Albania will provide enough food for Kosovo's needs if the government in Priština is "forced to block imports from Serbia and Bosnia", officials announced.
Adrian @40. You cannot be serious about Kosovo being multi ethnic. Most of the non Albanian population has been expelled or forced to live behind barbed wire in ghettos. Only north has some sort of security for the Serbs and other non Albanians because Serbs make up the majority.
Serbia was and still is a shining example of multi ethnic. Why dismember a country which is multi ethnic for real only to ethnically cleanse a region of it and give it away to one ethnic minority. Yes, minority because Albanians are a minority in Serbia.
So Adrian, you tell me if your Serb friends agree that Kosovo should break away on ethnic grounds. That's exactly what happened.
If you want your fellow friends from Balkans to have a good image, please tell your own to respect others around them. Burning over a hundred churches, forcing people to live behind barbed wire like animals and chasing out all non Albanians is not a sign of a civilized person. Serbs enjoy a good image around the world. I too live in the west and I don't see anyone thinking that Serbs are savages.
In all honesty, Kosovo will never join Albania, that is true, not because we (in Tirana) do not want to, but because Kosovo is indeed a multi-ethnic society. I believe that when Kosovo loses respect for its minorities, it will end up like the former Greater-Ser.... I am sorry I meant Yugoslavia ;). I am an Albanian (from Tirana) living in the states for most of my life and here I have 3 friends that are ethnic Serbs and 1 Croatian (we constitute most of the Eastern European population in this university in the States). We do just fine together, primarily because even people from Mexico view us (yes all of us, Serbians, Croatians and Albanians) as a second "middle east" type of region, so we don't have much of a choice but to defend the entire region in an argument rather than just our respective countries. You people ov'er need to get over yourselves and realize that with all this you will cause for both Serbia's and Albania's ambitions to join the EU to get crushed. Sweet lord, look at a freaking income-per-capita list, granted Albania is lower than Serbia, and so is almost every other country in the region. You all should speak to third parties from the western world and see how much they value Serbia or Albania (i.e., we are all considered third world countries without any kind of real value in the world). It's a shame, honestly! I mean if anyone not from the Balkans reads any of these comments they will close the browser and think "what kind of idiots are these people?".
This is an historical moment, Kosova and Albania will have strong relationship,economically, politically and traditionally. It dont have to be one state geographically, we will be two states but one dream.
I know reality hurts, but thats the way it is.
I mean come on, look at our neighbors (republics of former J.) they recognized Kosova and agreed with reality.
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
(Ron, 10 January 2009 20:02)
I don't think that Serb vote matters in another country. Bamir Topi's visit to Kosova made it clear that within three months there will be only a formal border with Kosova. People can go back and forth showing only IDs at the border and that is amazing. Do you know that there will be no border at all in the near future and surprisingly to you Ron no one is going to ask for a Serb vote. This is a business between two independent countries and everyone in Kosova-Albania like it.
If Berlusconi is your friend you really don't need enemies!
(Ron, 11 January 2009 16:20)
This is one of very rare times that I agree with Ron ;)
However, it is deal between countries not PMs- the italian centre-left is OK with this policy too.
Alban: thank you for posting your link. I am sure now MikeC & Co will see how much is he/they ignoring everything there is about Alabnia/ns- even when the info's are in the Serbian mass media ;)
"Don't worry Mike, soon Albania will be able to produce enough electricity to cover all the balkan needs. That's why my man Berlusconi came to Tirana to invest more than $2 and a half billion."
Albanian
Yeah! Of course he will!
Albanians make a lot of claims but are not able to prove anyting of what they are suggesting. Don't talk about "what might be". Talk about "what is".
"Most of Kosovo’s electricity and 70% of its consumer goods and construction materials either come from or through Serbia proper."
[link]
(MikeC, 11 January 2009 12:57)
Don't worry Mike, soon Albania will be able to produce enough electricity to cover all the balkan needs. That's why my man Berlusconi came to Tirana to invest more than $2 and a half billion.
This will bring Albania and Kosovo closer. Anyone know when the Durres-Prishtina Highway will be complete?
(L*O*G*I*C, 10 January 2009 15:30)
My experiences.
I drove between Pristina and Pec two month ago and the road construction was basically limited to Pristina - Pristina airport section. Beyond that section not much of work going on (thankfully!). The Sunday traffic wasn't very busy, not sure about weekdays. I cannot say that the road is exceptionally scenic, but it's a pleasure to drive and see the scenery. It's a usual two-lane road and the pavement is in acceptable state. At least, for my "American" taste - the rural roads in the States are not any better (often: worse) than on Balkans. Obama is 100% right, the road/rail infrastructure in the States does need a lot of improvement and does not reflect the needs of the country.
I am not sure, where the said highway between Durres and Pristina would be, but I did not see any sign of it beyond the airport. And between Pristina and the airport in October it was just a huge construction mess, KP being full in charge of the traffic.
Correct?
By the way: super-charging the country's economics is usually done by drastically improving the rail, not the road. Here not just the entire Balkan falls short, but even Europe and Russia and USA.
Imagine sleeping car trains going at 250 km/h and the entire country network being in process to be geared at that speed. Imagine the world's highest railway... All this is in one particular country. All of us should watch it and look, what they are doing and make sure, we won't fall behind.
If this kind of trains run in Russia, Serbia/Kosovo and Albania - than I call it a serious progress:
"Kosovo Albanians have turned their backs on Serbia for good.
