Sejdiu: No change in U.S. Kosovo policy

"I hail this great historic process in the U.S. I have a profound respect for the U.S.’s role in Kosovo,” Sejdiu said,

Ugh, I have no respect for my country's role in the dismemberment of Serbia's territorial integrity and I have no respect for this man and the other goons in this so called government who say one thing in public regarding multi-ethnicity and do nothing in private about the hush-hush ethnic cleansing taking place across the province while the West sits by and lets it happen. Makes me sick to my stomach.

Mr. Sejdiu! Dont count your eggs until your chicken Hen lays it.

OBAMA means CHANGE! He will correct all the MISTAKES of the George W. Bush Foreign policies.

He will use more the process of "dialogue" rather than confrontation unlike the unilateral actions did by Bush and the EU.

Expect OBAMA will respect the decision of the ICJ and will encourage a WIN-WIN solution for the Kosovo status.

Mr. Seidiu, if the ICJ rules in Serbia s favor, you will be quite surprised to see how much change Obama will make!

Seidiu knows full will that this is a bleak day for the fake Republic of Kosovo.

Obama want's to repair relationships with Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and Serbia.

He wants to pressure Pakistan into handing over Bin-Laden, and increase the fight in Afghanistan which is what the fool Bush should have done.

Anyone who thinks Obama will continue American current policy in Kosovo is fooling themselves, especially after the ICJ ruling in Serbia's favor, Obama wants to show the world that she respects International Law, unlike the current administration.

" “helped the freedom of the people of Kosovo.”
"

He means, "the illegal theft of Serbian territory and property by means of terrorism, ethnic clensing, murder, kidnappings, rape, torture, and organ harvesting, all with the blessings of america."

after 99 when the Serb army left there was a tsunami of albans into KiM from all neighbouring countries around Serbia - it was like a free for all for albans - all Serbian property (houses apartments etc.) stolen by albans. What gives them the right to occupy Serbian homes businesses?

Hmmm Mr. Sejdiu, I hope there will be some change in Kosovo's foreign policy, so one could take notice of it.

Jevic

You fail to see Obama support Kosova's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Joe Biden is the new vice president, google him and Kosova and you shall have your answer what he thinks about Kosova. You forget most of his ppl are all former workers of Clindon, what in earth makes you think he will support Serbia after ICJ?

“what in earth makes you think he will support Serbia after ICJ?
(Pejoni, 5 November 2008 16:47)”

Obama is from Chicago. Guess what nationality has a HUGE presence in Chicago? Yup, you guessed it, Serbians are 300,000 strong there. Expect Obama to be fully informed and aware of the Serbian perspective.

Partition anyone?

All you pro Serbians are wrong! Obama made it clear to the Albanians of US that he and his government will continue full support of Kosovo and it's independence. No matter what ICJ,UN,SERBIA whatever OBAMA=CHANGE=SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO !

Oh and im an american and not albanian.

JOE BIDEN... was elected VP for one reason that is foreign policy. I would like to remind all my dear serbs that Joe Biden is great supporter of albanian cause and has close ties to the albanian lobby in USA, and he is one of the main orchestrators of 1999 Nato. Not to mention that Wesley Clark (another albanian friend) has a guarantied place on the new democratic administration as Sec. of State or Sec. of Defense. Serbs should be more realistic to the kind of change that is coming.

Whoever thinks that things will change, I would suggest to watch the following link to see what Vice President Joe Biden said. Remember that Joe Biden is the person elected and selected due to his long experience in foreign relations.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOnCLv2_AhI&feature=related

JOE BIDEN's role is mostly symbolic my dear Albanian supporter "alb", clearly you know little about American politics. Biden will have little or no influence on foreign policy or for that matter even domestic policy.

And by the way in case you did not know, some of Obama's closest friends are Serbian.

Obama will want to show the world that America respects international law, unlike the current administration thus when the ICJ rules in Serbia's favor guess what will happen?

"Obama is from Chicago. Guess what nationality has a HUGE presence in Chicago? Yup, you guessed it, Serbians are 300,000 strong there. Expect Obama to be fully informed and aware of the Serbian perspective.

