Thaci woos would-be Greek investors

" The Greek delegation of some 60 company representatives was meeting to discuss cooperation with Kosovo businessmen."

They always check with their government to get the OK. Greece is in the bag for Kosova!

It should be added that these Greek businessmen expressed hope for bilateral agreements between Greece and Kosovo in order to remove unnecessary economic barriers. We should expect some news from Greece soon.

I didn't know Greek businessmen were interested in human trafficing and drugs!

How odd! Albanians always brag about being Turkeys friend and bad mouth Greece.
Like saying "Turkey will kick Greece" etc.
Why the change of heart?
Serbia is improving relations with America, Turkey etc regardless of their decision to recognize Kosovo. Everything is not about Kosovo. Life goes on. However, some albanians can't seem to distinguish between the two.

" The Greek delegation of some 60 company representatives was meeting to discuss cooperation with Kosovo businessmen."

They always check with their government to get the OK. Greece is in the bag for Kosova!
(Alban, 7 April 2009 19:53)

Last time I checked with the government in Belgrade, we got OK regarding any legal trade/business/whatever-you-imagine-thing with Kosovo.

Not knowing, what is the REAL situation I asked police, border guards, street people. Not a single had any objection so I went there.

That does not mean, Serbia is "in the bag for Kosova". There is "politics" and there is "day-to-day life". According later, nothing unusual here. And of course earlier or later even Serbia will be "in the bag". Just it will be a different bag, than what Thaci envisions. We can say, it won't be a bag full of snakes ;)

I see only one country which will NEVER EVER recognize Kosovo, not even if Serbia and Russia will. That country is Cyprus. If Kosovo want to be in EU this is an issue. Greece or even Russia is a much easier deal than Cyprus.

>> "I see only one country which will NEVER EVER recognize Kosovo, not even if Serbia and Russia will. That country is Cyprus. If Kosovo want to be in EU this is an issue. Greece or even Russia is a much easier deal than Cypru"

Never ? Cyprus is making peace with the Turks as US pushes them. Cyprus is TOOOOO small and defenseless to stick on an issue that has nothing to do with them, especially once Greece gives the OK

Hmmm, 2 out of 7 comments are by Albanians, both of which have a curiously high "good comment" recommendation, while 4/7 are pro-Serb and have a curiously high "poor comment".

Someone's playing with the rating system here methinks.

Aside from that, I wouldn't get all excited over whatever table scraps fall on the floor from the Greek plate for the Albanians to gobble up. Serbia Proper does business with its prodigal southern province, yet I don't see that as a tacit sign of recognition.

But leave it to Hash to spin a good story for the propaganda ministry.

They always check with their government to get the OK. Greece is in the bag for Kosova!
(Alban, 7 April 2009 19:53)

Sorry, this is nonsense. Greece is by far the largest foreign investor in Macedonia yet remains as intractable as ever on the name issue. Don't regard this little business seminar as a sign of imminent recognition.

Never ? Cyprus is making peace with the Turks as US pushes them. Cyprus is TOOOOO small and defenseless to stick on an issue that has nothing to do with them, especially once Greece gives the OK
(Alban, 8 April 2009 00:27)

What do you mean by too small and defenceless? Is someone going to punish them or attack them for not towing the line?
I see the bully comes out again.
You're as good as admitting that many small countries were bullies into recognizing Kosovo.

I see only one country which will NEVER EVER recognize Kosovo, not even if Serbia and Russia will. That country is Cyprus. If Kosovo want to be in EU this is an issue. Greece or even Russia is a much easier deal than Cyprus.
(Ataman, 7 April 2009 22:06)

I agree with you, Cyprus is probably the toughest egg that Kosovo and her allies will have to crack, especially with Cyprus's current left wing Govt. Cyprus will not recognise Kosovo until the TRNC dispute is solved. We keep seeing hints of it getting resolved, but in reality this dispute is miles away from reaching a conclusion.

Advice for Kosovans, get friendly with Cypriots so you can kill two birds wit one stone, because I doubt Greece will recognise Kosovo until the TRNC dispute is solved either.

Never ? Cyprus is making peace with the Turks as US pushes them. Cyprus is TOOOOO small and defenseless to stick on an issue that has nothing to do with them, especially once Greece gives the OK
(Alban, 8 April 2009 00:27)

Oh, ok I see. If you cant get the Greek Cypriots to your way of thinking, threaten them with the Turks?

Do you have any idea of what you are talking about?

I might as well call it now:

First Greece recognizes the Republic of Kosovo's passports, then a delegation of 60 business leaders visit the Republic of Kosovo.

