30

Saturday, 20.06.2009.

11:34

Electricity again cut off to K. Serb enclave

Several thousands of Serbs in the enclave of Gračanica, in central Kosovo were once again Friday cut off electricity.

Izvor: Tanjug

Electricity again cut off to K. Serb enclave IMAGE SOURCE
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30 Komentari

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Why Discriminate?

pre 14 godina

Alban, Serbia has tried to take care of the bills by offering KEK electricity and more of it than the Serbs used but they were refused. Why? They would actually get more than they asked for so it doesn't make sense to refuse except that they are trying to score political points.
--
Why pay only for the Serbs? Aren't the K-Albanians in Kosova Serbian citizens? Have Serbia give enough electricity for EVERYONE, then we'll talk.

Pz

pre 14 godina

# 21, Staff: “Even if I have heard many opinions and read numerous books, documents etc, I can not get it legally.”
First, in order to establish a view on whatever issue, it really matters what kind of opinions one hears, (from whom), what books one reads, (written by whom) and of course what documentaries (produced by whom)?
You say you come from a western country and spent many years since 2000, while I was born here and spent most of my life here, and believe me hearing opinions, reading books or documentaries is nothing compared to experiencing it yourself. Maybe, that is why you can not get it legally.
“I know the history and I know what has happened. What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs.”
Again, you have learned about the recent (modern) history in Kosovo by having read books or hearing opinions, while I (people living in Kosovo) have experienced it. This history is not that simple as you portray it, and in no way one can describe it as “What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs”. I hope you get what I mean by it.
“But in the end of the day.....No I can not get it together. I am 100% sure that the ICJ, even if its not binding, will say that it was not legal to proclaim independence. And then we are in deep trouble, believe me. Maybe you think it will not matter, but I can tell you, it will matter a lot!”
When we are at the ICJ, I really don’t know what to say. I can not be 100% on whose favors it will rule, but what I’m sure is that Kosovo is trying really hard to create equal living conditions to all its citizens, Alb., Ser., Bos., Roma, etc. I understand that Serbs in Kosovo feel somehow being vulnerable, but if they really want to live in Kosovo, get jobs and all other public services they should turn towards Prishtina, not Belgrade.
And finally, if I may ask, how are you 100% that the ICJ will rule against Kosovo’s independence?

SHUBI

pre 14 godina

I hope that this comment would also be readed from ICJ, and the whole democratic people(interested).
Kosovar Serbs, from 1999, have been receiving, money from: UNMIK, KOSOVO GOVERNMENT and SERBIAN GOVERNMENT, and besides that, they are still acting "ORPHAN INOCENT CHILD" by using any chance to complain about everything in this world.
Every kilowat spent will be paid, you like it or not.
Who really cares.

Peggy

pre 14 godina

Really? So why doesn't Serbia take care of them. I just heard Jeremic saying that Kosova is Serbia's southern province. If that's the case and "leaders should give free electricity to everyone," then let Serbia pay for everyone's free electricity
(Alban, 20 June 2009 16:28)

Alban, Serbia has tried to take care of the bills by offering KEK electricity and more of it than the Serbs used but they were refused. Why? They would actually get more than they asked for so it doesn't make sense to refuse except that they are trying to score political points.

Milan

pre 14 godina

"The Working Group of the Serbian government is actively engaged in finding the solution to the problem of electricity supply to Serb areas in Kosovo, and it insists on introducing a new electricity distributor in Kosovo,"

Government of Serbia must invest in serb enclaves in Kosovo. Serbs must establish their own small power plants - eg. water or wind turbines.

timotimekvej

pre 14 godina

Why Albanians were not paying their bills before 1999 year? Why they were boycotting their Serbian country? Those Albanian commentators who ask from Serbs to pay bills are same those who were not paying their bills when Milosevic was in power. And to pay to whome? To tachi?

Laidon

pre 14 godina

I don`t see the point of arguing about this. It is so simple, everyone who does not pay electricity it is normal to cut it. The same standards are for Albanians, Bosniacs, Serbs, Romas etc. But this is has gain political colors like everything that is politized from Serbian government. Just pay the bills and you will have your electricity back. Simple mathematics isn`t it ?

Agron

pre 14 godina

"There is no doubt at all that Kosovo is to small to function as a state, this is 100% sure amongst diplomats I have spoken to. There are no industry, no "know-how", only a huge amount of people that most probably will not be able to travel without a visa. I know that it is out of the question for the Albanians, but there is no doubt at all that Kosovo would have a better future together with Serbia OR Montenegro, no doubt."



You say Kosova is too small and say it has a better future with Serbia or MONTENEGRO. Really? So Kosovo is to small but Montenegro which has less than 1/3 the population of Kosova isn't?
Kosova has the resources to be prosperous when it's eventually reunified with Albania.

