Romania joins others in rejecting EP resolution

It's interesting to note the tone of language has changed. Before the magnificent 5 would say something like "we do not intend to recognise Kosovo at the moment", but has now changed to "we will not recognise Kosovo" with firm justification.

Well, with the US in decline I can only assume the pressure is off. The call to "reset" relations, particularly with Russia, is a sign of the US facing reality and acknowledging mistakes were made.

I also see it as part of damage control. An agressive but weak US would get crushed quickly but a co-operative one has more chance of survival. Quite simply, it cannot afford any other option.

Time is on our side. With one US/NATO base in the process of being closed, I expect more to follow.

Thank you to our Romanian friends. I'm sure we can co-operate further when the time calls.

Kosovo is a trivial issue in the world today. It is not worth the further deterioration of US foreign policy to push for this, when more pressing issues such as Iran, Pakistan/Afghantistan, and Israel/Palestine are at hand. Washington may regard Kosovo as a "case closed" situation, but they also know its an incomplete case. Kosovo's alleged sovereignty will continue to remain ambiguous for the foreseeable future.

Ian,

I think it's you who should pay more attention. The state of Romania's economy and its position on Kosovo have absolutely no bearing on each other. None. Here in Ireland our economy is on the rocks and the fact that we have recognised Kosovo (shamefully) has not and will not help us one iota in sorting the mess out. The same is true for any other country suffering economic difficulties. In the current climate Kosovo is a non-issue for the EU and the Americans. So get rid of the delusions of grandeur. The only significance of Romania's position (and others) is that there isn't and won't be a common EU stance.

Well, thats that dead in the water.

Next please.

Miri, your arguments mirror Kosovo's sovereignty - ambigious to the point that people only look at what they want to look at to make their point.

You say "[The US] has done enough and the question of independence is closed and sealed for those sitting in this side of the fence."

And I say, that's not good enough. If Washington is happy with an entity that's recognized by only 54 out of 192 countries, cannot stand up on its own, has no legal sovereignty north of the Ibar, and is overriden by EULEX and UNMIK in matters dealing with Serbs, I think Kosovo's sovereignty, is very far from "closed and sealed". If you're happy with what the US has done, I'd hate to see what would make you upset.

You say "Did you have the same ambiguity about Switzerland sovereignty before that country joined UN."

I say Switzerland is one of the most sovereign nations on the planet. Not only is it universally recognized, not only is its passport one of the best in the world, but its neutrality has been honored by everyone, even Hitler. Comparing the sovereignty of Switzerland to Kosovo is like comparing a Mercedes to mule cart.

Finally you say "the only reason that you talk "ambiguity" is because Russia, and only Russia refuses to accept it, but we don't see it that way."

I say look at the title of this article again: "Romania joins others in rejecting EP resolution" So apparently, it's ambiguous for Romania as well.

And Spain, and Greece, and Slovakia, and Cyprus, and India, and Egypt, and South Africa, and Indonesia, and Iran, and Argentina, and Brazil, and Mexico, and China and well I think you get the idea. It ain't just Russia.

If it were Russia up against the rest of the world, if the EU were unanimous on Kosovo, if the Security Council or even the General Assembly supported Kosovo, if Thaci's alleged list of "100 countries" that were supposed to recognize Kosovo in the 48 hours came to fruition, not only would we not be having this discussion but I would completely understand your criticisms.

But here we are. You look at it one way, and in my opinion you see only what you want to see. I see it another way and though I recognize that there are countries that support Kosovo's independence (at least on paper), I also realize that that support hasn't done much in pushing nay-sayers and fence-sitters to move. In fact I think the only K-Albanian who realizes the wool has been pulled over everyone's eyes is Albin Kurti.

So I'll stick with my original argument of Kosovo's ambiguous sovereignty. And I don't even have to resort to Serbian nationalism to argue it. You'll rarely find me using it at all.

Miri,

You seem to have completely missed what I was saying, so let me be more clear.

