Wednesday, 16.09.2009.
09:17
Pieter Feith says that three new Kosovo municipalities and one expanded one will be constituted straight after the local elections on November 15.
Izvor: Beta
IMAGE SOURCE
pre 14 godina
what's this whining all about ?
1)There will be no more parallel structures.
2) Serbs are integrating into the Republic of Kosovo Institutions.
3)Partition idea is not going to sell....
4) Kosovo is not Bosnia.
5) Serbia lost control of its Serbs.
6) Defunct Ministry of KiM.
pre 14 godina
Mike,
Basically, I agree on the need for more political responsibility and more facilities for S-Kosovars. But I just don't think that there are enough Serbians in Kosovo to form an independent, self-sustaining society, and that Serbia proper, especially Belgrade, is going to exert a powerful attraction on the young people, and especially the most ambitious. I doubt that Ahtisaari had in mind what we learned in basic army tactics - always leave your enemy a way to retreat, but still, this seems to be what helping the Serbs to maintain their language and connections to Serbia amounts to.
pre 14 godina
Ben wrote this,
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
Yes Ben, we all know how you get things done and how you managed to provoke Serbia into acting with this end result. Do you think that it will work twice?
So here you are, publically admitting that you were the reason for what happened in Kosovo because of your provocation and the whole time you are blaming Serbia for all the troubles.
NATO will not let you provoke again. They have achieved what they want and they will not allow any more wars in order to satisfy your lust for eradicating all the Serbs from Kosovo.
It's really pathetic how you guys just take it for granted that NATO is your personal airforce. Very, very arrogant of you to say that.
pre 14 godina
Amer,
Well let's take this argument of yours one step further. We both agree that aside from the rhetoric of Kosovo being Serbia's heartland, there needs to be something sustainable for Serbs to want to stay there (or, dare I hypothesize RETURN to??). Otherwise, Kosovo will be little more than an open-air ethnographic museum for them.
So what do we need? Particularly in Gracanica, we need simple things like shops, theaters, schools of higher learning, and some form of industry. Without these, you're right. Serbs will hop on the first bus out if given the slightest chance of bettering their lives.
But here's where you and I may differ. I see the creation of these municipalities as a way for K-Serbs to exercise more legitimate forms of self-determination outside the network of Pristina. And whether we want to say it will be in tandem with Belgrade, or (dare I once again hypothesize) on their own, it at least provides a setting where collective responsibility is theirs and theirs alone. Whether they develop parallel structures really isn't the issue. Unless something catastrophic happens, even Feith knows they will function separately from Pristina (and this may be a good thing for Albanians in the long run too). Obviously the first step in preserving a particular demographic and halting further decline is to provide some form of political and economic self-responsibility. And whether we want to argue this is all part of the Ahtisaari Plan or part of EULEX quietly supporting a "functional separation", it minimizes the potential of blaming one's collective malaise on someone else's political mismanagement.
pre 14 godina
Mike -
"Feith may very well think this will integrate Serbs into Kosovo's institutions, but in actuality, it may very well deepen the parallel structures."
That's exactly what I had in mind with the Indian reservation remark - and just look how well they did with territories that are independent on a state level but still under federal law. Education in Serbian is hardly going to prepare young people in the enclaves for anything except going to Belgrade for further study, and then what are the chances of their moving back? This plan makes it easier on the older people - they can pretend to still be living in Serbia - but it's an invitation to leave for the best and the brightest of the upcoming generations.
pre 14 godina
Ron, apparently your leaders in your country decide how to appropriately spend your tax dollars and together with most of the wealthiest nations in the world we can make a difference in Kosovo. Thanks for your contribution.
pre 14 godina
serbian can create municipalities in kosovo,where they are majority.Nothing wrong here as long as this is for the citizen and not for undermining kosovo state with serbian hate and propaganda.
pre 14 godina
I prefer to be out of UN but a states as Taiwan rather than member of UN as Bosnia.
(ben, 16 September 2009 11:13)
Well, at this moment Kosovo is just a Serbian province ruled by UN. So forget about EU and UN!
Mutual agreed deal! The only solution!
pre 14 godina
Couple of questions that people seem to forget -
Kosovo today -
*has no currency to call their own
*has no valid passport
*is the poorest "country" in the world
So, the question should be - Why is the current government wasting money for all this paperwork when WE ALL KNOW that the master plan all along was to create the greater albania?
Help me understand this monstrosity.....CCCC
pre 14 godina
I've never seen so many Serbian supporters so happy with implementation of the Ahtissari Plan!
pre 14 godina
Ben,
Your 3 points made me giggle...