Thank you Greece for unofficially recognizing Kosovo!

Don't underestimate the power of religious ties between countries. What do you all think links Serbia, Russia, and Greece?? This is similar to what links many Arab countries and unites them in their causes. All of the political pressure in the world will not change the mentality of the people in these countries. In the end, religion will override the will to join the EU. In the Balkans, this has and will continue to be the driving force in politics. Don't be mistaken.

Absolutely nonsense. But you have been always the voice of nonsense.

... Turks are not under our command as you might know (although the chief of general staff is of Albanian origin of parents displaced from you Serbs hundred years ago)

....your voice is misinterpretation and disinformation.
(Marinels, 8 April 2009 16:46)

Explain why Turkish troops still occupy Northern Cyprus or is that utter nonsense and disinformation?

RE: Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, Washingon, DC

Embassy News
1974 Invasion by Turkey
2001-09-11 00:14:34

2001 marks the 27th tragic anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus. As a result, an estimated 35,000 heavily armed Turkish troops continue to occupy 37% of Cyprus’ territory.

Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots, who fell victim of a policy of ethnic cleansing, were forcibly evicted from their homes and became refugees in their own country. 1493 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, have been missing since the Turkish invasion of 1974 and their fate is still unaccounted for.

The remains of another Cypriot American who was also missing have been found and identified in 1997, following an investigation mandated by Congressional request.

Cyprus will recognise Kosovo/a, in time, and the fact of a left wing government will actually make that easier. But to understand that, we have to understand what is at stake, and Kosova itself may have to make compromises.

First of all, the problems of Kosova and of the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' are completely unrelated, but the official "legal" (read: veto-blocked UN SC) situation makes them look vaguely similar.

Actually northern (exclusively and *officially* "Turkish") Cyprus has much in common with northern (exclusively and officially Serbian) Kosovo.

I'm not denying that either the K Serbs or the C Turks had historical reasons for coalescing in one main area. Nor am I denying that southern Cyprus and southern Kosova are almost exclusively Greek and Albanian. Officially, however, they have much in common. Both are the major national groups of their respective countries, and these countries consist of two main nations, a majority and a minority. In both countries, the two nations are related to "mother countries" outside their borders: Greece and Turkey, Albania and Serbia. In all cases, the rights of all four peoples have been violated to greater or lesser extents.

In both countries, the problem with outright partition is historically the mix of populations, there are/were no clear dividing lines.

Therefore, when Cyprus was made an "independent" state (with great restrictions on independence) in 1960 it was declared a state of the two communities but the state itself was to have no Greek or Turkish symbols. The flag for example was a map of Cyprus with no colours resembling Greek or Turkish colours. Similarly, when Kosova was declared an "independent" country (with great restrictions on its independence), it was declared a state of the two communities, and the state can have no trappings of Serbian or Albanian culture, again the flag is utterly unlike anything Serb or Albanian, including in colour.

Cyprus wants to remain whole, as the 37 percent covered by the "Turkish Cypriot" state is far more than their proportion of the population (18%) and more importantly, a large proportion of the southern population come from the north (and many Turks from the south). Kosova also wants to remain whole.

To this end, solutions widely agreed to internationally and in Cyprus (but opposed by the former right-wing governments in both north and south Cyprus) have focused on Cyprus as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation of the two national groups. Several years ago, the Turkish Cypriot population, in a referendum, accepted this and rejected their own (right-wing Denktash) leader's position. Since then, a left-wing government has chucked out Denktash. At the time, the right wing govt in the south succeeded in getting the Greek Cypriot pop'n to vote against. More recently, a left-wing government has been elected in the south, and discussions are again underway.

If Cyprus were to now suddenly recognise Kosova, it would tend to give credence to extreme Turkish Cypriot claims to "independence," given the official; "legal" similarity. However, if the two halves of Cyprus, both now under non-chauvinist leaderships, manage to pull off the bi-communal, bi-zonal solution, it would actually be a new model for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Kosovo/a, and if Pristina were able to make that compromise, Cyprus would be the first to recognise.

That compromise may not suit Albin Kurti, whose view on Serb autonomy is the opposite of mine, despite my otherwise strong respect for him, and my understanding that his opposition to Serb autonomy is not at heart anti-Serb, but what he perceives as a threat to independence. What his movement's vision would gain however would be a fully independent state without the need for international "supervisors".

Supporters of K independence together with human rights for minorities should not misunderstand Cyprus's position based merely on diplomatic talk. At heart, Cyprus's inability to recognise now is due to the same reason as Bosnia's inability to do so.