Staff

pre 14 godina

No 12 (Pz, 20 June 2009 17:33)
I will try to answer you Pz. I am from a western country and I have spent many years in Kosovo since the beginning of 2000, so I can say I am pretty much updated and have a wide knowledge of Kosovo and the Balkans. I know, I do not have close friends, but I know many Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo. And belive me, I try really hard to stay impartial, really hard. I have succeeded pretty well until it comes to the recognition of Kosovo as a state. Even if I have heard many opinions and read numerous books, documents etc, I can not get it legally. I know the history and I know what has happened. What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs. But in the end of the day.....No I can not get it together. I am 100% sure that the ICJ, even if its not binding, will say that it was not legal to proclaim independence. And then we are in deep trouble, believe me. Maybe you think it will not matter, but I can tell you, it will matter a lot!
About 5 to 10 more countries will recognise and 5 to 10 will redraw. Then what? There is no doubt at all that Kosovo is to small to function as a state, this is 100% sure amongst diplomats I have spoken to. There are no industry, no "know-how", only a huge amount of people that most probably will not be able to travel without a visa. I know that it is out of the question for the Albanians, but there is no doubt at all that Kosovo would have a better future together with Serbia OR Montenegro, no doubt.
I feel really sad about the poor people in Kosovo, both Albanians and Serbs. What I can say about the Albanians, since they are the majority, is that many of them see the politicians as former heroes. I do not share this at all. I am asking you: If you see one of the politicians in a 1000 Euro suit going in to big jeep, dont you ever wonder where the money comes from? Is not this money meant for the people? All the travelling around, all the fancy dinners etc. Where are the money coming from? I think I know it, but do you know it? Its really sad about the normal people and I have personally helped dozens of people on both sides with money and clothes. I like people and I judge them by their personality, not by where they are coming from.

szemi

pre 14 godina

Joe,

If a member of Lakatos clan (maffia involved in car theft in Hungary)steals my car in Budapest should I pay for his gasoline consumption too?

Ataman

pre 14 godina

With a little goodwill from the Serbian side this could be solved in no time. Sign that contract and pay your bills!!! Don't play politics!
(Joe, 20 June 2009 19:00)

Joe, please read the article. This is not politics, the contract is imperfect because it does not address some disputed cases. Someone else (KEK) is playing a strong-hand politics and thus playing against Albanian interests with ICJ. Very primitive tactics, I would say, in worst "Balkan-spirit".

Alban

pre 14 godina

You cannot get electricity anywhere without a contact, it's a legal contract saying that you will pay the electricity )or cell phone, or cable, or water) for the month. I give them a week before they sign this, we know the resisted paying the first time as well only to be faced with the reality

Joe

pre 14 godina

With a little goodwill from the Serbian side this could be solved in no time. Sign that contract and pay your bills!!! Don't play politics!

CG

pre 14 godina

Prishtina gangsters are running out of money and want the Serbian state to pay them.
Sorry it is not going to happen.

BTW Electricity lines that run into Kosovo come mainly from central Serbia.

Zoran

pre 14 godina

My goodness, I thought this was just about unpaid bills! What happened to the "Just pay your bills" comment? Now it's also about signing contracts. Will they next demand Serbians change their religion and ethnicity?

It was Kosovo journalist Jeta Xharra, an ethnic Albanian, who recently exposed provincial Albanian politicians with unpaid electricity bills amounting to €5000 each! Now instead of turning electricity off to these people they thought it appropriate to threaten her life!

These people have some nerve with their incompetence and it's no wonder the whole province is a complete mess. Bring in another distribution provider with links to Serbia and all will be solved.

Lets see if the temporary administrators are mature enough to do the right thing.

Michael John

pre 14 godina

miles,

You are omitting one crucial point, our Kosova Serbs must sign a contract, not the Serbian Gov't. They refuse to, therefore no electricity. Very simple, why is it so difficult to understand, or is it that you do not want to.

1.) sign contract

2.) pay bill

3.) get electricity

See how simple it is!

A. Primirudu

pre 14 godina

This is just one of the many evil ways the petty little souls will get even when they are ignored and are not invited to play with the big boys. I guess anythig is better for the Serbs in Kosovo than hearing that their loved ones organs have been harvested or that their grandmother has been beaten to death like a stray dog. I remember reading Ceku's statement less than a year ago about having to do something fast in order to swing the world opinion on the organ harvesting issue, and I must say that these people are not very bright if they thought that anyone except the Albanians were going to buy into that staged "Serbian spies" bribe story.

Olf

pre 14 godina

Staff, there are a lot of poor people everywhere, but they pay their bills. I bet that if you knew that your politicians would take care of your bills you would not pay up, this is human logic in general. I have seen many internationals that are worst than K-Albanian or Serbs when it comes to money.

K-Serbs would be in a worst situation coming winter and there is no simpathy from anyone. Imagine, who would simpathise with people that dont pay their bills.
I propose that bills to be paid from their sympathisers.

miles

pre 14 godina

And Alban, if i recall correctly, didn't Serbia's Electricity Company offer Kosovo's Electricity Company energy to the Serbian enclaves at a profit to the Kosovo Elericity Company. So alas while the Serbian government has attempted exactly what you suggest, but as we have seen the Kosovo authority refused. Anymore great ideas, ones where your brethern will accept?

Pz

pre 14 godina

Staff, this issue has been discussed here for too long now, and in my opinion it is not worth losing any time on it. I live in Kosovo, and thus automatically fall within that group you refer to, and yet I pay my bills regularly. There are times I have power cuts, but unfortunately there is not much I can do about it. I don’t know where you come from and how much were you involved in the Balkans, especially Kosovo, but I’m sure you know that current situation of Kosovo (its economic and socio environment) has come as a result of a system (ex regime) which showed no real interest for Kosovo to prosper and develop.
Now, I agree that the leaders should take care of the people, because that’s why they get elected, but for the leaders to be able to help them, they (the leaders) need to have their (people’s) cooperation and trust. If Serbs in Kosovo want to solve their problems, they should cooperate with Government in Prishtina, but as you know they chose to go and address their problems in Belgrade, which in my opinion is pushing them to do so. So, to cut this long story short, if one does not want to cooperate to solve a problem, has no right whatsoever to blame and criticize.
Finally, these lines: “To all Serbs in Kosovo and in in Serbia proper: you have a full hand with cards. You see, the ICJ and every country follows this and believe me, this is not positive for the Albanian tactics in Kosovo. The world is watching and take notes. You will see.” make me think that you don’t really care about the majority of Albanians in Kosovo, who as you say, are very poor, but yet pay they utilities.

