"EULEX deal whether Priština likes it or not"

"As a Briton, as a friend of Kosovo, I truly don’t believe that this document constitutes anything bad for Kosovo,” Sparks told Priština media."

- same type of "Briton" that flaunts international laws and UN SC resolution 1244 - is such a "Briton"s word worth counting upon when ICJ verdict is heard?

Of course Sediju and Thaci need something said to keep the facade of independence but words mean nothing with an international law suit taking place to determine the illegality of unilateral declarations and this "Briton" knows it!

Apparently "Briton" and US gave the likes of Sediju and Thaci assurances of 100 recognitions within weeks of illlegal unilateral declaration - Serbia's ethnic Albanians in its southern promise can continue to be-LIE-ve in what their puppet masters suggest as they know they have no other choice but to do so.

All that a "Briton" like Sparks is concerned with is the containment of Serbia's Albanians in the southern portion of its UN recognised province - Sparks knows only too well that the Serbian case is worded to the point where severe consequences would come about throughout the world if the declaration was not shown to be illegal and that is why the same "Briton" also so so-called "Friends" to Serbia tried to stop the case.

Oh what a tangled web we weave....

“British Ambassador to Kosovo Andrew Sparks says the agreement between EULEX and the Serbian Interior Ministry is not detrimental to Kosovo.”
“Sparks suggested that the protocol should be signed between EULEX and Serbia, as such an agreement could not be reached between Belgrade and Priština since Serbia did not recognize Kosovo as a state. At the same time, the protocol would allow EULEX to suppress organized crime and other forms of crime, particularly in the north of the province.”
What province? If you are referring to Kosovo then, how come there are Embassies and Ambassadors accredited there?
I understand why Kosovo officials continue opposing the signing of the protocol, though at the end of the day they can not block its signing for ever, but I’m sure they can fish out something out of all this. To my opinion, Kosovo authorities should pursue some policy of “we agree under these conditions”, otherwise you can sign it but Kosovo will not cooperate.
That this protocol is beneficial to Kosovo is true, but it most goes in the Serbia’s favors. First of all it would be good for Kosovo because Eulex can have a better control of the north, fighting organized crime, smuggling and other forms of crime, and second the protocol (or call it as you want) will clarify better the state borders between Kosovo and Serbia. On the other hand Serbia needs it badly in order to get the EU visa free regime, and that’s why they are playing with their declarations that Prishtina is not interested in fighting crime and things like that, only to push Kosovo leaders to accept it.
It would have been much better, for the all of us in the Balkans and the EU itself, if this protocol were to be signed between Kosovo and Serbia, as two equal entities, (with EULEX as a warrantor) but unfortunately Serbia is neither ready nor (what is even worse) willing to change its policies and accept the reality in the ground.

Well, if Holland wants a deal with neighbour Germany there is no EULEX to sign for us?

For Kosovo there is! Ergo: Kosovo is not a state! But a province.

Hope Albanians won't wake up too rude from the independence dream.

Disclaimer: if both sides agree that Kosovo can become independent I am the first to cheer for this new state!

"Pieter Feith and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell are in permanent contact in order to find a solution that would be acceptable to Prishtina."

And others ask why we are still pro-American? Well we can start with they being in our side since '99.

Way to go EULEX, negotiate behind Prishtina's back. If you didn't need us, why isn't this signed yet?

Hang tough KS, EULEX can't do jack and EU will not cut the aid as a KS failure is their failure.

- same type of "Briton" that flaunts international laws and UN SC resolution 1244 - is such a "Briton"s word worth counting upon when ICJ verdict is heard?
--

I'll say this again: If the "UDI" was illegal, why didn't UNMIK annul it? They had the right to, and did so in the past.
If it was illegal, why didn't the UN SC pass a resolution condemning the "illegal independence" ?


Read 1244 and there you have the answer. It was TEMPORARY and a solution was to also include : "taking full account of annex 2 and of the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);" (means will of the people among other things)

The Court: "Territorial is very important, human rights are very important." Next case please.

Thank Slobodan and his many supporters for his failed strategy. The Court has an advisory opinion, not even Serbia will obey unless it suits them!

It's funny how Pristina changes its story over this nearly every day.

First we hear about a series of agreements between Belgrade and EULEX that circumvent Pristina entirely. I don't know how you slice it, but that's a clear sign of "sovereignty" being disregarded as far as Kosovo is concerned.

