"Obama will continue U.S. Kosovo policy"

According to the current policy Kosovo solution has already been found. It's independence. How come Obama will keep searching for a lasting solution then?

If the current policy says that the solution has been found there is nothing more to look for. Looks to me like Obama is not satisfied with the current solution.

Albanians should not interpret Obama's statement as a win for them. He seems to want to continue searching for a solution. That could be anywhere.

This is excellent news for all people who are interested in long-lasting solution; long-lasting is a crucial word. Such solution would definitely exclude formal independence (UN chair), as it would last as long as the current balance of world powers lasts (and this is shifting all the time in a matter of years/decades).

Now is the time for historical Serbian-Albanian deal. The only thing that Serbia wants is a formal/symbolic presence in Kosovo without imposing any rules on Kosovo Albanians. I do not think that this is too much; nobody would remove any powers of Kosovo Albanians to govern themselves. I personally think that this is much better solution then full/formal independence. As an example, look how many Albanians live in Serbia; for them, it is much better that Kosovo and Serbia is (formally) a single state. And vice verse.

I also like to take this opportunity to thank Albo_Canada and Albanez for reading and writing their comments on B92 site. Although I disagree with most of their comments, I enjoy reading them.

"Albanians should not interpret Obama's statement as a win for them. He seems to want to continue searching for a solution. That could be anywhere."

Yeah, anything short of independence will really be permanent and peaceful. Ha! The lasting solution will be found by his advisers: Clinton, Clark, Richardson, Holbrooke and Madeleine Allbright.

"Obama will keep the continuity of the policy on Kosovo, but will also help solve this issue once and for all,"

Yup, he will respect the will of the Kosovars just like the Bush administration.

Obama administration will even work closer with Kosovar leadership which will ease the tensions there.

National Endowment for Democracy (NED)was created by Ronald Reagan to extend the CIA’s secret activities by providing financial support and controlling trade unions, associations and political parties. The NED boasts about having directed and manipulated the Polish trade union Solidarnosc, the Charter 77 and many other. groups. Several "NGO's" in Serbia receive funds from NED, among others, Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Kandic (who's a long time grantee according to NED's website) Biserko, B92 etc. Astonished anybody?

"Gerschman, a former senior advisor of the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said that Kosovo was a difficult issue, but that the United States and its European partners were working together to find a solution that would rest on a lasting basis."

Well, they're gonna have to work a lot harder because as it stands at the moment, the "solution" is illegal and cannot even be implemented, let alone "lasting"... If it is to be a lasting solution it probably rests somewhere along the lines of partition. A divorce...

On a slightly separate note, the world is somewhat tired of your teachings of "human rights" and "democracy". To be fair...

Dear Albanez,

Thank you for your comments of my comments.

The main thing that I factually disagree with you is in your assessment of history. The period of 1945-1985 is the time of the unprecedented prosperity for Albanian people from Kosovo; this is not what I have learned in School, but what I have seen it (compare also with life of Albanian people in Albania as well). I had worked with Albanians, have friends Albanians; my President was Albanian (Hasani/Hodza); my favourite football player was Albanian (Jusufi/Prekazi/Vokri). My best sporting moment is a Dzevad Prekazi goal against Hajduk (Split) from 40 m (I think it was 2:1 for Partizan). In period 1987-2000 human rights of anybody in Serbia was violated and what happened then is in no way true reflection of feelings between Serbs and Albanians. When I mentioned Albanians living in Serbia, I thought of people I know in Belgrade.

I know what I have suggested in my previous post is science-fiction for your current leadership, but I think that they are wrong in thinking like that. I think that they should be prepared to assess all possible options and to choose the right one.

Regarding the last para of your post and what Serbian Parliament and Government should do, I agree with that 100%.

I wish you all the best.

"Obama will keep the continuity of the policy on Kosovo, but will also help solve this issue once and for all,"

Read it again Albo_Canada, The US admit that the unilateral action they and the EUcrats made was not the solution and they will find to solve the issue.

WHICH MEANS KOSOVO UDI WAS NOT THE SOLUTION AT ALL AND WILL FIND WAYS TO OBTAIN A WIN-WIN SOLUTION ACCEPTABLE BY BOTH PARTIES.

Obama is also going to continue allowing "waterboarding" as an interrogation tactic, and probably a host of despicable things to continue. American suport will go so far as only to keep that region in chaos, not peace. All those Serb enclaves surrounded by barbed wire will be turned into fortesses to guard a giant outdoor prison. That is the future.

Obama will continue U.S. policy to finally dissolve His own country. If He's stupid.