Alban

pre 14 godina

Yes Sir I am paying my bills. But I am very rich so its no problem. Those people including the majority of Albanians, are very poor. Therefore its up to the leaders to take care of them, not to make life miserable for them.
---
Really? So why doesn't Serbia take care of them. I just heard Jeremic saying that Kosova is Serbia's southern province. If that's the case and "leaders should give free electricity to everyone," then let Serbia pay for everyone's free electricity

Rebel

pre 14 godina

If you don't pay, you don't play. This is such a simple equation. However, being that some in Gracanica and Serbia want to politicize everything, all of Gracanica now has no electricity. You want to stay in the dark while getting that warm cozy feeling that you still live in Serbia? Be my guest, Pristina still has lights.

EA

pre 14 godina

I can see that for all Serbs in Kosova refusing to pay the electricity bill is not about electricity but Serbian politics. Keep on going that way you will be getting the right response.

Dragoslav

pre 14 godina

where was all this respect for governments and authority when you were murdering Serbian police,soldiers civilians and subverting government institutions. 140 dont recognize "Kosova" 3/4 of the FREE world.God bless Serbia and our holy church!

Staff

pre 14 godina

"Staff, do you pay electricity at your home country? I'm sure you do. So, why shouldn't serbs pay it in kosovo? You refer to the ICJ and int. com. watching, and I really hope thay do, since they know that if you don't pay electicity for more than 10 years you alreday are in the breach of the law.
(Pz, 20 June 2009 14:34)"

Yes Sir I am paying my bills. But I am very rich so its no problem. Those people including the majority of Albanians, are very poor. Therefore its up to the leaders to take care of them, not to make life miserable for them. Thats what I was refering to when I said that this matter is certainly observed by the international community, including UN, US, EU and ICJ.

Pz

pre 14 godina

Staff, do you pay electricity at your home country? I'm sure you do. So, why shouldn't serbs pay it in kosovo? You refer to the ICJ and int. com. watching, and I really hope thay do, since they know that if you don't pay electicity for more than 10 years you alreday are in the breach of the law.

Staff

pre 14 godina

To all Serbs in Kosovo and in in Serbia proper: you have a full hand with cards. You see, the ICJ and every country follows this and believe me, this is not positive for the Albanian tactics in Kosovo. The world is watching and take notes. You will see.

Artan S

pre 14 godina

'In mid-May, villagers nearby began paying the lump-sum, after their representatives had signed collective contracts with KEK, so the company regularly supplies them with electricity, with occasional cut offs'

this is what would happen to other ciitizens of Kosova if they pay..simple isn't why the big deal, oh but then there needs to be a complaint in the eyes of EU&UN about how badly the minority in KS are treateded by the majority?

Propaganda or what..

Alban

pre 14 godina

"The Working Group of the Serbian government is actively engaged in finding the solution to the problem of electricity supply to Serb areas in Kosovo, and it insists on introducing a new electricity distributor in Kosovo,"

Keep working, eventually you will solve it :-) When are people going to learn? Pay up, sign contract, keep paying or else.

The Serbian government can solve this by paying the debts from 1999, make the EUR 150 million check to Kosovo /UNMIK, it's OK. We'll cash it.

Alban

pre 14 godina

"The Working Group of the Serbian government is actively engaged in finding the solution to the problem of electricity supply to Serb areas in Kosovo, and it insists on introducing a new electricity distributor in Kosovo,"

Keep working, eventually you will solve it :-) When are people going to learn? Pay up, sign contract, keep paying or else.

The Serbian government can solve this by paying the debts from 1999, make the EUR 150 million check to Kosovo /UNMIK, it's OK. We'll cash it.

Staff

pre 14 godina

To all Serbs in Kosovo and in in Serbia proper: you have a full hand with cards. You see, the ICJ and every country follows this and believe me, this is not positive for the Albanian tactics in Kosovo. The world is watching and take notes. You will see.

Dragoslav

pre 14 godina

where was all this respect for governments and authority when you were murdering Serbian police,soldiers civilians and subverting government institutions. 140 dont recognize "Kosova" 3/4 of the FREE world.God bless Serbia and our holy church!

Artan S

pre 14 godina

'In mid-May, villagers nearby began paying the lump-sum, after their representatives had signed collective contracts with KEK, so the company regularly supplies them with electricity, with occasional cut offs'

this is what would happen to other ciitizens of Kosova if they pay..simple isn't why the big deal, oh but then there needs to be a complaint in the eyes of EU&UN about how badly the minority in KS are treateded by the majority?

Propaganda or what..

Rebel

pre 14 godina

If you don't pay, you don't play. This is such a simple equation. However, being that some in Gracanica and Serbia want to politicize everything, all of Gracanica now has no electricity. You want to stay in the dark while getting that warm cozy feeling that you still live in Serbia? Be my guest, Pristina still has lights.