June 2009 the highway connecting Kosovo and Albania is set to be finished,this will blue print the end of serbian influence in kosovo."
aa
Are you sure about that?
"Most of Kosovo’s electricity and 70% of its consumer goods and construction materials either come from or through Serbia proper."
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/4861
Albanians can turn their back on Serbia but Kosovo as a territory can't. As long as there are serbs in Kosovo and as long at there are churches and monasteries reminding everyone who Kosovo belongs to Kosovo will forever be serbian territory.
Kosovo Albanians have turned their backs on Serbia for good.
June 2009 the highway connecting Kosovo and Albania is set to be finished,this will blue print the end of serbian influence in kosovo.
Only in 2009 there will be drastic changes in import partners of Kosova. Albania will profil from it and we rather give 500 mil to Albania than Serbia. Albania is our motherland and theres nothing to compare it to!Serbs dont want to live in Kosovar state, why should we bother?
"Your own Athisaari stipulated that Kosovo cannot join Albania so if you try all bets are off. "
1) Two countries are better than one.
2) If Albania and Kosovo do join it won't be politically and with a change of borders. It will be done very subtle and without much noise by simply having 100% free movement of people and goods as if the border between the two nations never existed.
Ron,
Albanians now have two countries? I thought Kosovo was a multi-ethnic state?
Kosova is a multi-ethnic state,but also you know same as i do that 92% is K- Albanian and 8% Serbian so please don't try put words in my in my mouth you know exactly what i meant by that.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
(Peggy, 11 January 2009 00:41)
What is your point here Peggy.
At the present we export products from Serbia.
Now we will export the same from other countries (Albania, Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece etc).
If Tirana produce the product that we want we will export.
I see only one looser here Peggy and many winners.
You can stipulate that this will not make any difference to Serbia etc. etc. etc..
Ok then.
As I highlighted in one of my previous comments, if Serbia can afford to loose any market (no matter the size of the market) in this times, good for them.
It makes no difference to us either. So what if we can’t get any more “Plazma” in Kosovo.
We might find something better never to go back to “Plazma”.
You never know Peggy, as they say “every cloud has a silver lining”.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
Peggy
That's how it is, Peg! Now that the West is paying all Kosovo bills Albania wants to make a quick buck from its "brothers" to the north.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
(Peggy, 11 January 2009 00:41)
How so? That makes no sense whatsoever.
The right idea would be to have that mini-Schengen (Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Greece). You know, 0% VAT, ease of access.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
But the US or EU will never let Kosovo join Albania. NEVER! If they let that happen they give in the whole idea of Kosovo being multi-ethnic was just a lie...
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
(Ron, 10 January 2009 20:02)
Just to remind you 20 years ago, USA even didn't know where in the Map is Kosovo or they didn't know much of thing!!!
Serbs in other hand 20 years ago where saying there is 0.1% chance Kosovo to be an independent, because the world will never allow such a think to happen.
Now after 20 years things have changed and Kosovo is Independent.
Now you say that world will not allow Kosovo to join Albania, and I say that you are right not at this moment at this time, but that does not mean that no in the near future.
At this moment Albanians too don't want to do such a thing, because it is not yet the right time.
For the moment they move step by step, and the most important step is that Albania and Kosovo are getting closer economically, investments from both sides, free and secure, with no tied border rules, soon even with no border.
I surely agree with you on the importance of economic growth and high standards of living.
With that in mind, please tell us what precisely can 8 millions of Albanians, as most trusted and reliable friends do for:
- 500.000 US people that lost their jobs only in December
- Tens of thousands that lost their homes for not being able to fulfill their mortgage obligations to the banks, and many more thousands that will lose homes due to the loss of jobs
- How will you help US in repaying their huge debts to China
- Help US auto industry
- Would you volunteer your help in the war against Al Qaeda anywhere in the world; be it Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran or somewhere closer to the home
- Would you go and help Israel to fight Palestine - after all, Israel is also the best friend of US
- How are you going to help the investors of that Madoff; it's only measly 50 Billions he cheated them of
- And finally, how come you did not help that German Merckle billionaire not to go under the train for bad Volkswagen investments (Vorsicht: Deutsche Oekonomie in Frage!)
I picked up only a few of the areas where the able helping friends might be needed.
Thanks for your answer.
What hasn't the mouse that roared already imposed its threatened ban on goods from its owner Serbia? HAHAHA. The mouse knows that if goods from Serbia are banned, its economy collapses. Albania is just a slightly bigger mouse with nothing to spare. This comic situation will end when the USA realizes that it cannot afford the new world order anymore. And that is the albanians biggest fear: that the USA will abandon them like it abandoned eastern europe to communism, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Lebanon, all of Africa, etc. Somehow, the mouse equates itself to Israel and thinks that the USA will unconditionally support it like Israel.
Indeed the US is very pro-Albanian. This makes me feel sick as I think the US should be neutral. But hey, that's a fact.
But the US or EU will never let Kosovo join Albania. NEVER! If they let that happen they give in the whole idea of Kosovo being multi-ethnic was just a lie...
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
"The will happen at the same time Republic of Srpska and Serbia form a union. And without the nothern part of Kosovo which will become independent. The only great albanian you will experience is the illusion of it. The world will never allow albanians in the balkans to form a united country. This is what you want and what you dream about. You want a greater albania to be shown on a map. Unfortunately for you this greater albanian will only exist in albanian schoolbooks and not in the real world".
