Balkans on EU-U.S. summit agenda?

"We are determined to listen, advise and through agreement arrive at wise solutions to our common challenges," said she."

So this is her idea of US support for Eulex. Where's the money donation pledge? Ooops! I forgot! Mrs Clinton couldn't get more loans for the Yankees when she was in Beijing recently and so the US can't afford to throw money away anymore!

Jovanka,

I wouldn't be so drastic. My country is in no position anymore to dictate what should and shouldn't be in Southeastern Europe. I'm sure it will push for the continued support of Kosovo and I'm sure it will make some sort of statement requiring Belgrade to "accept reality" or something, but if recent events with Russia are any indication, the US will give tacit support to Kosovo's institutions while letting the EU handle the day-to-day dealings between Serbs and Albanians. If Fried is still on board in some way, then my country will still continue to apply lop-sided Kaplan-esque approaches to Europe's Orient.

Don't worry about Vojvodina, Raska (Sandzak) or PMB. They aren't going anywhere - Washington has no leverage in pushing any of these extreme agendas. If anything they'll push for NATO expansion, which is a safe non-issue. Requiring Serbia to recognize Kosovo in order to get into the EU is also an outlier because the US has no say in EU internal matters and no EU official has publically stated this as part of Serbia's criteria.

So in short, more rhetoric and little action.

"EU listens and the Americans do love to play hardball."

The US doesn't have a ball to play with. US influence will not increase unless it poneys up more money and/or more troops.

Even the slightest whiff of the EU looking as if it depends on the US would be a political humiliation in the EU's own back yard.

I am sorry to say, but there are two thoughts at the state department. Daniel Fried has been working for the state department since the 90s. He was a special envoy of former President Clinton. Gotta check out his biography - beta's allegations are incorrect.

All, I know is that the US is going to pressure the Eu to condition Serbia to give up supporting parallel institutions and allowing Kosovo to function as a state or otherwise say goodbye to SAA.
The other thought is to fully isolate Serbia after the entrance of Croatia and Albania into NATO.
I dont exclude the possibility of another provocation that will lead to full invasion of Serbia and its partition in 3 to 4 pieces, Vojvodina, Sandjak and the Canton of Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovac. Americans are rolling right now! Watch out!
Vojvodina's either secession of equal status with Serbia is inevitable. Sandjak and PMB Canton will get a special statue. Or, NO EU! This administration is going to be very aggressive against Serbia - Bush was being very nice!

#2 and #3 could be right, but there is some more.

1) Forget Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovac for the moment, they are insignificant.
Sandjak is not Kosovo, one can argue about it being in BiH or not. As far as I know, people in the area speak Ekavian dialect, so unless we go for religion-based division (are we in 21st or 12th century?) this is not a question where it belongs.

2) Let's focus on Vojvodina. Where it would go? To be a separate country? Belong to Hungary? Fine, the problem is, the majority in Hungary does NOT want it. We have enough problems here, I don't need one more. OMG, does anyone have even the slightest idea, how much it will cost to re-integrate Vojvodina after 90 years? Even the hard-core nationalists would say: "yes, of course - but we do not want to pay a single Forint". So who will pay for that experiment in today's economy?

Do not forget, the Balkan-experiments like BiH and Kosovo were born during "eBoom". Now it's "eImplode".

Vojvodina majority is not Hungarian. Some non-Hungarians, even Serbs could prefere to live in an EU country, even Hungary. Some Hungarians also do, some not. For Hungary receiving all this ethnic mixture (there are even Albanians) - who needs all the new problems?

OK, fine, if someone pays the 100% of the bills, that could benefit Hungary. But at this moment no one will pay. Remember, re-unification of Germany wasn't free either.

Abolishing visas, abolishing formal borders and customs, free movement of the people - that's what we need, not some border-redrawing experiments. NO ETHNIC/BORDER EXPERIMENTS ANYMORE! It is bad for economy. And what is sick the most right now?

Americans do love to play hardball.
(Alban, 7 March 2009 15:32)

Yes, of course, I am also American and I understand it. But I need some HARD CASH to play hardball.

Do you have any spare cash for me at this moment? You are welcome to donate, I never say "NO".

I rather feel, America needs cash at this moment, too. They cant print some extra of course, but than it's what it is worth.

There is no better time now than to ditch all ethnic/border experiments coming out of some idiots at the State Department. Yes, there is a lot unfinished business in Yugoslavia. It can be finished with three sentences:

"To all Albanians / Bosnians / Croats / Macedonians / Montenegrins / Serbs / Vojvodinans: unfortunately, we screwed up everything mightly. Excuse our stupidity - the public education on the areas of math, physics and history is not very good in the States. Besides, our politicians are corrupt like yours."

