EP adopts Kosovo resolution

god bless eu u show support just we we need thet serbia shuld reconize kosovo

“A stable and multi-ethnic Kosovo is the EU’s priority."

Well if this statement was true, the EU would immediately rescind recognition of this fake, illegal and immoral 'state'. Not only are there no human rights in Kosovo right now, there is no freedom of movement for minorities, and absolutely zero tolerance. I guess by their silence on these issues, we can assume that present day Kosovo meets all 'European values' - which has become an oxymoron. Shame on the EU. Your silence and support for terrorism and ethnic cleansing of Serbs is deafening!!

Mircea - once again, Serbia does NOT need the EU, and will prosper just fine without joining that immoral club. While we were occupied by Turks for almost 500 years, Europe did nothing to help us. Serbs liberated their people by themselves, and we will liberate Kosovo too, by ourselves or with the help of our Russian allies. One thing is for sure, the EU is run by Germany, who have always been anti-Serb and still are today, this is why they support the theft of Serbian land. I guess they will never forgive us for defeating them in both world wars. Well I have news for them, we will defeat them again - history does indeed repeat itself.
Cheers!!

ZK,

It appears that you are not up-to-date with the current dire situation in Russia. Take a look at a long article in the WSJ of yesterday.
The ruble is colapsing, the euro/dollar reserve of 600 billions went below 400 billions in few months. Industrial production even in places like Uljanowsk came to a standstill. Unemployment and discontent are increasing by the day. One of the latest predictions is that as a result of the coming Russian collapse the country could break up. That would be great news for small neighboring countries, who were treatened in the last few years and suffered for centuries because of Russia.

EUROPE has spoken!!! I wonder what are the Serbs planing??? I know, they will pretend like this does not mean anything.. WRONG it means alot...

Micrea - We have been told time and time again by the EU that there is no link between EU membership (if Serbia decides that's the right course) and giving up Kosovo.

There is no connection between Serbia recognising an illegal independence and giving up 15% of her territory under pressure from certain EU members, and becoming members of the 'club'.

Quite honestly, the EU is in chaos anyway and it's an insult to have these tiered levels of membership for the wealthy and no so wealthy countries. The EU may not even be around in 10 years time.

It is interesting to note that Russia is starting to spread its influence throughout the world - including South America, the Middle East, Africa and the former Soviet block.

During this time we are witnessing the crumbling of the Western nations. The US in deep crisis with $100,000 of debt and increasing for every worker while the EU begins to crack. Huge protests in France and the UK while anarchy spreads throughout Greece. So much for EU Unity as the UK protests against Italian business - more protectionist measures are surely to take place as each nation tries to save its own. This is just the beginning my friends!

So what now Mircea? No more EU funds, No Lisbon Treaty and a strengthening Russia? Looks like Ukraine is next to fall within its influence and Serbia already being there, only one country will separate us - that being our friends the Romanians. What if the EU can no longer support you and Russia comes out with a very generous deal? Something not even your favoured EU can offer? Look at Kyrgyzstan with a $2 billion aid offer from Russia and ready to close its NATO base. Russia is on the offensive my friends and that is not something one should dismiss.

So much for the EU and its failed Kosovo policy. So much for prosperity when it was built entirely on debt. Now let the balance of power shift to its rightful place. Our friends the Russians, Indians, Chinese, Brazilians and all the others can only benefit. Mircea, give it a couple of years before your EU dreams become more of a nightmare.

There is another chance for Jeremic to complain to ICJ, now against European Parlament (EP).

If the people of Serbia want their country to achieve economic well-being, then they must support EU membership.

This is a decisive victory for Kosovo. Well done.

A mere puff of smoke from the EU. Utterly meaningless.

Germany is one country, Ireland will be reunited one day because this is how it should be.

Kosovo independence is against international law and currently the only legal agreement applicable is UN resolution 1244. Otherwise, Kosovo will be ethnically cleansed, Serbian heritage has already been under attack.

It is obvious to anyone with some common sense that Kosovo comes first, the EU... don't know on which place it should be. In fact, Mircea, why are you so fond of the EU?

The resolution was adopted with 424 votes PRO and 133 niets.

The resolution is in direct contrast with the Serbian strategy: asks fro new recognitions and reaffirms the sovereignty of Kosovo in northern Kosovo.

(Radoslav, 5 February 2009 16:44)

1. We are a state. Rolandi emphasized that this should be a wake up call for Serbia to acknowledge that.
2. Correct, the resolution has no legal power however it emphasizes the reality that Serbia has to deal with.
3. In which planet do you think that the BRIC nations will surpass the Western countries?
Each member of this “elite” depends on western economical countries for dollar they earn.
I believe that you seem to have missed the reality that the members of this elite are the ones that have been hit most by the economical downturn.
While people in the western countries are slowing down their spending the goods required by these countries have shrunk.
If I recall correctly the wealth of the Russian Billionaires have shrunk by 60%.
Go figure.
Also I don’t know if you are aware but the first thing that big American banks did in the beginning of the crunch was to move all their money from Russia.

god bless eu u show support just we we need thet serbia shuld reconize kosovo
(rolandi, 5 February 2009 14:02)

I thought you were a state? Why do you need Serbia's recognition? Ahh, so you albo's are ready to admit now that you have no legal state and the only way it will become legal is if Serbia authorises it. Hehehehe, unlucky.

The resolution is in direct contrast with the Serbian strategy: asks fro new recognitions and reaffirms the sovereignty of Kosovo in northern Kosovo.
(ben, 5 February 2009 14:29)

Unfortunately the EU has no legal power to enforce it's wishes. Legally, Kosovo is a part of Serbia and evryone knows it which is why the EU via EULEX and UNMIK HAVE to consult with Serbia on all issues. If Kosovo is truly a state, nobody would have to ask Serbia anything with regards to Kosovo.
Actions speak louder than words.

prepare for some Italian Banks and insurance companies to fly Serbia if things don't improve...
@ZK you have a fair view about EU but a super optimistic on the Brics..unfortunately they are in big trouble too...
(Luigi, 5 February 2009 15:43)

True, but the BRIC nations are running surpluses and most of the western powers have been running huge deficits, more so with the bank bailouts. it's only a matter of time before the markets take note of this and reprice the relative exchange rates. In the meantime Serbia's economy will be flattened but it's allies are in much ruder health than Kosovo's allies.

"The resolution is in direct contrast with the Serbian strategy: asks fro new recognitions and reaffirms the sovereignty of Kosovo in northern Kosovo."