Pz

pre 14 godina

Staff, do you pay electricity at your home country? I'm sure you do. So, why shouldn't serbs pay it in kosovo? You refer to the ICJ and int. com. watching, and I really hope thay do, since they know that if you don't pay electicity for more than 10 years you alreday are in the breach of the law.

Alban

pre 14 godina

Yes Sir I am paying my bills. But I am very rich so its no problem. Those people including the majority of Albanians, are very poor. Therefore its up to the leaders to take care of them, not to make life miserable for them.
---
Really? So why doesn't Serbia take care of them. I just heard Jeremic saying that Kosova is Serbia's southern province. If that's the case and "leaders should give free electricity to everyone," then let Serbia pay for everyone's free electricity

Pz

pre 14 godina

Staff, this issue has been discussed here for too long now, and in my opinion it is not worth losing any time on it. I live in Kosovo, and thus automatically fall within that group you refer to, and yet I pay my bills regularly. There are times I have power cuts, but unfortunately there is not much I can do about it. I don’t know where you come from and how much were you involved in the Balkans, especially Kosovo, but I’m sure you know that current situation of Kosovo (its economic and socio environment) has come as a result of a system (ex regime) which showed no real interest for Kosovo to prosper and develop.
Now, I agree that the leaders should take care of the people, because that’s why they get elected, but for the leaders to be able to help them, they (the leaders) need to have their (people’s) cooperation and trust. If Serbs in Kosovo want to solve their problems, they should cooperate with Government in Prishtina, but as you know they chose to go and address their problems in Belgrade, which in my opinion is pushing them to do so. So, to cut this long story short, if one does not want to cooperate to solve a problem, has no right whatsoever to blame and criticize.
Finally, these lines: “To all Serbs in Kosovo and in in Serbia proper: you have a full hand with cards. You see, the ICJ and every country follows this and believe me, this is not positive for the Albanian tactics in Kosovo. The world is watching and take notes. You will see.” make me think that you don’t really care about the majority of Albanians in Kosovo, who as you say, are very poor, but yet pay they utilities.

CG

pre 14 godina

Prishtina gangsters are running out of money and want the Serbian state to pay them.
Sorry it is not going to happen.

BTW Electricity lines that run into Kosovo come mainly from central Serbia.

Staff

pre 14 godina

"Staff, do you pay electricity at your home country? I'm sure you do. So, why shouldn't serbs pay it in kosovo? You refer to the ICJ and int. com. watching, and I really hope thay do, since they know that if you don't pay electicity for more than 10 years you alreday are in the breach of the law.
(Pz, 20 June 2009 14:34)"

Yes Sir I am paying my bills. But I am very rich so its no problem. Those people including the majority of Albanians, are very poor. Therefore its up to the leaders to take care of them, not to make life miserable for them. Thats what I was refering to when I said that this matter is certainly observed by the international community, including UN, US, EU and ICJ.

Joe

pre 14 godina

With a little goodwill from the Serbian side this could be solved in no time. Sign that contract and pay your bills!!! Don't play politics!

Alban

pre 14 godina

You cannot get electricity anywhere without a contact, it's a legal contract saying that you will pay the electricity )or cell phone, or cable, or water) for the month. I give them a week before they sign this, we know the resisted paying the first time as well only to be faced with the reality

Zoran

pre 14 godina

My goodness, I thought this was just about unpaid bills! What happened to the "Just pay your bills" comment? Now it's also about signing contracts. Will they next demand Serbians change their religion and ethnicity?

It was Kosovo journalist Jeta Xharra, an ethnic Albanian, who recently exposed provincial Albanian politicians with unpaid electricity bills amounting to €5000 each! Now instead of turning electricity off to these people they thought it appropriate to threaten her life!

These people have some nerve with their incompetence and it's no wonder the whole province is a complete mess. Bring in another distribution provider with links to Serbia and all will be solved.

Lets see if the temporary administrators are mature enough to do the right thing.

szemi

pre 14 godina

Joe,

If a member of Lakatos clan (maffia involved in car theft in Hungary)steals my car in Budapest should I pay for his gasoline consumption too?

EA

pre 14 godina

I can see that for all Serbs in Kosova refusing to pay the electricity bill is not about electricity but Serbian politics. Keep on going that way you will be getting the right response.

Michael John

pre 14 godina

miles,

You are omitting one crucial point, our Kosova Serbs must sign a contract, not the Serbian Gov't. They refuse to, therefore no electricity. Very simple, why is it so difficult to understand, or is it that you do not want to.

1.) sign contract

2.) pay bill

3.) get electricity

See how simple it is!

A. Primirudu

pre 14 godina

This is just one of the many evil ways the petty little souls will get even when they are ignored and are not invited to play with the big boys. I guess anythig is better for the Serbs in Kosovo than hearing that their loved ones organs have been harvested or that their grandmother has been beaten to death like a stray dog. I remember reading Ceku's statement less than a year ago about having to do something fast in order to swing the world opinion on the organ harvesting issue, and I must say that these people are not very bright if they thought that anyone except the Albanians were going to buy into that staged "Serbian spies" bribe story.

miles

pre 14 godina

And Alban, if i recall correctly, didn't Serbia's Electricity Company offer Kosovo's Electricity Company energy to the Serbian enclaves at a profit to the Kosovo Elericity Company. So alas while the Serbian government has attempted exactly what you suggest, but as we have seen the Kosovo authority refused. Anymore great ideas, ones where your brethern will accept?