"All, I know is that the US is going to pressure the Eu to condition Serbia to give up supporting parallel institutions and allowing Kosovo to function as a state or otherwise say goodbye to SAA.
The other thought is to fully isolate Serbia after the entrance of Croatia and Albania into NATO. "

Jovanka is right. but the crisis has made Serbia forget about the Serbs south of Ibar. As for Albania and Croatia: it's designed to ensure that Srpska doesn't break (Croatia) and that Kosova is not invaded (Albania.) If any of the above happens, NATO is automatically drawn in by Albania or Croatia. When US speaks, EU listens and the Americans do love to play hardball.

Jovanka, as an Albanian why do you use a Serbian name? You really believe Obama is going to start another Balkan war because that's exactly what will happen if anyone attempts to impede further on Serbia's sovereignty.

Also, it would give Russia the green light to invade Georgia and to take the whole NATO friendly country. For every action there will be a reaction.

Sorry, but you need to get your head out of the sand. Serbia already fought NATO and we still managed to get UN resolution 1244. You see, our sovereignty is signed and sealed while the lawbreakers are bankrupt, both morally and financially. Bad Karma it seems!

The break up of Serbia is not even on the cards for a start Russia would not allow it. The US is now looking to Russia with dealing with Iran, Iran is in a strong position hence why MR Bush called off any attacked last year. The US is concerned in Russia supplying the S-300 air defence system to Iran which is the best system in the world.

All this talk of Vojvodina independence, most of its people are Serbs 65% ???

I think you will see a push for Serbia to be included in the EU as it is the most important country in the Balkans, and the US and Serbia will agree to disagree over Kosovo.

The US is corting Balkan states because it needs more troops, NATO is stretched and lets not forget North Korea, another missile test likely threats to shoot down airliners coming from the South.

"US is in bad shape, but everyone else is in even worst shape so your point is invalid. No more troops or money needs to be 'pumped' in Kosova, just the normal loans from World Bank, IMF etc so Kosova can build the infrastructure"

You completely (willfully?) missed my point which was that US influence can't increase and at the expense of the EU without taking on more commitment.

The EU has provided and still does provide far more economic support than the US has, only last july promising 'donations' of over 500 million euros.

BTW, how is Kosovo going to pay for these 'loans' from the WB/IMF etc? More 'donations' and handouts or will the tax on the 70% unemployed increase?

I agree with both Alban and Jovanka. However, I would like to add that the Russians will sit idly by with their finger in their nose, just as they have done in the past, as far as Serbia is concered.

"The US doesn't have a ball to play with. US influence will not increase unless it poneys up more money and/or more troops."

US is in bad shape, but everyone else is in even worst shape so your point is invalid. No more troops or money needs to be 'pumped' in Kosova, just the normal loans from World Bank, IMF etc so Kosova can build the infrastructure

"All, I know is that the US is going to pressure the Eu to condition Serbia to give up supporting parallel institutions and allowing Kosovo to function as a state or otherwise say goodbye to SAA.
The other thought is to fully isolate Serbia after the entrance of Croatia and Albania into NATO. "

Jovanka is right. but the crisis has made Serbia forget about the Serbs south of Ibar. As for Albania and Croatia: it's designed to ensure that Srpska doesn't break (Croatia) and that Kosova is not invaded (Albania.) If any of the above happens, NATO is automatically drawn in by Albania or Croatia. When US speaks, EU listens and the Americans do love to play hardball.

I am sorry to say, but there are two thoughts at the state department. Daniel Fried has been working for the state department since the 90s. He was a special envoy of former President Clinton. Gotta check out his biography - beta's allegations are incorrect.

All, I know is that the US is going to pressure the Eu to condition Serbia to give up supporting parallel institutions and allowing Kosovo to function as a state or otherwise say goodbye to SAA.
The other thought is to fully isolate Serbia after the entrance of Croatia and Albania into NATO.
I dont exclude the possibility of another provocation that will lead to full invasion of Serbia and its partition in 3 to 4 pieces, Vojvodina, Sandjak and the Canton of Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovac. Americans are rolling right now! Watch out!
Vojvodina's either secession of equal status with Serbia is inevitable. Sandjak and PMB Canton will get a special statue. Or, NO EU! This administration is going to be very aggressive against Serbia - Bush was being very nice!

I agree with both Alban and Jovanka. However, I would like to add that the Russians will sit idly by with their finger in their nose, just as they have done in the past, as far as Serbia is concered.

"We are determined to listen, advise and through agreement arrive at wise solutions to our common challenges," said she."

So this is her idea of US support for Eulex. Where's the money donation pledge? Ooops! I forgot! Mrs Clinton couldn't get more loans for the Yankees when she was in Beijing recently and so the US can't afford to throw money away anymore!

"The US doesn't have a ball to play with. US influence will not increase unless it poneys up more money and/or more troops."

US is in bad shape, but everyone else is in even worst shape so your point is invalid. No more troops or money needs to be 'pumped' in Kosova, just the normal loans from World Bank, IMF etc so Kosova can build the infrastructure

Jovanka, as an Albanian why do you use a Serbian name? You really believe Obama is going to start another Balkan war because that's exactly what will happen if anyone attempts to impede further on Serbia's sovereignty.