True Ben, but there's no provisions for implementing these suggestions. Spain, et al are not forced to recognize, and neither will I suspect the K-Serbs be forced to recognize Pristina's authority.

I may be wrong, but if things go the way they've been going for the past few years in regards to Kosovo, this is another piece of paper that describes something that's in direct contrast to what's on the ground in Kosovo today. The region will remain divided and virtually partitioned. I can't think of the last time the EU enforced anything that wasn't economic-related. I'm not living in denial; I just can't see this deepening Kosovo's alleged sovereignty.

Mircea, you're begining to sound like an old record. Why don't you tell the same to Swiss? They're continental country too and fully surrounded by EU and Nato.

Blero - The most important point on this discussion board is whether Kosovo is a state or not.

You say it is, but I say it isn't and the important points are these. You're not a UN member (and you won't be without Serbia's blessing)which locks you out of many important organisations.

Worse than that though is how is Kosovo going to finance itself? Are you trying to tell me that it's going to be financed forever from it's diaspora or the EU and US?

As you're not a sovereign nation you wouldn't be able to raise money on the capital markets even if you were a member of the World Bank and IMF, but even if you could, your credit rating would be nigh on worthless so the cost of issuing debt would be astronomical.

The EU and US don't give huge amounts of money away for nothing. they want a return on their capital. How exactly are they going to get that return? You're BEST asset is the Trepca mines, specifically the coal deposits. EVERYBODY wants access to energy supplies. Unfortunately you can't develop these assets as everyone in the world recognises Serbia's jurisdiction over Kosovo, even the EU and US implicitly. That's why there's been no progress on this front. The EU instead is trying to persuade Serbia to turn a blind eye to what happens in Kosovo. If Serbia turns a blind eye, then Kosovo will have a decent standard of living. If Serbia objects, Kosovo will end up being nothing more than a protectorate with NO future. The Eu and US will scale down their investments but keep their bases there. The US will have what it wants but the ALbanians will have to find other ways to make a living.

It's not impossible that Albanians could make a living from something else but my guess is that it wouldn't happen. The population is relatively illiterate - i don't mean this in a derogatory way, but i don't know of many hi tech specialists/ businesses in Kosovo, and this is exactly what it would need to export to guarantee a high standard of living.

Serbia isn't in a much beter position but it has a few factors running in it's favour. it already has a better developed infrastructure, it is the largest country in the Balkans, and it is a UN member which enables it to raise finance on the international markets.

Serbia's immediate future may not be bright but at least it has a future. Kosovo was dead at birth.

The EP can shove their resolution where the sun don't shine. If then self-righteous EP thinks they can't contrevene intl law they got another thing coming.

Kate, ZK, dragan ...

Nice to hear assesements form another prespective but reality is different and more obvious everyday.

Kosovo people( Albaians, Bosniaks, Turks, Roma, Askali, one part Serbs)so far have suprised even Serbs by their maturity. Only problems created so far are have come from Serbian side i.e. Burning Embassies(one dead and many injured), Mitrovica riots(dead Ukrainian police officer and many other injured), burning border crossings ...

As for Serbian politicians, they are doing their best but with no results, since their predecessors have broken every existing rule and law in the world by comiting worst crimes in Europe after the WWII.

Hello everybody !

It's a dissapointing though quite predictable resolution of the EP. This provocation cannot bring peace neither to Serbs nor to the Albanians. But it will have no any sequences cause EP resolutions are not obligatory.

Very good of the Serbian leaders to withstand this pressure. Frankly it was a big surpise for me that Tadic and his command will be so much of the Serbs ! I used to compare them with Ukrainian and Georgian elites to sell their souls to the overseas Dev ... If they keep on sticking Russia they will sooner achive EU membership and find an appropriate solution for K&M problem.

Another good news is that Obama also seems to be better than I used to think of him ! And it's good news for all peoples. Particularly it gives a chance for a compromise over Kosovo. So no matter how the EU parliamentaries arrange their PR campagns for we all know EU has political weight compared with Lesoto & Swaziland.

for SupportSerbia:

The Serbs are the only people in the Western Balkans who want to become closer to Russia.

Croatia,Macedonia,Montenegro,Bosnia, Albania and Kosovo all want to move closer to the EU.

Who is adopting the wrong strategy? I think it is the Serbs.

The EP is irrelevant. It has no powers whatsoever.

for ZK and Dragan:

Forget about russia. russia should be isolated as much as possible. Without the EU, Serbia has no future.

ZK,

The Lisbon Treaty will be approved by Ireland in October and will enter into force on 1 January 2010.

Teslavio,

Switzerland and Norway and rich countries. They don't need the help of the EU because they already achieved economic prosperity.

"The European Parliament (EP) has adopted a resolution on Kosovo today, and called on all member-states who have not so far recognized Kosovo to do so.." Or what? Are they going to get thrown out of Europe if they don't recognize Kosovo? Are you going to bomb them or send NATO jackboots into their countries like you did into Kosovo? What a joke! More likely a good finger wagging is all that can be mustered!

(Mike, 5 February 2009 17:43)

Mike you are right!

That's why I am for exchange of lands Leposavic, Zubin Potok, Zvecan for Presheva, Bojanovac and Medvegja (that is the northern area and means border).

Alternatively, if the deal is not reached Albanians in Presheva valley would apply the same tactic that Serbs are adopting in north Kosova and the Kosova's institution will apply the same actions/respons that Serbia will take towards the Albanians in south Serbia.

Since Kosova at this moment doesn't know how to solve this issue it will than learn from Serbia.

Fair enough????

The problem here is that the Albanians are for peaceful life do accept the Serbian culture and language in Kosova and did institutionalized them, do accept the Albanian lands that are compact and continuous with Kosova to remain as minorities under Serbia and on other hand Serbs are not ready to do the same.

What today happened is a GREAT MORAL VICTORY for Kosova in European plan.

After the recognition of the Kosova’s independence from ALL YUGO States which gave the unquestionable MORAL legitimacy of the independence to Kosova this is the second greatest moral VICTORY for Kosova.

This is out of any doubt. Serbs can say whatever they want but the fact is that Kosova scored another great victory.

Hmm, the European Parliamen adopts resolution that forces EU contries to break international law. Very interesting. This speaks volumes about what the EU is really about. No democracy, only extortion, elitism and totalitarianism.

If the people of Serbia want their country to achieve economic well-being, then they must support EU membership.
(Mircea, 5 February 2009 12:39)

ok Mircea, you are the EU expert. please tell us here what Serbia must do to enter the EU. Tell us step by step every thing that the people must do to enter.

thank you

ben
"The resolution was adopted with 424 votes PRO and 133 niets."