(MikeC, 10 January 2009 15:38)
The most important thing today for each Balkan Country is to have strong economy and high standards of life.
And this is today Kosovo and Albanians main Goal, to have both free and secure economic investments and strong economic relation ship and be member of NATO and EU.
Never for get that if you rich your Goal to be stronger economically, than the power come it self.
We don't need to see The Greater Albania in the Map, for us is enough to rich the real Goal, economical growth and very tied economical investments and relationship between both countries Albania and Kosovo.
And if you think that the world will not let Albania and Kosovo to join together as a one country you are wrong.
Just today because of they're past mistake that Europe made in the past, by giving Kosovo to Serbia, now they want to fix this mistake and that's why they support Independent Kosovo.
And one other thing is that Europe want to get tried of Russian Mafia government controlling Balkans thanks to they're best traditional Friends Serbia.
So just think for the long term future of Balkans and role of the USA, Europe, and Albanians geographically in Europe, and try to guess, what is future of greater Albania.
One think more if you think that Albania today is only 2.5 million you are again wrong. That what USA and EU allies have realize, Albanians today are 8 million in Balkans, and they are the most trusted people the best allies that USA can have.
So to all of my Serbian Friends, just relax and be positive, understand that things are changing and will change in the future too, and please we don't want war but just peace that how all of us will have better future.
I wonder if Tirana will stand behind this statement. I am sure they too realize what a black hole Kosovo is. I don't think Tirana is ready for "Greater Albania" due to the economic drain Kosovo would have.
They can say that all they want, but even Kosovo is a ghetto for Tirana!
Albania will always help Kosova in every aspect and everything,i believe that the Kosovar government should ban the import and transport of goods with Serbia and give the business to Albania,or Macedonia, or Montenegro give the business to our friends,they wanna be our friends so lets be friends.
Ron,
The West, the world, must communicate to Albanians in Kosovo (and everyone in Kosovo) that UNMIK is in control!
We Albanians love communicating, but let me assure you that we don't need any one to explain to us of who is in control in Kosova and is definitely not UNMIK i promise you that.
Albanians have two countries now,as well as two voices in the world they are: Kosova,Albania.Thanks
"Anyone know when the Durres-Prishtina Highway will be complete?"
The Albanian part from the port of Durres to the Kosova border will be completed in the spring. Kosova meanwhile is working on its own section from the border all the way to Prishtina.
And to whomever said that Kosova was now a country with sea acces: you're exactly right. They aren't landlocked anymore. The huge highway will give them access to the Adriatic Sea and the Albanian president said two days ago that there would be less restrictions on the movement of citizens from both Albania and Kosova.
"This is one fact that Kosova and Albania one day will be togetger,and will form New Illyria in Balkan.Kosova and Albania=Ethnic Albania."
Valon
The will happen at the same time Republic of Srpska and Serbia form a union. And without the nothern part of Kosovo which will become independent. The only great albanian you will experience is the illusion of it. The world will never allow albanians in the balkans to form a united country. This is what you want and what you dream about. You want a greater albania to be shown on a map. Unfortunately for you this greater albanian will only exist in albanian schoolbooks and not in the real world.
Issues are this are a testcase for the West. Do we, the West, take our responsibility seriously? If so we must stop Pristhina on this one. UNMIK is in control. Not the 'government' there.
The West, the world, must communicate to Albanians in Kosovo (and everyone in Kosovo) that UNMIK is in control!
Hi i like to say something!This is one fact that Kosova and Albania one day will be togetger,and will form New Illyria in Balkan.Kosova and Albania=Ethnic Albania.
Hi i like to say something!This is one fact that Kosova and Albania one day will be togetger,and will form New Illyria in Balkan.Kosova and Albania=Ethnic Albania.
Albania will always help Kosova in every aspect and everything,i believe that the Kosovar government should ban the import and transport of goods with Serbia and give the business to Albania,or Macedonia, or Montenegro give the business to our friends,they wanna be our friends so lets be friends.
Ron,
The West, the world, must communicate to Albanians in Kosovo (and everyone in Kosovo) that UNMIK is in control!
We Albanians love communicating, but let me assure you that we don't need any one to explain to us of who is in control in Kosova and is definitely not UNMIK i promise you that.
Albanians have two countries now,as well as two voices in the world they are: Kosova,Albania.Thanks
"Anyone know when the Durres-Prishtina Highway will be complete?"
The Albanian part from the port of Durres to the Kosova border will be completed in the spring. Kosova meanwhile is working on its own section from the border all the way to Prishtina.
And to whomever said that Kosova was now a country with sea acces: you're exactly right. They aren't landlocked anymore. The huge highway will give them access to the Adriatic Sea and the Albanian president said two days ago that there would be less restrictions on the movement of citizens from both Albania and Kosova.
"This is one fact that Kosova and Albania one day will be togetger,and will form New Illyria in Balkan.Kosova and Albania=Ethnic Albania."
Valon
The will happen at the same time Republic of Srpska and Serbia form a union. And without the nothern part of Kosovo which will become independent. The only great albanian you will experience is the illusion of it. The world will never allow albanians in the balkans to form a united country. This is what you want and what you dream about. You want a greater albania to be shown on a map. Unfortunately for you this greater albanian will only exist in albanian schoolbooks and not in the real world.