Mr. Blagojevic, it's refreshing to read your comment that reflect a positive attitude towards K-Albanians. It is in stark contrast with the arrogance and the despise that we frequently see in this forum addressing Albanians in general.

I assume you are honest and sincere in your expressions. Having said that I have to add that it is a bit naive to claim a "symbolic presence" in Kosova these days.
First Serbia lost that chance; The last chance it had for that was at Rambuille. Miloscevic refused and we are where we are. As a note to that, I think your current politicians would accept Rambuille agreement now if it was offered to them, but that's irrelevant, since it's too late anyway.
Second there is no sincere request for "symbolic presence". If Serbia want's "symbolic presence" it still can negotiate it over enclaves and religious sites, after recognizing the independence of Kosova in full. There is no desire to it. Belgrade policy is crystal clear "Get whatever it can without committing anything on paper as far as recognizing the new state". Then try to get some more, and some more.
Well it's not going to work. A century old co-living with Serbia has taught K-Albanians one or two things. There is no chance on earth K-Albanians would put their lives in Serbian mercy again.
Third, as "Albanez" pointed out, the "symbolic presence" in reality means military presence, police presence, foreign policy control, custom control etc. So really there is no such thing as symbolic presence.

As per prosperity of K-Albanians that is very much tied to Yugoslavia,not Serbia. There is a big difference there. K-Albanian's prosperity during Yugoslavia shows even more what K-Albanians can achieve if are treated equally and fair.

Have a good one!

Peggy wrote:
Albanians should not interpret Obama's statement as a win for them. He seems to want to continue searching for a solution. That could be anywhere.

Peggy, be sure that there is not going to be any solution which says Kosovo is part of Serbia. You can mark my word on this.
Obama will continuse US policy toward Kosovo which we all know what is that, Kosovo is independent. I guess you and others who disagree have to live with it.

Dear Miri,

Thank you for your comments and kind words. As this is now yesterday news I write here just to let you know that I have read your comments.

The point that I try to make is that it would be very important to find a solution that would be intrinsically accepted by all concerned sides. This has never happened in Balkans. However, this year many things that were impossible have happened and I think that we should try to do something that would positively change everything. If Barack Obama is half of what he looks like he is, he would be once in a life time President. If he is more than that, miracles are possible.

I agree with all concerns that you have raised and very clever people have to think how to address all these issues. What I am saying, maybe (just maybe) there is a small chance to do something different that would make conditions where all dreams can be achieved without this being on anybody else expense. There is no better legacy, but to leave to your children/grandchildren a system/country that would have a bright future.

I wish you all the best and, although I am not religious, God bless you.

>> "The only thing that Serbia wants is a formal/symbolic presence in Kosovo without imposing any rules on Kosovo Albanians. I do not think that this is too much; nobody would remove any powers of Kosovo Albanians to govern themselves. "

I love it how people think we're dumb. We know history very well, the censored version Serbs don't learn. First you tried to kill us, deport to Turkey, expel from Kosova and now they you can't do anything you talk "why can't we get along." You think that after all that blood shed, Albanians will just accept Serbian soldiers in Kosova??? We'd rather be ruled by the Chinese!


>>>"I personally think that this is much better solution then full/formal independence. As an example, look how many Albanians live in Serbia; for them, it is much better that Kosovo and Serbia is (formally) a single state. And vice verse. "

Of course you do, you are a Serb and want to keep what's left. The Albanians in Serbia (or Eastern Kosova) are there because they have no choice, they tried in 2000-2001. That's only 100,000 of them. It's much better if Kosova joined Albania, even if not 100% legally and create a powerful Balkan state of 6-7 million with Europe's youngest population, natural resources, a coastline and NATO army. What would be best for Albanians, tell me?
Any promise is as good as the army defending it, and Kosova will have its army and have agreements with Albania and Croatia.

Thanks for telling us what's best for us, we believe you. Have your parliament discuss what you did is Kosova, apologize in detail, pay money to the victims and then we will consider it. Until then, no thanks.

Peggy, be sure that there is not going to be any solution which says Kosovo is part of Serbia. You can mark my word on this.
Obama will continuse US policy toward Kosovo which we all know what is that, Kosovo is independent. I guess you and others who disagree have to live with it.
(Nexh, 20 November 2008 12:16)

You must be Nostradamus. Obama says he is going to be searching for a lasting solution and you know that he has already found it. I wonder if he knows that.

Nobody knows which way Obama is going to go. We can try to interpret his words and what I am hearing is that he is still searching. That is obviously his way of saying that the previous solution is not working.

We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Sad to see more support coming from the white house for the yellow house.