Partition anyone?"

NOPE. Partition isn't good for Bosnia, FYROM, Montenegro or Presheva Valley, that is why they went with the existing borders versus arguing over each village. MAYBE later Kosova and Serbia can agree to exchange Presevo etc with the North but it will be between two states, so it doesn't give others any more ideas. Obama knows and so do his advisers:

"Robert Gelbard, currently an advisor to the US presidential hopeful, Barack Obama said Serbia had the possibility to change the situation in Kosovo in its interest but now there is no going back.

“Kosovo is now a sovereign state. The new Serbian government knows that it should live with Kosovo and no matter what, a dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is necessary,” Gelbard, who represented the US government during the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo, told Voice of America. "

This is the American foreign policy and doesn't change because many Serbs are on Obama's old districts.

All you pro Serbians are wrong! Obama made it clear to the Albanians of US that he and his government will continue full support of Kosovo and it's independence. No matter what ICJ,UN,SERBIA whatever OBAMA=CHANGE=SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO !

Oh and im an american and not albanian.
(Darren Youngmoore , Chicago,USA, 5 November 2008 19:04)

Darren, what politicians say during an election period could be very different to what they actually deliver. Obama said he will support Kosovo but he did not say he will force Kosovo.

He will say he supports independence but when push comes to shove he has a way out. By not insisting and committing troops there to attack Serbs again he can always blame it on dysfunctional Europeans when it doesn't happen.

He did say he wants closer ties with Russia and China. That means he has to respect their views on how the world works and not impose only his. This is something neither Clinton nor Bush had any respect for. You see, there is already a huge change taking place.

UN will never give the green light to Kosovo thanks to Russia and China. Do you see Obama ordering strikes against Serbia again? How else can he impose independent Kosovo?

Think about reality for a change and stop wishing the impossible.

Oh and I think you are of Albanians stock my good man. Shouting the last sentence means passion. Why would an American have so much passion about this?

Matthew comment #8
The 2007 US census list the Serbian population of Chicago as 4,326 but that is somewhat close to 300,000 give or take 296,000.
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-context=dt&-ds_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G00_&-mt_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G2000_B04003&-CONTEXT=dt&-tree_id=307&-redoLog=true&-geo_id=16000US1714000&-search_results=01000US&-format=&-_lang=en

Barack Obama will be a great President. One good thing about him is that "he will force Serbia to recognize Kosovo instead, unlike current administration..

What most serbs seem to misunderstand here is that Kosovo has been a democratic project and 95% of his staff are from Clinton.

I wonder when did Chicago turn red in the last 40 years? or blue, because of less than 26, 000 (Illinois state demographics data) registered Serbs?

Obama will pursue an aggressive policy towards Serbia by forcing it accept Kosovo as a sovereign and independent country.

I remember Serbs pouring millions and arguing how great Bush was going to be in november of 2000. Yea, right.

Today, Kosovo is an independent and sovereign country.

Mr. Thomas Jefferson,

No man nor country in the world can force Serbia to recognize the fake state of Kosovo, they cannot do it with bribes "money" nor with force "military" it will never happen! Dream on my friend. Kosovo remains a freak artificially creation.

Matthew
2005 US census lists that around 168,000 people in all the US are of Serbian ancestry. Makes it a little difficult to have almost twice that many living in Chicago.
That makes me think that just maybe you are overestimating the reaction of Obama also.

Today, Kosovo is an independent and sovereign country.
(Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 2008 01:55)

How do you figure that? Do you have a seat in the UN?
You can't even play soccer because FIFA won't let you.
You can't even be represented at the Olympics because they won't let you.

For a sovereign country, you sure can't do very much.
You can't even make your own decisions because Europe and US will make them for you.

Some independent, sovereign country? It's a joke.

I dont hold out much hope. But maybe Congresswoman Bean will be able to rein in Biden, Clarke et al. a little bit.