Then we hear comments coming from Albanians, both here and in the media that EULEX can't do anything, or in aRTA's elloquent language "jack", without Pristina. We are then reminded on a daily basis that EULEX doesn't really care what Pristina thinks, nor does the EU feel the need to operate through Pristina. So again, I'm not exactly sure where Albanians get this idea that EULEX operates through them, and not the other way around.

Lastly, we begin to hear statements from Western officials how this is all in Kosovo's favor and that this doesn't have anything to do with violating any perceived sovereignty that, in their eyes, is self-evident and non-negoatiable. But where in the world is there sovereignty when an international organization runs ramshod over the national policies of a state, and then compounds the p*nage by telling the people they circumvented that "it's for their own good"?

So either Pristina is irrelevant in terms of overall Kosovo security, or simply incompetant. Either way, it's a major blow to those who think Kosovo is a "functioning state" and deepens the rest of Serbia's hold on at least the north. I really wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing agreements with EULEX over other "technical" issues, such as education, electricity, commerce, and infrastructure.

Perhaps someone should remind Mr. Sparks that Kosova officials can not even represent Kosova in the annual meeting of regional government ministries of agriculture to consider new measures for increasing the productivity of agricultural land, without having Serb officials leave the meeting in protest arguing that Kosovo cucumbers are against 1244 and agaisnt international law. This was a joke btw, but anyone familiar enough with the political situation in Kosovo knows that things like this happen sometimes.

Seriously now, the Serbian government has taken a clear positions that:

"anything good for Kosovo is bad for Serbia"

By objecting to the EULEX-MUP protocol we are simply returning the favor.

We know the protocol will not harm Kosova that much. Just how ignorant do these EU people think we are!!! We have dealt with far worse things than the protocol since 1999.

We just want to sell our cucumbers without the UN, EU and Serbia having to prepare a 100 page brief about the legality of such sale under 1244.

"There’s been a lot of noise and speculation about the signing of this document, because, supposedly, EULEX will trample over Kosovo’s sovereignty. As a Briton, as a friend of Kosovo, I truly don’t believe that this document constitutes anything bad for Kosovo,”

Albanians, listen to this man. He is your friend.

Therefore, the three aspects that EULEX covers—customs, police and justice—must be covered with some form of technical agreement,” he explained.

These three aspects that EULEX is trying to control- customs, police, and the justice system- this may sound beneficial progress- but beneficial really to whom??? Serbia- you would unknowingly (or for some in government, even knowingly) be giving up your right of sovereignty to Kosovo because of this "trojan horse" scheme by the powerful EU nations. Serbs need to be smarter than our enemies- procrastination and time is on our side.

I do not worry - if there is need, EU bureaucrats can deliver kosher (or halal) pigs.
Even crayfish can be turned to a fish. На безрыбие и рак рыба.

Kosertés 4Quetzal!!!

"Kosovo won’t suffer from this protocol because it’s a technical arrangement that will enable better cooperation with the authorities in Serbia regarding borders”

I can't help replying to Mr Sparks with Mr Dacic's words, that the issue is a: “political, not police matter” and that "it should be considered over the next year."

Mike,

I am asking you as "an expert" on Kosova-Serbia relations should Kosova sign the protocol or not? I know you have got the answer ready for both options of course by putting the blame on Albanians. There is no surprise in there. One thing I would like to make it clear to you and the others that for Kosova decide only Kosova's institutions. The time where Albanians were bilittled by Serbia and others has gone once and for all. Should or will Kosova work together with EULEX and other organisation? The answer is YES because overwhelming majority of EU countries support Kosova's independence. How they will work together we will see but no one can force Kosova's institutions. EULEX might sign the protocol with Kosova without Kosova consent BUT would be not obliged to comply with something that it HASN'T AGREE and still CONTINUE cooperate with EULEX. I hope you will follow the logic. Sometime we havea to agree to disagree.

"As a Briton, as a friend of Kosovo, I truly don’t believe that this document constitutes anything bad for Kosovo,” Sparks told Priština media."

Please Mr Sparks discontinue using the term Briton in this fashion. It seems to try and suggest that anyone who is a Briton agrees with your point of view. That simply is not the case. When did you or any other member of the UK Government ever ask for the opinions of any Britons regarding your policy on Serbia's sovereign land? When did you ever consult a single Briton on how you were to break the rules regarding UN 1244? If you ever held a referendum of the British people about their views on the subject, then and only then might you feel justified in collectively quoting the feelings of Britons. Until that time might I suggest you use the phrase "As a politician with no mandate from the British people"

Completely more appropriate and more honest I feel. Thank you.