The clue to this is that the leader of the *northern* Turkish part of Cyprus, while welcoming Kosova's independence, made a point of not recognising Kosova (even though Turkey has), just as Kosova has, correctly, not recognised the TRNC.

Peace to all my brothers and sisters in the Balkans.

If the policy of blocking each others' integration and well being is applied like this, no one will win in the region, and further the conflicts will continue for ever. Aren't you all tired for God's sake?

I think Greece at least officially is finally showing some leadership in the region by promoting economic development and staying away from extremist viewpoints. Yes Greece stands to make a profit, but I hope everyone in the region does this rather than fight like barbarians.

Albania and Serbia can also, and should promote better economic relationship. The 2 countries should increase trade and promote better relationship in general, beyond Kosovo conflict. Albanians from Albania have a more moderate view towards Serbia and the Serbs than K-Alb, for obvious reasons, so the cooperation is very possible.

This will help soften the tensions in the region, and promote economic development. We all need to work with what we can to improve our well being and than resolve our issues within this context.

"Oh, ok I see. If you cant get the Greek Cypriots to your way of thinking, threaten them with the Turks? "

They want to join NATO, no? And there you have it. Now Turkey is blocking everything between EU and NATO in security due to Cyprus. Cyprus has 800,000 people and only 600,000 are Greek orthodox so security is paramount. NATO membership passes through USA. Greece is Greek Orthodox as well and they recognize the passports btw.

Niall O'Doherty
“Oh, ok I see. If you cant get the Greek Cypriots to your way of thinking, threaten them with the Turks?”

Absolutely nonsense. But you have been always the voice of nonsense. Sorry to say that but such messages just show that the Serbs are more radicalised from outside than inside. Nobody is threatening Cyprus and no one will. Alban is pointing out Cyprus political position and importance and not its military capabilities. Turks are not under our command as you might know (although the chief of general staff is of Albanian origin of parents displaced from you Serbs hundred years ago) and in case of Cyprus they will defend their interest rather than Albanian interests. We will respect Cyprus decision and try to find solution based on good relations and prosperity for all sides. Well you need something to keep up with you co patriots who write about Serbia but they have never been there and your voice is misinterpretation and disinformation.

I didn't know Greek businessmen were interested in human trafficing and drugs!

How odd! Albanians always brag about being Turkeys friend and bad mouth Greece.
Like saying "Turkey will kick Greece" etc.
Why the change of heart?
Serbia is improving relations with America, Turkey etc regardless of their decision to recognize Kosovo. Everything is not about Kosovo. Life goes on. However, some albanians can't seem to distinguish between the two.

" The Greek delegation of some 60 company representatives was meeting to discuss cooperation with Kosovo businessmen."

They always check with their government to get the OK. Greece is in the bag for Kosova!
(Alban, 7 April 2009 19:53)

Last time I checked with the government in Belgrade, we got OK regarding any legal trade/business/whatever-you-imagine-thing with Kosovo.

Not knowing, what is the REAL situation I asked police, border guards, street people. Not a single had any objection so I went there.

That does not mean, Serbia is "in the bag for Kosova". There is "politics" and there is "day-to-day life". According later, nothing unusual here. And of course earlier or later even Serbia will be "in the bag". Just it will be a different bag, than what Thaci envisions. We can say, it won't be a bag full of snakes ;)

I see only one country which will NEVER EVER recognize Kosovo, not even if Serbia and Russia will. That country is Cyprus. If Kosovo want to be in EU this is an issue. Greece or even Russia is a much easier deal than Cyprus.

" The Greek delegation of some 60 company representatives was meeting to discuss cooperation with Kosovo businessmen."

They always check with their government to get the OK. Greece is in the bag for Kosova!

>> "I see only one country which will NEVER EVER recognize Kosovo, not even if Serbia and Russia will. That country is Cyprus. If Kosovo want to be in EU this is an issue. Greece or even Russia is a much easier deal than Cypru"

Never ? Cyprus is making peace with the Turks as US pushes them. Cyprus is TOOOOO small and defenseless to stick on an issue that has nothing to do with them, especially once Greece gives the OK

It should be added that these Greek businessmen expressed hope for bilateral agreements between Greece and Kosovo in order to remove unnecessary economic barriers. We should expect some news from Greece soon.

I might as well call it now:

First Greece recognizes the Republic of Kosovo's passports, then a delegation of 60 business leaders visit the Republic of Kosovo.