Who created "Kosova"? Who created your constitution? You need to realize "Kosova" sold themselves off to the "godfather"! If it wasn't for the USA you would have about 30,000 Albanians living in Kosovo. How soon you forget who got you independence. The people will rise against what and whom? If you want to have a "country" you have to play by the rules! If not then you can lose it in a second. Knowing Albanians, I think you guys will screw this up and lose your "kosova". America switched sides in the past. Just ask Saddam and Bin Laden. Once strong "friends" of the USA, now.... well no comment there. Disobey and you will pay.
Serbs will get Kosovo back as the Albanians will start a war in the North. I truly believe the US will be on the Serbs side this time and the Albanians will regret disobeying the "godfather".
pre 14 godina
Zoran, I've seen a lot of your posts and act you like a diplomat. So let me act like one too. What did Serbia offer to Albanians that they didn't have in their previous autonomy within SFRY? you as a "diplomat" know what it was. Actually it was offered less than before. Now if you take something from me then in order to give it back, also give me more for reparations. At least make them par with the Serbian people. Only autonomy without foreign representation or defense makes the condition and authority on the ground for Albanians very weak. Serbs would have all aces in their hand. In my opinion the Serbian delegation should've offered more to entice the other pair straight up and now drag the negotiations for that long. Not being sincere at the start hurt.
pre 14 godina
" With an average age of 50, the Serbian population in Kosovo is not going to be growing, and the facts on the ground will eventually have to be taken into account.
(Amer)
-- Hmm, interesting point Amer, and at the same time empirical. Yes, you're right that there is a potential for a major reduction in Serb demographics in Kosovo over the next few decades simply due to age and the opportunity to pursue a better life in the rest of Serbia, or elsewhere.
This is an issue I noticed when in Gracanica. Right now, there's a sizeable youth population, and there's opportunity to really invest in the region to make it both livable and sustainable. But if given the opportunity to leave, would they? It boils down to political and economic sustainability. If there's something worth sticking around for in Kosovo, they'll stay. If there's nothing outside of Pristina or Kosovska Mitrovica, they won't. My guess is that this is the reason for the creation of more Serbian municipalities as an incentive to stay. Feith may very well think this will integrate Serbs into Kosovo's institutions, but in actuality, it may very well deepen the parallel structures. Ultimately what is more important: some token semblance of multiculturalism in Kosovo, or a unified political entity? The two are looking increasingly exclusive.
pre 14 godina
According to the International Civilian Representative's (ICR) press bureau, Feith said that preparations were complete in the new municipalities of Gračanica, Klokot-Vrbovac, Ranilug, as well as in the expanded municipality of Novo Brdo, of which Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu had been informed.
"have been informed" this is the all point, not part of the decision, simply being informed.
I really do not understand why the k-a posters are getting so nuts...., if I remember well:
1)At the UN only one number exists: 1244
2)Attisari medals collectors's plan was rejected
3) kosovo has a supervised independance
4)Eulex has its own extended rights and decision making process (maybe it was written in small letter in the "constitution")
5) Eulex has the right to sign agreements with neighbouring countries
6) kosovo's govnt is only on the paper
6)... the list is too long
So, either you are to naive to understand that dealing with the US is a free ride or simply you have been fooled all the way down!
Either of the way has not and will not change the reality on the ground.
If you want to achieve something you have to work for it and stop blaming the all world for your misery.
I remind you that not long ago you were praising your muppet show govnt and today you are telling them to go.
So, to summarize you want everybody out that doesn't fit into your wish list, great, and what then??.. Yep let's follow ben's advice to provoke the serbs and finish the job... what a poor mentality!!!
pre 14 godina
Just as European nations begin to realize the problems that "multiculturalism" can lead to in their own countries, they decide to impose it on Kosovo? This plan sounds too much like our Indian reservations to be comfortable for an American.
But nothing in a constitution cannot be amended at some point in the future. With an average age of 50, the Serbian population in Kosovo is not going to be growing, and the facts on the ground will eventually have to be taken into account.
pre 14 godina
in 1996 the first military actions of KLA started.
IN 1997 MIlosevic said that it will take 2 weeks to get rid of KLA.
It arrived 1998
than 1999 and KLA was still there.