When I say Kosovo is a "low priority" for the US, I mean that it's not even remotely near the top of the list of major foreign issues pressing the Obama Administration. Does that mean they'll just let it slip back to Serbia? No. But, America achieved its objectives in Kosovo - give it just enough sovereignty to keep it barely working but heavily dependent on international aid. If you don't believe me, take a look at Afghanistan and Iraq, two countries that are far more important to US strategic interests. Furthermore, Serbia's not going to invade, and you know this. I'm not sure how you extracted that idea from my comment. But the US is not really going to do anything more than it is now in solidifying Kosovo's already ambiguous sovereignty. We'll say a few words about Kosovo being a "functioning state", but this is more for the microphones than anything serious. If the US was interested in doing something, it would have done so already.

As far as Russia's concened, this is also a low priority. Russia did what it set out to do - block Kosovo's ascension into international institutions and create just enough doubt in its legitimacy. Russia's not going to invade, nor will it occupy the north. In fact like the US, Russia is not going to do anything more than it's doing now. If Russia wants to improve its relations with the US, the missile shield program and bi-lateral relations with Iran are going to take precedence over anything surrounding Kosovo.

What Kosovo is right now, an internally divided ambiguously sovereign entity, is what it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. You can thank your international supporters for contributing to these current conditions.

EA,

So now you suddenly favor Kosovo joining Albania?

What about the 'Kosovo constitution'?

Albanians are breaking the Serbian constitution. Will they also break their own - illegal! - constitution?

And hey, let's not forget that the UN is controlling Kosovo.

You think they will ever agree with Kosovo joining Albania?

Everyday this Kosovo mess continues I am more happy I live in a real state. And not a pseudo statelet like Kosovo.

We will have to see what Romania has to say in a few more months. By then this "global financial crisis" will have hit Romania and it will have hit Romania hard. Romania does not have the strongest of economies, some would say it entered the EU a few years too early. I wonder if Romania will be willing to change its mind when it is begging the west for financial help. Also the pressure will have piled higher by then too. How long will they be able to hold out? Not as long as they think they can I bet.

@ ZK, you should pay more attention to the world.
As much as I dislike the US, I have to admit it is on the rise once again, the worst has hit it and it is now recovering. You will find that Russia has more financial suffering ahead of it, not the US. Also you will find that time is on Kosovo's side. It is becoming more established & experienced and as this continues the more recognition it will gain. You will then find Kosovo more commonly on the international stage; the place it deserves to be.

Well, in order to spare the time of B92 people :) I shall just paste down here my earlier comment on the topic - it was already posted under the news story 'Spain, Slovakia reject EP resolution'. Apologies to those who already saw it.

It is true that Romania's official position is against Kosovo independence (especially being unilaterally declared). This is a political, diplomatic position, grounded in existent international legal system. However, Romanian diplomacy doesn't feel like it's Romania's call to say who is right and who is wrong on this issue. Simply, the diplomats (everywhere, not only in Romania...) are paid to protect their country's interests - which, sometimes, may be hard to understand especially by those who are part of the conflict.

It is also true that vast majority of Romanians don't care about Kosovo, no more than, let's say, Palestinian Territories. This is, I suspect, mostly because average Romanians know more about Palestinian Territories (thanks to world wide media) than about Kosovo/Serbia/Albania relations and problems.

Also, many Romanians (and keep in mind we are around 22 millions, so many may signify, in crude numbers, more than Kosovo entire population!) are having a rather friendly image/perception about Serbs (why and how this perception was formed, it is to much to discuss, but it exists and I believe this should be the norm, rather than exception - I mean, having a positive impression on your neighbors, isn't?).

What I found interesting and worthy to know (I spent some time studying the issue, after spending also some time in Kosovo) is that Romanians have also a neutral-to-friendly perception about Albanians (like with Serbs, the reasons are grounded in historical facts, so I would not go into details here).