"The will happen at the same time Republic of Srpska and Serbia form a union. And without the nothern part of Kosovo which will become independent. The only great albanian you will experience is the illusion of it. The world will never allow albanians in the balkans to form a united country. This is what you want and what you dream about. You want a greater albania to be shown on a map. Unfortunately for you this greater albanian will only exist in albanian schoolbooks and not in the real world".
(MikeC, 10 January 2009 15:38)
The most important thing today for each Balkan Country is to have strong economy and high standards of life.
And this is today Kosovo and Albanians main Goal, to have both free and secure economic investments and strong economic relation ship and be member of NATO and EU.
Never for get that if you rich your Goal to be stronger economically, than the power come it self.
We don't need to see The Greater Albania in the Map, for us is enough to rich the real Goal, economical growth and very tied economical investments and relationship between both countries Albania and Kosovo.
And if you think that the world will not let Albania and Kosovo to join together as a one country you are wrong.
Just today because of they're past mistake that Europe made in the past, by giving Kosovo to Serbia, now they want to fix this mistake and that's why they support Independent Kosovo.
And one other thing is that Europe want to get tried of Russian Mafia government controlling Balkans thanks to they're best traditional Friends Serbia.
So just think for the long term future of Balkans and role of the USA, Europe, and Albanians geographically in Europe, and try to guess, what is future of greater Albania.
One think more if you think that Albania today is only 2.5 million you are again wrong. That what USA and EU allies have realize, Albanians today are 8 million in Balkans, and they are the most trusted people the best allies that USA can have.
So to all of my Serbian Friends, just relax and be positive, understand that things are changing and will change in the future too, and please we don't want war but just peace that how all of us will have better future.
Issues are this are a testcase for the West. Do we, the West, take our responsibility seriously? If so we must stop Pristhina on this one. UNMIK is in control. Not the 'government' there.
The West, the world, must communicate to Albanians in Kosovo (and everyone in Kosovo) that UNMIK is in control!
I wonder if Tirana will stand behind this statement. I am sure they too realize what a black hole Kosovo is. I don't think Tirana is ready for "Greater Albania" due to the economic drain Kosovo would have.
They can say that all they want, but even Kosovo is a ghetto for Tirana!
I surely agree with you on the importance of economic growth and high standards of living.
With that in mind, please tell us what precisely can 8 millions of Albanians, as most trusted and reliable friends do for:
- 500.000 US people that lost their jobs only in December
- Tens of thousands that lost their homes for not being able to fulfill their mortgage obligations to the banks, and many more thousands that will lose homes due to the loss of jobs
- How will you help US in repaying their huge debts to China
- Help US auto industry
- Would you volunteer your help in the war against Al Qaeda anywhere in the world; be it Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran or somewhere closer to the home
- Would you go and help Israel to fight Palestine - after all, Israel is also the best friend of US
- How are you going to help the investors of that Madoff; it's only measly 50 Billions he cheated them of
- And finally, how come you did not help that German Merckle billionaire not to go under the train for bad Volkswagen investments (Vorsicht: Deutsche Oekonomie in Frage!)
I picked up only a few of the areas where the able helping friends might be needed.
Thanks for your answer.
Indeed the US is very pro-Albanian. This makes me feel sick as I think the US should be neutral. But hey, that's a fact.
But the US or EU will never let Kosovo join Albania. NEVER! If they let that happen they give in the whole idea of Kosovo being multi-ethnic was just a lie...
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
But the US or EU will never let Kosovo join Albania. NEVER! If they let that happen they give in the whole idea of Kosovo being multi-ethnic was just a lie...
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
(Ron, 10 January 2009 20:02)
Just to remind you 20 years ago, USA even didn't know where in the Map is Kosovo or they didn't know much of thing!!!
Serbs in other hand 20 years ago where saying there is 0.1% chance Kosovo to be an independent, because the world will never allow such a think to happen.
Now after 20 years things have changed and Kosovo is Independent.
Now you say that world will not allow Kosovo to join Albania, and I say that you are right not at this moment at this time, but that does not mean that no in the near future.
At this moment Albanians too don't want to do such a thing, because it is not yet the right time.
For the moment they move step by step, and the most important step is that Albania and Kosovo are getting closer economically, investments from both sides, free and secure, with no tied border rules, soon even with no border.
"Most of Kosovo’s electricity and 70% of its consumer goods and construction materials either come from or through Serbia proper."
[link]
(MikeC, 11 January 2009 12:57)
Don't worry Mike, soon Albania will be able to produce enough electricity to cover all the balkan needs. That's why my man Berlusconi came to Tirana to invest more than $2 and a half billion.
What hasn't the mouse that roared already imposed its threatened ban on goods from its owner Serbia? HAHAHA. The mouse knows that if goods from Serbia are banned, its economy collapses. Albania is just a slightly bigger mouse with nothing to spare. This comic situation will end when the USA realizes that it cannot afford the new world order anymore. And that is the albanians biggest fear: that the USA will abandon them like it abandoned eastern europe to communism, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Lebanon, all of Africa, etc. Somehow, the mouse equates itself to Israel and thinks that the USA will unconditionally support it like Israel.
If Berlusconi is your friend you really don't need enemies!
(Ron, 11 January 2009 16:20)
This is one of very rare times that I agree with Ron ;)
However, it is deal between countries not PMs- the italian centre-left is OK with this policy too.