EA,

I see your point. But sorry, EA, 1244 is still valid. And that means that Kosovo is a UN governed Serbian province.

So unless you change 1244 that means that UN is in control in Kosovo. EULEX is doing the practical work.

What does this mean? Well, that EULEX is indeed making decisions for Kosovo. But EA, they NEED to do that, as they are ruling Kosovo.

Don't blame EULEX for doing what they should do!

I wonder who are these Kosovo institutions that our albanian "friends" are referring to...Do they exist at all? The wishful thinking on behalf of K-albanians is continuing..

Kosovo won’t suffer from this protocol

well,indeed kosovo is already suffering from it dear sir!
As for brittain friendship;well albanians have some bad memories..Do you remember abaz kupi,your friend too ,how you let him down,not even allowing his british friend to rescue him?
Don't remind us what we want to forget,otherwise things will only get worsefor all.
When friendship is used for betrayal,there is no more frienship!

Sparks doesn't speak for me, and I doubt he speaks for anyone other than a handful of our most ignorant citizens. The majority of Britons knows exactly where justice lies on the Kosovo issue.

The presence of EULEX in Kosovo is evidence that Albanians in Kosovo are incapable of building civil and civic institutions that would equally apply to all citizens. They never respected such laws when Kosovo was controlled by Serbia, and they never plan to respect them now.

"I see your point. But sorry, EA, 1244 is still valid. And that means that Kosovo is a UN governed Serbian province."

Ron,

I am afraid you can't see my point and I tell you why. Because you are wearing Serbian political glasses.

Enlighten us! Why do we have a Kosova government, a Kosova President and a Kosova parliament? Tell us what rights is Serbia exercising over Kosova? Has Serbia any control over police, judicial system, KPF or any other in Kosova? Enlight us Ron as an "expert" of international relation? One more think I promise you something when we talk about Kurdistan, Tibet, Taiwan I will be here for you)))) Greetings from UK a real country))

"Pieter Feith and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell are in permanent contact in order to find a solution that would be acceptable to Prishtina."

And others ask why we are still pro-American? Well we can start with they being in our side since '99.

Way to go EULEX, negotiate behind Prishtina's back. If you didn't need us, why isn't this signed yet?

Hang tough KS, EULEX can't do jack and EU will not cut the aid as a KS failure is their failure.

"As a Briton, as a friend of Kosovo, I truly don’t believe that this document constitutes anything bad for Kosovo,” Sparks told Priština media."

- same type of "Briton" that flaunts international laws and UN SC resolution 1244 - is such a "Briton"s word worth counting upon when ICJ verdict is heard?

Of course Sediju and Thaci need something said to keep the facade of independence but words mean nothing with an international law suit taking place to determine the illegality of unilateral declarations and this "Briton" knows it!

Apparently "Briton" and US gave the likes of Sediju and Thaci assurances of 100 recognitions within weeks of illlegal unilateral declaration - Serbia's ethnic Albanians in its southern promise can continue to be-LIE-ve in what their puppet masters suggest as they know they have no other choice but to do so.

All that a "Briton" like Sparks is concerned with is the containment of Serbia's Albanians in the southern portion of its UN recognised province - Sparks knows only too well that the Serbian case is worded to the point where severe consequences would come about throughout the world if the declaration was not shown to be illegal and that is why the same "Briton" also so so-called "Friends" to Serbia tried to stop the case.

Oh what a tangled web we weave....

