"We take our role in Serbia seriously"

Congratulations to B92 for their insightful questions to Ambassador Munter. However, as an American, I am truly ashamed of our American Ambassador and his feable and untrue answers. He is truly a disgrace to rationality, logic and common sense. His answers were twisted, evasive, irrational, and arrogant, with an obvious biasness against the Serbian people and nation. With so much of Serbia's future at stake, his answers will not solve any of the current REAL problems. To solve problems, you must first admit that there are problems- and Munter simply regurgitates State Dept. directives, with no sincerity or no REAL understanding of the Serbs. What an embarrassment to Americans who know the history of Serbian-American relations.

"Munter: It was unfortunate that for what I believe are rather cynical reasons the Russians decided not to be constructive in the UN Security Council, it's true. And I think that there is an interpretation from many of the countries that are in the UN General Assembly, that they are being cautious or they perhaps aren’t focusing on this issue, but I take issue with the idea that those countries who have not yet recognized Kosovo will not, are against Kosovo. We’ll see, over time I think in any country, any new country, recognition takes time and focus. I think that if there is a success and the whole region moves towards Europe, I think this issue which is the issue between our countries, can become less and people can focus on those issues that are more important to the people who elected, I think the democratic government here last year, such as accession to Europe, prosperity, safety and things of that sort. "

So, in other words, for the Russians and majority of the UN to be "constructive" instead of "cynical", they will have to accept that it is alright for the US to attack Serbia-Montenegro in 1999, and thereafter Iraq and Afghanistan. It would mean accepting the Yankee doctrine that might is right as are double standards (eg. when it comes to Israel, Iran and the Palestinians) and duplicity (eg. trying to play off Taipeh against Beijing and conspiring with Ahtisaari's fake negotiations). In which case frankly I would rather live with more cynicism from the Russians than so-called enlightenment from the US!

Wow, this guy has got more spin than my washing machine.

Ambassador Munter is perfect for his job: he simply repeats the same slogans his State Department tells him to say. He refuses to answer any questions beyond his own designated limits and is truly naive if he thinks the most backward region in Europe is going to blossom into the multiethnic democracy he thinks it will.

He refers to Kosovo as a "functioning state". Yet at the same time he acknowledges:

a) 120 nations have not recognized it
b) it requires an "enormous" amnount of help from EULEX

These two criteria do not make it a "functioning" state.

The man is applying vast quantities of lipstick. But I don't blame him. He's saying what he's told to say, and he's absolutely not interested in any contradictory information. And what he's told to say requires him to wear blinders and factor out all the countervailing evidence that shows one year into Kosovo's so-called independence, it remains the most dependent independent entity in the world. It would actually be funny were it not so pathetic.

He sounds just like Thaci, Sejdiu. However he differs in he never mentioned the "Kosovo Institutions" this and the "Kosovo institutions" that.

You K-Albs are funny. Its amazing how you adore your temporary patrons.

Rick -- very well stated, I totally agree.

As a side note, many Americans can and do disagree with official U.S. policy towards Serbia (Kosovo), regardless our of ethnic background. We see the 1999 war and partition of Serbia as a mistake that will come back to haunt us.

Trying to make lives 'nicer' in the face of territorial take over might give the appearance of 'Mr Nice-guy' but it is what an invading nation does when it wants to suppress a population.

If someone is talking about stealing a country's territory by the use of force - they should be ejected from the land. Why does Serbia allow this man to serve in Belgrade? I don't see the point of having him there if Serbia is serious about Kosovo. Is Serbia accepting this humiliation and selling Kosovo for financial gain perhaps?

Kosovo is a province of Serbia and forever will be. All the interim measures will not make a secure functioning state - it will leave a festering sore that will be reopenned at sometime in the future when the international order changes.

So called independent Kosovo will not sustain forever, and no one should think it will. It does not exist in any permanent sense. It is not secure and never will be.

The only way in which Kosovo could function as an independent and secure state is when Serbia freely votes to give it up. I doubt that will happen.

Nothing in this inteview looked at the issue that awarding statehood to Kosovo is to reward ethnic cleansing of Serbs by Albanians - and that predated Milosevic.

Serbs get the blame, but actually there is another side that B92 did not seek to discuss. The US has a very one-sided view about blame, and seeks to evade dealing with it.