Now, to befriend both Serbs and Albanians may be considered strange by some posters here, but for us, Romanians, is not so strange. And this is not contradicting our country international position on Kosovo issue. Come on, guys: Serbs, you really think all Westerners that have recognized Kosovo do hate you? Albanians, you really think that Americans, or Britons, are in love with you? Let’s bring some common sense here, guys, this is a Romanian speaking, we and you all we have a long history behind, full of treachery and abuse from the Big Powers, be it French, Britons, Russians or Ottomans…

Now, what I want to emphasize: Serbs and Albanians should realize that GENERALLY, ROMANIANS DO NOT FEEL THE NEED TO TAKE SIDES IN THIS CONFLICT. Of course, for some Romanians living in the border area with Serbia, or having relatives/friends among the Serbs living in Romania, the need to reject a priori Albanian position and arguments regarding Kosovo issue may be stronger; the same may be true for Romanians close to members of Albanian minority living in Romania - in embracing Albanian position toward Kosovo. Last but not least, since your conflict seems to look like a “proxy battle” having West opposing East, this may induce top some Romanians the idea to take sides (and here talk about Russophones and Russophobes, Americanophones and Americanophobes and so on).

In the best scenario I could imagine, both Albanians and Serbs should understand two things about Romanians as people:

1) Romanians position is not to reject Albanians and simply befriend Serbs, but to reject something we perceive as at least debatable, most probably illegal, surely risky and clearly dangerous for the region and world; and no, it is not about Transilvania, that would be a good example for how Kosovo should be in future... But it is about the integrity of Republic of Moldavia, which we decided to recognize as independent and sovereign before joining NATO and UE, a neighbor threatened by Transdniestr separatists supported by Moscow... Ironically, in order to avoid stabbing Moldavians in the back, we find ourselves on the same side with Moscow, their Nemesis…

2) Romanians may have a partnership with EU, USA and even Russia (everybody needs energy, see how Germany is dealing also with Moscow), but each country has sensitivities and we know already that our partners would not go so far to pressure us into a bargain which may prove costly for them. One example: what would you think that USA will do if, under pressure to recognize Kosovo, Bucharest will say "OK, but the backlash would be the complete withdrawal of Romanian troops from Iraq and maybe Afghanistan"? It is the duty of diplomats to avoid such back-on-the-wall situations between countries, and I am happy they did it, so far.

Therefore, dear Albanians, let's agree to disagree. And dear Serbs, please do not extrapolate too much from the reality: we like you, but we know the Russian Bear better than you, and we know how lethal may be his embrace! We may respect Moscow, but we are not Slavs and the idea of Romanian-Russiand brotherhood is so difficult to imagine for us as it would be for you, today, to imagine that once you have had a "brotherhood" with Croats.

So, if both Serbs and Albanians wish to remain friends with Romanians, despite Kosovo debacle, this is exactly what we hope. If one or both sides think they cannot anymore, and they do not need Romania further, well, than Kosovo probably is worth of such radical decision, and we will respect that.

My best from Bucharest, for both of you,
George

PS: Hope nobody feels offended by my remarks. If yes, than please consider me fully responsible, and not the entire Romanian people :)

Shame on Romania! The relevance of Romania as a country is not work mentioning. Romania's entry into EU was premature and should have been considered in line with other Balcan countries. Kosovar Albanians will never allow that their future will hang on Romania's hands. The potential scenario will be Kosova joining Albania.
(EA, 9 February 2009 20:00)

EA, how exactly are you going to ahieve this?
You and whose army?

"Time is on our side. With one US/NATO base in the process of being closed, I expect more to follow ..."
(ZK, 9 February 2009 16:02)

It has been said that "time is on your side" for about 10 years now. Dare to raise any proof for it? Or is this simply the old signature to attach to every message that you send.