Agron

pre 14 godina

"There is no doubt at all that Kosovo is to small to function as a state, this is 100% sure amongst diplomats I have spoken to. There are no industry, no "know-how", only a huge amount of people that most probably will not be able to travel without a visa. I know that it is out of the question for the Albanians, but there is no doubt at all that Kosovo would have a better future together with Serbia OR Montenegro, no doubt."



You say Kosova is too small and say it has a better future with Serbia or MONTENEGRO. Really? So Kosovo is to small but Montenegro which has less than 1/3 the population of Kosova isn't?
Kosova has the resources to be prosperous when it's eventually reunified with Albania.

Olf

pre 14 godina

Staff, there are a lot of poor people everywhere, but they pay their bills. I bet that if you knew that your politicians would take care of your bills you would not pay up, this is human logic in general. I have seen many internationals that are worst than K-Albanian or Serbs when it comes to money.

K-Serbs would be in a worst situation coming winter and there is no simpathy from anyone. Imagine, who would simpathise with people that dont pay their bills.
I propose that bills to be paid from their sympathisers.

Staff

pre 14 godina

No 12 (Pz, 20 June 2009 17:33)
I will try to answer you Pz. I am from a western country and I have spent many years in Kosovo since the beginning of 2000, so I can say I am pretty much updated and have a wide knowledge of Kosovo and the Balkans. I know, I do not have close friends, but I know many Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo. And belive me, I try really hard to stay impartial, really hard. I have succeeded pretty well until it comes to the recognition of Kosovo as a state. Even if I have heard many opinions and read numerous books, documents etc, I can not get it legally. I know the history and I know what has happened. What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs. But in the end of the day.....No I can not get it together. I am 100% sure that the ICJ, even if its not binding, will say that it was not legal to proclaim independence. And then we are in deep trouble, believe me. Maybe you think it will not matter, but I can tell you, it will matter a lot!
About 5 to 10 more countries will recognise and 5 to 10 will redraw. Then what? There is no doubt at all that Kosovo is to small to function as a state, this is 100% sure amongst diplomats I have spoken to. There are no industry, no "know-how", only a huge amount of people that most probably will not be able to travel without a visa. I know that it is out of the question for the Albanians, but there is no doubt at all that Kosovo would have a better future together with Serbia OR Montenegro, no doubt.
I feel really sad about the poor people in Kosovo, both Albanians and Serbs. What I can say about the Albanians, since they are the majority, is that many of them see the politicians as former heroes. I do not share this at all. I am asking you: If you see one of the politicians in a 1000 Euro suit going in to big jeep, dont you ever wonder where the money comes from? Is not this money meant for the people? All the travelling around, all the fancy dinners etc. Where are the money coming from? I think I know it, but do you know it? Its really sad about the normal people and I have personally helped dozens of people on both sides with money and clothes. I like people and I judge them by their personality, not by where they are coming from.

Pz

pre 14 godina

# 21, Staff: “Even if I have heard many opinions and read numerous books, documents etc, I can not get it legally.”
First, in order to establish a view on whatever issue, it really matters what kind of opinions one hears, (from whom), what books one reads, (written by whom) and of course what documentaries (produced by whom)?
You say you come from a western country and spent many years since 2000, while I was born here and spent most of my life here, and believe me hearing opinions, reading books or documentaries is nothing compared to experiencing it yourself. Maybe, that is why you can not get it legally.
“I know the history and I know what has happened. What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs.”
Again, you have learned about the recent (modern) history in Kosovo by having read books or hearing opinions, while I (people living in Kosovo) have experienced it. This history is not that simple as you portray it, and in no way one can describe it as “What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs”. I hope you get what I mean by it.
“But in the end of the day.....No I can not get it together. I am 100% sure that the ICJ, even if its not binding, will say that it was not legal to proclaim independence. And then we are in deep trouble, believe me. Maybe you think it will not matter, but I can tell you, it will matter a lot!”
When we are at the ICJ, I really don’t know what to say. I can not be 100% on whose favors it will rule, but what I’m sure is that Kosovo is trying really hard to create equal living conditions to all its citizens, Alb., Ser., Bos., Roma, etc. I understand that Serbs in Kosovo feel somehow being vulnerable, but if they really want to live in Kosovo, get jobs and all other public services they should turn towards Prishtina, not Belgrade.
And finally, if I may ask, how are you 100% that the ICJ will rule against Kosovo’s independence?

Ataman

pre 14 godina

With a little goodwill from the Serbian side this could be solved in no time. Sign that contract and pay your bills!!! Don't play politics!
(Joe, 20 June 2009 19:00)

Joe, please read the article. This is not politics, the contract is imperfect because it does not address some disputed cases. Someone else (KEK) is playing a strong-hand politics and thus playing against Albanian interests with ICJ. Very primitive tactics, I would say, in worst "Balkan-spirit".

Laidon

pre 14 godina

I don`t see the point of arguing about this. It is so simple, everyone who does not pay electricity it is normal to cut it. The same standards are for Albanians, Bosniacs, Serbs, Romas etc. But this is has gain political colors like everything that is politized from Serbian government. Just pay the bills and you will have your electricity back. Simple mathematics isn`t it ?

timotimekvej

pre 14 godina

Why Albanians were not paying their bills before 1999 year? Why they were boycotting their Serbian country? Those Albanian commentators who ask from Serbs to pay bills are same those who were not paying their bills when Milosevic was in power. And to pay to whome? To tachi?