Thank you Greece for unofficially recognizing Kosovo!

Never ? Cyprus is making peace with the Turks as US pushes them. Cyprus is TOOOOO small and defenseless to stick on an issue that has nothing to do with them, especially once Greece gives the OK
(Alban, 8 April 2009 00:27)

Oh, ok I see. If you cant get the Greek Cypriots to your way of thinking, threaten them with the Turks?

Do you have any idea of what you are talking about?

"Oh, ok I see. If you cant get the Greek Cypriots to your way of thinking, threaten them with the Turks? "

They want to join NATO, no? And there you have it. Now Turkey is blocking everything between EU and NATO in security due to Cyprus. Cyprus has 800,000 people and only 600,000 are Greek orthodox so security is paramount. NATO membership passes through USA. Greece is Greek Orthodox as well and they recognize the passports btw.

I see only one country which will NEVER EVER recognize Kosovo, not even if Serbia and Russia will. That country is Cyprus. If Kosovo want to be in EU this is an issue. Greece or even Russia is a much easier deal than Cyprus.
(Ataman, 7 April 2009 22:06)

I agree with you, Cyprus is probably the toughest egg that Kosovo and her allies will have to crack, especially with Cyprus's current left wing Govt. Cyprus will not recognise Kosovo until the TRNC dispute is solved. We keep seeing hints of it getting resolved, but in reality this dispute is miles away from reaching a conclusion.

Advice for Kosovans, get friendly with Cypriots so you can kill two birds wit one stone, because I doubt Greece will recognise Kosovo until the TRNC dispute is solved either.

Cyprus will recognise Kosovo/a, in time, and the fact of a left wing government will actually make that easier. But to understand that, we have to understand what is at stake, and Kosova itself may have to make compromises.

First of all, the problems of Kosova and of the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' are completely unrelated, but the official "legal" (read: veto-blocked UN SC) situation makes them look vaguely similar.

Actually northern (exclusively and *officially* "Turkish") Cyprus has much in common with northern (exclusively and officially Serbian) Kosovo.

I'm not denying that either the K Serbs or the C Turks had historical reasons for coalescing in one main area. Nor am I denying that southern Cyprus and southern Kosova are almost exclusively Greek and Albanian. Officially, however, they have much in common. Both are the major national groups of their respective countries, and these countries consist of two main nations, a majority and a minority. In both countries, the two nations are related to "mother countries" outside their borders: Greece and Turkey, Albania and Serbia. In all cases, the rights of all four peoples have been violated to greater or lesser extents.

In both countries, the problem with outright partition is historically the mix of populations, there are/were no clear dividing lines.

Therefore, when Cyprus was made an "independent" state (with great restrictions on independence) in 1960 it was declared a state of the two communities but the state itself was to have no Greek or Turkish symbols. The flag for example was a map of Cyprus with no colours resembling Greek or Turkish colours. Similarly, when Kosova was declared an "independent" country (with great restrictions on its independence), it was declared a state of the two communities, and the state can have no trappings of Serbian or Albanian culture, again the flag is utterly unlike anything Serb or Albanian, including in colour.

Cyprus wants to remain whole, as the 37 percent covered by the "Turkish Cypriot" state is far more than their proportion of the population (18%) and more importantly, a large proportion of the southern population come from the north (and many Turks from the south). Kosova also wants to remain whole.

To this end, solutions widely agreed to internationally and in Cyprus (but opposed by the former right-wing governments in both north and south Cyprus) have focused on Cyprus as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation of the two national groups. Several years ago, the Turkish Cypriot population, in a referendum, accepted this and rejected their own (right-wing Denktash) leader's position. Since then, a left-wing government has chucked out Denktash. At the time, the right wing govt in the south succeeded in getting the Greek Cypriot pop'n to vote against. More recently, a left-wing government has been elected in the south, and discussions are again underway.

If Cyprus were to now suddenly recognise Kosova, it would tend to give credence to extreme Turkish Cypriot claims to "independence," given the official; "legal" similarity. However, if the two halves of Cyprus, both now under non-chauvinist leaderships, manage to pull off the bi-communal, bi-zonal solution, it would actually be a new model for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Kosovo/a, and if Pristina were able to make that compromise, Cyprus would be the first to recognise.

That compromise may not suit Albin Kurti, whose view on Serb autonomy is the opposite of mine, despite my otherwise strong respect for him, and my understanding that his opposition to Serb autonomy is not at heart anti-Serb, but what he perceives as a threat to independence. What his movement's vision would gain however would be a fully independent state without the need for international "supervisors".