When I read news like this I really don't care what Romania thinks. At the same time it makes me contribute more, write to more congress-persons, ambassadors, and everyone, and so on. If my country, Kosova, does not ever become a UN member so be it, it's not the end of the world. We got to work harder, start rebuilding, and continue progressing. If for the next few centuries we will be stuck with only 55 countries, I say so be it, it's my country, these are my people, I am so proud to be Albanian, I am so proud to be alive. Long live Republic of Kosova.

EA

Nobody is going to let Kosovo join Albania, I'm afraid. That was one of the biggest conditions to Kosovo being recognized as independent. Like it or not, Romania is in the West and have the power to determine your fate.

Obviously since five Western countries said no to Kosovo independence, it is not a clear cut case, as clear cut as, for example, the West refusing to allow Kosovo and Albania to join as one.

Kosovo's alleged sovereignty will continue to remain ambiguous for the foreseeable future.
(Mike, 9 February 2009 17:38)

It depends who is speaking. When US speaks, the "case is closed" when you speak the "case is ambiguous".

I also have a little trouble understanding the following from your comment:

"It is not worth the further deterioration of US foreign policy to push for this, when more pressing issues such as Iran, Pakistan/Afghantistan, and Israel/Palestine are at hand."

Deterioration towards who? If you mean Russia, then the same could be said. Do you think Russia will risk deterioration of its foreign policy over Kosova? Furthermore I think it's a little far fetched for you to pretend to know what is the "risk" that US is taking by recognizing Kosova.

I also sense a contradiction that often comes here. One part of you says that Kosova is a low priority to US, implying that sooner or later Serbia will attack. (Because there is nothing, short than military attack, that will make Kosova go under Serbia's wing again). The other part says that nevertheless will cause a complete shift in US policy (in order to escape deterioriation) which means that it must be a major Foreign policy player, and this contradicts the first assumption. I am too confused what you want. If you want the north, just ask for it, but you'll have to give up something in return.

Shame on Romania! The relevance of Romania as a country is not work mentioning. Romania's entry into EU was premature and should have been considered in line with other Balcan countries. Kosovar Albanians will never allow that their future will hang on Romania's hands. The potential scenario will be Kosova joining Albania.

Ian what are you saying... that Romania will have to be bribed by the west to accept Kosovo??

Ian are you living in a dream world?? the USA is broke $12 trillion dollars in the red... they've snookerd for the next 40 yrs!! Russia ain't in debt!
The USA are causing wars all over... being booted out o Central Asia as they're SKINT!!

And so it the UK!! The UK needs a break rom the German/French controlled EU!!
These mess up we fund it!!

In the UK we should support Serbia... Just like Northern Ireland will always be part of the UK

ZK
do you really think what you say?
Are you really freind of Serbia or in contrary?

Definitely, time is in favour of Liberal Serbia. for the one that you portray time is running out.

K-=Albanians are getting used to run their own matters and are beoming more shrewd. Serbian diplomacy is finding this out more often lattely.

"If the US was interested in doing something, it would have done so already. "

(Mike, 9 February 2009 19:52)


Done what? I still don't get what you are saying. What else can US do; I say it has done enough and the question of independence is closed and sealed for those sitting in this side of the fence.

Ambiguity? Again its ambiguous for you but not for me. Is it ambiguous for you because it doesn't have UN seat? Did you have the same ambiguity about Switzerland sovereignty before that country joined UN. Even when it comes to this, the only reason that you talk "ambiguity" is because Russia, and only Russia refuses to accept it, but we don't see it that way. There is no ambiguity, it's only politics and for Russia to try to reshape Balkans once again, it's a long stretch. For those who like to see it's crystal clear.

Well, thats that dead in the water.

Next please.
(Niall O'Doherty)

Have a wild guess at who is next.
Not a hard one I suppose and that won’t be Ireland to be sure.
Than what, start referring at the same list again? And again?

I guess many here still havent realized that the majority of the world is against puppet entities, AND among those, there are the future economic-global players.

time IS on Serbia´s side. some simply aren´t capable of realizing it.

but, they will. let´s just see what future brings...