Nobody can say for certain what Obama's view will be toward Kosovo. It's easy to speculate that it will be anti-Serb because of Biden. However, Biden isn't the President. Further, I believe from what I've heard from Obama's comments here in the US that he is more willing to listen to others. We saw with the previous administrations that Serb views were ignored completely. Perhaps things will change. So, I wouldn't be so sure things will be the same as before.

Dream on Sejdiu - Now is the time for the truth to come out! The world is becoming AWARE of your non-exitent'tolerance' of other ethnic groups and the walls of your FAKE state will come tumbling down as a result! Long Live Serbia

yeah, we've got to be realistic.

Obama is surrounded by those air-heads who make their foreign policy based on infamous American ignorance of the situation on the ground and utter opportunism.
Not a good sign!

Obama might have heard something first-hand from Serbs in Illinois which might make a difference when it comes down to how he sees the Serbian-Albanian conflict.

But I wouldn't expect anything from him.

He will go after American interests and we all know Americans want to keep Camp Bondsteel base right where it is.

Actually Seidjui is correct for once. Serbs- don't be naiive to think there will be a change in US foreign policy. The continued efforts to dominate Europe and encircle Russia will continue through project Kosovo. It(US) has a base there, it has loyal Albanians there and it can sell its crap goods (probably made in CHina) to a local population that has no other form of trade and don't realize the wool is being pulled over there eyes..

I love the way the Albanian supporters believe they can speak for Americans. How do you know, for instance, that Obama will rely on Holbrook and Clark for information on Kosovo? Clark discredited himself during the campaign when he said that being shot down (McCain) doesn't qualify one for president. Some say that Clark and other ex-Clinton officials will get high posts in the US government from Obama. However, early reports from the Washington Post do not include any of those ex-Clintonians on Obama's short list. That's the problem, many Albanian supporters are living in la la land, believing that Kosovo is an important issue to the US. It's not. In fact, most Americans have never even heard of Albania, let alone Kosovo. I was watching a recent episode of the Jimmy Kimmel show when he hosted two individuals of Albanian heritage, Belushi and Eliza Dushku. Another guest called them Albinos. He had no clue what was an Albanian. The same is true for Serbia, most Americans never even heard of Serbia, even with all the media attention in the 1990s. Wake up, drink some coffee. Will things change? I believe so. America has too little money to waste on Kosovo. We have far too many problems of our own to tend to. I'm afraid Kosovo will have to depend on itself for a while. Unfortunately, I don't believe America will change it's mind on recognizing Kosovo. However, I think Kosovo will be put in its rightful place way down the list of foreign policy priorities.

first of all Mr.Obama is not from Chicago, he came to this city as a young adult.

furthermore, those who are writing about clear changes in the US-foreign policy in the near future are way too optimistic.

there will be a change, I have no doubts about that, but that will take time.

as for our dear friends here, it is very cute to see them write comments under western, and preferentially american nick-names... but they are just too naive to hide the visible truth about them:

they want to present their cause as widely supported, while writing illusionary lines about sovereignty and being a "country" ...although there can´t be no serious talk about the southern serbian province being a country...

Mr. Sejdiu! Dont count your eggs until your chicken Hen lays it.
(Jevic, 5 November 2008 14:21)


You mean don't count your eggs until they hatch..though I know what you're trying to say:) but I regret to inform you that speculations are already in the air about Mr. Richard Holbrook becoming a secretary of United States.

Based on facts before Bush came to Oval Office there were same democrats who decided to oust Serbian military and paramilitaries from Kosova.
In your view do you expect any changes towards Kosova except more funding from States and EU?.

Jevic: As far as I know Obama will try to change maybe better to say FIX the financial crisis.

Even president Bush wouldn't accept Kosova's Independence if there was no approval in Congress.
Having said that now you know that no President in States can make decision if it's not approved by Congress/Senate.
Remember that war in Iraq/Afganistan was voted first.

Obama will make a change becasue time is changing but go to youtube and see what he said about Kosovo on one of the debates with Mrs Hillary Clinton.