Niets (as you say):
Spain 54
Romania 35
Greece 24
Slovakia 14
Cyprus 6

Total: 133

Not a single "niet" missing.

Mike

You have been throwing around the "Northern Epirus" term all over the forum lately. I submit to you my friend, that you are very uninformed about the situation in southern Albania. The so called greek minority in Albania does not number more than a few thousand people, most of them in villages around Gjirokaster, and 1 village in Himare. These were folks who moved to Albania after WWII when the Greek monarchists took over and the communists were forced to flee. Although nationalist Greek sources would have you believe that Albania is populated by Greeks up to and inculding Tirana, I submit to you that it is not the case. But DO NOT take my word for it. After all I am Albanian, so I might be biased
Instead, I urge you to take a trip to southern Albania when the opportunity arises, or as you call it, Northern Epirus, and speak to the people who live there in Greek. Then see what happens. The best you can hope for is a blank stare. The worst...well I won't go there.

There is no BRIC, only CHINA. Get your facts straight.

Why any Serb (who isn't self-hating) would want to join this pathetic organization is beyond me. This resolution just reinforces the fact that a potential Serb-EU marraige will never work. It's time for the politicians in charge of Serbia to stop dreaming and wake up to the fact that the EU is an inherently Serbophobic institution. Serbia should consolidate its historic friendship with Russia, build relations with emerging economies of BRIC and others, and activily work towards the re-unification of the Serb people (I am talking about RS and Montenegro here).

Mircea
"...if Serbia...EU..." It's getting boring.

As for resolution urging other countries to recognize "Kosova" does it state clearly: "Accept the widening corruption, embrace drug and human trafficking,reward criminal clans, pore more of your money into that dry, bottomless well"? Even if not spelled out, that's how it translates for an average intelligent person, since all these facts were clearly stated in numerous discussions in the course of the summit.

As you well know EP has merely no power..yes..but it sends messages ..and this was clear to the "Dynamic duo"..European main countries want more "cooperation" by The Serbian governament ..otherwise..things will remain as they are today and with no EU membership , a Russian market collapsing no UDI for Serbia and probably many disinvestments...(prepare for some Italian Banks and insurance companies to fly Serbia if things don't improve...
@ZK you have a fair view about EU but a super optimistic on the Brics..unfortunately they are in big trouble too...

Subject of Kosovo has become boring and no longer worth commenting. EU has got a lot to answer for and is trying to justify its existance. What this exitance is is really not worth commenting because they themself do not know what is means any longer.

I'm more than ever convinced that it was an error to sign SAA so hastily as it was an error to agree to EULEX. Shame on Tadic and his stooges!

Yet another hypocratic move which shows why Eurokolhoz the Soviet Union of the 21st century is more and more unpopular even among its own citizens.

Ben, surprisingly we agree on similar issues in principle - give or take a land swap.

I am in complete agreement with you on the need to apply similar rights to Valley Albanians if K-Serbs are pushing for their own. Fair is fair - and if Pristina relents on that, I call on BG to do the same. However, in a similar fashion to your earlier reply to me over the Greeks of Northern Epiros, a few ammendments need to be made.

Albanians only constitute an absolute majority in Presevo. They are around 7% in Medvedja, and little over 50% in Bujanovac - so just as it's sort of silly to be pushing for an Albanian-dominant muncipality in Kosovo to officially return to Serbia, or a mixed population in N. Epiros to go to Greece, so too we can't give a Serbian municipality to Kosovo simply because Albanians live there - unless you want to bypass municipal borders and just throw the regions where the ethnicity lives (but that just makes it even more complicated).

I'm in more favor of universal social and political rights rather than changing borders - which includes Kosovo in Serbia: once Serbia, one Bosnia, one Macedonia, one Albania, one Greece. I'm quite sure you and I, if given the opportunity, would love to redraw the map of the Balkans to our own liking, but I'll bet you a burek (cheese or meat) that our lines will conflict on more than one intersection. Hence me wanting to leave everything as is.

"...there are countries that recognize Kosovo as an independent state and others that do not."
Jeremic can you tell us how many countries have recognised Kosova as an independent country and how many haven't so far? Enlight us because we are "very confused")))

You're not a UN member (and you won't be without Serbia's blessing)which locks you out of many important organisations.
(PB, 5 February 2009 19:28)

PB, I only hope that at least you believe those words.
Sorry PB but where did you manage to get that from.
Do you think we waited for Serbia’s blessing on the 17th Feb 2008?
Do you thing anybody cared about Serbian blessing when the constitution, army and Secret Services were formed.
So PB, one thing is safe… Serbia has no say whatsoever on any important matters in Kosovo.
Secondly, if Kosovo was dead at birth why do you still want it?
If Kosovo is always perceived as a bad arm or leg why don’t you just amputate it.
This way Serbia does not have to waste money in that endless pit.
So leave us alone and we will survive PB.
Believe me we survived under Serbian occupation, things can only get better.

This vote shows that there is a clear division within Europe between those wanting and not wanting Kosovo's independence. Europe and others can take all the votes they want, but until Serbia recognizes Kosovo as an independent state, this voting is as meaningless as monopoly money. Now, if the world outside the 54 so countries recognizing Kosovo's independence did not exist, one could say none of this matters. As we can see, the Kosovo ethnic Albanian separatist government is working as if nobody else but those 54 countries exist. However, in the real world, the weight of the countries not recognizing Kosovo's UDI is pretty impressive. We are on the cusp of the one year anniversary of the UDI and still only less than 30% of the world's nations have recognized the UDI. What does this all mean? It appears that the EP wants this to end so that Europe can go on in a trouble free fashion. Unfortunately, that's not how this situation is going to go. Serbia keeps on fighting and annoying Europe. Eventually someone is going to break and give up. The question is whom. The Serbian resolve is pretty strong and it seems to be getting stronger. Moreover, from my reading of the world news, this resolve hasn't seemed to hurt Serbia that much, as new economic agreements and international cooperation are being forged everyday. I'm betting on Serbia.

The same people here repeat the same thing over and over. What's the point? (That's a rhetorical question, no answer necessary.)

Sidi,

I see you've also responded to my Northern Epiros bait. It's always funny when people who are the most vocal for carving up other countries suddenly resort to objective history when it's applied to them.

I'm not interested in Northern Epiros. I'm simply throwing it around as carelessly, as thoughtlessly, and as stupidly, as those who throw around "Presevo", "Sandzak", "Vojvodina" and "Macedonia".

