Biden visit is "massive opportunity"

It seems incredibly patronising to think that you can 'reset' relations with a nation that you not only supported attacking, but from which you are actively trying to prise away 15% of their territory.

It seems that the US has more bridges to build than Serbia, but absolutely no understanding or ability to do so.

It is particularly insulting that they should send Biden who said such terrible things about Serbs on CNN. What a lack of sensitivity.

The reset button? Start by rescidning recognition of your fake state, and then recognize Republika Srpska. Then pay back the billions you owe for bombing civilian infrastructure in Serbia. Then visit the graves of the civilians your bombs killed in 78 days and nights. Then visit the Krajina Serbs you cleansed from croatia. Then clean up your depleted uranium and cluster bombs you left behind. Then check yourself into that court of yours, the Hague, for war crimes - we have plenty of evidence of war crimes, they were even broadcast by your own CNN. Oh, and bring Wesley Clark, Holbrooke, and Albright with you, they belong in the same cell.

"This is a massive opportunity to make it clear to the Serbian govt. and people that we hope to be able to press the reset button with Serbia, an opportunity to make it clear that we want a positive future for Serbia in the Euro-Atlantic community and as a leader in the region,” the official told a news conference ahead of Biden’s trip to the Balkans."

Now that the US is economically much weaker and its troops tied down like deadweights in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, of course the Americans would like to "reset" relations.

ie. Translation: "Forget our evil actions in the past and pretend they never happened. Don't ask us for economic aid because we can't afford to give any. And don't create problems because our military is overstretched worldwide and killing us financially! "

U.S. V.P. Biden's visit to Serbia is a 'massive' opportunity to apologise to the Serbian people for the litany of wrongs the US committed against the Serb Nation over the last 2 decades.

The V.P. must also use this opportunity to genuinely promise that the US itself will begin to make amends to Serbia and that it will ask other culpable NATO countries to do likewise.

There is absolutely no point in brushing things under the carpet and hoping that everything will be rosy in the garden.

Contrary to International media reports, it must be realised that Mr. Biden is NOT a Balkan expert.
He should listen to what the Serbian people have to say rather than any rehearsed politicians.

MB,Ireland

So, just like that they try to reset things. Would they be so willing to 'reset' relations, and let bygones be bygones, with a country that had played a central part in the secession of part of its own territory?

I really hope that figures in Belgrade make it clear that things are not that simple. If they US wants a real improvement in relations then it has to constructive and balanced role in really 'solving' Kosovo in a way that both sides can eventually accept.

See, I told you so! The same "official" said biden will visit Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo in that order. biden will accomplish nothing; he is trying to rebuild his reputation since he humiliated himself on american television by hysterically urging americans not to fly in airplanes or shake hands to avoid the swine flu. Even obama made jokes about him; comedians in america said obama is punishing him by sending him to the Balkans. Here is what will happen: First, he goes to Bosnia to blather in general about harmony and unity. He is so afraid of meeting Dodik alone that he is bringing solana and the "high rep" for support. He learned this trick from converted rice who was so afraid of Putin, she always brought the us secretary of defense along to meetings with the Russians. The american television news will show 3 seconds of biden in Bosnia. Then he goes to Serbia to blather more garbage and stuff his face with food at Serbia's expense. The american television news will show 3 seconds of biden shaking hands with Tadic and report that biden lectured to the Serbs. Then he goes to Kosovo to huge, cheering crowds of unemployed albanians and insults the Serbs by calling them "illiterate rapists and baby killers" again. The american television news will devote 4 minutes to biden's "successful foreign trip" and try to rehabilitate his reputation.

This is why I urged the Serbs to fill the streets during biden visit; block the roads from the airport to Beograd; make the american media report this unfriendly reception. Smear biden's reputation more.

The reset button should be set at "neutral" for Serbia, because frankly Mr. Biden, we respect Russia.

I think a bigger opportunity missed for me was not buying the pickels and Zlatiborska sausage that was on sale at TEMPO on my recent visit to Belgrade...
Who needs Biden and his attitude and comments, those are on sale everywhere...