"Obama will keep the continuity of the policy on Kosovo, but will also help solve this issue once and for all,"

Yup, he will respect the will of the Kosovars just like the Bush administration.

Obama administration will even work closer with Kosovar leadership which will ease the tensions there.

According to the current policy Kosovo solution has already been found. It's independence. How come Obama will keep searching for a lasting solution then?

If the current policy says that the solution has been found there is nothing more to look for. Looks to me like Obama is not satisfied with the current solution.

Albanians should not interpret Obama's statement as a win for them. He seems to want to continue searching for a solution. That could be anywhere.

"Albanians should not interpret Obama's statement as a win for them. He seems to want to continue searching for a solution. That could be anywhere."

Yeah, anything short of independence will really be permanent and peaceful. Ha! The lasting solution will be found by his advisers: Clinton, Clark, Richardson, Holbrooke and Madeleine Allbright.

"Obama will keep the continuity of the policy on Kosovo, but will also help solve this issue once and for all,"

Read it again Albo_Canada, The US admit that the unilateral action they and the EUcrats made was not the solution and they will find to solve the issue.

WHICH MEANS KOSOVO UDI WAS NOT THE SOLUTION AT ALL AND WILL FIND WAYS TO OBTAIN A WIN-WIN SOLUTION ACCEPTABLE BY BOTH PARTIES.

Peggy wrote:
Albanians should not interpret Obama's statement as a win for them. He seems to want to continue searching for a solution. That could be anywhere.

Peggy, be sure that there is not going to be any solution which says Kosovo is part of Serbia. You can mark my word on this.
Obama will continuse US policy toward Kosovo which we all know what is that, Kosovo is independent. I guess you and others who disagree have to live with it.

>> "The only thing that Serbia wants is a formal/symbolic presence in Kosovo without imposing any rules on Kosovo Albanians. I do not think that this is too much; nobody would remove any powers of Kosovo Albanians to govern themselves. "

I love it how people think we're dumb. We know history very well, the censored version Serbs don't learn. First you tried to kill us, deport to Turkey, expel from Kosova and now they you can't do anything you talk "why can't we get along." You think that after all that blood shed, Albanians will just accept Serbian soldiers in Kosova??? We'd rather be ruled by the Chinese!


>>>"I personally think that this is much better solution then full/formal independence. As an example, look how many Albanians live in Serbia; for them, it is much better that Kosovo and Serbia is (formally) a single state. And vice verse. "

Of course you do, you are a Serb and want to keep what's left. The Albanians in Serbia (or Eastern Kosova) are there because they have no choice, they tried in 2000-2001. That's only 100,000 of them. It's much better if Kosova joined Albania, even if not 100% legally and create a powerful Balkan state of 6-7 million with Europe's youngest population, natural resources, a coastline and NATO army. What would be best for Albanians, tell me?
Any promise is as good as the army defending it, and Kosova will have its army and have agreements with Albania and Croatia.

Thanks for telling us what's best for us, we believe you. Have your parliament discuss what you did is Kosova, apologize in detail, pay money to the victims and then we will consider it. Until then, no thanks.

This is excellent news for all people who are interested in long-lasting solution; long-lasting is a crucial word. Such solution would definitely exclude formal independence (UN chair), as it would last as long as the current balance of world powers lasts (and this is shifting all the time in a matter of years/decades).

Now is the time for historical Serbian-Albanian deal. The only thing that Serbia wants is a formal/symbolic presence in Kosovo without imposing any rules on Kosovo Albanians. I do not think that this is too much; nobody would remove any powers of Kosovo Albanians to govern themselves. I personally think that this is much better solution then full/formal independence. As an example, look how many Albanians live in Serbia; for them, it is much better that Kosovo and Serbia is (formally) a single state. And vice verse.

I also like to take this opportunity to thank Albo_Canada and Albanez for reading and writing their comments on B92 site. Although I disagree with most of their comments, I enjoy reading them.

Peggy, be sure that there is not going to be any solution which says Kosovo is part of Serbia. You can mark my word on this.
Obama will continuse US policy toward Kosovo which we all know what is that, Kosovo is independent. I guess you and others who disagree have to live with it.
(Nexh, 20 November 2008 12:16)

You must be Nostradamus. Obama says he is going to be searching for a lasting solution and you know that he has already found it. I wonder if he knows that.

Nobody knows which way Obama is going to go. We can try to interpret his words and what I am hearing is that he is still searching. That is obviously his way of saying that the previous solution is not working.

We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Dear Miri,

Thank you for your comments and kind words. As this is now yesterday news I write here just to let you know that I have read your comments.