If some of your compatriots feel it's perfectly fine to call for the carving up of other people's countries, I see no reason why I shouldn't call for the dismemberment of theirs.

If my comment sounds stupid, now you know what "Vojvodina should be independent" means.

for ZK and Dragan:

*Forget about russia. russia should be isolated as much as possible. Without the EU, Serbia has no future. *

That is your opinion not fact. You say they should be isolated, but they are NOT. They still have a lot of influence and power.

*ZK,

The Lisbon Treaty will be approved by Ireland in October and will enter into force on 1 January 2010.*

What makes you think it will be approved? The Irish have spoken already and I can’t see what will change their minds this time. In fact they could even be more determined this time because they are being pressured.

I simply cannot understand why you keep pushing EU onto Serbs. I already told you once before, Serbs don’t need you to push EU onto them. They are mature enough to decide for themselves. Do you get commission on how many countries you talk into joining or something?

How wonderful that within very a short time K.Albanians and EP member states will have the same living standards, so this fondness for each other can continue to prosper....

EU. There is much to learn about cottage industries with no time to waste but not the narco trade as it is already taken.

Mike even though I dont agree with you on many issues I think you are level minded when argue your opinions. When it comes to the Albanian south (you are using provocative language in this case), I think like someone else said you are ill informed. If they could fill the Athens Olympic stadium with Greek minority in Albania I would the first one to call for their autonomy in Albania. Greeks have a big mouth and spend a lot in propaganda, however they don't have the numbers, they know that, even in 1997 when we had no government they couldn't do anything because they don't have the numbers. I suggest you do some research of your own on the issue, don't take my word on it. If you plan to visit Albania at some point to see for yourself, I would be glad to show you around.

our lines will conflict on more than one intersection. Hence me wanting to leave everything as is.
(Mike, 5 February 2009 21:07)

See Mike it seems you do agree with the EU resolution than. EU is againsta the change of Kosova's borders. Thought a fair majority +1 can be a good rule to establish the borders.

You insist on Eprius issue but you ingore that the border of Albania-Greece was established by the international commission. The legend says that a kandy would've been given to kids to see in which language they would've say thank you. Guess what good excuse would you than have to have to change that border Mike. And btw the Lord Gerorge Gordon Byron or the book The Count of Monte Cristo that I suggetsed you to read in previous posts about the southern Albanians are placed in Janiana (Ioannina) and Parga, Preveza etc. That is deep in todays Greece. Guess where the line of border would go if that issiue would be opened as you advocate.

Leave it as it is??? this is the worst case scenario for us Albanians and yet in the name of peace we do agree on that.

Do you Serbs agree??? This is the only open question.

I have said many times that you Serbs are our greatest allies since yuo are brave to do the dirty job that we are not able to do but we are able only to use the precedents yuo set.

Yes Ben (and Johny if my first response didn't answer everything),

When I say "leave it as is", I mean including Kosovo. As soon as one side gets something what they want, everyone else wants in too.

This is obviously a moot point now, but with Kosovo within Serbia, Albanians get Kosovo with Presevo, rather than trying to dismember both. An ideal Ahtisaari Plan would have been written for all of Serbia and instead of multiple articles and addenda guaranteeing rights for K-Serbs, these articles are written guaranteeing rights for the entire Albanian minority within Serbia. Had this scenario been played out, I would have been on the side of the Albanians on this thread. The EU would have been unanimous in adopting it, it very well would have passed in the UN, and BG would have been squeezed to really comply.

The minute someone tries to change the border is the minute everyone else wants to change the border. My examples of Northen Epiros should, at this point I hope, be understood as less me actually wanting the borders to change, as it is an exercise in showing that those people who wish border changes elsewhere to benefit them (Kosovo, Presevo, even parts of Macedonia) will suddenly reverse their calls when similar criteria is applied to them - regardless of the feasibility. Look at all the responses I've gotten already telling me why N. Epiros cannot/should not go to Greece. I was expecting no less. In fact most of the reasons were/are the same reasons Serbs use for Vojvodina, Sandzak, and Presevo (or at least Medvedja and Bujanovac).

I mean how much do you seriously think the likelihood is that Northern Epiros, Vojvodina, Sandzak, or even Presevo is going to change hands? You and others can give me well sounded reasons why not in N.Epiros, but then you're going to have to be prepared for similar reasons by Serbs, Greeks, whoever for their land. I'd do the exact same if some Mexican were calling for the annexation of California, Texas, etc.

Changing the borders, or even talk about changing the borders just makes things difficult. Again, that's why I'm in favor of leaving things as is. People may not like where they live, but the EU would have far greater leverage in mandating a region-wide agreement for the rights and movements of national minorities of all ethnicities. The minute I start calling for the independence of RS is the minute someone else starts calling for the independence of Presevo, or even Kosovo.

Mike I agree with you on leaving things as they are now. All this talk about Vojvodina or Presheva or N. Mitrovica its just that, talk and will never happen. I want to add something to your post. If we are to be totally honest no matter if you're Albanian or a Serb, Kosova being under Serbia no matter how lose the association is would not work. The only way it would work is if there were no Albanians there. The Serb politicians know it and the average Serb knows it, no matter how much they deny it in public especially when they talk to an Albanians. Let's just spare the hypocrisy here. Our two nations will never have peace if a sizable chunk of our co-nationals lies within the borders of the other country. History between our two countries has been long enough to prove it. We are not fond of each other, it's as simple as that. Therefore Ahtisari's plan for Kosova within Serbia is just a utopic idea in my opinion, especially considering the fact that something like that existed on paper decades ago and it was scrapped within a single day, and the whole Serbian population was more than okay with it. It is not logical for us Albanians to want to go through,especially considering that 1999 is so close,or for anyone else who want to make us go through that again because they are afraid of internal problems in their own countries. The lesson learned here is simple and these other countries should have no fear unless they plan to follow the policies Serbia followed towards Kosova.

It is really simple and there should be no "Serbian inat" or "Albanian glory here". Any logical person that sees this issue from a neutral standpoint can easily come to the conclusion that when it comes to Kosova, Serbia had an upper hand for a long long time but that ultimately played its cards wrong, hence the situation Serbia find itself today. Now its all about whether the Albanians in Kosova would at some point play their cards just as bad as Serbia did in the near future. Until, when or if that happens things will stay as they are.

Mike,

a partition is a great idea. First of all Northen Kosovo ** shouldn't be forced to be part of Kosovo if the people there want to be in Serbia. Same goes for East Kosova (Presheva, Medvegje, Bujanoc).

We both can decide a land swipe. This does not complicate the issue or open the Pandora's box since it's under the discretion of both sides.