“British Ambassador to Kosovo Andrew Sparks says the agreement between EULEX and the Serbian Interior Ministry is not detrimental to Kosovo.”
“Sparks suggested that the protocol should be signed between EULEX and Serbia, as such an agreement could not be reached between Belgrade and Priština since Serbia did not recognize Kosovo as a state. At the same time, the protocol would allow EULEX to suppress organized crime and other forms of crime, particularly in the north of the province.”
What province? If you are referring to Kosovo then, how come there are Embassies and Ambassadors accredited there?
I understand why Kosovo officials continue opposing the signing of the protocol, though at the end of the day they can not block its signing for ever, but I’m sure they can fish out something out of all this. To my opinion, Kosovo authorities should pursue some policy of “we agree under these conditions”, otherwise you can sign it but Kosovo will not cooperate.
That this protocol is beneficial to Kosovo is true, but it most goes in the Serbia’s favors. First of all it would be good for Kosovo because Eulex can have a better control of the north, fighting organized crime, smuggling and other forms of crime, and second the protocol (or call it as you want) will clarify better the state borders between Kosovo and Serbia. On the other hand Serbia needs it badly in order to get the EU visa free regime, and that’s why they are playing with their declarations that Prishtina is not interested in fighting crime and things like that, only to push Kosovo leaders to accept it.
It would have been much better, for the all of us in the Balkans and the EU itself, if this protocol were to be signed between Kosovo and Serbia, as two equal entities, (with EULEX as a warrantor) but unfortunately Serbia is neither ready nor (what is even worse) willing to change its policies and accept the reality in the ground.

Well, if Holland wants a deal with neighbour Germany there is no EULEX to sign for us?

For Kosovo there is! Ergo: Kosovo is not a state! But a province.

Hope Albanians won't wake up too rude from the independence dream.

Disclaimer: if both sides agree that Kosovo can become independent I am the first to cheer for this new state!

I do not worry - if there is need, EU bureaucrats can deliver kosher (or halal) pigs.
Even crayfish can be turned to a fish. На безрыбие и рак рыба.

Kosertés 4Quetzal!!!

- same type of "Briton" that flaunts international laws and UN SC resolution 1244 - is such a "Briton"s word worth counting upon when ICJ verdict is heard?
--

I'll say this again: If the "UDI" was illegal, why didn't UNMIK annul it? They had the right to, and did so in the past.
If it was illegal, why didn't the UN SC pass a resolution condemning the "illegal independence" ?


Read 1244 and there you have the answer. It was TEMPORARY and a solution was to also include : "taking full account of annex 2 and of the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);" (means will of the people among other things)

The Court: "Territorial is very important, human rights are very important." Next case please.

Thank Slobodan and his many supporters for his failed strategy. The Court has an advisory opinion, not even Serbia will obey unless it suits them!

Mike,

I am asking you as "an expert" on Kosova-Serbia relations should Kosova sign the protocol or not? I know you have got the answer ready for both options of course by putting the blame on Albanians. There is no surprise in there. One thing I would like to make it clear to you and the others that for Kosova decide only Kosova's institutions. The time where Albanians were bilittled by Serbia and others has gone once and for all. Should or will Kosova work together with EULEX and other organisation? The answer is YES because overwhelming majority of EU countries support Kosova's independence. How they will work together we will see but no one can force Kosova's institutions. EULEX might sign the protocol with Kosova without Kosova consent BUT would be not obliged to comply with something that it HASN'T AGREE and still CONTINUE cooperate with EULEX. I hope you will follow the logic. Sometime we havea to agree to disagree.

"Kosovo won’t suffer from this protocol because it’s a technical arrangement that will enable better cooperation with the authorities in Serbia regarding borders”

I can't help replying to Mr Sparks with Mr Dacic's words, that the issue is a: “political, not police matter” and that "it should be considered over the next year."

It's funny how Pristina changes its story over this nearly every day.

First we hear about a series of agreements between Belgrade and EULEX that circumvent Pristina entirely. I don't know how you slice it, but that's a clear sign of "sovereignty" being disregarded as far as Kosovo is concerned.

Then we hear comments coming from Albanians, both here and in the media that EULEX can't do anything, or in aRTA's elloquent language "jack", without Pristina. We are then reminded on a daily basis that EULEX doesn't really care what Pristina thinks, nor does the EU feel the need to operate through Pristina. So again, I'm not exactly sure where Albanians get this idea that EULEX operates through them, and not the other way around.

Lastly, we begin to hear statements from Western officials how this is all in Kosovo's favor and that this doesn't have anything to do with violating any perceived sovereignty that, in their eyes, is self-evident and non-negoatiable. But where in the world is there sovereignty when an international organization runs ramshod over the national policies of a state, and then compounds the p*nage by telling the people they circumvented that "it's for their own good"?

So either Pristina is irrelevant in terms of overall Kosovo security, or simply incompetant. Either way, it's a major blow to those who think Kosovo is a "functioning state" and deepens the rest of Serbia's hold on at least the north. I really wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing agreements with EULEX over other "technical" issues, such as education, electricity, commerce, and infrastructure.