Milan

pre 14 godina

"The Working Group of the Serbian government is actively engaged in finding the solution to the problem of electricity supply to Serb areas in Kosovo, and it insists on introducing a new electricity distributor in Kosovo,"

Government of Serbia must invest in serb enclaves in Kosovo. Serbs must establish their own small power plants - eg. water or wind turbines.

SHUBI

pre 14 godina

I hope that this comment would also be readed from ICJ, and the whole democratic people(interested).
Kosovar Serbs, from 1999, have been receiving, money from: UNMIK, KOSOVO GOVERNMENT and SERBIAN GOVERNMENT, and besides that, they are still acting "ORPHAN INOCENT CHILD" by using any chance to complain about everything in this world.
Every kilowat spent will be paid, you like it or not.
Who really cares.

Why Discriminate?

pre 14 godina

Alban, Serbia has tried to take care of the bills by offering KEK electricity and more of it than the Serbs used but they were refused. Why? They would actually get more than they asked for so it doesn't make sense to refuse except that they are trying to score political points.
--
Why pay only for the Serbs? Aren't the K-Albanians in Kosova Serbian citizens? Have Serbia give enough electricity for EVERYONE, then we'll talk.

Peggy

pre 14 godina

Really? So why doesn't Serbia take care of them. I just heard Jeremic saying that Kosova is Serbia's southern province. If that's the case and "leaders should give free electricity to everyone," then let Serbia pay for everyone's free electricity
(Alban, 20 June 2009 16:28)

Alban, Serbia has tried to take care of the bills by offering KEK electricity and more of it than the Serbs used but they were refused. Why? They would actually get more than they asked for so it doesn't make sense to refuse except that they are trying to score political points.

Staff

pre 14 godina

To all Serbs in Kosovo and in in Serbia proper: you have a full hand with cards. You see, the ICJ and every country follows this and believe me, this is not positive for the Albanian tactics in Kosovo. The world is watching and take notes. You will see.

Alban

pre 14 godina

"The Working Group of the Serbian government is actively engaged in finding the solution to the problem of electricity supply to Serb areas in Kosovo, and it insists on introducing a new electricity distributor in Kosovo,"

Keep working, eventually you will solve it :-) When are people going to learn? Pay up, sign contract, keep paying or else.

The Serbian government can solve this by paying the debts from 1999, make the EUR 150 million check to Kosovo /UNMIK, it's OK. We'll cash it.

Dragoslav

pre 14 godina

where was all this respect for governments and authority when you were murdering Serbian police,soldiers civilians and subverting government institutions. 140 dont recognize "Kosova" 3/4 of the FREE world.God bless Serbia and our holy church!

Artan S

pre 14 godina

'In mid-May, villagers nearby began paying the lump-sum, after their representatives had signed collective contracts with KEK, so the company regularly supplies them with electricity, with occasional cut offs'

this is what would happen to other ciitizens of Kosova if they pay..simple isn't why the big deal, oh but then there needs to be a complaint in the eyes of EU&UN about how badly the minority in KS are treateded by the majority?

Propaganda or what..

Rebel

pre 14 godina

If you don't pay, you don't play. This is such a simple equation. However, being that some in Gracanica and Serbia want to politicize everything, all of Gracanica now has no electricity. You want to stay in the dark while getting that warm cozy feeling that you still live in Serbia? Be my guest, Pristina still has lights.

EA

pre 14 godina

I can see that for all Serbs in Kosova refusing to pay the electricity bill is not about electricity but Serbian politics. Keep on going that way you will be getting the right response.

Joe

pre 14 godina

With a little goodwill from the Serbian side this could be solved in no time. Sign that contract and pay your bills!!! Don't play politics!

Pz

pre 14 godina

Staff, do you pay electricity at your home country? I'm sure you do. So, why shouldn't serbs pay it in kosovo? You refer to the ICJ and int. com. watching, and I really hope thay do, since they know that if you don't pay electicity for more than 10 years you alreday are in the breach of the law.

Michael John

pre 14 godina

miles,

You are omitting one crucial point, our Kosova Serbs must sign a contract, not the Serbian Gov't. They refuse to, therefore no electricity. Very simple, why is it so difficult to understand, or is it that you do not want to.

1.) sign contract

2.) pay bill

3.) get electricity

See how simple it is!

Staff

pre 14 godina

"Staff, do you pay electricity at your home country? I'm sure you do. So, why shouldn't serbs pay it in kosovo? You refer to the ICJ and int. com. watching, and I really hope thay do, since they know that if you don't pay electicity for more than 10 years you alreday are in the breach of the law.
(Pz, 20 June 2009 14:34)"

Yes Sir I am paying my bills. But I am very rich so its no problem. Those people including the majority of Albanians, are very poor. Therefore its up to the leaders to take care of them, not to make life miserable for them. Thats what I was refering to when I said that this matter is certainly observed by the international community, including UN, US, EU and ICJ.