If the people of Serbia want their country to achieve economic well-being, then they must support EU membership.

Micrea - We have been told time and time again by the EU that there is no link between EU membership (if Serbia decides that's the right course) and giving up Kosovo.

There is no connection between Serbia recognising an illegal independence and giving up 15% of her territory under pressure from certain EU members, and becoming members of the 'club'.

Quite honestly, the EU is in chaos anyway and it's an insult to have these tiered levels of membership for the wealthy and no so wealthy countries. The EU may not even be around in 10 years time.

Germany is one country, Ireland will be reunited one day because this is how it should be.

Kosovo independence is against international law and currently the only legal agreement applicable is UN resolution 1244. Otherwise, Kosovo will be ethnically cleansed, Serbian heritage has already been under attack.

It is obvious to anyone with some common sense that Kosovo comes first, the EU... don't know on which place it should be. In fact, Mircea, why are you so fond of the EU?

god bless eu u show support just we we need thet serbia shuld reconize kosovo

EUROPE has spoken!!! I wonder what are the Serbs planing??? I know, they will pretend like this does not mean anything.. WRONG it means alot...

“A stable and multi-ethnic Kosovo is the EU’s priority."

Well if this statement was true, the EU would immediately rescind recognition of this fake, illegal and immoral 'state'. Not only are there no human rights in Kosovo right now, there is no freedom of movement for minorities, and absolutely zero tolerance. I guess by their silence on these issues, we can assume that present day Kosovo meets all 'European values' - which has become an oxymoron. Shame on the EU. Your silence and support for terrorism and ethnic cleansing of Serbs is deafening!!

Mircea - once again, Serbia does NOT need the EU, and will prosper just fine without joining that immoral club. While we were occupied by Turks for almost 500 years, Europe did nothing to help us. Serbs liberated their people by themselves, and we will liberate Kosovo too, by ourselves or with the help of our Russian allies. One thing is for sure, the EU is run by Germany, who have always been anti-Serb and still are today, this is why they support the theft of Serbian land. I guess they will never forgive us for defeating them in both world wars. Well I have news for them, we will defeat them again - history does indeed repeat itself.
Cheers!!

It is interesting to note that Russia is starting to spread its influence throughout the world - including South America, the Middle East, Africa and the former Soviet block.

During this time we are witnessing the crumbling of the Western nations. The US in deep crisis with $100,000 of debt and increasing for every worker while the EU begins to crack. Huge protests in France and the UK while anarchy spreads throughout Greece. So much for EU Unity as the UK protests against Italian business - more protectionist measures are surely to take place as each nation tries to save its own. This is just the beginning my friends!

So what now Mircea? No more EU funds, No Lisbon Treaty and a strengthening Russia? Looks like Ukraine is next to fall within its influence and Serbia already being there, only one country will separate us - that being our friends the Romanians. What if the EU can no longer support you and Russia comes out with a very generous deal? Something not even your favoured EU can offer? Look at Kyrgyzstan with a $2 billion aid offer from Russia and ready to close its NATO base. Russia is on the offensive my friends and that is not something one should dismiss.

So much for the EU and its failed Kosovo policy. So much for prosperity when it was built entirely on debt. Now let the balance of power shift to its rightful place. Our friends the Russians, Indians, Chinese, Brazilians and all the others can only benefit. Mircea, give it a couple of years before your EU dreams become more of a nightmare.

Mircea
"...if Serbia...EU..." It's getting boring.

As for resolution urging other countries to recognize "Kosova" does it state clearly: "Accept the widening corruption, embrace drug and human trafficking,reward criminal clans, pore more of your money into that dry, bottomless well"? Even if not spelled out, that's how it translates for an average intelligent person, since all these facts were clearly stated in numerous discussions in the course of the summit.

There is another chance for Jeremic to complain to ICJ, now against European Parlament (EP).

Kate, ZK, dragan ...

Nice to hear assesements form another prespective but reality is different and more obvious everyday.

Kosovo people( Albaians, Bosniaks, Turks, Roma, Askali, one part Serbs)so far have suprised even Serbs by their maturity. Only problems created so far are have come from Serbian side i.e. Burning Embassies(one dead and many injured), Mitrovica riots(dead Ukrainian police officer and many other injured), burning border crossings ...

As for Serbian politicians, they are doing their best but with no results, since their predecessors have broken every existing rule and law in the world by comiting worst crimes in Europe after the WWII.

ZK,

It appears that you are not up-to-date with the current dire situation in Russia. Take a look at a long article in the WSJ of yesterday.
The ruble is colapsing, the euro/dollar reserve of 600 billions went below 400 billions in few months. Industrial production even in places like Uljanowsk came to a standstill. Unemployment and discontent are increasing by the day. One of the latest predictions is that as a result of the coming Russian collapse the country could break up. That would be great news for small neighboring countries, who were treatened in the last few years and suffered for centuries because of Russia.

The resolution was adopted with 424 votes PRO and 133 niets.

The resolution is in direct contrast with the Serbian strategy: asks fro new recognitions and reaffirms the sovereignty of Kosovo in northern Kosovo.

This is a decisive victory for Kosovo. Well done.

A mere puff of smoke from the EU. Utterly meaningless.

(Radoslav, 5 February 2009 16:44)

1. We are a state. Rolandi emphasized that this should be a wake up call for Serbia to acknowledge that.
2. Correct, the resolution has no legal power however it emphasizes the reality that Serbia has to deal with.
3. In which planet do you think that the BRIC nations will surpass the Western countries?
Each member of this “elite” depends on western economical countries for dollar they earn.
I believe that you seem to have missed the reality that the members of this elite are the ones that have been hit most by the economical downturn.
While people in the western countries are slowing down their spending the goods required by these countries have shrunk.
If I recall correctly the wealth of the Russian Billionaires have shrunk by 60%.
Go figure.
Also I don’t know if you are aware but the first thing that big American banks did in the beginning of the crunch was to move all their money from Russia.

for SupportSerbia:

The Serbs are the only people in the Western Balkans who want to become closer to Russia.

Croatia,Macedonia,Montenegro,Bosnia, Albania and Kosovo all want to move closer to the EU.

Who is adopting the wrong strategy? I think it is the Serbs.

The EP is irrelevant. It has no powers whatsoever.

(Mike, 5 February 2009 17:43)

Mike you are right!

That's why I am for exchange of lands Leposavic, Zubin Potok, Zvecan for Presheva, Bojanovac and Medvegja (that is the northern area and means border).