If Serbia was not able to deal with villager smugling weapons with donkeys for 4 years
today I am quite confortable that the stake they will eat it somewehre else- and perheps will have probelems with digestion.
pre 14 godina
Ben, you're sounding way to pessimistic. EULEX is not working against you, they know what they are doing. Only a couple of months are left until ICJ rave party. EULEX therefore needs to do everything possible to (appear to) demonstrate their determination to offer the K-Serbs a more than fair treatment. Things to remember: Independence is irreversible, negotiations over the Status are over. Let EULEX sort out the rest.
pre 14 godina
What Serbs and Albanians and all others need to realize is that MR. Feith is not the one making these "changes". Belgrade and Pristina ARE negotiating the Kosovo status secretly. Feith is just acknowledging what the two sides are agreeing upon. Why would Peter all of a sudden create 3 municipalities that favours Serbs out of the blue? Why would Serbia recognize a "custom border"? Serbia is hoping that Gracinica will eventually connect to North Kosovo and create an autonomous region in Kosovo ala the RS. Serbia would possibly gain land in Kosovo, but would lose their soveriengty over Kosovo. Hoping that one day the newly created autonomous region in Kosovo will seek independence and unite with Serbia. A risky gamble! With Thaci and Tadic supposedly out of the picture the people can not blame nobody , but the EU. Who is going to go to a war with the EU? I sure don't think Serbs or Albanians want to do that. Peter has no problem being the bad guy on either side.
ben,
Kosovo is not like Bosnia? Who created the Serb enclaves? It sure wasn't ethnic cleansing? Why is there only about 4 Serbs living in Pristina? Did they all decide to move to Gracanica?
I do appreciate your honesty towards your gov't. That is what true democracy is all about!
pre 14 godina
Ben,
I don't know where you live, but obviously not in KosovO. If you do, please talk to your daddy or someone older first and re-phrase your comment.
1. Nobody kicked out UNMIK, they are still in KosovO. Pristina would be small boy to kick out UN in the first place, secondly Kosovo wants to be a member state. Right?
2. KPS is unable to re- establish law and order even with UNMIK and EULEX, especially because Pristina blocks the Protocol with Serbia which is the first step.
3. You want to provoke Serbia? If NATO was not here, be sure, no need for provoking, starting at 8 AM, Serbs would eat Karagjorge steak (aka: Skenderbeg steak) in Pristina for lunch.
Pristina chose sides. No way going back now. If you insult your allies, you can be left alone and learn respect and gratitude the hard way.
they would be in Pristina Should they leave,
pre 14 godina
"It's the new province of Feith! Or should I say 'Feitha'. So I guess the new language is Dutch? Or perhaps 'Deutsche'?"
-No it´s Jiddish actually....
pre 14 godina
Don't know if I am allowed to post links here. But:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLG478629
EULEX cars attacked in Kosovo.
Why? Why attack EULEX? Because EULEX is doing what it should do: govern Kosovo!
Check 1244. Check the EU-UN deal.
The Albanians have a strange way to thank the people they saved them in 1999....
Well, an actually I (and others from the West) are paying for EULEX. And for every burnt car.
Have others things I like to be done with my tax money!
pre 14 godina
Well, this is at least a positive development for Serbs in Kosovo. I bet that the albanians hate this, but it was a condition that atasari put up. Now here is the big question that remains... if they are talking about minority rights, then how on earth is it that they are doing the exact opposite with the bosniak gorani community in the southern most part of Kosovo?! They on purpose merged that municipity of Gora with albanian territory so that the municipality will on purpose not have a bosniak gorani majority. This was proof of the most wicked kind of minority persecution.
pre 14 godina
"1. kick out EULEX just as UNMIK
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
3. unify with Albania together with the western + northern Macedonia "
Ben,
I hope the rules of Kosovo (UNMIK, KFOR and EULEX) are reading this forum. And that they are aware of people like you who want an other war.
Enough blood was spilled already!
Learn to live together! In one state. And that happens to be Serbia. Hey, for Germans in Belgium it is Belgium.
Let me respond to your points:
(1) UNMIK is still in control of Kosovo. So what do you mean? By the way: you really think the UN and EU will allow UNMIK and EULEX to be kicked out?
Not very thankful to your saviours in 1999 by the way!
(2) Well, UNMIK is in control. What more can I say...
(3) Well, that is kind of hard as Kosovo is a Serbian province.
And even if Kosovo was indepedent I thought Kosovo was 'unique' and multi-ethnic. Why would this multi-ethnic state join with Albania?
Thought Kosovo had nothing to do with Albanians nationalism....
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
(Kosova-USA, 16 September 2009 15:16)
How would you know? It is easy to cheer from the sidelines back in the US but the reality is you don't know because you are not here. I know, I know... you are "American" now and too comfortable to move back. Hey, I don't blame you for staying where you can have 24-hour electricity. The only place they have that here is north of the Ibar. You worry about yourself and let the Serbs in Kosovo speak for themselves.