The Albanians had a country and now have another. Please stop this rediculous talk about multi-ethnicity. Serbia is multiethnic, but Kosovo most definitely is intended to be monoethnic Albanian by those who seek its creation.

See through the hog-wash.

"However, as an American, I am truly ashamed of our American Ambassador"
If you as American as I am British our hearts and minds are in our respective roots mine Albanian and your Serbian. You entitled to express you own opinion as anyone else but you should not be ashamed of the American ambassador because "he is a discrase to rationality, logic and common sense"..."bias against the Serbia people and nation". Let me say to you something about the my logic which obviously is different logic to yours and about "common sense" which is different to your understanding of "common sense".
Both the major politica parties in America agree when it comes to Kosova independence. Now where is your logic compare to the political parties in America? Regarding the "common sense" the overwhelming majority of EU countries have recognised Kosova as an independent country. Now the "common sense" stands for those countries whom are in a very minority or on those majority of countries whom have recognised Kosova as an independent country. With your "sound" logic how are you going to return Kosova to Serbia?

Ambassador Munter is a great man. Despite provocative and arrogant questions his vision of peace and stability prevailed throughout the interview. Ambassador Munter has shown one more time how the American wisdom and diplomacy is about to re-shape this much in need region. While Jeremic shouts "Never...!" and withdraws ambassadors, Mr. Munter stretches the hand of friendship towards Serbian people. In reference to the first comment, I am truly proud of our American Ambassador and his maturity.

I barely understand you, people. The basic, starting principle of any relations between two counties is MUTUAL respect of their territorial integrity. In your case, one side is constantly refusing to show such a respect. It's like someone tells you he is your friend, but doesn't respect you at the same time. Can anybody explain that situation?
Thank you.

The Obama administration did a good thing in retaining Munter as the ambassador to Serbia. He truly understands the issues and is not one to bent to any pressures. The US is even ready to help Serbia more than any other nation in the world and is actually doing this financially and politically. To have the single world superpower overlook all the insults and venom coming from that country and still give a hand of friendship is truly remarkable. I simply cannot see another state doing that if it was insulted by some minor country in that way.

Kosovo is a disagreement, and Munter is totally honest as to their position. He does not try to sugarcoat anything.
Tadic and co. know that Kosovo is lost, and in order for Serbia to prosper they need an ally in USA not an enemy.

Now of course they cannot totally agree with Munter and the US on Kosovo because of domestic political needs and consumption, but nonetheless they are moving in the direction which the US wants regarding Eulex, technical talks and so forth, while at the same time reap benefits from this relationship.

Serbia is lucky the radicals did not win the election, otherwise in this economic crisis Serbia would not be able even to get a loan from IMF let alone EU and US handouts for preparation to become an EU member.

If Serbia decides to not interfere in Kosovo's international affairs, then they will benefit greatly from this. If on the other hand they try the radical method of meddling and causing problems for the people that live in Kosovo, they will hurt themselves as well in that process not only the people living in Kosovo.

"Munter: I thin that this is going to be a group, these units, they're going to trained by the best alliance in the world, KFOR…

B92: But still they are former KLA members?

Munter: I have no idea who these people are.
"

best alliance in the world?

they couldn´t defeat Serbia, although they were bombing for 78 days! is he talking about this alliance, really?

as far as I remember, they destroyed 15 tanks in that long period of time.

what terrible losses would they have faced, if they started a ground invasion? =)


as for Mr.Munter who has "no Idea" ... what is the reason for him to be in Serbia, when he has no ideas on easy questions like the one posed above?

this interview shows how deeply stuck the US-policy is. no ideas.

well, the Russians seem to have ideas. not only in regard to the Manas Air Base, ...but also in regard to the Balkans.

interesting times ahead. bad for our dear albanian friends, but good times for the region.

I guess, some day in the future not only the poeple of the Republic of Kirgizia will sing " Bye Bye G.I. "... =)


@JC from the US:

the US have made bad decisions, and...yes, that will haunt them. but Serbia will prevail. and the US will face the consequences of their failed policy.
as we can see it now with their financial disaster... the political one will follow.

just a question of time, I guess.

I'm sorry B92 but I have to be honest. This journalist at every whim tried to make the ambassador look like a jack a**.
The ambassador should have just told him to act professional or he'll end the interview. If a reporter cut me off multiple times in between sentences I would be very upset.