Alternatively, if the deal is not reached Albanians in Presheva valley would apply the same tactic that Serbs are adopting in north Kosova and the Kosova's institution will apply the same actions/respons that Serbia will take towards the Albanians in south Serbia.

Since Kosova at this moment doesn't know how to solve this issue it will than learn from Serbia.

Fair enough????

The problem here is that the Albanians are for peaceful life do accept the Serbian culture and language in Kosova and did institutionalized them, do accept the Albanian lands that are compact and continuous with Kosova to remain as minorities under Serbia and on other hand Serbs are not ready to do the same.

What today happened is a GREAT MORAL VICTORY for Kosova in European plan.

After the recognition of the Kosova’s independence from ALL YUGO States which gave the unquestionable MORAL legitimacy of the independence to Kosova this is the second greatest moral VICTORY for Kosova.

This is out of any doubt. Serbs can say whatever they want but the fact is that Kosova scored another great victory.

"...there are countries that recognize Kosovo as an independent state and others that do not."
Jeremic can you tell us how many countries have recognised Kosova as an independent country and how many haven't so far? Enlight us because we are "very confused")))

god bless eu u show support just we we need thet serbia shuld reconize kosovo
(rolandi, 5 February 2009 14:02)

I thought you were a state? Why do you need Serbia's recognition? Ahh, so you albo's are ready to admit now that you have no legal state and the only way it will become legal is if Serbia authorises it. Hehehehe, unlucky.

The resolution is in direct contrast with the Serbian strategy: asks fro new recognitions and reaffirms the sovereignty of Kosovo in northern Kosovo.
(ben, 5 February 2009 14:29)

Unfortunately the EU has no legal power to enforce it's wishes. Legally, Kosovo is a part of Serbia and evryone knows it which is why the EU via EULEX and UNMIK HAVE to consult with Serbia on all issues. If Kosovo is truly a state, nobody would have to ask Serbia anything with regards to Kosovo.
Actions speak louder than words.

prepare for some Italian Banks and insurance companies to fly Serbia if things don't improve...
@ZK you have a fair view about EU but a super optimistic on the Brics..unfortunately they are in big trouble too...
(Luigi, 5 February 2009 15:43)

True, but the BRIC nations are running surpluses and most of the western powers have been running huge deficits, more so with the bank bailouts. it's only a matter of time before the markets take note of this and reprice the relative exchange rates. In the meantime Serbia's economy will be flattened but it's allies are in much ruder health than Kosovo's allies.

"The European Parliament (EP) has adopted a resolution on Kosovo today, and called on all member-states who have not so far recognized Kosovo to do so.." Or what? Are they going to get thrown out of Europe if they don't recognize Kosovo? Are you going to bomb them or send NATO jackboots into their countries like you did into Kosovo? What a joke! More likely a good finger wagging is all that can be mustered!

for ZK and Dragan:

Forget about russia. russia should be isolated as much as possible. Without the EU, Serbia has no future.

ZK,

The Lisbon Treaty will be approved by Ireland in October and will enter into force on 1 January 2010.

Teslavio,

Switzerland and Norway and rich countries. They don't need the help of the EU because they already achieved economic prosperity.

There is no BRIC, only CHINA. Get your facts straight.

Mircea, you're begining to sound like an old record. Why don't you tell the same to Swiss? They're continental country too and fully surrounded by EU and Nato.

The EP can shove their resolution where the sun don't shine. If then self-righteous EP thinks they can't contrevene intl law they got another thing coming.

Hmm, the European Parliamen adopts resolution that forces EU contries to break international law. Very interesting. This speaks volumes about what the EU is really about. No democracy, only extortion, elitism and totalitarianism.

Blero - The most important point on this discussion board is whether Kosovo is a state or not.

You say it is, but I say it isn't and the important points are these. You're not a UN member (and you won't be without Serbia's blessing)which locks you out of many important organisations.

Worse than that though is how is Kosovo going to finance itself? Are you trying to tell me that it's going to be financed forever from it's diaspora or the EU and US?

As you're not a sovereign nation you wouldn't be able to raise money on the capital markets even if you were a member of the World Bank and IMF, but even if you could, your credit rating would be nigh on worthless so the cost of issuing debt would be astronomical.

The EU and US don't give huge amounts of money away for nothing. they want a return on their capital. How exactly are they going to get that return? You're BEST asset is the Trepca mines, specifically the coal deposits. EVERYBODY wants access to energy supplies. Unfortunately you can't develop these assets as everyone in the world recognises Serbia's jurisdiction over Kosovo, even the EU and US implicitly. That's why there's been no progress on this front. The EU instead is trying to persuade Serbia to turn a blind eye to what happens in Kosovo. If Serbia turns a blind eye, then Kosovo will have a decent standard of living. If Serbia objects, Kosovo will end up being nothing more than a protectorate with NO future. The Eu and US will scale down their investments but keep their bases there. The US will have what it wants but the ALbanians will have to find other ways to make a living.

It's not impossible that Albanians could make a living from something else but my guess is that it wouldn't happen. The population is relatively illiterate - i don't mean this in a derogatory way, but i don't know of many hi tech specialists/ businesses in Kosovo, and this is exactly what it would need to export to guarantee a high standard of living.

Serbia isn't in a much beter position but it has a few factors running in it's favour. it already has a better developed infrastructure, it is the largest country in the Balkans, and it is a UN member which enables it to raise finance on the international markets.

Serbia's immediate future may not be bright but at least it has a future. Kosovo was dead at birth.

Hello everybody !

It's a dissapointing though quite predictable resolution of the EP. This provocation cannot bring peace neither to Serbs nor to the Albanians. But it will have no any sequences cause EP resolutions are not obligatory.

Very good of the Serbian leaders to withstand this pressure. Frankly it was a big surpise for me that Tadic and his command will be so much of the Serbs ! I used to compare them with Ukrainian and Georgian elites to sell their souls to the overseas Dev ... If they keep on sticking Russia they will sooner achive EU membership and find an appropriate solution for K&M problem.

Another good news is that Obama also seems to be better than I used to think of him ! And it's good news for all peoples. Particularly it gives a chance for a compromise over Kosovo. So no matter how the EU parliamentaries arrange their PR campagns for we all know EU has political weight compared with Lesoto & Swaziland.

ben
"The resolution was adopted with 424 votes PRO and 133 niets."

Niets (as you say):
Spain 54
Romania 35
Greece 24
Slovakia 14
Cyprus 6

Total: 133

Not a single "niet" missing.