(Jason, 16 September 2009 16:23)
I am here and there as I please. But, at this moment I am here and as far as electricity(power), all I can say to Jason is "Welcome to Balkans". I know back in NY, I don't have to worry about power cuts and also I can use as much power and pay a very low price compared to prices in Balkans. Again, my roots are here and I am not in the state of denial as some other are.
Getting back to main topic, again I say that this is the best thing for K-Serbs to integrate in sociatey where they belong.
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
(Kosova-USA, 16 September 2009 15:16)
How would you know? It is easy to cheer from the sidelines back in the US but the reality is you don't know because you are not here. I know, I know... you are "American" now and too comfortable to move back. Hey, I don't blame you for staying where you can have 24-hour electricity. The only place they have that here is north of the Ibar. You worry about yourself and let the Serbs in Kosovo speak for themselves.
pre 14 godina
"troika melb,
My friend."
I dont know you for you to be my friend. Nothing against you but i dont know you.
"I am not Serbian."
this is an anonymous forum, i will not take your word for it. There are over 40 thousand Serbs in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, more than half i met wont say that they are from Serbia either.
"And please mind that Albanians committed crimes against innocent people too!"
What are you refering to?
Are they even closely comparable to the points I stated above?
"So maybe time to learn to live together! Yep!"
They are, in Preseva and the sorounding, yep :D
but were are you going with this, it sounds like your are deep in denial, somewere in the Red Sea.
"Indeed. Albanians will wake up from their independence dream."
With your theory Serbiens will wake up from their nightmare to conclude that it was better to sleep longer?
"Yes. Kosovo is ruled by UN and EU."
When did 1244 get EU adition?
"Does the Kosovo government have the guts to admit this in public?
Prime minster?
President?
Members of Parliament?"
So now you accapt the independent Kosovo?
I thought it was illegal and you wont listen to them, not that it would change anything, just your consistency.
And Mike
all this time Serbs have been demanding some sort of control over their lifes, and they will have it, but why is it so hard to please serbs.
Why cant the Serbs offer the same protocol to Preseva?
pre 14 godina
Feith represents the Quint: USA, Germany, France, UK and Italy so he is all good. No vote = no recognition of Independence = no munis.
I wonder what Bogdanovic had to say about this...
pre 14 godina
Feith is a nobody to Serbia. He only has relevance to our ethnic Albanian citizens. The Serbian controlled areas are firmly under Belgrade's control even though the so-called politicians in Pristina are trying to make life as difficult as possible for Serbians. I suppose the EU has had enough of the provocations and has decided to tell Pristina to lay their hand off Serbians.
Serbia's offer provides self-rule to ethnic Albanians but that obviously does not extend to anyone else.
To ben, ethnic Albanians would never dare rise against the EU or US. You'll lose your airforce and end up in the same camp as Saddam Hussien if you try.
pre 14 godina
Actually we have some more and better options:
1. kick out EULEX just as UNMIK
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
3. unify with Albania together with the western + northern Macedonia
We can start not being such a good boys anymore you know???
In these last 3 months Serbia got:
On top of 6 point plan
1. 4-5 bn $ bail out
2. EULEX-MUP protocol
3. visa liberalization
Kosova got:
1. humiliation
2. peanuts from US
And you Serbs still complain about EU/US??? give me a break.
Being a bad boy is much more profitable as Serbia and EU teaches us. So go point by point 1-2-3.
If I was in Thaci's place as soon as the EU/US started to twist my arm for the EULEX-MUP agreement I would've order our security forces to reinforce the 2 gates in north; reinforce the border controle with Serbia and arrest the Serbian war-lords in north.
And with that clearly say to Serbia if you need agreement this is the correct address and to EU I am not your colony.
pre 14 godina
"STOP TO THE BOSNIASATION OF KOSOVA [sic]!!!"
On the contrary Ben, START THE DAYTONIZATION OF KOSOVO!!!
I'm sorry if you and others are predictably angry at special rights and privileges being appropriately given to other people who don't take your leaders' sincerity in crafting a "multiethnic" Kosovo and don't believe in the Albanian narrative of historical morality and entitlement, but these municipalities are both timely and necessary. I'm especially happy to see that Gracanica is now being elevated to a municipality of its own. It definitely deserves to be as it actually has potential for sustainability and growth.