Alban: thank you for posting your link. I am sure now MikeC & Co will see how much is he/they ignoring everything there is about Alabnia/ns- even when the info's are in the Serbian mass media ;)
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
Peggy
That's how it is, Peg! Now that the West is paying all Kosovo bills Albania wants to make a quick buck from its "brothers" to the north.
Kosovo Albanians have turned their backs on Serbia for good.
June 2009 the highway connecting Kosovo and Albania is set to be finished,this will blue print the end of serbian influence in kosovo.
"Kosovo Albanians have turned their backs on Serbia for good.
June 2009 the highway connecting Kosovo and Albania is set to be finished,this will blue print the end of serbian influence in kosovo."
aa
Are you sure about that?
"Most of Kosovo’s electricity and 70% of its consumer goods and construction materials either come from or through Serbia proper."
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/4861
Albanians can turn their back on Serbia but Kosovo as a territory can't. As long as there are serbs in Kosovo and as long at there are churches and monasteries reminding everyone who Kosovo belongs to Kosovo will forever be serbian territory.
"Don't worry Mike, soon Albania will be able to produce enough electricity to cover all the balkan needs. That's why my man Berlusconi came to Tirana to invest more than $2 and a half billion."
Albanian
Yeah! Of course he will!
Albanians make a lot of claims but are not able to prove anyting of what they are suggesting. Don't talk about "what might be". Talk about "what is".
Ron,
Albanians now have two countries? I thought Kosovo was a multi-ethnic state?
Kosova is a multi-ethnic state,but also you know same as i do that 92% is K- Albanian and 8% Serbian so please don't try put words in my in my mouth you know exactly what i meant by that.
Only in 2009 there will be drastic changes in import partners of Kosova. Albania will profil from it and we rather give 500 mil to Albania than Serbia. Albania is our motherland and theres nothing to compare it to!Serbs dont want to live in Kosovar state, why should we bother?
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
(Peggy, 11 January 2009 00:41)
What is your point here Peggy.
At the present we export products from Serbia.
Now we will export the same from other countries (Albania, Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece etc).
If Tirana produce the product that we want we will export.
I see only one looser here Peggy and many winners.
You can stipulate that this will not make any difference to Serbia etc. etc. etc..
Ok then.
As I highlighted in one of my previous comments, if Serbia can afford to loose any market (no matter the size of the market) in this times, good for them.
It makes no difference to us either. So what if we can’t get any more “Plazma” in Kosovo.
We might find something better never to go back to “Plazma”.
You never know Peggy, as they say “every cloud has a silver lining”.
"Your own Athisaari stipulated that Kosovo cannot join Albania so if you try all bets are off. "
1) Two countries are better than one.
2) If Albania and Kosovo do join it won't be politically and with a change of borders. It will be done very subtle and without much noise by simply having 100% free movement of people and goods as if the border between the two nations never existed.
This will bring Albania and Kosovo closer. Anyone know when the Durres-Prishtina Highway will be complete?
(L*O*G*I*C, 10 January 2009 15:30)
My experiences.
I drove between Pristina and Pec two month ago and the road construction was basically limited to Pristina - Pristina airport section. Beyond that section not much of work going on (thankfully!). The Sunday traffic wasn't very busy, not sure about weekdays. I cannot say that the road is exceptionally scenic, but it's a pleasure to drive and see the scenery. It's a usual two-lane road and the pavement is in acceptable state. At least, for my "American" taste - the rural roads in the States are not any better (often: worse) than on Balkans. Obama is 100% right, the road/rail infrastructure in the States does need a lot of improvement and does not reflect the needs of the country.
I am not sure, where the said highway between Durres and Pristina would be, but I did not see any sign of it beyond the airport. And between Pristina and the airport in October it was just a huge construction mess, KP being full in charge of the traffic.
Correct?
By the way: super-charging the country's economics is usually done by drastically improving the rail, not the road. Here not just the entire Balkan falls short, but even Europe and Russia and USA.
Imagine sleeping car trains going at 250 km/h and the entire country network being in process to be geared at that speed. Imagine the world's highest railway... All this is in one particular country. All of us should watch it and look, what they are doing and make sure, we won't fall behind.
If this kind of trains run in Russia, Serbia/Kosovo and Albania - than I call it a serious progress:
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
(Peggy, 11 January 2009 00:41)
How so? That makes no sense whatsoever.
The right idea would be to have that mini-Schengen (Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Greece). You know, 0% VAT, ease of access.
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
(Ron, 10 January 2009 20:02)
I don't think that Serb vote matters in another country. Bamir Topi's visit to Kosova made it clear that within three months there will be only a formal border with Kosova. People can go back and forth showing only IDs at the border and that is amazing. Do you know that there will be no border at all in the near future and surprisingly to you Ron no one is going to ask for a Serb vote. This is a business between two independent countries and everyone in Kosova-Albania like it.
This is an historical moment, Kosova and Albania will have strong relationship,economically, politically and traditionally. It dont have to be one state geographically, we will be two states but one dream.
I know reality hurts, but thats the way it is.
I mean come on, look at our neighbors (republics of former J.) they recognized Kosova and agreed with reality.