If the people of Serbia want their country to achieve economic well-being, then they must support EU membership.
(Mircea, 5 February 2009 12:39)

ok Mircea, you are the EU expert. please tell us here what Serbia must do to enter the EU. Tell us step by step every thing that the people must do to enter.

thank you

As you well know EP has merely no power..yes..but it sends messages ..and this was clear to the "Dynamic duo"..European main countries want more "cooperation" by The Serbian governament ..otherwise..things will remain as they are today and with no EU membership , a Russian market collapsing no UDI for Serbia and probably many disinvestments...(prepare for some Italian Banks and insurance companies to fly Serbia if things don't improve...
@ZK you have a fair view about EU but a super optimistic on the Brics..unfortunately they are in big trouble too...

Subject of Kosovo has become boring and no longer worth commenting. EU has got a lot to answer for and is trying to justify its existance. What this exitance is is really not worth commenting because they themself do not know what is means any longer.

Why any Serb (who isn't self-hating) would want to join this pathetic organization is beyond me. This resolution just reinforces the fact that a potential Serb-EU marraige will never work. It's time for the politicians in charge of Serbia to stop dreaming and wake up to the fact that the EU is an inherently Serbophobic institution. Serbia should consolidate its historic friendship with Russia, build relations with emerging economies of BRIC and others, and activily work towards the re-unification of the Serb people (I am talking about RS and Montenegro here).

"The resolution is in direct contrast with the Serbian strategy: asks fro new recognitions and reaffirms the sovereignty of Kosovo in northern Kosovo."

True Ben, but there's no provisions for implementing these suggestions. Spain, et al are not forced to recognize, and neither will I suspect the K-Serbs be forced to recognize Pristina's authority.

I may be wrong, but if things go the way they've been going for the past few years in regards to Kosovo, this is another piece of paper that describes something that's in direct contrast to what's on the ground in Kosovo today. The region will remain divided and virtually partitioned. I can't think of the last time the EU enforced anything that wasn't economic-related. I'm not living in denial; I just can't see this deepening Kosovo's alleged sovereignty.

You're not a UN member (and you won't be without Serbia's blessing)which locks you out of many important organisations.
(PB, 5 February 2009 19:28)

PB, I only hope that at least you believe those words.
Sorry PB but where did you manage to get that from.
Do you think we waited for Serbia’s blessing on the 17th Feb 2008?
Do you thing anybody cared about Serbian blessing when the constitution, army and Secret Services were formed.
So PB, one thing is safe… Serbia has no say whatsoever on any important matters in Kosovo.
Secondly, if Kosovo was dead at birth why do you still want it?
If Kosovo is always perceived as a bad arm or leg why don’t you just amputate it.
This way Serbia does not have to waste money in that endless pit.
So leave us alone and we will survive PB.
Believe me we survived under Serbian occupation, things can only get better.

Mike

You have been throwing around the "Northern Epirus" term all over the forum lately. I submit to you my friend, that you are very uninformed about the situation in southern Albania. The so called greek minority in Albania does not number more than a few thousand people, most of them in villages around Gjirokaster, and 1 village in Himare. These were folks who moved to Albania after WWII when the Greek monarchists took over and the communists were forced to flee. Although nationalist Greek sources would have you believe that Albania is populated by Greeks up to and inculding Tirana, I submit to you that it is not the case. But DO NOT take my word for it. After all I am Albanian, so I might be biased
Instead, I urge you to take a trip to southern Albania when the opportunity arises, or as you call it, Northern Epirus, and speak to the people who live there in Greek. Then see what happens. The best you can hope for is a blank stare. The worst...well I won't go there.

our lines will conflict on more than one intersection. Hence me wanting to leave everything as is.
(Mike, 5 February 2009 21:07)

See Mike it seems you do agree with the EU resolution than. EU is againsta the change of Kosova's borders. Thought a fair majority +1 can be a good rule to establish the borders.

You insist on Eprius issue but you ingore that the border of Albania-Greece was established by the international commission. The legend says that a kandy would've been given to kids to see in which language they would've say thank you. Guess what good excuse would you than have to have to change that border Mike. And btw the Lord Gerorge Gordon Byron or the book The Count of Monte Cristo that I suggetsed you to read in previous posts about the southern Albanians are placed in Janiana (Ioannina) and Parga, Preveza etc. That is deep in todays Greece. Guess where the line of border would go if that issiue would be opened as you advocate.

Leave it as it is??? this is the worst case scenario for us Albanians and yet in the name of peace we do agree on that.

Do you Serbs agree??? This is the only open question.

I have said many times that you Serbs are our greatest allies since yuo are brave to do the dirty job that we are not able to do but we are able only to use the precedents yuo set.

Mike even though I dont agree with you on many issues I think you are level minded when argue your opinions. When it comes to the Albanian south (you are using provocative language in this case), I think like someone else said you are ill informed. If they could fill the Athens Olympic stadium with Greek minority in Albania I would the first one to call for their autonomy in Albania. Greeks have a big mouth and spend a lot in propaganda, however they don't have the numbers, they know that, even in 1997 when we had no government they couldn't do anything because they don't have the numbers. I suggest you do some research of your own on the issue, don't take my word on it. If you plan to visit Albania at some point to see for yourself, I would be glad to show you around.

Yet another hypocratic move which shows why Eurokolhoz the Soviet Union of the 21st century is more and more unpopular even among its own citizens.

Ben, surprisingly we agree on similar issues in principle - give or take a land swap.

I am in complete agreement with you on the need to apply similar rights to Valley Albanians if K-Serbs are pushing for their own. Fair is fair - and if Pristina relents on that, I call on BG to do the same. However, in a similar fashion to your earlier reply to me over the Greeks of Northern Epiros, a few ammendments need to be made.

Albanians only constitute an absolute majority in Presevo. They are around 7% in Medvedja, and little over 50% in Bujanovac - so just as it's sort of silly to be pushing for an Albanian-dominant muncipality in Kosovo to officially return to Serbia, or a mixed population in N. Epiros to go to Greece, so too we can't give a Serbian municipality to Kosovo simply because Albanians live there - unless you want to bypass municipal borders and just throw the regions where the ethnicity lives (but that just makes it even more complicated).

I'm in more favor of universal social and political rights rather than changing borders - which includes Kosovo in Serbia: once Serbia, one Bosnia, one Macedonia, one Albania, one Greece. I'm quite sure you and I, if given the opportunity, would love to redraw the map of the Balkans to our own liking, but I'll bet you a burek (cheese or meat) that our lines will conflict on more than one intersection. Hence me wanting to leave everything as is.

I'm more than ever convinced that it was an error to sign SAA so hastily as it was an error to agree to EULEX. Shame on Tadic and his stooges!