Just as I thought. The little experiments called "Kosova" and "Bosnian Federation" need Serbia for their very survival. They don't have the funds to prop up these bankrupt entities so they call on us.

This is just the beginning but if Tadic plays his cards right we should be the ones in control. The problem is, Tadic is weak and the Euro/Atlantic region is financially ruined. Why should we even want to join them?

The US needs to reset, not us. When are they going to pay for all the 33 hospitals and 480 educational facilities that they hit in 1999? We are still in pain because of that terrorist criminal bombing done to us. The US prefers to move on as if nothing happened. Well, hard luck US, this is only hurting the pro-EU government. You gotta show some good will too, but you clearly are not doing that. That's the problem, this western greed and position which is lets beat them down and make them accept. Much more is gained through peaceful methods of cooperation and what american policial scientist Nye calls "Soft Power". America still has to learn. We'll see if the US will remain the most hated nation on earth, under Obama's leadership.

After 4 months at power Obama’s administration has changed nothing in their relations with none of the states. By now everything they can do is prolonging their Presidential campaing with empty talk about certain RESETTINGS & RELOADINGS. They close jails for prisoners of war and open them under other trademark ect.

So Serbs don’t have to take Biden’s words too serious. Nothing will change until you force them to change something. Of course Serbia should use the moment to push forward it’s position but with no big expectations and big disappointments. The US cannot change by itself. Only if they have to change or make a bargain.

I CANT SAY MORE THAN THAT GOOD JOB.!!! (KATE)

the good-natured and conciliatory USA is again ahead of time
(Joe, 16 May 2009 15:36)

Joe, this sentence should earn the prize of the year. I never seen a "good-natured" government. BTW: why did you support that from Alaska against Biden?

Mister Biden the good-natured and conciliatory USA is again ahead of time. All the Serbian comments indicate that they are not ready for any "reset button" for maybe 15-20 more years. Their is no reason to force that friendship. We can do without it pretty well.

Biden in Kosovo: "Jump". Kosovo Albanians: "How high and how long?". Biden in Serbia: "Jump". Serbs (except Tadic): "What?" "FY". First apologize and start sending US officials from 1999 to The Hague or Belgrade to face justice.

--"The reset button should be set at "neutral" for Serbia, because frankly Mr. Biden, we respect Russia."

You want to join EU, don;t you? A word from Biden matters. Serbs don't flatter yourself, US is trying the "let's talk" approach with Iran, Venezuela, Libya and other rogue nations. The US goals are identical, but they will give you the option of doing what they say in a nicer way.

US supports Kosova and Albania, that's no news.

'It is particularly insulting that they should send Biden who said such terrible things about Serbs on CNN. What a lack of sensitivity.'

On the other hand, they're sensitive enough not to allow mobs in D.C. to attack the Serb embassy.

Mr.Biden desperately needs a succsessful "Europe-Tour"...since the US have got massive problems at home, and even in their "backyard" with China´s and Russia´s growing influence in South America...

well, Mr.Biden is no stupid, he certainly knows very well that there will be no "reset" until they stop supporting a bunch of narco-criminals with connections even to the organ-trafficking, which is, beside white slavery, the dirtiest business at all.

yesterday I watched this Liam Neeson movie "Taken" ...and I must say, that was quite realistic, how they treat young women...

The more animosity Serbia shows towards Biden, the better it is for Albanians. Keep it up guys!

I can only dream of the reception Joe Biden, a Kosovo supporter for decades, will get when he lands in Prishtina.

Send him (Biden) back to Washington immediately!! There is no way the two countries would ever be friends since they (americans)robbed Serbia of its precious kosovo..

Woow there Serb commentators, aren't you getting a little bit too much ahead of yourselves? Do you really think that this is an "apology/begging trip" that Biden is on? He will visit Kosova first, doesn't that say something to you? The only think Biden will do is reiterate the US Administration's stance, and tell Serbia that it can either play ball, or remain a pariah state abhorred by all its neighbors who in the meantime are joining NATO and the EU.

RE: Massive Opportunity

The headline reads correct and Joe Biden is one of the most knowledgable of Serbia and the Balkan region. As Chairman of the foreign relations committe, Ohio Senator George Voinovich has done a commendable job on relaying the position of Serbia and events in the region.