The report tried to push that 120 countries are against Republic of Kosovo. This whole notion is incorrect ---- 120 countries have not taken a stance.

The cons: the ambassador didn't know that KSF would have ex-UCK soldiers in its' ranks. When he was being drilled about KSF he should made a different statement. Mr. Munter also kept mentioning peace and stability over and over which made him seem unaware. When the reporter accused him of interfering with Serbian politics he should have responded differently.

Either way, this interview sucked. Munter annoys us all I'm sure and this reporter needs to report the news, not try to make it.

"...One is that the people who live in Kosovo deserve to live a better life, whether they’re Kosovo Albanians, whether they’re Kosovo Serbs..."

"...to speak with EULEX about all the details of how the people there live, and how Serbia can play a constructive role in that..."

"...and does Serbia want a successful country on its border, or is it going to contribute to difficulties for the people who live in that country on its border..."

"...EULEX is a mission which is going to make sure that the people of Kosovo live better..."

"...and it's going to take a lot of effort and a lot of investment by people, in the lives of people who live there..."

"...but it’s the right thing to do, because Kosovo, people who live in Kosovo deserve to have a better life..."

"...contributing to the welfare of the people who live in the countries next to you..."

"...Serbs who live in Kosovo should take part in their life, they should feel safe..."

8 times he talked about the people who ACTUALLY LIVE there. Is he trying to say something, or is he trying to say something?

Munter is right in the fact that the west was sick and tired of Serbia's irresponsibility in the region.

Thus the west interfered to bring peace which Serbia could not forge.

Munter says, that the West is looking to establish peace and stability in Kosovo, while Serbia wants Kosovo essentially for its MYTH, so Serbs can march there in thousands once a year and display their nationalistic ego right in the face of the Albanians, other than that serbs did not care about Kosovo's reality. Take a look at public investments numbers in the last 3-4 decades, and you will see how much Serbia cared about Kosovo.

The poverty on the other hand only polarized things further, and now there is no peace and to my understanding K-Albanians under no circustances will leave under Serbia, even if this status issue lasts for centuries.

I don't blame them, better this unsettled status than risking another Milosevic.

"However, as an American, I am truly ashamed of our American Ambassador"
If you as American as I am British our hearts and minds are in our respective roots mine Albanian and your Serbian. You entitled to express you own opinion as anyone else but you should not be ashamed of the American ambassador because "he is a discrase to rationality, logic and common sense"..."bias against the Serbia people and nation". Let me say to you something about the my logic which obviously is different logic to yours and about "common sense" which is different to your understanding of "common sense".
Both the major politica parties in America agree when it comes to Kosova independence. Now where is your logic compare to the political parties in America? Regarding the "common sense" the overwhelming majority of EU countries have recognised Kosova as an independent country. Now the "common sense" stands for those countries whom are in a very minority or on those majority of countries whom have recognised Kosova as an independent country. With your "sound" logic how are you going to return Kosova to Serbia?

Ambassador Munter is a great man. Despite provocative and arrogant questions his vision of peace and stability prevailed throughout the interview. Ambassador Munter has shown one more time how the American wisdom and diplomacy is about to re-shape this much in need region. While Jeremic shouts "Never...!" and withdraws ambassadors, Mr. Munter stretches the hand of friendship towards Serbian people. In reference to the first comment, I am truly proud of our American Ambassador and his maturity.

The Obama administration did a good thing in retaining Munter as the ambassador to Serbia. He truly understands the issues and is not one to bent to any pressures. The US is even ready to help Serbia more than any other nation in the world and is actually doing this financially and politically. To have the single world superpower overlook all the insults and venom coming from that country and still give a hand of friendship is truly remarkable. I simply cannot see another state doing that if it was insulted by some minor country in that way.

Kosovo is a disagreement, and Munter is totally honest as to their position. He does not try to sugarcoat anything.
Tadic and co. know that Kosovo is lost, and in order for Serbia to prosper they need an ally in USA not an enemy.

Now of course they cannot totally agree with Munter and the US on Kosovo because of domestic political needs and consumption, but nonetheless they are moving in the direction which the US wants regarding Eulex, technical talks and so forth, while at the same time reap benefits from this relationship.