How wonderful that within very a short time K.Albanians and EP member states will have the same living standards, so this fondness for each other can continue to prosper....

EU. There is much to learn about cottage industries with no time to waste but not the narco trade as it is already taken.

Yes Ben (and Johny if my first response didn't answer everything),

When I say "leave it as is", I mean including Kosovo. As soon as one side gets something what they want, everyone else wants in too.

This is obviously a moot point now, but with Kosovo within Serbia, Albanians get Kosovo with Presevo, rather than trying to dismember both. An ideal Ahtisaari Plan would have been written for all of Serbia and instead of multiple articles and addenda guaranteeing rights for K-Serbs, these articles are written guaranteeing rights for the entire Albanian minority within Serbia. Had this scenario been played out, I would have been on the side of the Albanians on this thread. The EU would have been unanimous in adopting it, it very well would have passed in the UN, and BG would have been squeezed to really comply.

The minute someone tries to change the border is the minute everyone else wants to change the border. My examples of Northen Epiros should, at this point I hope, be understood as less me actually wanting the borders to change, as it is an exercise in showing that those people who wish border changes elsewhere to benefit them (Kosovo, Presevo, even parts of Macedonia) will suddenly reverse their calls when similar criteria is applied to them - regardless of the feasibility. Look at all the responses I've gotten already telling me why N. Epiros cannot/should not go to Greece. I was expecting no less. In fact most of the reasons were/are the same reasons Serbs use for Vojvodina, Sandzak, and Presevo (or at least Medvedja and Bujanovac).

I mean how much do you seriously think the likelihood is that Northern Epiros, Vojvodina, Sandzak, or even Presevo is going to change hands? You and others can give me well sounded reasons why not in N.Epiros, but then you're going to have to be prepared for similar reasons by Serbs, Greeks, whoever for their land. I'd do the exact same if some Mexican were calling for the annexation of California, Texas, etc.

Changing the borders, or even talk about changing the borders just makes things difficult. Again, that's why I'm in favor of leaving things as is. People may not like where they live, but the EU would have far greater leverage in mandating a region-wide agreement for the rights and movements of national minorities of all ethnicities. The minute I start calling for the independence of RS is the minute someone else starts calling for the independence of Presevo, or even Kosovo.

The same people here repeat the same thing over and over. What's the point? (That's a rhetorical question, no answer necessary.)

This vote shows that there is a clear division within Europe between those wanting and not wanting Kosovo's independence. Europe and others can take all the votes they want, but until Serbia recognizes Kosovo as an independent state, this voting is as meaningless as monopoly money. Now, if the world outside the 54 so countries recognizing Kosovo's independence did not exist, one could say none of this matters. As we can see, the Kosovo ethnic Albanian separatist government is working as if nobody else but those 54 countries exist. However, in the real world, the weight of the countries not recognizing Kosovo's UDI is pretty impressive. We are on the cusp of the one year anniversary of the UDI and still only less than 30% of the world's nations have recognized the UDI. What does this all mean? It appears that the EP wants this to end so that Europe can go on in a trouble free fashion. Unfortunately, that's not how this situation is going to go. Serbia keeps on fighting and annoying Europe. Eventually someone is going to break and give up. The question is whom. The Serbian resolve is pretty strong and it seems to be getting stronger. Moreover, from my reading of the world news, this resolve hasn't seemed to hurt Serbia that much, as new economic agreements and international cooperation are being forged everyday. I'm betting on Serbia.

for ZK and Dragan:

*Forget about russia. russia should be isolated as much as possible. Without the EU, Serbia has no future. *

That is your opinion not fact. You say they should be isolated, but they are NOT. They still have a lot of influence and power.

*ZK,

The Lisbon Treaty will be approved by Ireland in October and will enter into force on 1 January 2010.*

What makes you think it will be approved? The Irish have spoken already and I can’t see what will change their minds this time. In fact they could even be more determined this time because they are being pressured.

I simply cannot understand why you keep pushing EU onto Serbs. I already told you once before, Serbs don’t need you to push EU onto them. They are mature enough to decide for themselves. Do you get commission on how many countries you talk into joining or something?

Mike,

a partition is a great idea. First of all Northen Kosovo ** shouldn't be forced to be part of Kosovo if the people there want to be in Serbia. Same goes for East Kosova (Presheva, Medvegje, Bujanoc).

We both can decide a land swipe. This does not complicate the issue or open the Pandora's box since it's under the discretion of both sides.

Mike I agree with you on leaving things as they are now. All this talk about Vojvodina or Presheva or N. Mitrovica its just that, talk and will never happen. I want to add something to your post. If we are to be totally honest no matter if you're Albanian or a Serb, Kosova being under Serbia no matter how lose the association is would not work. The only way it would work is if there were no Albanians there. The Serb politicians know it and the average Serb knows it, no matter how much they deny it in public especially when they talk to an Albanians. Let's just spare the hypocrisy here. Our two nations will never have peace if a sizable chunk of our co-nationals lies within the borders of the other country. History between our two countries has been long enough to prove it. We are not fond of each other, it's as simple as that. Therefore Ahtisari's plan for Kosova within Serbia is just a utopic idea in my opinion, especially considering the fact that something like that existed on paper decades ago and it was scrapped within a single day, and the whole Serbian population was more than okay with it. It is not logical for us Albanians to want to go through,especially considering that 1999 is so close,or for anyone else who want to make us go through that again because they are afraid of internal problems in their own countries. The lesson learned here is simple and these other countries should have no fear unless they plan to follow the policies Serbia followed towards Kosova.

It is really simple and there should be no "Serbian inat" or "Albanian glory here". Any logical person that sees this issue from a neutral standpoint can easily come to the conclusion that when it comes to Kosova, Serbia had an upper hand for a long long time but that ultimately played its cards wrong, hence the situation Serbia find itself today. Now its all about whether the Albanians in Kosova would at some point play their cards just as bad as Serbia did in the near future. Until, when or if that happens things will stay as they are.

Sidi,

I see you've also responded to my Northern Epiros bait. It's always funny when people who are the most vocal for carving up other countries suddenly resort to objective history when it's applied to them.

I'm not interested in Northern Epiros. I'm simply throwing it around as carelessly, as thoughtlessly, and as stupidly, as those who throw around "Presevo", "Sandzak", "Vojvodina" and "Macedonia".

If some of your compatriots feel it's perfectly fine to call for the carving up of other people's countries, I see no reason why I shouldn't call for the dismemberment of theirs.

If my comment sounds stupid, now you know what "Vojvodina should be independent" means.