If there is one man that Serbia must convery its position , its Joe Biden.

Serbia must convey that is commmitted to democracy and never too look back.

Agreement to disagree over Kosovo is fine, but Serbia can play a major role in fostering trade and technology in the Balkans and continue to support companies such as US Steel.

Zoran Djindjic had a vision to make Belgrade the centre of the new information economy, the only way that Serbia can economically recover. Djinjdic solidified important relationships with Microsoft and call centre initiatives in Belgrade-this must continue.

"Of course you do! We all know that. Serbia doesn't need to apply to join the Russian Federation. EU would be harder for Serbia))
(EA, 17 May 2009 20:35) "

If EU is hard for Serbia, I would say it will be impossible for "Kosova"! Just as impossible as entering the UN given the realpolitik!

Texas now is fighting for it's independence!!! Why in this case not to recognize Texas as an independent state from USA? Why not Scotland? That will be nice!All those who supported the secession of Kosova from Serbia must pay with the same price!Biden and co. are really shameless people... after all the crimes committed in the Balkans ,they dare to RESET the US Button!???In Europe is a proverb: The wolf can change the fur ,not the character!

My baba taught me to judge people on their deeds and actions and not words. Well now Srbija has been for 2 decades, judged by her actions real or fictional
By the people who had no mercy and show no respect. Serbs in our history keep making one constant mistake. That mistake is to forget past injustice and barbarism. We did it with the Croats and Muslims and formed not one but 2 Jugoslavian states just as soon as these groups stopped shedding Serbian blood.
There is a tradition in the Balkans that as soon as a foreign power invades it is time to shed Serbian blood.If Srbija must face up to its past the same goes for those who helped create hell on earth for us.Mr. Biden you are as insincere as they come don’t waste your time if you are not coming to apologise.I don’t see how this Biden trip concerns any Albanian opinions on this matter.

".. frankly Mr. Biden, we respect Russia"

Of course you do! We all know that. Serbia doesn't need to apply to join the Russian Federation. EU would be harder for Serbia))

The more animosity Serbia shows towards Biden, the better it is for Albanians. Keep it up guys!

I can only dream of the reception Joe Biden, a Kosovo supporter for decades, will get when he lands in Prishtina.

Woow there Serb commentators, aren't you getting a little bit too much ahead of yourselves? Do you really think that this is an "apology/begging trip" that Biden is on? He will visit Kosova first, doesn't that say something to you? The only think Biden will do is reiterate the US Administration's stance, and tell Serbia that it can either play ball, or remain a pariah state abhorred by all its neighbors who in the meantime are joining NATO and the EU.

Mister Biden the good-natured and conciliatory USA is again ahead of time. All the Serbian comments indicate that they are not ready for any "reset button" for maybe 15-20 more years. Their is no reason to force that friendship. We can do without it pretty well.

--"The reset button should be set at "neutral" for Serbia, because frankly Mr. Biden, we respect Russia."

You want to join EU, don;t you? A word from Biden matters. Serbs don't flatter yourself, US is trying the "let's talk" approach with Iran, Venezuela, Libya and other rogue nations. The US goals are identical, but they will give you the option of doing what they say in a nicer way.

US supports Kosova and Albania, that's no news.

'It is particularly insulting that they should send Biden who said such terrible things about Serbs on CNN. What a lack of sensitivity.'

On the other hand, they're sensitive enough not to allow mobs in D.C. to attack the Serb embassy.

The reset button should be set at "neutral" for Serbia, because frankly Mr. Biden, we respect Russia.

It seems incredibly patronising to think that you can 'reset' relations with a nation that you not only supported attacking, but from which you are actively trying to prise away 15% of their territory.

It seems that the US has more bridges to build than Serbia, but absolutely no understanding or ability to do so.

It is particularly insulting that they should send Biden who said such terrible things about Serbs on CNN. What a lack of sensitivity.

Just as I thought. The little experiments called "Kosova" and "Bosnian Federation" need Serbia for their very survival. They don't have the funds to prop up these bankrupt entities so they call on us.