Serbia is lucky the radicals did not win the election, otherwise in this economic crisis Serbia would not be able even to get a loan from IMF let alone EU and US handouts for preparation to become an EU member.

If Serbia decides to not interfere in Kosovo's international affairs, then they will benefit greatly from this. If on the other hand they try the radical method of meddling and causing problems for the people that live in Kosovo, they will hurt themselves as well in that process not only the people living in Kosovo.

I'm sorry B92 but I have to be honest. This journalist at every whim tried to make the ambassador look like a jack a**.
The ambassador should have just told him to act professional or he'll end the interview. If a reporter cut me off multiple times in between sentences I would be very upset.

The report tried to push that 120 countries are against Republic of Kosovo. This whole notion is incorrect ---- 120 countries have not taken a stance.

The cons: the ambassador didn't know that KSF would have ex-UCK soldiers in its' ranks. When he was being drilled about KSF he should made a different statement. Mr. Munter also kept mentioning peace and stability over and over which made him seem unaware. When the reporter accused him of interfering with Serbian politics he should have responded differently.

Either way, this interview sucked. Munter annoys us all I'm sure and this reporter needs to report the news, not try to make it.

"...One is that the people who live in Kosovo deserve to live a better life, whether they’re Kosovo Albanians, whether they’re Kosovo Serbs..."

"...to speak with EULEX about all the details of how the people there live, and how Serbia can play a constructive role in that..."

"...and does Serbia want a successful country on its border, or is it going to contribute to difficulties for the people who live in that country on its border..."

"...EULEX is a mission which is going to make sure that the people of Kosovo live better..."

"...and it's going to take a lot of effort and a lot of investment by people, in the lives of people who live there..."

"...but it’s the right thing to do, because Kosovo, people who live in Kosovo deserve to have a better life..."

"...contributing to the welfare of the people who live in the countries next to you..."

"...Serbs who live in Kosovo should take part in their life, they should feel safe..."

8 times he talked about the people who ACTUALLY LIVE there. Is he trying to say something, or is he trying to say something?

Congratulations to B92 for their insightful questions to Ambassador Munter. However, as an American, I am truly ashamed of our American Ambassador and his feable and untrue answers. He is truly a disgrace to rationality, logic and common sense. His answers were twisted, evasive, irrational, and arrogant, with an obvious biasness against the Serbian people and nation. With so much of Serbia's future at stake, his answers will not solve any of the current REAL problems. To solve problems, you must first admit that there are problems- and Munter simply regurgitates State Dept. directives, with no sincerity or no REAL understanding of the Serbs. What an embarrassment to Americans who know the history of Serbian-American relations.

Munter is right in the fact that the west was sick and tired of Serbia's irresponsibility in the region.

Thus the west interfered to bring peace which Serbia could not forge.

Munter says, that the West is looking to establish peace and stability in Kosovo, while Serbia wants Kosovo essentially for its MYTH, so Serbs can march there in thousands once a year and display their nationalistic ego right in the face of the Albanians, other than that serbs did not care about Kosovo's reality. Take a look at public investments numbers in the last 3-4 decades, and you will see how much Serbia cared about Kosovo.

The poverty on the other hand only polarized things further, and now there is no peace and to my understanding K-Albanians under no circustances will leave under Serbia, even if this status issue lasts for centuries.

I don't blame them, better this unsettled status than risking another Milosevic.

I barely understand you, people. The basic, starting principle of any relations between two counties is MUTUAL respect of their territorial integrity. In your case, one side is constantly refusing to show such a respect. It's like someone tells you he is your friend, but doesn't respect you at the same time. Can anybody explain that situation?
Thank you.

He sounds just like Thaci, Sejdiu. However he differs in he never mentioned the "Kosovo Institutions" this and the "Kosovo institutions" that.

You K-Albs are funny. Its amazing how you adore your temporary patrons.

Wow, this guy has got more spin than my washing machine.

Ambassador Munter is perfect for his job: he simply repeats the same slogans his State Department tells him to say. He refuses to answer any questions beyond his own designated limits and is truly naive if he thinks the most backward region in Europe is going to blossom into the multiethnic democracy he thinks it will.

He refers to Kosovo as a "functioning state". Yet at the same time he acknowledges:

a) 120 nations have not recognized it
b) it requires an "enormous" amnount of help from EULEX

These two criteria do not make it a "functioning" state.