I am all for the continued canontonization of Kosovo south of the Ibar and welcome this apparent change in attitude from the EU towards the protectorate. Any signs of protest from Albanians, either here or in public protest affirms their hyposcrisy in wanting rights and privileges only for themselves and refusing to grant it to others that want no part of their administration. "I can separate from you, but you can't separate from me", no longer seems feasible.
pre 14 godina
ben said, "Kosova has 9 out of 10 of her citizens determined to be independent."
ben first of all it's spelled KosovO, second since when is it up to you albanians to decide this? Kosovo je Srbija
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
pre 14 godina
It's the new province of Feith! Or should I say 'Feitha'. So I guess the new language is Dutch? Or perhaps 'Deutsche'? Is there anymore room for oversized billboards, Feith would like his pic next to Clinton.
pre 14 godina
troika melb,
My friend. I am not Serbian. And please mind that Albanians committed crimes against innocent people too! So maybe time to learn to live together! Yep!
kate,
Indeed. Albanians will wake up from their independence dream. Yes. Kosovo is ruled by UN and EU.
Does the Kosovo government have the guts to admit this in public?
Prime minster?
President?
Members of Parliament?
pre 14 godina
Ben
Children usually don't beat Santa Claus if the present is not what they wanted.
Be aware that the fact you can say "my country" and that you don't speak Serbian when you go to renew your driving licence is all thanks to me, and 500 million other EU taxpayers.
So don't insult Santa Clause because next time he will spank you.
Forcing EU to leave Kosovo on its devices would be disastrous, although many EU taxpayers would applaude it.
As the old Dakota Indian saying goes: you can't build a castle out of sh...t.
If Kosovo is missing qualified leaders, judges, prosecutors, economy, and no one pays taxes, closing the money faucet would have bad effect.
Maybe Mr. Vetevendosje will make a miracle (if he finds some time between vandalising cars) but I hardly think so.
Obviously there are two camps here. You leave EU/USA you must ask enter Serbia's camp, or sleep on the bare ground.
pre 14 godina
yaeh and rada trajkovic have called all serbs in gracanica to come out and vote for her she is runing for the office on gracanica in the and serbs acceptin kosovo reality base on ahtisari plan KOSOVO IS HEART OF ALBANIA
pre 14 godina
"I guess Sejdiu replied with: thank you Mr Faith for being so kind to inform me that YOU have created in MY country new municipalities. I really appreciate it. Anything else you would like, perhaps should I change my office?? Put down a wall?? Change my furniture?? At your good will Mr Feith your wishes are my law."
Mr Ben - are You still thinking that Kosovo is not EU prttectorate, but "independent" country?? ;)
pre 14 godina
"Now everyone is going to make decisions on your behalf and the only way to change this is to deal directly with Serbia and finally find a compromise of some kind."
What is of some kind?
Borders are set, Military will grow, Serbias influence has faded. You relise that there are real people there.
Some kind is a sad alternative that would make Kosovo people feel like they live in Versaille in comparasson.
After 10+ years you still have not put a proper plan together, but dream a way to get the land back as a sort of revenge?
"would cut out all the fat cats who don't give a stuff about the hardships of people living there."
And you care?
If you cared you would live and let live, that would eliminate this "fat cats" much faster than letting the Vuk loose on the planet to stop Kosovo being recognised properly.
I think you know the outcome and all the Serbien strategy is based on slowing down the process. The train has been acalerating for over 10 years non stop.
pre 14 godina
"Time for real negotiations!
(Ron, "
go dance the limbo to the IMF tune. Aperntly the Serb rulers.
Or the hague tribunal tune on how to be civilised.
What is the point in negotiating with a state that wants to destroy a nation?
Your track record is low, very low. Ranging from burning embassys wich are considered foreign soil, to destabilising countries thorugh internal matters.
And can you please tell me since when is internationaly accapted to give fake passports to criminals in New York to flee charges?
You should be happy about this news, Serbs are being welcomed to rule themself in Kosovo.
If Belgrade gives the no no message to Serbs in Kosovo on voting, well this news wont matter as propobly someone else will win. Serbs will only have themself to blame.
Please do tell us what steps is Serbia taking to bring ties closer between her neighbours, in the name of stability as a great independent law loving UN recognised country?
pre 14 godina
ben - I can fully understand your anger. And after the love fest with the internationals, it seems like some marital strife is looming (and we all know how bad that can get!).
But it wasn't Kosovo which invited in EULEX, it was Serbia which allowed their deployment on the basis of the 6 points. We are now seeing these being put into action.
These included not basing any legislation on the redundant and thrown out A Plan; having special administrative rights over the north of Kosovo and Serbian enclaves; EULEX working under the UN and within UN Res. 1244; and EULEX, as with the UN, remaining status neutral.
Now everyone is going to make decisions on your behalf and the only way to change this is to deal directly with Serbia and finally find a compromise of some kind.
That would raise the game far better than protests abd would cut out all the fat cats who don't give a stuff about the hardships of people living there.
pre 14 godina
You see, the Dutchman Pieter Feith is actually head of state of Kosovo (Serbian province of Kosovo ruled by UN).