In all honesty, Kosovo will never join Albania, that is true, not because we (in Tirana) do not want to, but because Kosovo is indeed a multi-ethnic society. I believe that when Kosovo loses respect for its minorities, it will end up like the former Greater-Ser.... I am sorry I meant Yugoslavia ;). I am an Albanian (from Tirana) living in the states for most of my life and here I have 3 friends that are ethnic Serbs and 1 Croatian (we constitute most of the Eastern European population in this university in the States). We do just fine together, primarily because even people from Mexico view us (yes all of us, Serbians, Croatians and Albanians) as a second "middle east" type of region, so we don't have much of a choice but to defend the entire region in an argument rather than just our respective countries. You people ov'er need to get over yourselves and realize that with all this you will cause for both Serbia's and Albania's ambitions to join the EU to get crushed. Sweet lord, look at a freaking income-per-capita list, granted Albania is lower than Serbia, and so is almost every other country in the region. You all should speak to third parties from the western world and see how much they value Serbia or Albania (i.e., we are all considered third world countries without any kind of real value in the world). It's a shame, honestly! I mean if anyone not from the Balkans reads any of these comments they will close the browser and think "what kind of idiots are these people?".
Adrian @40. You cannot be serious about Kosovo being multi ethnic. Most of the non Albanian population has been expelled or forced to live behind barbed wire in ghettos. Only north has some sort of security for the Serbs and other non Albanians because Serbs make up the majority.
Serbia was and still is a shining example of multi ethnic. Why dismember a country which is multi ethnic for real only to ethnically cleanse a region of it and give it away to one ethnic minority. Yes, minority because Albanians are a minority in Serbia.
So Adrian, you tell me if your Serb friends agree that Kosovo should break away on ethnic grounds. That's exactly what happened.
If you want your fellow friends from Balkans to have a good image, please tell your own to respect others around them. Burning over a hundred churches, forcing people to live behind barbed wire like animals and chasing out all non Albanians is not a sign of a civilized person. Serbs enjoy a good image around the world. I too live in the west and I don't see anyone thinking that Serbs are savages.
Issues are this are a testcase for the West. Do we, the West, take our responsibility seriously? If so we must stop Pristhina on this one. UNMIK is in control. Not the 'government' there.
The West, the world, must communicate to Albanians in Kosovo (and everyone in Kosovo) that UNMIK is in control!
"This is one fact that Kosova and Albania one day will be togetger,and will form New Illyria in Balkan.Kosova and Albania=Ethnic Albania."
Valon
The will happen at the same time Republic of Srpska and Serbia form a union. And without the nothern part of Kosovo which will become independent. The only great albanian you will experience is the illusion of it. The world will never allow albanians in the balkans to form a united country. This is what you want and what you dream about. You want a greater albania to be shown on a map. Unfortunately for you this greater albanian will only exist in albanian schoolbooks and not in the real world.
Hi i like to say something!This is one fact that Kosova and Albania one day will be togetger,and will form New Illyria in Balkan.Kosova and Albania=Ethnic Albania.
I wonder if Tirana will stand behind this statement. I am sure they too realize what a black hole Kosovo is. I don't think Tirana is ready for "Greater Albania" due to the economic drain Kosovo would have.
They can say that all they want, but even Kosovo is a ghetto for Tirana!
Albania will always help Kosova in every aspect and everything,i believe that the Kosovar government should ban the import and transport of goods with Serbia and give the business to Albania,or Macedonia, or Montenegro give the business to our friends,they wanna be our friends so lets be friends.
Ron,
The West, the world, must communicate to Albanians in Kosovo (and everyone in Kosovo) that UNMIK is in control!
We Albanians love communicating, but let me assure you that we don't need any one to explain to us of who is in control in Kosova and is definitely not UNMIK i promise you that.
Albanians have two countries now,as well as two voices in the world they are: Kosova,Albania.Thanks
"The will happen at the same time Republic of Srpska and Serbia form a union. And without the nothern part of Kosovo which will become independent. The only great albanian you will experience is the illusion of it. The world will never allow albanians in the balkans to form a united country. This is what you want and what you dream about. You want a greater albania to be shown on a map. Unfortunately for you this greater albanian will only exist in albanian schoolbooks and not in the real world".
(MikeC, 10 January 2009 15:38)
The most important thing today for each Balkan Country is to have strong economy and high standards of life.
And this is today Kosovo and Albanians main Goal, to have both free and secure economic investments and strong economic relation ship and be member of NATO and EU.
Never for get that if you rich your Goal to be stronger economically, than the power come it self.
We don't need to see The Greater Albania in the Map, for us is enough to rich the real Goal, economical growth and very tied economical investments and relationship between both countries Albania and Kosovo.
And if you think that the world will not let Albania and Kosovo to join together as a one country you are wrong.
Just today because of they're past mistake that Europe made in the past, by giving Kosovo to Serbia, now they want to fix this mistake and that's why they support Independent Kosovo.
And one other thing is that Europe want to get tried of Russian Mafia government controlling Balkans thanks to they're best traditional Friends Serbia.
So just think for the long term future of Balkans and role of the USA, Europe, and Albanians geographically in Europe, and try to guess, what is future of greater Albania.
One think more if you think that Albania today is only 2.5 million you are again wrong. That what USA and EU allies have realize, Albanians today are 8 million in Balkans, and they are the most trusted people the best allies that USA can have.
So to all of my Serbian Friends, just relax and be positive, understand that things are changing and will change in the future too, and please we don't want war but just peace that how all of us will have better future.
Indeed the US is very pro-Albanian. This makes me feel sick as I think the US should be neutral. But hey, that's a fact.
But the US or EU will never let Kosovo join Albania. NEVER! If they let that happen they give in the whole idea of Kosovo being multi-ethnic was just a lie...