Everyone in their right mind knows there will be no changes, let alone withdrawl of Kosovo recognition in US policy toward Kosovo.

There is no support whatsoever from any party to do so. Who is Obama going to consult on Kosovo, Biden, Clark, Holbrok, Clinton....

Any pro-Serbian changes in Kosovo will be indeed interpreted as pro-Russian moves, which Joe Biden will immediately oppose. Biden will not endorse any moves that will satisfy Russia, nor democrats and republicans will.

Further more, many here are underestimating the Albanian lobby in US. Big mistake!

That lobby is so powerful Obama was obligated to send them a letter of clarification directly and make his position on Kosovo very clear - supporting Kosovo INDEPENDENCE.

"# I love the way the Albanian supporters believe they can speak for Americans. How do you know, for instance, that Obama will rely on Holbrook and Clark for information on Kosovo? Clark discredited himself during the campaign when he said that being shot down (McCain) doesn't qualify one for president. Some say that Clark and other ex-Clinton officials will get high posts in the US government from Obama. However, early reports from the Washington Post do not include any of those ex-Clintonians on Obama's short list. That's the problem, many Albanian supporters are living in la la land, believing that Kosovo is an important issue to the US. It's not. In fact, most Americans have never even heard of Albania, let alone Kosovo. I was watching a recent episode of the Jimmy Kimmel show when he hosted two individuals of Albanian heritage, Belushi and Eliza Dushku. Another guest called them Albinos. He had no clue what was an Albanian. The same is true for Serbia, most Americans never even heard of Serbia, even with all the media attention in the 1990s. Wake up, drink some coffee. Will things change? I believe so. America has too little money to waste on Kosovo. We have far too many problems of our own to tend to. I'm afraid Kosovo will have to depend on itself for a while. Unfortunately, I don't believe America will change it's mind on recognizing Kosovo. However, I think Kosovo will be put in its rightful place way down the list of foreign policy priorities.
(Daniel, 7 November 2008 13:35)"


Well here it is:

As Sen. Barack Obama convened the first meeting of his new "senior working group on national security" in Washington on Wednesday, he put Madeleine Albright at the head of the table -- strongly signaling that he is reaching out to the Clinton policy apparatus.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/06/18/convenes_national_security_wor.html



State Department/Secretary of State:

Richard Lugar,
Richard Holbroke
John Kerry
Tony Lake

Well, here is the letter:

September 19, 2008
National Albanian American Council
Dear Friends,

I appreciate the opportunity to share a few thoughts with everyone gathered here tonight for the National Albanian American Council’s 12th Annual Awards Dinner. Albanian Americans are an important part of America’s melting pot, both in my hometown of Chicago, and around the country. You are also a vital link to an important part of the world where America and our allies must remain vigilant and energetic in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

As President, I will continue to pay close attention to the Balkans. I support Kosovo’s independence and its desire to move towards full sovereignty. I believe the United States should help the development of a vibrant democracy in Kosovo, secured through the rule of law that ensures the interests of all people. I endorse Kosovo’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, which will be advanced through the establishment of a free, tolerant and prosperous society that promotes minority rights and protects religious and cultural sites.

My administration will also work towards the development of a prosperous market economy in Kosovo by focusing on economic development and job creation, and assistance to build Kosovo’s infrastructure and its energy sector. I applaud the significant achievements of Albania and hope that Albania’s aspiration to join NATO can be realized in the near future.

I wish you all the best as you work to increase the political involvement of Albanian Americans and support democracy in the Balkans.


Sincerely,
Barack Obama

Politicians will tell you what you want to hear during election time.

How many promises are kept after election?

Check out who Obama chose for his chief of staff. None other than Rahm Emanuel.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/il05_emanuel/serbianunity.html

Looks like Obama is open to all sides not just Albanian.

His choice of Secretary of State is not known yet, but I doubt he will go with anyone with a cloud hanging over them. Holdbrook is a bit risky now because of the speculation about his involvement with Karadzic.

I have no way of predicting who he will pick, but his chief of staff was not anticipated. He clearly is not predictable as the Albanians would like to think.