Where's Mircea????

We will have to see what Romania has to say in a few more months. By then this "global financial crisis" will have hit Romania and it will have hit Romania hard. Romania does not have the strongest of economies, some would say it entered the EU a few years too early. I wonder if Romania will be willing to change its mind when it is begging the west for financial help. Also the pressure will have piled higher by then too. How long will they be able to hold out? Not as long as they think they can I bet.

@ ZK, you should pay more attention to the world.
As much as I dislike the US, I have to admit it is on the rise once again, the worst has hit it and it is now recovering. You will find that Russia has more financial suffering ahead of it, not the US. Also you will find that time is on Kosovo's side. It is becoming more established & experienced and as this continues the more recognition it will gain. You will then find Kosovo more commonly on the international stage; the place it deserves to be.

Shame on Romania! The relevance of Romania as a country is not work mentioning. Romania's entry into EU was premature and should have been considered in line with other Balcan countries. Kosovar Albanians will never allow that their future will hang on Romania's hands. The potential scenario will be Kosova joining Albania.

"Time is on our side. With one US/NATO base in the process of being closed, I expect more to follow ..."
(ZK, 9 February 2009 16:02)

It has been said that "time is on your side" for about 10 years now. Dare to raise any proof for it? Or is this simply the old signature to attach to every message that you send.

ZK
do you really think what you say?
Are you really freind of Serbia or in contrary?

Definitely, time is in favour of Liberal Serbia. for the one that you portray time is running out.

K-=Albanians are getting used to run their own matters and are beoming more shrewd. Serbian diplomacy is finding this out more often lattely.

When I read news like this I really don't care what Romania thinks. At the same time it makes me contribute more, write to more congress-persons, ambassadors, and everyone, and so on. If my country, Kosova, does not ever become a UN member so be it, it's not the end of the world. We got to work harder, start rebuilding, and continue progressing. If for the next few centuries we will be stuck with only 55 countries, I say so be it, it's my country, these are my people, I am so proud to be Albanian, I am so proud to be alive. Long live Republic of Kosova.

Kosovo's alleged sovereignty will continue to remain ambiguous for the foreseeable future.
(Mike, 9 February 2009 17:38)

It depends who is speaking. When US speaks, the "case is closed" when you speak the "case is ambiguous".

I also have a little trouble understanding the following from your comment:

"It is not worth the further deterioration of US foreign policy to push for this, when more pressing issues such as Iran, Pakistan/Afghantistan, and Israel/Palestine are at hand."

Deterioration towards who? If you mean Russia, then the same could be said. Do you think Russia will risk deterioration of its foreign policy over Kosova? Furthermore I think it's a little far fetched for you to pretend to know what is the "risk" that US is taking by recognizing Kosova.

I also sense a contradiction that often comes here. One part of you says that Kosova is a low priority to US, implying that sooner or later Serbia will attack. (Because there is nothing, short than military attack, that will make Kosova go under Serbia's wing again). The other part says that nevertheless will cause a complete shift in US policy (in order to escape deterioriation) which means that it must be a major Foreign policy player, and this contradicts the first assumption. I am too confused what you want. If you want the north, just ask for it, but you'll have to give up something in return.

"If the US was interested in doing something, it would have done so already. "

(Mike, 9 February 2009 19:52)


Done what? I still don't get what you are saying. What else can US do; I say it has done enough and the question of independence is closed and sealed for those sitting in this side of the fence.

Ambiguity? Again its ambiguous for you but not for me. Is it ambiguous for you because it doesn't have UN seat? Did you have the same ambiguity about Switzerland sovereignty before that country joined UN. Even when it comes to this, the only reason that you talk "ambiguity" is because Russia, and only Russia refuses to accept it, but we don't see it that way. There is no ambiguity, it's only politics and for Russia to try to reshape Balkans once again, it's a long stretch. For those who like to see it's crystal clear.

Well, thats that dead in the water.