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
What hasn't the mouse that roared already imposed its threatened ban on goods from its owner Serbia? HAHAHA. The mouse knows that if goods from Serbia are banned, its economy collapses. Albania is just a slightly bigger mouse with nothing to spare. This comic situation will end when the USA realizes that it cannot afford the new world order anymore. And that is the albanians biggest fear: that the USA will abandon them like it abandoned eastern europe to communism, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Lebanon, all of Africa, etc. Somehow, the mouse equates itself to Israel and thinks that the USA will unconditionally support it like Israel.
"Anyone know when the Durres-Prishtina Highway will be complete?"
The Albanian part from the port of Durres to the Kosova border will be completed in the spring. Kosova meanwhile is working on its own section from the border all the way to Prishtina.
And to whomever said that Kosova was now a country with sea acces: you're exactly right. They aren't landlocked anymore. The huge highway will give them access to the Adriatic Sea and the Albanian president said two days ago that there would be less restrictions on the movement of citizens from both Albania and Kosova.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
But the US or EU will never let Kosovo join Albania. NEVER! If they let that happen they give in the whole idea of Kosovo being multi-ethnic was just a lie...
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
(Ron, 10 January 2009 20:02)
Just to remind you 20 years ago, USA even didn't know where in the Map is Kosovo or they didn't know much of thing!!!
Serbs in other hand 20 years ago where saying there is 0.1% chance Kosovo to be an independent, because the world will never allow such a think to happen.
Now after 20 years things have changed and Kosovo is Independent.
Now you say that world will not allow Kosovo to join Albania, and I say that you are right not at this moment at this time, but that does not mean that no in the near future.
At this moment Albanians too don't want to do such a thing, because it is not yet the right time.
For the moment they move step by step, and the most important step is that Albania and Kosovo are getting closer economically, investments from both sides, free and secure, with no tied border rules, soon even with no border.
Ron,
Albanians now have two countries? I thought Kosovo was a multi-ethnic state?
Kosova is a multi-ethnic state,but also you know same as i do that 92% is K- Albanian and 8% Serbian so please don't try put words in my in my mouth you know exactly what i meant by that.
"Don't worry Mike, soon Albania will be able to produce enough electricity to cover all the balkan needs. That's why my man Berlusconi came to Tirana to invest more than $2 and a half billion."
Albanian
Yeah! Of course he will!
Albanians make a lot of claims but are not able to prove anyting of what they are suggesting. Don't talk about "what might be". Talk about "what is".
"Your own Athisaari stipulated that Kosovo cannot join Albania so if you try all bets are off. "
1) Two countries are better than one.
2) If Albania and Kosovo do join it won't be politically and with a change of borders. It will be done very subtle and without much noise by simply having 100% free movement of people and goods as if the border between the two nations never existed.
I surely agree with you on the importance of economic growth and high standards of living.
With that in mind, please tell us what precisely can 8 millions of Albanians, as most trusted and reliable friends do for:
- 500.000 US people that lost their jobs only in December
- Tens of thousands that lost their homes for not being able to fulfill their mortgage obligations to the banks, and many more thousands that will lose homes due to the loss of jobs
- How will you help US in repaying their huge debts to China
- Help US auto industry
- Would you volunteer your help in the war against Al Qaeda anywhere in the world; be it Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran or somewhere closer to the home
- Would you go and help Israel to fight Palestine - after all, Israel is also the best friend of US
- How are you going to help the investors of that Madoff; it's only measly 50 Billions he cheated them of
- And finally, how come you did not help that German Merckle billionaire not to go under the train for bad Volkswagen investments (Vorsicht: Deutsche Oekonomie in Frage!)
I picked up only a few of the areas where the able helping friends might be needed.
Thanks for your answer.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
(Peggy, 11 January 2009 00:41)
What is your point here Peggy.
At the present we export products from Serbia.
Now we will export the same from other countries (Albania, Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece etc).
If Tirana produce the product that we want we will export.
I see only one looser here Peggy and many winners.
You can stipulate that this will not make any difference to Serbia etc. etc. etc..
Ok then.
As I highlighted in one of my previous comments, if Serbia can afford to loose any market (no matter the size of the market) in this times, good for them.
It makes no difference to us either. So what if we can’t get any more “Plazma” in Kosovo.
We might find something better never to go back to “Plazma”.
You never know Peggy, as they say “every cloud has a silver lining”.
"Most of Kosovo’s electricity and 70% of its consumer goods and construction materials either come from or through Serbia proper."
[link]
(MikeC, 11 January 2009 12:57)
Don't worry Mike, soon Albania will be able to produce enough electricity to cover all the balkan needs. That's why my man Berlusconi came to Tirana to invest more than $2 and a half billion.
Only in 2009 there will be drastic changes in import partners of Kosova. Albania will profil from it and we rather give 500 mil to Albania than Serbia. Albania is our motherland and theres nothing to compare it to!Serbs dont want to live in Kosovar state, why should we bother?
Kosovo Albanians have turned their backs on Serbia for good.
June 2009 the highway connecting Kosovo and Albania is set to be finished,this will blue print the end of serbian influence in kosovo.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
(Peggy, 11 January 2009 00:41)
How so? That makes no sense whatsoever.
The right idea would be to have that mini-Schengen (Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Greece). You know, 0% VAT, ease of access.
This will bring Albania and Kosovo closer. Anyone know when the Durres-Prishtina Highway will be complete?