So please stop stating that Kosovo is an independent country!
Or is someone from UN or EU saying that new provinces or whatever are created in Italy or Norway?
Back to reality! 1244 is valid. UN/EU is controlling Kosovo!
Time for real negotiations!
pre 14 godina
P.S. this will not be the first time that we will have to swallow the bitter bite.
(ben, 15 September 2009 13:51)
And punctually after less than 24 hours:
“According to the International Civilian Representative's (ICR) press bureau, Feith said that preparations were complete in the new municipalities of Gračanica, Klokot-Vrbovac, Ranilug, as well as in the expanded municipality of Novo Brdo, of which Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu had been informed”
I guess Sejdiu replied with: thank you Mr Faith for being so kind to inform me that YOU have created in MY country new municipalities. I really appreciate it. Anything else you would like, perhaps should I change my office?? Put down a wall?? Change my furniture?? At your good will Mr Feith your wishes are my law.
STOP TO THE BOSNIASATION OF KOSOVA!!!
Bosnia is COMPLTELY DIFFRETENT case from Kosova: the internal borders and constitution are a result of ethnic cleansing and genocide; they have huge portion of population at least 1/3 that is obstructing and is against Bosnia.
Kosova has 9 out of 10 of her citizens determined to be independent. The only one that is opposing lives in enclaves and has no territorial continuation with themselves or neighbouring countries. You cannot find more compact case where people of one country have large consensus in on issue.
If Kosova is not a functional state it is because you EU/US do not want it.
A nation that was kicked out from her land in front of the eyes of the entire world is allowed to have 2,500 strong man lightly armed defending forces tale me if this not an insult?? Aks Israel to have 2,500 strong man army if you can- they will reply you we will NEVER allow that Auschwitz happens to us again. And Kosova can of course (with 2,500 strong man trained by NATO standards Kosova can protect her freedom- they are supermen)... I see foreign missions signing international agreements in my name regarding my safety; i see international missions designing my internal organisation and order; i see my authority undermined everyday more and more... this is the truth- and one cannot close her eyes and pretend that nothing is going one.
Be sure that Kosova will not tolerate to become a new protectorate as Bosnia. The only question is the time when the people will rise against it.
As far as the authorities of Prishtina i think they should:
1. Ask from EULEX/ICO to change their language and communication with the opinion: if there is need for new municipalities it is ME that will CREATE them and it is ME that will communicate that to the opinion, not Mr Feith. Ask that EULEX/ICO to report of their work in front of the parliament every 6 month and be accountable in front of the parliament of Kosova for their work. Their existence is due to Kosova not Brussels so they should be accountable at least to Kosova as well. If they underperform should be sacked if they go against the constitution should be kicked out.
2. If they refuse as it seams: rectify the invitation letter and ask them to leave Kosova as they are acting against the constitution of Kosova. No one can object to that we ALL want functioning legal state don’t we??
3. If you are not able to do that: RESIGN and stop being puppets. It is the right of people of Kosova to see in which situation their country is. And will take it from there...
We have to position ourselves as partners with the international community not as people that live from their overflows. Serbia was just 3 months ago bailed out from IMF and World Bank and they still oppose to EU/US why we that consider EU/US as our frinds should not be clear and tale them what we don’t like in their relation with us???
I prefer to be out of UN but a states as Taiwan rather than member of UN as Bosnia.
pre 14 godina
Who is this guy? Who is he speaking for? Another drunk the West has sent to stir things up in Kosovo and Metohija!
pre 14 godina
"I guess Sejdiu replied with: thank you Mr Faith for being so kind to inform me that YOU have created in MY country new municipalities. I really appreciate it. Anything else you would like, perhaps should I change my office?? Put down a wall?? Change my furniture?? At your good will Mr Feith your wishes are my law."
Mr Ben - are You still thinking that Kosovo is not EU prttectorate, but "independent" country?? ;)
pre 14 godina
ben - I can fully understand your anger. And after the love fest with the internationals, it seems like some marital strife is looming (and we all know how bad that can get!).
But it wasn't Kosovo which invited in EULEX, it was Serbia which allowed their deployment on the basis of the 6 points. We are now seeing these being put into action.
These included not basing any legislation on the redundant and thrown out A Plan; having special administrative rights over the north of Kosovo and Serbian enclaves; EULEX working under the UN and within UN Res. 1244; and EULEX, as with the UN, remaining status neutral.
Now everyone is going to make decisions on your behalf and the only way to change this is to deal directly with Serbia and finally find a compromise of some kind.