This is just the beginning but if Tadic plays his cards right we should be the ones in control. The problem is, Tadic is weak and the Euro/Atlantic region is financially ruined. Why should we even want to join them?

The reset button? Start by rescidning recognition of your fake state, and then recognize Republika Srpska. Then pay back the billions you owe for bombing civilian infrastructure in Serbia. Then visit the graves of the civilians your bombs killed in 78 days and nights. Then visit the Krajina Serbs you cleansed from croatia. Then clean up your depleted uranium and cluster bombs you left behind. Then check yourself into that court of yours, the Hague, for war crimes - we have plenty of evidence of war crimes, they were even broadcast by your own CNN. Oh, and bring Wesley Clark, Holbrooke, and Albright with you, they belong in the same cell.

U.S. V.P. Biden's visit to Serbia is a 'massive' opportunity to apologise to the Serbian people for the litany of wrongs the US committed against the Serb Nation over the last 2 decades.

The V.P. must also use this opportunity to genuinely promise that the US itself will begin to make amends to Serbia and that it will ask other culpable NATO countries to do likewise.

There is absolutely no point in brushing things under the carpet and hoping that everything will be rosy in the garden.

Contrary to International media reports, it must be realised that Mr. Biden is NOT a Balkan expert.
He should listen to what the Serbian people have to say rather than any rehearsed politicians.

MB,Ireland

"This is a massive opportunity to make it clear to the Serbian govt. and people that we hope to be able to press the reset button with Serbia, an opportunity to make it clear that we want a positive future for Serbia in the Euro-Atlantic community and as a leader in the region,” the official told a news conference ahead of Biden’s trip to the Balkans."

Now that the US is economically much weaker and its troops tied down like deadweights in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, of course the Americans would like to "reset" relations.

ie. Translation: "Forget our evil actions in the past and pretend they never happened. Don't ask us for economic aid because we can't afford to give any. And don't create problems because our military is overstretched worldwide and killing us financially! "

I CANT SAY MORE THAN THAT GOOD JOB.!!! (KATE)

".. frankly Mr. Biden, we respect Russia"

Of course you do! We all know that. Serbia doesn't need to apply to join the Russian Federation. EU would be harder for Serbia))

The US needs to reset, not us. When are they going to pay for all the 33 hospitals and 480 educational facilities that they hit in 1999? We are still in pain because of that terrorist criminal bombing done to us. The US prefers to move on as if nothing happened. Well, hard luck US, this is only hurting the pro-EU government. You gotta show some good will too, but you clearly are not doing that. That's the problem, this western greed and position which is lets beat them down and make them accept. Much more is gained through peaceful methods of cooperation and what american policial scientist Nye calls "Soft Power". America still has to learn. We'll see if the US will remain the most hated nation on earth, under Obama's leadership.

So, just like that they try to reset things. Would they be so willing to 'reset' relations, and let bygones be bygones, with a country that had played a central part in the secession of part of its own territory?

I really hope that figures in Belgrade make it clear that things are not that simple. If they US wants a real improvement in relations then it has to constructive and balanced role in really 'solving' Kosovo in a way that both sides can eventually accept.

I think a bigger opportunity missed for me was not buying the pickels and Zlatiborska sausage that was on sale at TEMPO on my recent visit to Belgrade...
Who needs Biden and his attitude and comments, those are on sale everywhere...

See, I told you so! The same "official" said biden will visit Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo in that order. biden will accomplish nothing; he is trying to rebuild his reputation since he humiliated himself on american television by hysterically urging americans not to fly in airplanes or shake hands to avoid the swine flu. Even obama made jokes about him; comedians in america said obama is punishing him by sending him to the Balkans. Here is what will happen: First, he goes to Bosnia to blather in general about harmony and unity. He is so afraid of meeting Dodik alone that he is bringing solana and the "high rep" for support. He learned this trick from converted rice who was so afraid of Putin, she always brought the us secretary of defense along to meetings with the Russians. The american television news will show 3 seconds of biden in Bosnia. Then he goes to Serbia to blather more garbage and stuff his face with food at Serbia's expense. The american television news will show 3 seconds of biden shaking hands with Tadic and report that biden lectured to the Serbs. Then he goes to Kosovo to huge, cheering crowds of unemployed albanians and insults the Serbs by calling them "illiterate rapists and baby killers" again. The american television news will devote 4 minutes to biden's "successful foreign trip" and try to rehabilitate his reputation.