Also, it would give Russia the green light to invade Georgia and to take the whole NATO friendly country. For every action there will be a reaction.

Sorry, but you need to get your head out of the sand. Serbia already fought NATO and we still managed to get UN resolution 1244. You see, our sovereignty is signed and sealed while the lawbreakers are bankrupt, both morally and financially. Bad Karma it seems!

Jovanka,

I wouldn't be so drastic. My country is in no position anymore to dictate what should and shouldn't be in Southeastern Europe. I'm sure it will push for the continued support of Kosovo and I'm sure it will make some sort of statement requiring Belgrade to "accept reality" or something, but if recent events with Russia are any indication, the US will give tacit support to Kosovo's institutions while letting the EU handle the day-to-day dealings between Serbs and Albanians. If Fried is still on board in some way, then my country will still continue to apply lop-sided Kaplan-esque approaches to Europe's Orient.

Don't worry about Vojvodina, Raska (Sandzak) or PMB. They aren't going anywhere - Washington has no leverage in pushing any of these extreme agendas. If anything they'll push for NATO expansion, which is a safe non-issue. Requiring Serbia to recognize Kosovo in order to get into the EU is also an outlier because the US has no say in EU internal matters and no EU official has publically stated this as part of Serbia's criteria.

So in short, more rhetoric and little action.

#2 and #3 could be right, but there is some more.

1) Forget Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovac for the moment, they are insignificant.
Sandjak is not Kosovo, one can argue about it being in BiH or not. As far as I know, people in the area speak Ekavian dialect, so unless we go for religion-based division (are we in 21st or 12th century?) this is not a question where it belongs.

2) Let's focus on Vojvodina. Where it would go? To be a separate country? Belong to Hungary? Fine, the problem is, the majority in Hungary does NOT want it. We have enough problems here, I don't need one more. OMG, does anyone have even the slightest idea, how much it will cost to re-integrate Vojvodina after 90 years? Even the hard-core nationalists would say: "yes, of course - but we do not want to pay a single Forint". So who will pay for that experiment in today's economy?

Do not forget, the Balkan-experiments like BiH and Kosovo were born during "eBoom". Now it's "eImplode".

Vojvodina majority is not Hungarian. Some non-Hungarians, even Serbs could prefere to live in an EU country, even Hungary. Some Hungarians also do, some not. For Hungary receiving all this ethnic mixture (there are even Albanians) - who needs all the new problems?

OK, fine, if someone pays the 100% of the bills, that could benefit Hungary. But at this moment no one will pay. Remember, re-unification of Germany wasn't free either.

Abolishing visas, abolishing formal borders and customs, free movement of the people - that's what we need, not some border-redrawing experiments. NO ETHNIC/BORDER EXPERIMENTS ANYMORE! It is bad for economy. And what is sick the most right now?

Americans do love to play hardball.
(Alban, 7 March 2009 15:32)

Yes, of course, I am also American and I understand it. But I need some HARD CASH to play hardball.

Do you have any spare cash for me at this moment? You are welcome to donate, I never say "NO".

I rather feel, America needs cash at this moment, too. They cant print some extra of course, but than it's what it is worth.

There is no better time now than to ditch all ethnic/border experiments coming out of some idiots at the State Department. Yes, there is a lot unfinished business in Yugoslavia. It can be finished with three sentences:

"To all Albanians / Bosnians / Croats / Macedonians / Montenegrins / Serbs / Vojvodinans: unfortunately, we screwed up everything mightly. Excuse our stupidity - the public education on the areas of math, physics and history is not very good in the States. Besides, our politicians are corrupt like yours."

"EU listens and the Americans do love to play hardball."

The US doesn't have a ball to play with. US influence will not increase unless it poneys up more money and/or more troops.

Even the slightest whiff of the EU looking as if it depends on the US would be a political humiliation in the EU's own back yard.

The break up of Serbia is not even on the cards for a start Russia would not allow it. The US is now looking to Russia with dealing with Iran, Iran is in a strong position hence why MR Bush called off any attacked last year. The US is concerned in Russia supplying the S-300 air defence system to Iran which is the best system in the world.

All this talk of Vojvodina independence, most of its people are Serbs 65% ???

I think you will see a push for Serbia to be included in the EU as it is the most important country in the Balkans, and the US and Serbia will agree to disagree over Kosovo.

The US is corting Balkan states because it needs more troops, NATO is stretched and lets not forget North Korea, another missile test likely threats to shoot down airliners coming from the South.

"US is in bad shape, but everyone else is in even worst shape so your point is invalid. No more troops or money needs to be 'pumped' in Kosova, just the normal loans from World Bank, IMF etc so Kosova can build the infrastructure"

You completely (willfully?) missed my point which was that US influence can't increase and at the expense of the EU without taking on more commitment.

The EU has provided and still does provide far more economic support than the US has, only last july promising 'donations' of over 500 million euros.

BTW, how is Kosovo going to pay for these 'loans' from the WB/IMF etc? More 'donations' and handouts or will the tax on the 70% unemployed increase?