Jevic

You fail to see Obama support Kosova's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Joe Biden is the new vice president, google him and Kosova and you shall have your answer what he thinks about Kosova. You forget most of his ppl are all former workers of Clindon, what in earth makes you think he will support Serbia after ICJ?

JOE BIDEN... was elected VP for one reason that is foreign policy. I would like to remind all my dear serbs that Joe Biden is great supporter of albanian cause and has close ties to the albanian lobby in USA, and he is one of the main orchestrators of 1999 Nato. Not to mention that Wesley Clark (another albanian friend) has a guarantied place on the new democratic administration as Sec. of State or Sec. of Defense. Serbs should be more realistic to the kind of change that is coming.

“what in earth makes you think he will support Serbia after ICJ?
(Pejoni, 5 November 2008 16:47)”

Obama is from Chicago. Guess what nationality has a HUGE presence in Chicago? Yup, you guessed it, Serbians are 300,000 strong there. Expect Obama to be fully informed and aware of the Serbian perspective.

Partition anyone?

All you pro Serbians are wrong! Obama made it clear to the Albanians of US that he and his government will continue full support of Kosovo and it's independence. No matter what ICJ,UN,SERBIA whatever OBAMA=CHANGE=SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO !

Oh and im an american and not albanian.

Matthew
2005 US census lists that around 168,000 people in all the US are of Serbian ancestry. Makes it a little difficult to have almost twice that many living in Chicago.
That makes me think that just maybe you are overestimating the reaction of Obama also.

All you pro Serbians are wrong! Obama made it clear to the Albanians of US that he and his government will continue full support of Kosovo and it's independence. No matter what ICJ,UN,SERBIA whatever OBAMA=CHANGE=SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO !

Oh and im an american and not albanian.
(Darren Youngmoore , Chicago,USA, 5 November 2008 19:04)

Darren, what politicians say during an election period could be very different to what they actually deliver. Obama said he will support Kosovo but he did not say he will force Kosovo.

He will say he supports independence but when push comes to shove he has a way out. By not insisting and committing troops there to attack Serbs again he can always blame it on dysfunctional Europeans when it doesn't happen.

He did say he wants closer ties with Russia and China. That means he has to respect their views on how the world works and not impose only his. This is something neither Clinton nor Bush had any respect for. You see, there is already a huge change taking place.

UN will never give the green light to Kosovo thanks to Russia and China. Do you see Obama ordering strikes against Serbia again? How else can he impose independent Kosovo?

Think about reality for a change and stop wishing the impossible.

Oh and I think you are of Albanians stock my good man. Shouting the last sentence means passion. Why would an American have so much passion about this?

Mr. Thomas Jefferson,

No man nor country in the world can force Serbia to recognize the fake state of Kosovo, they cannot do it with bribes "money" nor with force "military" it will never happen! Dream on my friend. Kosovo remains a freak artificially creation.

Mr. Seidiu, if the ICJ rules in Serbia s favor, you will be quite surprised to see how much change Obama will make!

Seidiu knows full will that this is a bleak day for the fake Republic of Kosovo.

Obama want's to repair relationships with Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and Serbia.

He wants to pressure Pakistan into handing over Bin-Laden, and increase the fight in Afghanistan which is what the fool Bush should have done.

Anyone who thinks Obama will continue American current policy in Kosovo is fooling themselves, especially after the ICJ ruling in Serbia's favor, Obama wants to show the world that she respects International Law, unlike the current administration.

"I hail this great historic process in the U.S. I have a profound respect for the U.S.’s role in Kosovo,” Sejdiu said,

Ugh, I have no respect for my country's role in the dismemberment of Serbia's territorial integrity and I have no respect for this man and the other goons in this so called government who say one thing in public regarding multi-ethnicity and do nothing in private about the hush-hush ethnic cleansing taking place across the province while the West sits by and lets it happen. Makes me sick to my stomach.