That would raise the game far better than protests abd would cut out all the fat cats who don't give a stuff about the hardships of people living there.
pre 14 godina
You see, the Dutchman Pieter Feith is actually head of state of Kosovo (Serbian province of Kosovo ruled by UN).
So please stop stating that Kosovo is an independent country!
Or is someone from UN or EU saying that new provinces or whatever are created in Italy or Norway?
Back to reality! 1244 is valid. UN/EU is controlling Kosovo!
Time for real negotiations!
pre 14 godina
"STOP TO THE BOSNIASATION OF KOSOVA [sic]!!!"
On the contrary Ben, START THE DAYTONIZATION OF KOSOVO!!!
I'm sorry if you and others are predictably angry at special rights and privileges being appropriately given to other people who don't take your leaders' sincerity in crafting a "multiethnic" Kosovo and don't believe in the Albanian narrative of historical morality and entitlement, but these municipalities are both timely and necessary. I'm especially happy to see that Gracanica is now being elevated to a municipality of its own. It definitely deserves to be as it actually has potential for sustainability and growth.
I am all for the continued canontonization of Kosovo south of the Ibar and welcome this apparent change in attitude from the EU towards the protectorate. Any signs of protest from Albanians, either here or in public protest affirms their hyposcrisy in wanting rights and privileges only for themselves and refusing to grant it to others that want no part of their administration. "I can separate from you, but you can't separate from me", no longer seems feasible.
pre 14 godina
Who is this guy? Who is he speaking for? Another drunk the West has sent to stir things up in Kosovo and Metohija!
pre 14 godina
Ben
Children usually don't beat Santa Claus if the present is not what they wanted.
Be aware that the fact you can say "my country" and that you don't speak Serbian when you go to renew your driving licence is all thanks to me, and 500 million other EU taxpayers.
So don't insult Santa Clause because next time he will spank you.
Forcing EU to leave Kosovo on its devices would be disastrous, although many EU taxpayers would applaude it.
As the old Dakota Indian saying goes: you can't build a castle out of sh...t.
If Kosovo is missing qualified leaders, judges, prosecutors, economy, and no one pays taxes, closing the money faucet would have bad effect.
Maybe Mr. Vetevendosje will make a miracle (if he finds some time between vandalising cars) but I hardly think so.
Obviously there are two camps here. You leave EU/USA you must ask enter Serbia's camp, or sleep on the bare ground.
pre 14 godina
ben said, "Kosova has 9 out of 10 of her citizens determined to be independent."
ben first of all it's spelled KosovO, second since when is it up to you albanians to decide this? Kosovo je Srbija
pre 14 godina
It's the new province of Feith! Or should I say 'Feitha'. So I guess the new language is Dutch? Or perhaps 'Deutsche'? Is there anymore room for oversized billboards, Feith would like his pic next to Clinton.
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
(Kosova-USA, 16 September 2009 15:16)
How would you know? It is easy to cheer from the sidelines back in the US but the reality is you don't know because you are not here. I know, I know... you are "American" now and too comfortable to move back. Hey, I don't blame you for staying where you can have 24-hour electricity. The only place they have that here is north of the Ibar. You worry about yourself and let the Serbs in Kosovo speak for themselves.
pre 14 godina
"Time for real negotiations!
(Ron, "
go dance the limbo to the IMF tune. Aperntly the Serb rulers.
Or the hague tribunal tune on how to be civilised.
What is the point in negotiating with a state that wants to destroy a nation?
Your track record is low, very low. Ranging from burning embassys wich are considered foreign soil, to destabilising countries thorugh internal matters.
And can you please tell me since when is internationaly accapted to give fake passports to criminals in New York to flee charges?
You should be happy about this news, Serbs are being welcomed to rule themself in Kosovo.
If Belgrade gives the no no message to Serbs in Kosovo on voting, well this news wont matter as propobly someone else will win. Serbs will only have themself to blame.
Please do tell us what steps is Serbia taking to bring ties closer between her neighbours, in the name of stability as a great independent law loving UN recognised country?
pre 14 godina
Ben,
I don't know where you live, but obviously not in KosovO. If you do, please talk to your daddy or someone older first and re-phrase your comment.
1. Nobody kicked out UNMIK, they are still in KosovO. Pristina would be small boy to kick out UN in the first place, secondly Kosovo wants to be a member state. Right?
2. KPS is unable to re- establish law and order even with UNMIK and EULEX, especially because Pristina blocks the Protocol with Serbia which is the first step.
3. You want to provoke Serbia? If NATO was not here, be sure, no need for provoking, starting at 8 AM, Serbs would eat Karagjorge steak (aka: Skenderbeg steak) in Pristina for lunch.
