knows.. ;)

I am wandering what happened with praising Russia? Isn't it interesting any more? Soon you will have no country to praise because you will not have any country to suuport you and all coments will be gone.
(Ujku, 14 October 2008 09:39)

Ujku, the comments will be arriving on the Bluetooth module of your phone.... apropos, Harald Bluetooth.... So many times was it said: "Russia or Europe". Well... little history lession. What is "Rus" or "Russians", what is the difference between "Ярослав Владимирович" and Jarislaffe Waldemarsson (son of Rogneda Rogwalddottir)? Or did Ingwar Hroerikrson ever know Игорь Рюрикович in person?

Just because I know, all you are so interested in history of Dardania - let's talk Russia for the change.

Since Waldemar, who was the daddy of Jarislaffe Waldemarsson can be found on many Serb icons... Serbia already did chose "West" over the "East" - and many years ago. And Jarislaffe is not a second-rank personality either. These guys are known personalities - and based on the skull, even the face of Jarislaffe was restored. So they are for real.

LOL