" “helped the freedom of the people of Kosovo.”
"

He means, "the illegal theft of Serbian territory and property by means of terrorism, ethnic clensing, murder, kidnappings, rape, torture, and organ harvesting, all with the blessings of america."

after 99 when the Serb army left there was a tsunami of albans into KiM from all neighbouring countries around Serbia - it was like a free for all for albans - all Serbian property (houses apartments etc.) stolen by albans. What gives them the right to occupy Serbian homes businesses?

"Obama is from Chicago. Guess what nationality has a HUGE presence in Chicago? Yup, you guessed it, Serbians are 300,000 strong there. Expect Obama to be fully informed and aware of the Serbian perspective.

Partition anyone?"

NOPE. Partition isn't good for Bosnia, FYROM, Montenegro or Presheva Valley, that is why they went with the existing borders versus arguing over each village. MAYBE later Kosova and Serbia can agree to exchange Presevo etc with the North but it will be between two states, so it doesn't give others any more ideas. Obama knows and so do his advisers:

"Robert Gelbard, currently an advisor to the US presidential hopeful, Barack Obama said Serbia had the possibility to change the situation in Kosovo in its interest but now there is no going back.

“Kosovo is now a sovereign state. The new Serbian government knows that it should live with Kosovo and no matter what, a dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is necessary,” Gelbard, who represented the US government during the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo, told Voice of America. "

This is the American foreign policy and doesn't change because many Serbs are on Obama's old districts.

JOE BIDEN's role is mostly symbolic my dear Albanian supporter "alb", clearly you know little about American politics. Biden will have little or no influence on foreign policy or for that matter even domestic policy.

And by the way in case you did not know, some of Obama's closest friends are Serbian.

Obama will want to show the world that America respects international law, unlike the current administration thus when the ICJ rules in Serbia's favor guess what will happen?

Barack Obama will be a great President. One good thing about him is that "he will force Serbia to recognize Kosovo instead, unlike current administration..

What most serbs seem to misunderstand here is that Kosovo has been a democratic project and 95% of his staff are from Clinton.

I wonder when did Chicago turn red in the last 40 years? or blue, because of less than 26, 000 (Illinois state demographics data) registered Serbs?

Obama will pursue an aggressive policy towards Serbia by forcing it accept Kosovo as a sovereign and independent country.

I remember Serbs pouring millions and arguing how great Bush was going to be in november of 2000. Yea, right.

Today, Kosovo is an independent and sovereign country.

Mr. Sejdiu! Dont count your eggs until your chicken Hen lays it.
(Jevic, 5 November 2008 14:21)


You mean don't count your eggs until they hatch..though I know what you're trying to say:) but I regret to inform you that speculations are already in the air about Mr. Richard Holbrook becoming a secretary of United States.

Based on facts before Bush came to Oval Office there were same democrats who decided to oust Serbian military and paramilitaries from Kosova.
In your view do you expect any changes towards Kosova except more funding from States and EU?.

Jevic: As far as I know Obama will try to change maybe better to say FIX the financial crisis.

Even president Bush wouldn't accept Kosova's Independence if there was no approval in Congress.
Having said that now you know that no President in States can make decision if it's not approved by Congress/Senate.
Remember that war in Iraq/Afganistan was voted first.

Obama will make a change becasue time is changing but go to youtube and see what he said about Kosovo on one of the debates with Mrs Hillary Clinton.

Dream on Sejdiu - Now is the time for the truth to come out! The world is becoming AWARE of your non-exitent'tolerance' of other ethnic groups and the walls of your FAKE state will come tumbling down as a result! Long Live Serbia

Mr. Sejdiu! Dont count your eggs until your chicken Hen lays it.

OBAMA means CHANGE! He will correct all the MISTAKES of the George W. Bush Foreign policies.

He will use more the process of "dialogue" rather than confrontation unlike the unilateral actions did by Bush and the EU.

Expect OBAMA will respect the decision of the ICJ and will encourage a WIN-WIN solution for the Kosovo status.

Hmmm Mr. Sejdiu, I hope there will be some change in Kosovo's foreign policy, so one could take notice of it.

yeah, we've got to be realistic.