This is why I urged the Serbs to fill the streets during biden visit; block the roads from the airport to Beograd; make the american media report this unfriendly reception. Smear biden's reputation more.

the good-natured and conciliatory USA is again ahead of time
(Joe, 16 May 2009 15:36)

Joe, this sentence should earn the prize of the year. I never seen a "good-natured" government. BTW: why did you support that from Alaska against Biden?

After 4 months at power Obama’s administration has changed nothing in their relations with none of the states. By now everything they can do is prolonging their Presidential campaing with empty talk about certain RESETTINGS & RELOADINGS. They close jails for prisoners of war and open them under other trademark ect.

So Serbs don’t have to take Biden’s words too serious. Nothing will change until you force them to change something. Of course Serbia should use the moment to push forward it’s position but with no big expectations and big disappointments. The US cannot change by itself. Only if they have to change or make a bargain.

Send him (Biden) back to Washington immediately!! There is no way the two countries would ever be friends since they (americans)robbed Serbia of its precious kosovo..

Biden in Kosovo: "Jump". Kosovo Albanians: "How high and how long?". Biden in Serbia: "Jump". Serbs (except Tadic): "What?" "FY". First apologize and start sending US officials from 1999 to The Hague or Belgrade to face justice.

Mr.Biden desperately needs a succsessful "Europe-Tour"...since the US have got massive problems at home, and even in their "backyard" with China´s and Russia´s growing influence in South America...

well, Mr.Biden is no stupid, he certainly knows very well that there will be no "reset" until they stop supporting a bunch of narco-criminals with connections even to the organ-trafficking, which is, beside white slavery, the dirtiest business at all.

yesterday I watched this Liam Neeson movie "Taken" ...and I must say, that was quite realistic, how they treat young women...

RE: Massive Opportunity

The headline reads correct and Joe Biden is one of the most knowledgable of Serbia and the Balkan region. As Chairman of the foreign relations committe, Ohio Senator George Voinovich has done a commendable job on relaying the position of Serbia and events in the region.

If there is one man that Serbia must convery its position , its Joe Biden.

Serbia must convey that is commmitted to democracy and never too look back.

Agreement to disagree over Kosovo is fine, but Serbia can play a major role in fostering trade and technology in the Balkans and continue to support companies such as US Steel.

Zoran Djindjic had a vision to make Belgrade the centre of the new information economy, the only way that Serbia can economically recover. Djinjdic solidified important relationships with Microsoft and call centre initiatives in Belgrade-this must continue.

Texas now is fighting for it's independence!!! Why in this case not to recognize Texas as an independent state from USA? Why not Scotland? That will be nice!All those who supported the secession of Kosova from Serbia must pay with the same price!Biden and co. are really shameless people... after all the crimes committed in the Balkans ,they dare to RESET the US Button!???In Europe is a proverb: The wolf can change the fur ,not the character!

"Of course you do! We all know that. Serbia doesn't need to apply to join the Russian Federation. EU would be harder for Serbia))
(EA, 17 May 2009 20:35) "

If EU is hard for Serbia, I would say it will be impossible for "Kosova"! Just as impossible as entering the UN given the realpolitik!

My baba taught me to judge people on their deeds and actions and not words. Well now Srbija has been for 2 decades, judged by her actions real or fictional
By the people who had no mercy and show no respect. Serbs in our history keep making one constant mistake. That mistake is to forget past injustice and barbarism. We did it with the Croats and Muslims and formed not one but 2 Jugoslavian states just as soon as these groups stopped shedding Serbian blood.
There is a tradition in the Balkans that as soon as a foreign power invades it is time to shed Serbian blood.If Srbija must face up to its past the same goes for those who helped create hell on earth for us.Mr. Biden you are as insincere as they come don’t waste your time if you are not coming to apologise.I don’t see how this Biden trip concerns any Albanian opinions on this matter.