Next please.
(Niall O'Doherty)

Have a wild guess at who is next.
Not a hard one I suppose and that won’t be Ireland to be sure.
Than what, start referring at the same list again? And again?

It's interesting to note the tone of language has changed. Before the magnificent 5 would say something like "we do not intend to recognise Kosovo at the moment", but has now changed to "we will not recognise Kosovo" with firm justification.

Well, with the US in decline I can only assume the pressure is off. The call to "reset" relations, particularly with Russia, is a sign of the US facing reality and acknowledging mistakes were made.

I also see it as part of damage control. An agressive but weak US would get crushed quickly but a co-operative one has more chance of survival. Quite simply, it cannot afford any other option.

Time is on our side. With one US/NATO base in the process of being closed, I expect more to follow.

Thank you to our Romanian friends. I'm sure we can co-operate further when the time calls.

Kosovo is a trivial issue in the world today. It is not worth the further deterioration of US foreign policy to push for this, when more pressing issues such as Iran, Pakistan/Afghantistan, and Israel/Palestine are at hand. Washington may regard Kosovo as a "case closed" situation, but they also know its an incomplete case. Kosovo's alleged sovereignty will continue to remain ambiguous for the foreseeable future.

Ian,

I think it's you who should pay more attention. The state of Romania's economy and its position on Kosovo have absolutely no bearing on each other. None. Here in Ireland our economy is on the rocks and the fact that we have recognised Kosovo (shamefully) has not and will not help us one iota in sorting the mess out. The same is true for any other country suffering economic difficulties. In the current climate Kosovo is a non-issue for the EU and the Americans. So get rid of the delusions of grandeur. The only significance of Romania's position (and others) is that there isn't and won't be a common EU stance.

Well, thats that dead in the water.

Next please.

Miri,

You seem to have completely missed what I was saying, so let me be more clear.

When I say Kosovo is a "low priority" for the US, I mean that it's not even remotely near the top of the list of major foreign issues pressing the Obama Administration. Does that mean they'll just let it slip back to Serbia? No. But, America achieved its objectives in Kosovo - give it just enough sovereignty to keep it barely working but heavily dependent on international aid. If you don't believe me, take a look at Afghanistan and Iraq, two countries that are far more important to US strategic interests. Furthermore, Serbia's not going to invade, and you know this. I'm not sure how you extracted that idea from my comment. But the US is not really going to do anything more than it is now in solidifying Kosovo's already ambiguous sovereignty. We'll say a few words about Kosovo being a "functioning state", but this is more for the microphones than anything serious. If the US was interested in doing something, it would have done so already.

As far as Russia's concened, this is also a low priority. Russia did what it set out to do - block Kosovo's ascension into international institutions and create just enough doubt in its legitimacy. Russia's not going to invade, nor will it occupy the north. In fact like the US, Russia is not going to do anything more than it's doing now. If Russia wants to improve its relations with the US, the missile shield program and bi-lateral relations with Iran are going to take precedence over anything surrounding Kosovo.

What Kosovo is right now, an internally divided ambiguously sovereign entity, is what it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. You can thank your international supporters for contributing to these current conditions.

Shame on Romania! The relevance of Romania as a country is not work mentioning. Romania's entry into EU was premature and should have been considered in line with other Balcan countries. Kosovar Albanians will never allow that their future will hang on Romania's hands. The potential scenario will be Kosova joining Albania.
(EA, 9 February 2009 20:00)

EA, how exactly are you going to ahieve this?
You and whose army?

EA,

So now you suddenly favor Kosovo joining Albania?

What about the 'Kosovo constitution'?

Albanians are breaking the Serbian constitution. Will they also break their own - illegal! - constitution?

And hey, let's not forget that the UN is controlling Kosovo.

You think they will ever agree with Kosovo joining Albania?

Everyday this Kosovo mess continues I am more happy I live in a real state. And not a pseudo statelet like Kosovo.