Obama is surrounded by those air-heads who make their foreign policy based on infamous American ignorance of the situation on the ground and utter opportunism.
Not a good sign!

Obama might have heard something first-hand from Serbs in Illinois which might make a difference when it comes down to how he sees the Serbian-Albanian conflict.

But I wouldn't expect anything from him.

He will go after American interests and we all know Americans want to keep Camp Bondsteel base right where it is.

Matthew comment #8
The 2007 US census list the Serbian population of Chicago as 4,326 but that is somewhat close to 300,000 give or take 296,000.
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-context=dt&-ds_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G00_&-mt_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G2000_B04003&-CONTEXT=dt&-tree_id=307&-redoLog=true&-geo_id=16000US1714000&-search_results=01000US&-format=&-_lang=en

Whoever thinks that things will change, I would suggest to watch the following link to see what Vice President Joe Biden said. Remember that Joe Biden is the person elected and selected due to his long experience in foreign relations.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOnCLv2_AhI&feature=related

Today, Kosovo is an independent and sovereign country.
(Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 2008 01:55)

How do you figure that? Do you have a seat in the UN?
You can't even play soccer because FIFA won't let you.
You can't even be represented at the Olympics because they won't let you.

For a sovereign country, you sure can't do very much.
You can't even make your own decisions because Europe and US will make them for you.

Some independent, sovereign country? It's a joke.

I dont hold out much hope. But maybe Congresswoman Bean will be able to rein in Biden, Clarke et al. a little bit.

Actually Seidjui is correct for once. Serbs- don't be naiive to think there will be a change in US foreign policy. The continued efforts to dominate Europe and encircle Russia will continue through project Kosovo. It(US) has a base there, it has loyal Albanians there and it can sell its crap goods (probably made in CHina) to a local population that has no other form of trade and don't realize the wool is being pulled over there eyes..

Nobody can say for certain what Obama's view will be toward Kosovo. It's easy to speculate that it will be anti-Serb because of Biden. However, Biden isn't the President. Further, I believe from what I've heard from Obama's comments here in the US that he is more willing to listen to others. We saw with the previous administrations that Serb views were ignored completely. Perhaps things will change. So, I wouldn't be so sure things will be the same as before.

Everyone in their right mind knows there will be no changes, let alone withdrawl of Kosovo recognition in US policy toward Kosovo.

There is no support whatsoever from any party to do so. Who is Obama going to consult on Kosovo, Biden, Clark, Holbrok, Clinton....

Any pro-Serbian changes in Kosovo will be indeed interpreted as pro-Russian moves, which Joe Biden will immediately oppose. Biden will not endorse any moves that will satisfy Russia, nor democrats and republicans will.

Further more, many here are underestimating the Albanian lobby in US. Big mistake!

That lobby is so powerful Obama was obligated to send them a letter of clarification directly and make his position on Kosovo very clear - supporting Kosovo INDEPENDENCE.

first of all Mr.Obama is not from Chicago, he came to this city as a young adult.

furthermore, those who are writing about clear changes in the US-foreign policy in the near future are way too optimistic.

there will be a change, I have no doubts about that, but that will take time.

as for our dear friends here, it is very cute to see them write comments under western, and preferentially american nick-names... but they are just too naive to hide the visible truth about them:

they want to present their cause as widely supported, while writing illusionary lines about sovereignty and being a "country" ...although there can´t be no serious talk about the southern serbian province being a country...