Perhaps someone should remind Mr. Sparks that Kosova officials can not even represent Kosova in the annual meeting of regional government ministries of agriculture to consider new measures for increasing the productivity of agricultural land, without having Serb officials leave the meeting in protest arguing that Kosovo cucumbers are against 1244 and agaisnt international law. This was a joke btw, but anyone familiar enough with the political situation in Kosovo knows that things like this happen sometimes.

Seriously now, the Serbian government has taken a clear positions that:

"anything good for Kosovo is bad for Serbia"

By objecting to the EULEX-MUP protocol we are simply returning the favor.

We know the protocol will not harm Kosova that much. Just how ignorant do these EU people think we are!!! We have dealt with far worse things than the protocol since 1999.

We just want to sell our cucumbers without the UN, EU and Serbia having to prepare a 100 page brief about the legality of such sale under 1244.

Therefore, the three aspects that EULEX covers—customs, police and justice—must be covered with some form of technical agreement,” he explained.

These three aspects that EULEX is trying to control- customs, police, and the justice system- this may sound beneficial progress- but beneficial really to whom??? Serbia- you would unknowingly (or for some in government, even knowingly) be giving up your right of sovereignty to Kosovo because of this "trojan horse" scheme by the powerful EU nations. Serbs need to be smarter than our enemies- procrastination and time is on our side.

"There’s been a lot of noise and speculation about the signing of this document, because, supposedly, EULEX will trample over Kosovo’s sovereignty. As a Briton, as a friend of Kosovo, I truly don’t believe that this document constitutes anything bad for Kosovo,”

Albanians, listen to this man. He is your friend.

I wonder who are these Kosovo institutions that our albanian "friends" are referring to...Do they exist at all? The wishful thinking on behalf of K-albanians is continuing..

"As a Briton, as a friend of Kosovo, I truly don’t believe that this document constitutes anything bad for Kosovo,” Sparks told Priština media."

Please Mr Sparks discontinue using the term Briton in this fashion. It seems to try and suggest that anyone who is a Briton agrees with your point of view. That simply is not the case. When did you or any other member of the UK Government ever ask for the opinions of any Britons regarding your policy on Serbia's sovereign land? When did you ever consult a single Briton on how you were to break the rules regarding UN 1244? If you ever held a referendum of the British people about their views on the subject, then and only then might you feel justified in collectively quoting the feelings of Britons. Until that time might I suggest you use the phrase "As a politician with no mandate from the British people"

Completely more appropriate and more honest I feel. Thank you.

Kosovo won’t suffer from this protocol

well,indeed kosovo is already suffering from it dear sir!
As for brittain friendship;well albanians have some bad memories..Do you remember abaz kupi,your friend too ,how you let him down,not even allowing his british friend to rescue him?
Don't remind us what we want to forget,otherwise things will only get worsefor all.
When friendship is used for betrayal,there is no more frienship!

EA,

I see your point. But sorry, EA, 1244 is still valid. And that means that Kosovo is a UN governed Serbian province.

So unless you change 1244 that means that UN is in control in Kosovo. EULEX is doing the practical work.

What does this mean? Well, that EULEX is indeed making decisions for Kosovo. But EA, they NEED to do that, as they are ruling Kosovo.

Don't blame EULEX for doing what they should do!

Sparks doesn't speak for me, and I doubt he speaks for anyone other than a handful of our most ignorant citizens. The majority of Britons knows exactly where justice lies on the Kosovo issue.

The presence of EULEX in Kosovo is evidence that Albanians in Kosovo are incapable of building civil and civic institutions that would equally apply to all citizens. They never respected such laws when Kosovo was controlled by Serbia, and they never plan to respect them now.

"I see your point. But sorry, EA, 1244 is still valid. And that means that Kosovo is a UN governed Serbian province."

Ron,

I am afraid you can't see my point and I tell you why. Because you are wearing Serbian political glasses.

Enlighten us! Why do we have a Kosova government, a Kosova President and a Kosova parliament? Tell us what rights is Serbia exercising over Kosova? Has Serbia any control over police, judicial system, KPF or any other in Kosova? Enlight us Ron as an "expert" of international relation? One more think I promise you something when we talk about Kurdistan, Tibet, Taiwan I will be here for you)))) Greetings from UK a real country))