Miri, your arguments mirror Kosovo's sovereignty - ambigious to the point that people only look at what they want to look at to make their point.

You say "[The US] has done enough and the question of independence is closed and sealed for those sitting in this side of the fence."

And I say, that's not good enough. If Washington is happy with an entity that's recognized by only 54 out of 192 countries, cannot stand up on its own, has no legal sovereignty north of the Ibar, and is overriden by EULEX and UNMIK in matters dealing with Serbs, I think Kosovo's sovereignty, is very far from "closed and sealed". If you're happy with what the US has done, I'd hate to see what would make you upset.

You say "Did you have the same ambiguity about Switzerland sovereignty before that country joined UN."

I say Switzerland is one of the most sovereign nations on the planet. Not only is it universally recognized, not only is its passport one of the best in the world, but its neutrality has been honored by everyone, even Hitler. Comparing the sovereignty of Switzerland to Kosovo is like comparing a Mercedes to mule cart.

Finally you say "the only reason that you talk "ambiguity" is because Russia, and only Russia refuses to accept it, but we don't see it that way."

I say look at the title of this article again: "Romania joins others in rejecting EP resolution" So apparently, it's ambiguous for Romania as well.

And Spain, and Greece, and Slovakia, and Cyprus, and India, and Egypt, and South Africa, and Indonesia, and Iran, and Argentina, and Brazil, and Mexico, and China and well I think you get the idea. It ain't just Russia.

If it were Russia up against the rest of the world, if the EU were unanimous on Kosovo, if the Security Council or even the General Assembly supported Kosovo, if Thaci's alleged list of "100 countries" that were supposed to recognize Kosovo in the 48 hours came to fruition, not only would we not be having this discussion but I would completely understand your criticisms.

But here we are. You look at it one way, and in my opinion you see only what you want to see. I see it another way and though I recognize that there are countries that support Kosovo's independence (at least on paper), I also realize that that support hasn't done much in pushing nay-sayers and fence-sitters to move. In fact I think the only K-Albanian who realizes the wool has been pulled over everyone's eyes is Albin Kurti.

So I'll stick with my original argument of Kosovo's ambiguous sovereignty. And I don't even have to resort to Serbian nationalism to argue it. You'll rarely find me using it at all.

Ian what are you saying... that Romania will have to be bribed by the west to accept Kosovo??

Ian are you living in a dream world?? the USA is broke $12 trillion dollars in the red... they've snookerd for the next 40 yrs!! Russia ain't in debt!
The USA are causing wars all over... being booted out o Central Asia as they're SKINT!!

And so it the UK!! The UK needs a break rom the German/French controlled EU!!
These mess up we fund it!!

In the UK we should support Serbia... Just like Northern Ireland will always be part of the UK

EA

Nobody is going to let Kosovo join Albania, I'm afraid. That was one of the biggest conditions to Kosovo being recognized as independent. Like it or not, Romania is in the West and have the power to determine your fate.

Obviously since five Western countries said no to Kosovo independence, it is not a clear cut case, as clear cut as, for example, the West refusing to allow Kosovo and Albania to join as one.

I guess many here still havent realized that the majority of the world is against puppet entities, AND among those, there are the future economic-global players.

time IS on Serbia´s side. some simply aren´t capable of realizing it.

but, they will. let´s just see what future brings...

Well, in order to spare the time of B92 people :) I shall just paste down here my earlier comment on the topic - it was already posted under the news story 'Spain, Slovakia reject EP resolution'. Apologies to those who already saw it.

It is true that Romania's official position is against Kosovo independence (especially being unilaterally declared). This is a political, diplomatic position, grounded in existent international legal system. However, Romanian diplomacy doesn't feel like it's Romania's call to say who is right and who is wrong on this issue. Simply, the diplomats (everywhere, not only in Romania...) are paid to protect their country's interests - which, sometimes, may be hard to understand especially by those who are part of the conflict.