(L*O*G*I*C, 10 January 2009 15:30)
My experiences.
I drove between Pristina and Pec two month ago and the road construction was basically limited to Pristina - Pristina airport section. Beyond that section not much of work going on (thankfully!). The Sunday traffic wasn't very busy, not sure about weekdays. I cannot say that the road is exceptionally scenic, but it's a pleasure to drive and see the scenery. It's a usual two-lane road and the pavement is in acceptable state. At least, for my "American" taste - the rural roads in the States are not any better (often: worse) than on Balkans. Obama is 100% right, the road/rail infrastructure in the States does need a lot of improvement and does not reflect the needs of the country.
I am not sure, where the said highway between Durres and Pristina would be, but I did not see any sign of it beyond the airport. And between Pristina and the airport in October it was just a huge construction mess, KP being full in charge of the traffic.
Correct?
By the way: super-charging the country's economics is usually done by drastically improving the rail, not the road. Here not just the entire Balkan falls short, but even Europe and Russia and USA.
Imagine sleeping car trains going at 250 km/h and the entire country network being in process to be geared at that speed. Imagine the world's highest railway... All this is in one particular country. All of us should watch it and look, what they are doing and make sure, we won't fall behind.
If this kind of trains run in Russia, Serbia/Kosovo and Albania - than I call it a serious progress:
"Kosovo Albanians have turned their backs on Serbia for good.
June 2009 the highway connecting Kosovo and Albania is set to be finished,this will blue print the end of serbian influence in kosovo."
aa
Are you sure about that?
"Most of Kosovo’s electricity and 70% of its consumer goods and construction materials either come from or through Serbia proper."
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/4861
Albanians can turn their back on Serbia but Kosovo as a territory can't. As long as there are serbs in Kosovo and as long at there are churches and monasteries reminding everyone who Kosovo belongs to Kosovo will forever be serbian territory.
What I read in this statement is Tirana wanting to export to Kosovo more than import from Kosovo.
Looks to me like they are trying to help themselves first.
Peggy
That's how it is, Peg! Now that the West is paying all Kosovo bills Albania wants to make a quick buck from its "brothers" to the north.
If Berlusconi is your friend you really don't need enemies!
(Ron, 11 January 2009 16:20)
This is one of very rare times that I agree with Ron ;)
However, it is deal between countries not PMs- the italian centre-left is OK with this policy too.
Alban: thank you for posting your link. I am sure now MikeC & Co will see how much is he/they ignoring everything there is about Alabnia/ns- even when the info's are in the Serbian mass media ;)
This is an historical moment, Kosova and Albania will have strong relationship,economically, politically and traditionally. It dont have to be one state geographically, we will be two states but one dream.
I know reality hurts, but thats the way it is.
I mean come on, look at our neighbors (republics of former J.) they recognized Kosova and agreed with reality.
And you reallly think Serbs will accept Kosovo joining Albania?
What about the Kosovo constitution by the way? 2/3 of the Serb vote is needed to change it.
(Ron, 10 January 2009 20:02)
I don't think that Serb vote matters in another country. Bamir Topi's visit to Kosova made it clear that within three months there will be only a formal border with Kosova. People can go back and forth showing only IDs at the border and that is amazing. Do you know that there will be no border at all in the near future and surprisingly to you Ron no one is going to ask for a Serb vote. This is a business between two independent countries and everyone in Kosova-Albania like it.
In all honesty, Kosovo will never join Albania, that is true, not because we (in Tirana) do not want to, but because Kosovo is indeed a multi-ethnic society. I believe that when Kosovo loses respect for its minorities, it will end up like the former Greater-Ser.... I am sorry I meant Yugoslavia ;). I am an Albanian (from Tirana) living in the states for most of my life and here I have 3 friends that are ethnic Serbs and 1 Croatian (we constitute most of the Eastern European population in this university in the States). We do just fine together, primarily because even people from Mexico view us (yes all of us, Serbians, Croatians and Albanians) as a second "middle east" type of region, so we don't have much of a choice but to defend the entire region in an argument rather than just our respective countries. You people ov'er need to get over yourselves and realize that with all this you will cause for both Serbia's and Albania's ambitions to join the EU to get crushed. Sweet lord, look at a freaking income-per-capita list, granted Albania is lower than Serbia, and so is almost every other country in the region. You all should speak to third parties from the western world and see how much they value Serbia or Albania (i.e., we are all considered third world countries without any kind of real value in the world). It's a shame, honestly! I mean if anyone not from the Balkans reads any of these comments they will close the browser and think "what kind of idiots are these people?".
Adrian @40. You cannot be serious about Kosovo being multi ethnic. Most of the non Albanian population has been expelled or forced to live behind barbed wire in ghettos. Only north has some sort of security for the Serbs and other non Albanians because Serbs make up the majority.
Serbia was and still is a shining example of multi ethnic. Why dismember a country which is multi ethnic for real only to ethnically cleanse a region of it and give it away to one ethnic minority. Yes, minority because Albanians are a minority in Serbia.
So Adrian, you tell me if your Serb friends agree that Kosovo should break away on ethnic grounds. That's exactly what happened.
If you want your fellow friends from Balkans to have a good image, please tell your own to respect others around them. Burning over a hundred churches, forcing people to live behind barbed wire like animals and chasing out all non Albanians is not a sign of a civilized person. Serbs enjoy a good image around the world. I too live in the west and I don't see anyone thinking that Serbs are savages.
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