The point that I try to make is that it would be very important to find a solution that would be intrinsically accepted by all concerned sides. This has never happened in Balkans. However, this year many things that were impossible have happened and I think that we should try to do something that would positively change everything. If Barack Obama is half of what he looks like he is, he would be once in a life time President. If he is more than that, miracles are possible.

I agree with all concerns that you have raised and very clever people have to think how to address all these issues. What I am saying, maybe (just maybe) there is a small chance to do something different that would make conditions where all dreams can be achieved without this being on anybody else expense. There is no better legacy, but to leave to your children/grandchildren a system/country that would have a bright future.

I wish you all the best and, although I am not religious, God bless you.

Obama will continue U.S. policy to finally dissolve His own country. If He's stupid.

Sad to see more support coming from the white house for the yellow house.

Obama is also going to continue allowing "waterboarding" as an interrogation tactic, and probably a host of despicable things to continue. American suport will go so far as only to keep that region in chaos, not peace. All those Serb enclaves surrounded by barbed wire will be turned into fortesses to guard a giant outdoor prison. That is the future.

National Endowment for Democracy (NED)was created by Ronald Reagan to extend the CIA’s secret activities by providing financial support and controlling trade unions, associations and political parties. The NED boasts about having directed and manipulated the Polish trade union Solidarnosc, the Charter 77 and many other. groups. Several "NGO's" in Serbia receive funds from NED, among others, Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Kandic (who's a long time grantee according to NED's website) Biserko, B92 etc. Astonished anybody?

"Gerschman, a former senior advisor of the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said that Kosovo was a difficult issue, but that the United States and its European partners were working together to find a solution that would rest on a lasting basis."

Well, they're gonna have to work a lot harder because as it stands at the moment, the "solution" is illegal and cannot even be implemented, let alone "lasting"... If it is to be a lasting solution it probably rests somewhere along the lines of partition. A divorce...

On a slightly separate note, the world is somewhat tired of your teachings of "human rights" and "democracy". To be fair...

Dear Albanez,

Thank you for your comments of my comments.

The main thing that I factually disagree with you is in your assessment of history. The period of 1945-1985 is the time of the unprecedented prosperity for Albanian people from Kosovo; this is not what I have learned in School, but what I have seen it (compare also with life of Albanian people in Albania as well). I had worked with Albanians, have friends Albanians; my President was Albanian (Hasani/Hodza); my favourite football player was Albanian (Jusufi/Prekazi/Vokri). My best sporting moment is a Dzevad Prekazi goal against Hajduk (Split) from 40 m (I think it was 2:1 for Partizan). In period 1987-2000 human rights of anybody in Serbia was violated and what happened then is in no way true reflection of feelings between Serbs and Albanians. When I mentioned Albanians living in Serbia, I thought of people I know in Belgrade.

I know what I have suggested in my previous post is science-fiction for your current leadership, but I think that they are wrong in thinking like that. I think that they should be prepared to assess all possible options and to choose the right one.

Regarding the last para of your post and what Serbian Parliament and Government should do, I agree with that 100%.

I wish you all the best.

Mr. Blagojevic, it's refreshing to read your comment that reflect a positive attitude towards K-Albanians. It is in stark contrast with the arrogance and the despise that we frequently see in this forum addressing Albanians in general.

I assume you are honest and sincere in your expressions. Having said that I have to add that it is a bit naive to claim a "symbolic presence" in Kosova these days.
First Serbia lost that chance; The last chance it had for that was at Rambuille. Miloscevic refused and we are where we are. As a note to that, I think your current politicians would accept Rambuille agreement now if it was offered to them, but that's irrelevant, since it's too late anyway.
Second there is no sincere request for "symbolic presence". If Serbia want's "symbolic presence" it still can negotiate it over enclaves and religious sites, after recognizing the independence of Kosova in full. There is no desire to it. Belgrade policy is crystal clear "Get whatever it can without committing anything on paper as far as recognizing the new state". Then try to get some more, and some more.
Well it's not going to work. A century old co-living with Serbia has taught K-Albanians one or two things. There is no chance on earth K-Albanians would put their lives in Serbian mercy again.
Third, as "Albanez" pointed out, the "symbolic presence" in reality means military presence, police presence, foreign policy control, custom control etc. So really there is no such thing as symbolic presence.

As per prosperity of K-Albanians that is very much tied to Yugoslavia,not Serbia. There is a big difference there. K-Albanian's prosperity during Yugoslavia shows even more what K-Albanians can achieve if are treated equally and fair.

Have a good one!