I love the way the Albanian supporters believe they can speak for Americans. How do you know, for instance, that Obama will rely on Holbrook and Clark for information on Kosovo? Clark discredited himself during the campaign when he said that being shot down (McCain) doesn't qualify one for president. Some say that Clark and other ex-Clinton officials will get high posts in the US government from Obama. However, early reports from the Washington Post do not include any of those ex-Clintonians on Obama's short list. That's the problem, many Albanian supporters are living in la la land, believing that Kosovo is an important issue to the US. It's not. In fact, most Americans have never even heard of Albania, let alone Kosovo. I was watching a recent episode of the Jimmy Kimmel show when he hosted two individuals of Albanian heritage, Belushi and Eliza Dushku. Another guest called them Albinos. He had no clue what was an Albanian. The same is true for Serbia, most Americans never even heard of Serbia, even with all the media attention in the 1990s. Wake up, drink some coffee. Will things change? I believe so. America has too little money to waste on Kosovo. We have far too many problems of our own to tend to. I'm afraid Kosovo will have to depend on itself for a while. Unfortunately, I don't believe America will change it's mind on recognizing Kosovo. However, I think Kosovo will be put in its rightful place way down the list of foreign policy priorities.

"# I love the way the Albanian supporters believe they can speak for Americans. How do you know, for instance, that Obama will rely on Holbrook and Clark for information on Kosovo? Clark discredited himself during the campaign when he said that being shot down (McCain) doesn't qualify one for president. Some say that Clark and other ex-Clinton officials will get high posts in the US government from Obama. However, early reports from the Washington Post do not include any of those ex-Clintonians on Obama's short list. That's the problem, many Albanian supporters are living in la la land, believing that Kosovo is an important issue to the US. It's not. In fact, most Americans have never even heard of Albania, let alone Kosovo. I was watching a recent episode of the Jimmy Kimmel show when he hosted two individuals of Albanian heritage, Belushi and Eliza Dushku. Another guest called them Albinos. He had no clue what was an Albanian. The same is true for Serbia, most Americans never even heard of Serbia, even with all the media attention in the 1990s. Wake up, drink some coffee. Will things change? I believe so. America has too little money to waste on Kosovo. We have far too many problems of our own to tend to. I'm afraid Kosovo will have to depend on itself for a while. Unfortunately, I don't believe America will change it's mind on recognizing Kosovo. However, I think Kosovo will be put in its rightful place way down the list of foreign policy priorities.
(Daniel, 7 November 2008 13:35)"


Well here it is:

As Sen. Barack Obama convened the first meeting of his new "senior working group on national security" in Washington on Wednesday, he put Madeleine Albright at the head of the table -- strongly signaling that he is reaching out to the Clinton policy apparatus.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/06/18/convenes_national_security_wor.html



State Department/Secretary of State:

Richard Lugar,
Richard Holbroke
John Kerry
Tony Lake

Well, here is the letter:

September 19, 2008
National Albanian American Council
Dear Friends,

I appreciate the opportunity to share a few thoughts with everyone gathered here tonight for the National Albanian American Council’s 12th Annual Awards Dinner. Albanian Americans are an important part of America’s melting pot, both in my hometown of Chicago, and around the country. You are also a vital link to an important part of the world where America and our allies must remain vigilant and energetic in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

As President, I will continue to pay close attention to the Balkans. I support Kosovo’s independence and its desire to move towards full sovereignty. I believe the United States should help the development of a vibrant democracy in Kosovo, secured through the rule of law that ensures the interests of all people. I endorse Kosovo’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, which will be advanced through the establishment of a free, tolerant and prosperous society that promotes minority rights and protects religious and cultural sites.

My administration will also work towards the development of a prosperous market economy in Kosovo by focusing on economic development and job creation, and assistance to build Kosovo’s infrastructure and its energy sector. I applaud the significant achievements of Albania and hope that Albania’s aspiration to join NATO can be realized in the near future.

I wish you all the best as you work to increase the political involvement of Albanian Americans and support democracy in the Balkans.


Sincerely,
Barack Obama

Politicians will tell you what you want to hear during election time.

How many promises are kept after election?

Check out who Obama chose for his chief of staff. None other than Rahm Emanuel.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/il05_emanuel/serbianunity.html

Looks like Obama is open to all sides not just Albanian.

His choice of Secretary of State is not known yet, but I doubt he will go with anyone with a cloud hanging over them. Holdbrook is a bit risky now because of the speculation about his involvement with Karadzic.

I have no way of predicting who he will pick, but his chief of staff was not anticipated. He clearly is not predictable as the Albanians would like to think.