Staff

pre 14 godina

No 12 (Pz, 20 June 2009 17:33)
I will try to answer you Pz. I am from a western country and I have spent many years in Kosovo since the beginning of 2000, so I can say I am pretty much updated and have a wide knowledge of Kosovo and the Balkans. I know, I do not have close friends, but I know many Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo. And belive me, I try really hard to stay impartial, really hard. I have succeeded pretty well until it comes to the recognition of Kosovo as a state. Even if I have heard many opinions and read numerous books, documents etc, I can not get it legally. I know the history and I know what has happened. What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs. But in the end of the day.....No I can not get it together. I am 100% sure that the ICJ, even if its not binding, will say that it was not legal to proclaim independence. And then we are in deep trouble, believe me. Maybe you think it will not matter, but I can tell you, it will matter a lot!
About 5 to 10 more countries will recognise and 5 to 10 will redraw. Then what? There is no doubt at all that Kosovo is to small to function as a state, this is 100% sure amongst diplomats I have spoken to. There are no industry, no "know-how", only a huge amount of people that most probably will not be able to travel without a visa. I know that it is out of the question for the Albanians, but there is no doubt at all that Kosovo would have a better future together with Serbia OR Montenegro, no doubt.
I feel really sad about the poor people in Kosovo, both Albanians and Serbs. What I can say about the Albanians, since they are the majority, is that many of them see the politicians as former heroes. I do not share this at all. I am asking you: If you see one of the politicians in a 1000 Euro suit going in to big jeep, dont you ever wonder where the money comes from? Is not this money meant for the people? All the travelling around, all the fancy dinners etc. Where are the money coming from? I think I know it, but do you know it? Its really sad about the normal people and I have personally helped dozens of people on both sides with money and clothes. I like people and I judge them by their personality, not by where they are coming from.

Olf

pre 14 godina

Staff, there are a lot of poor people everywhere, but they pay their bills. I bet that if you knew that your politicians would take care of your bills you would not pay up, this is human logic in general. I have seen many internationals that are worst than K-Albanian or Serbs when it comes to money.

K-Serbs would be in a worst situation coming winter and there is no simpathy from anyone. Imagine, who would simpathise with people that dont pay their bills.
I propose that bills to be paid from their sympathisers.

CG

pre 14 godina

Prishtina gangsters are running out of money and want the Serbian state to pay them.
Sorry it is not going to happen.

BTW Electricity lines that run into Kosovo come mainly from central Serbia.

Ataman

pre 14 godina

With a little goodwill from the Serbian side this could be solved in no time. Sign that contract and pay your bills!!! Don't play politics!
(Joe, 20 June 2009 19:00)

Joe, please read the article. This is not politics, the contract is imperfect because it does not address some disputed cases. Someone else (KEK) is playing a strong-hand politics and thus playing against Albanian interests with ICJ. Very primitive tactics, I would say, in worst "Balkan-spirit".

Alban

pre 14 godina

You cannot get electricity anywhere without a contact, it's a legal contract saying that you will pay the electricity )or cell phone, or cable, or water) for the month. I give them a week before they sign this, we know the resisted paying the first time as well only to be faced with the reality

Zoran

pre 14 godina

My goodness, I thought this was just about unpaid bills! What happened to the "Just pay your bills" comment? Now it's also about signing contracts. Will they next demand Serbians change their religion and ethnicity?

It was Kosovo journalist Jeta Xharra, an ethnic Albanian, who recently exposed provincial Albanian politicians with unpaid electricity bills amounting to €5000 each! Now instead of turning electricity off to these people they thought it appropriate to threaten her life!

These people have some nerve with their incompetence and it's no wonder the whole province is a complete mess. Bring in another distribution provider with links to Serbia and all will be solved.

Lets see if the temporary administrators are mature enough to do the right thing.

miles

pre 14 godina

And Alban, if i recall correctly, didn't Serbia's Electricity Company offer Kosovo's Electricity Company energy to the Serbian enclaves at a profit to the Kosovo Elericity Company. So alas while the Serbian government has attempted exactly what you suggest, but as we have seen the Kosovo authority refused. Anymore great ideas, ones where your brethern will accept?

Alban

pre 14 godina

Yes Sir I am paying my bills. But I am very rich so its no problem. Those people including the majority of Albanians, are very poor. Therefore its up to the leaders to take care of them, not to make life miserable for them.
---
Really? So why doesn't Serbia take care of them. I just heard Jeremic saying that Kosova is Serbia's southern province. If that's the case and "leaders should give free electricity to everyone," then let Serbia pay for everyone's free electricity

Pz

pre 14 godina

Staff, this issue has been discussed here for too long now, and in my opinion it is not worth losing any time on it. I live in Kosovo, and thus automatically fall within that group you refer to, and yet I pay my bills regularly. There are times I have power cuts, but unfortunately there is not much I can do about it. I don’t know where you come from and how much were you involved in the Balkans, especially Kosovo, but I’m sure you know that current situation of Kosovo (its economic and socio environment) has come as a result of a system (ex regime) which showed no real interest for Kosovo to prosper and develop.
Now, I agree that the leaders should take care of the people, because that’s why they get elected, but for the leaders to be able to help them, they (the leaders) need to have their (people’s) cooperation and trust. If Serbs in Kosovo want to solve their problems, they should cooperate with Government in Prishtina, but as you know they chose to go and address their problems in Belgrade, which in my opinion is pushing them to do so. So, to cut this long story short, if one does not want to cooperate to solve a problem, has no right whatsoever to blame and criticize.
Finally, these lines: “To all Serbs in Kosovo and in in Serbia proper: you have a full hand with cards. You see, the ICJ and every country follows this and believe me, this is not positive for the Albanian tactics in Kosovo. The world is watching and take notes. You will see.” make me think that you don’t really care about the majority of Albanians in Kosovo, who as you say, are very poor, but yet pay they utilities.