It is also true that vast majority of Romanians don't care about Kosovo, no more than, let's say, Palestinian Territories. This is, I suspect, mostly because average Romanians know more about Palestinian Territories (thanks to world wide media) than about Kosovo/Serbia/Albania relations and problems.

Also, many Romanians (and keep in mind we are around 22 millions, so many may signify, in crude numbers, more than Kosovo entire population!) are having a rather friendly image/perception about Serbs (why and how this perception was formed, it is to much to discuss, but it exists and I believe this should be the norm, rather than exception - I mean, having a positive impression on your neighbors, isn't?).

What I found interesting and worthy to know (I spent some time studying the issue, after spending also some time in Kosovo) is that Romanians have also a neutral-to-friendly perception about Albanians (like with Serbs, the reasons are grounded in historical facts, so I would not go into details here).

Now, to befriend both Serbs and Albanians may be considered strange by some posters here, but for us, Romanians, is not so strange. And this is not contradicting our country international position on Kosovo issue. Come on, guys: Serbs, you really think all Westerners that have recognized Kosovo do hate you? Albanians, you really think that Americans, or Britons, are in love with you? Let’s bring some common sense here, guys, this is a Romanian speaking, we and you all we have a long history behind, full of treachery and abuse from the Big Powers, be it French, Britons, Russians or Ottomans…

Now, what I want to emphasize: Serbs and Albanians should realize that GENERALLY, ROMANIANS DO NOT FEEL THE NEED TO TAKE SIDES IN THIS CONFLICT. Of course, for some Romanians living in the border area with Serbia, or having relatives/friends among the Serbs living in Romania, the need to reject a priori Albanian position and arguments regarding Kosovo issue may be stronger; the same may be true for Romanians close to members of Albanian minority living in Romania - in embracing Albanian position toward Kosovo. Last but not least, since your conflict seems to look like a “proxy battle” having West opposing East, this may induce top some Romanians the idea to take sides (and here talk about Russophones and Russophobes, Americanophones and Americanophobes and so on).

In the best scenario I could imagine, both Albanians and Serbs should understand two things about Romanians as people:

1) Romanians position is not to reject Albanians and simply befriend Serbs, but to reject something we perceive as at least debatable, most probably illegal, surely risky and clearly dangerous for the region and world; and no, it is not about Transilvania, that would be a good example for how Kosovo should be in future... But it is about the integrity of Republic of Moldavia, which we decided to recognize as independent and sovereign before joining NATO and UE, a neighbor threatened by Transdniestr separatists supported by Moscow... Ironically, in order to avoid stabbing Moldavians in the back, we find ourselves on the same side with Moscow, their Nemesis…

2) Romanians may have a partnership with EU, USA and even Russia (everybody needs energy, see how Germany is dealing also with Moscow), but each country has sensitivities and we know already that our partners would not go so far to pressure us into a bargain which may prove costly for them. One example: what would you think that USA will do if, under pressure to recognize Kosovo, Bucharest will say "OK, but the backlash would be the complete withdrawal of Romanian troops from Iraq and maybe Afghanistan"? It is the duty of diplomats to avoid such back-on-the-wall situations between countries, and I am happy they did it, so far.

Therefore, dear Albanians, let's agree to disagree. And dear Serbs, please do not extrapolate too much from the reality: we like you, but we know the Russian Bear better than you, and we know how lethal may be his embrace! We may respect Moscow, but we are not Slavs and the idea of Romanian-Russiand brotherhood is so difficult to imagine for us as it would be for you, today, to imagine that once you have had a "brotherhood" with Croats.

So, if both Serbs and Albanians wish to remain friends with Romanians, despite Kosovo debacle, this is exactly what we hope. If one or both sides think they cannot anymore, and they do not need Romania further, well, than Kosovo probably is worth of such radical decision, and we will respect that.

My best from Bucharest, for both of you,
George

PS: Hope nobody feels offended by my remarks. If yes, than please consider me fully responsible, and not the entire Romanian people :)

Where's Mircea????