Supporters of K independence together with human rights for minorities should not misunderstand Cyprus's position based merely on diplomatic talk. At heart, Cyprus's inability to recognise now is due to the same reason as Bosnia's inability to do so.

The clue to this is that the leader of the *northern* Turkish part of Cyprus, while welcoming Kosova's independence, made a point of not recognising Kosova (even though Turkey has), just as Kosova has, correctly, not recognised the TRNC.

Peace to all my brothers and sisters in the Balkans.

Never ? Cyprus is making peace with the Turks as US pushes them. Cyprus is TOOOOO small and defenseless to stick on an issue that has nothing to do with them, especially once Greece gives the OK
(Alban, 8 April 2009 00:27)

What do you mean by too small and defenceless? Is someone going to punish them or attack them for not towing the line?
I see the bully comes out again.
You're as good as admitting that many small countries were bullies into recognizing Kosovo.

RE: Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, Washingon, DC

Embassy News
1974 Invasion by Turkey
2001-09-11 00:14:34

2001 marks the 27th tragic anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus. As a result, an estimated 35,000 heavily armed Turkish troops continue to occupy 37% of Cyprus’ territory.

Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots, who fell victim of a policy of ethnic cleansing, were forcibly evicted from their homes and became refugees in their own country. 1493 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, have been missing since the Turkish invasion of 1974 and their fate is still unaccounted for.

The remains of another Cypriot American who was also missing have been found and identified in 1997, following an investigation mandated by Congressional request.

Niall O'Doherty
“Oh, ok I see. If you cant get the Greek Cypriots to your way of thinking, threaten them with the Turks?”

Absolutely nonsense. But you have been always the voice of nonsense. Sorry to say that but such messages just show that the Serbs are more radicalised from outside than inside. Nobody is threatening Cyprus and no one will. Alban is pointing out Cyprus political position and importance and not its military capabilities. Turks are not under our command as you might know (although the chief of general staff is of Albanian origin of parents displaced from you Serbs hundred years ago) and in case of Cyprus they will defend their interest rather than Albanian interests. We will respect Cyprus decision and try to find solution based on good relations and prosperity for all sides. Well you need something to keep up with you co patriots who write about Serbia but they have never been there and your voice is misinterpretation and disinformation.

They always check with their government to get the OK. Greece is in the bag for Kosova!
(Alban, 7 April 2009 19:53)

Sorry, this is nonsense. Greece is by far the largest foreign investor in Macedonia yet remains as intractable as ever on the name issue. Don't regard this little business seminar as a sign of imminent recognition.

Hmmm, 2 out of 7 comments are by Albanians, both of which have a curiously high "good comment" recommendation, while 4/7 are pro-Serb and have a curiously high "poor comment".

Someone's playing with the rating system here methinks.

Aside from that, I wouldn't get all excited over whatever table scraps fall on the floor from the Greek plate for the Albanians to gobble up. Serbia Proper does business with its prodigal southern province, yet I don't see that as a tacit sign of recognition.

But leave it to Hash to spin a good story for the propaganda ministry.

Don't underestimate the power of religious ties between countries. What do you all think links Serbia, Russia, and Greece?? This is similar to what links many Arab countries and unites them in their causes. All of the political pressure in the world will not change the mentality of the people in these countries. In the end, religion will override the will to join the EU. In the Balkans, this has and will continue to be the driving force in politics. Don't be mistaken.

Absolutely nonsense. But you have been always the voice of nonsense.

... Turks are not under our command as you might know (although the chief of general staff is of Albanian origin of parents displaced from you Serbs hundred years ago)

....your voice is misinterpretation and disinformation.
(Marinels, 8 April 2009 16:46)

Explain why Turkish troops still occupy Northern Cyprus or is that utter nonsense and disinformation?

If the policy of blocking each others' integration and well being is applied like this, no one will win in the region, and further the conflicts will continue for ever. Aren't you all tired for God's sake?

I think Greece at least officially is finally showing some leadership in the region by promoting economic development and staying away from extremist viewpoints. Yes Greece stands to make a profit, but I hope everyone in the region does this rather than fight like barbarians.

Albania and Serbia can also, and should promote better economic relationship. The 2 countries should increase trade and promote better relationship in general, beyond Kosovo conflict. Albanians from Albania have a more moderate view towards Serbia and the Serbs than K-Alb, for obvious reasons, so the cooperation is very possible.

This will help soften the tensions in the region, and promote economic development. We all need to work with what we can to improve our well being and than resolve our issues within this context.