The man is applying vast quantities of lipstick. But I don't blame him. He's saying what he's told to say, and he's absolutely not interested in any contradictory information. And what he's told to say requires him to wear blinders and factor out all the countervailing evidence that shows one year into Kosovo's so-called independence, it remains the most dependent independent entity in the world. It would actually be funny were it not so pathetic.

Rick -- very well stated, I totally agree.

As a side note, many Americans can and do disagree with official U.S. policy towards Serbia (Kosovo), regardless our of ethnic background. We see the 1999 war and partition of Serbia as a mistake that will come back to haunt us.

"Munter: It was unfortunate that for what I believe are rather cynical reasons the Russians decided not to be constructive in the UN Security Council, it's true. And I think that there is an interpretation from many of the countries that are in the UN General Assembly, that they are being cautious or they perhaps aren’t focusing on this issue, but I take issue with the idea that those countries who have not yet recognized Kosovo will not, are against Kosovo. We’ll see, over time I think in any country, any new country, recognition takes time and focus. I think that if there is a success and the whole region moves towards Europe, I think this issue which is the issue between our countries, can become less and people can focus on those issues that are more important to the people who elected, I think the democratic government here last year, such as accession to Europe, prosperity, safety and things of that sort. "

So, in other words, for the Russians and majority of the UN to be "constructive" instead of "cynical", they will have to accept that it is alright for the US to attack Serbia-Montenegro in 1999, and thereafter Iraq and Afghanistan. It would mean accepting the Yankee doctrine that might is right as are double standards (eg. when it comes to Israel, Iran and the Palestinians) and duplicity (eg. trying to play off Taipeh against Beijing and conspiring with Ahtisaari's fake negotiations). In which case frankly I would rather live with more cynicism from the Russians than so-called enlightenment from the US!

Trying to make lives 'nicer' in the face of territorial take over might give the appearance of 'Mr Nice-guy' but it is what an invading nation does when it wants to suppress a population.

If someone is talking about stealing a country's territory by the use of force - they should be ejected from the land. Why does Serbia allow this man to serve in Belgrade? I don't see the point of having him there if Serbia is serious about Kosovo. Is Serbia accepting this humiliation and selling Kosovo for financial gain perhaps?

Kosovo is a province of Serbia and forever will be. All the interim measures will not make a secure functioning state - it will leave a festering sore that will be reopenned at sometime in the future when the international order changes.

So called independent Kosovo will not sustain forever, and no one should think it will. It does not exist in any permanent sense. It is not secure and never will be.

The only way in which Kosovo could function as an independent and secure state is when Serbia freely votes to give it up. I doubt that will happen.

Nothing in this inteview looked at the issue that awarding statehood to Kosovo is to reward ethnic cleansing of Serbs by Albanians - and that predated Milosevic.

Serbs get the blame, but actually there is another side that B92 did not seek to discuss. The US has a very one-sided view about blame, and seeks to evade dealing with it.

The Albanians had a country and now have another. Please stop this rediculous talk about multi-ethnicity. Serbia is multiethnic, but Kosovo most definitely is intended to be monoethnic Albanian by those who seek its creation.

See through the hog-wash.

"Munter: I thin that this is going to be a group, these units, they're going to trained by the best alliance in the world, KFOR…

B92: But still they are former KLA members?

Munter: I have no idea who these people are.
"

best alliance in the world?

they couldn´t defeat Serbia, although they were bombing for 78 days! is he talking about this alliance, really?

as far as I remember, they destroyed 15 tanks in that long period of time.

what terrible losses would they have faced, if they started a ground invasion? =)


as for Mr.Munter who has "no Idea" ... what is the reason for him to be in Serbia, when he has no ideas on easy questions like the one posed above?

this interview shows how deeply stuck the US-policy is. no ideas.

well, the Russians seem to have ideas. not only in regard to the Manas Air Base, ...but also in regard to the Balkans.

interesting times ahead. bad for our dear albanian friends, but good times for the region.

I guess, some day in the future not only the poeple of the Republic of Kirgizia will sing " Bye Bye G.I. "... =)


@JC from the US:

the US have made bad decisions, and...yes, that will haunt them. but Serbia will prevail. and the US will face the consequences of their failed policy.
as we can see it now with their financial disaster... the political one will follow.

just a question of time, I guess.