Milan

pre 14 godina

"The Working Group of the Serbian government is actively engaged in finding the solution to the problem of electricity supply to Serb areas in Kosovo, and it insists on introducing a new electricity distributor in Kosovo,"

Government of Serbia must invest in serb enclaves in Kosovo. Serbs must establish their own small power plants - eg. water or wind turbines.

A. Primirudu

pre 14 godina

This is just one of the many evil ways the petty little souls will get even when they are ignored and are not invited to play with the big boys. I guess anythig is better for the Serbs in Kosovo than hearing that their loved ones organs have been harvested or that their grandmother has been beaten to death like a stray dog. I remember reading Ceku's statement less than a year ago about having to do something fast in order to swing the world opinion on the organ harvesting issue, and I must say that these people are not very bright if they thought that anyone except the Albanians were going to buy into that staged "Serbian spies" bribe story.

szemi

pre 14 godina

Joe,

If a member of Lakatos clan (maffia involved in car theft in Hungary)steals my car in Budapest should I pay for his gasoline consumption too?

timotimekvej

pre 14 godina

Why Albanians were not paying their bills before 1999 year? Why they were boycotting their Serbian country? Those Albanian commentators who ask from Serbs to pay bills are same those who were not paying their bills when Milosevic was in power. And to pay to whome? To tachi?

Agron

pre 14 godina

"There is no doubt at all that Kosovo is to small to function as a state, this is 100% sure amongst diplomats I have spoken to. There are no industry, no "know-how", only a huge amount of people that most probably will not be able to travel without a visa. I know that it is out of the question for the Albanians, but there is no doubt at all that Kosovo would have a better future together with Serbia OR Montenegro, no doubt."



You say Kosova is too small and say it has a better future with Serbia or MONTENEGRO. Really? So Kosovo is to small but Montenegro which has less than 1/3 the population of Kosova isn't?
Kosova has the resources to be prosperous when it's eventually reunified with Albania.

Laidon

pre 14 godina

I don`t see the point of arguing about this. It is so simple, everyone who does not pay electricity it is normal to cut it. The same standards are for Albanians, Bosniacs, Serbs, Romas etc. But this is has gain political colors like everything that is politized from Serbian government. Just pay the bills and you will have your electricity back. Simple mathematics isn`t it ?

Peggy

pre 14 godina

Really? So why doesn't Serbia take care of them. I just heard Jeremic saying that Kosova is Serbia's southern province. If that's the case and "leaders should give free electricity to everyone," then let Serbia pay for everyone's free electricity
(Alban, 20 June 2009 16:28)

Alban, Serbia has tried to take care of the bills by offering KEK electricity and more of it than the Serbs used but they were refused. Why? They would actually get more than they asked for so it doesn't make sense to refuse except that they are trying to score political points.

SHUBI

pre 14 godina

I hope that this comment would also be readed from ICJ, and the whole democratic people(interested).
Kosovar Serbs, from 1999, have been receiving, money from: UNMIK, KOSOVO GOVERNMENT and SERBIAN GOVERNMENT, and besides that, they are still acting "ORPHAN INOCENT CHILD" by using any chance to complain about everything in this world.
Every kilowat spent will be paid, you like it or not.
Who really cares.

Pz

pre 14 godina

# 21, Staff: “Even if I have heard many opinions and read numerous books, documents etc, I can not get it legally.”
First, in order to establish a view on whatever issue, it really matters what kind of opinions one hears, (from whom), what books one reads, (written by whom) and of course what documentaries (produced by whom)?
You say you come from a western country and spent many years since 2000, while I was born here and spent most of my life here, and believe me hearing opinions, reading books or documentaries is nothing compared to experiencing it yourself. Maybe, that is why you can not get it legally.
“I know the history and I know what has happened. What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs.”
Again, you have learned about the recent (modern) history in Kosovo by having read books or hearing opinions, while I (people living in Kosovo) have experienced it. This history is not that simple as you portray it, and in no way one can describe it as “What some Serbs have done against Albanians and what some Albanians have done against the Serbs”. I hope you get what I mean by it.
“But in the end of the day.....No I can not get it together. I am 100% sure that the ICJ, even if its not binding, will say that it was not legal to proclaim independence. And then we are in deep trouble, believe me. Maybe you think it will not matter, but I can tell you, it will matter a lot!”
When we are at the ICJ, I really don’t know what to say. I can not be 100% on whose favors it will rule, but what I’m sure is that Kosovo is trying really hard to create equal living conditions to all its citizens, Alb., Ser., Bos., Roma, etc. I understand that Serbs in Kosovo feel somehow being vulnerable, but if they really want to live in Kosovo, get jobs and all other public services they should turn towards Prishtina, not Belgrade.
And finally, if I may ask, how are you 100% that the ICJ will rule against Kosovo’s independence?

Why Discriminate?

pre 14 godina

Alban, Serbia has tried to take care of the bills by offering KEK electricity and more of it than the Serbs used but they were refused. Why? They would actually get more than they asked for so it doesn't make sense to refuse except that they are trying to score political points.
--
Why pay only for the Serbs? Aren't the K-Albanians in Kosova Serbian citizens? Have Serbia give enough electricity for EVERYONE, then we'll talk.