Pristina chose sides. No way going back now. If you insult your allies, you can be left alone and learn respect and gratitude the hard way.
they would be in Pristina Should they leave,
pre 14 godina
P.S. this will not be the first time that we will have to swallow the bitter bite.
(ben, 15 September 2009 13:51)
And punctually after less than 24 hours:
“According to the International Civilian Representative's (ICR) press bureau, Feith said that preparations were complete in the new municipalities of Gračanica, Klokot-Vrbovac, Ranilug, as well as in the expanded municipality of Novo Brdo, of which Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu had been informed”
I guess Sejdiu replied with: thank you Mr Faith for being so kind to inform me that YOU have created in MY country new municipalities. I really appreciate it. Anything else you would like, perhaps should I change my office?? Put down a wall?? Change my furniture?? At your good will Mr Feith your wishes are my law.
STOP TO THE BOSNIASATION OF KOSOVA!!!
Bosnia is COMPLTELY DIFFRETENT case from Kosova: the internal borders and constitution are a result of ethnic cleansing and genocide; they have huge portion of population at least 1/3 that is obstructing and is against Bosnia.
Kosova has 9 out of 10 of her citizens determined to be independent. The only one that is opposing lives in enclaves and has no territorial continuation with themselves or neighbouring countries. You cannot find more compact case where people of one country have large consensus in on issue.
If Kosova is not a functional state it is because you EU/US do not want it.
A nation that was kicked out from her land in front of the eyes of the entire world is allowed to have 2,500 strong man lightly armed defending forces tale me if this not an insult?? Aks Israel to have 2,500 strong man army if you can- they will reply you we will NEVER allow that Auschwitz happens to us again. And Kosova can of course (with 2,500 strong man trained by NATO standards Kosova can protect her freedom- they are supermen)... I see foreign missions signing international agreements in my name regarding my safety; i see international missions designing my internal organisation and order; i see my authority undermined everyday more and more... this is the truth- and one cannot close her eyes and pretend that nothing is going one.
Be sure that Kosova will not tolerate to become a new protectorate as Bosnia. The only question is the time when the people will rise against it.
As far as the authorities of Prishtina i think they should:
1. Ask from EULEX/ICO to change their language and communication with the opinion: if there is need for new municipalities it is ME that will CREATE them and it is ME that will communicate that to the opinion, not Mr Feith. Ask that EULEX/ICO to report of their work in front of the parliament every 6 month and be accountable in front of the parliament of Kosova for their work. Their existence is due to Kosova not Brussels so they should be accountable at least to Kosova as well. If they underperform should be sacked if they go against the constitution should be kicked out.
2. If they refuse as it seams: rectify the invitation letter and ask them to leave Kosova as they are acting against the constitution of Kosova. No one can object to that we ALL want functioning legal state don’t we??
3. If you are not able to do that: RESIGN and stop being puppets. It is the right of people of Kosova to see in which situation their country is. And will take it from there...
We have to position ourselves as partners with the international community not as people that live from their overflows. Serbia was just 3 months ago bailed out from IMF and World Bank and they still oppose to EU/US why we that consider EU/US as our frinds should not be clear and tale them what we don’t like in their relation with us???
I prefer to be out of UN but a states as Taiwan rather than member of UN as Bosnia.
pre 14 godina
What Serbs and Albanians and all others need to realize is that MR. Feith is not the one making these "changes". Belgrade and Pristina ARE negotiating the Kosovo status secretly. Feith is just acknowledging what the two sides are agreeing upon. Why would Peter all of a sudden create 3 municipalities that favours Serbs out of the blue? Why would Serbia recognize a "custom border"? Serbia is hoping that Gracinica will eventually connect to North Kosovo and create an autonomous region in Kosovo ala the RS. Serbia would possibly gain land in Kosovo, but would lose their soveriengty over Kosovo. Hoping that one day the newly created autonomous region in Kosovo will seek independence and unite with Serbia. A risky gamble! With Thaci and Tadic supposedly out of the picture the people can not blame nobody , but the EU. Who is going to go to a war with the EU? I sure don't think Serbs or Albanians want to do that. Peter has no problem being the bad guy on either side.
ben,
Kosovo is not like Bosnia? Who created the Serb enclaves? It sure wasn't ethnic cleansing? Why is there only about 4 Serbs living in Pristina? Did they all decide to move to Gracanica?
I do appreciate your honesty towards your gov't. That is what true democracy is all about!
pre 14 godina
troika melb,
My friend. I am not Serbian. And please mind that Albanians committed crimes against innocent people too! So maybe time to learn to live together! Yep!
kate,
Indeed. Albanians will wake up from their independence dream. Yes. Kosovo is ruled by UN and EU.
Does the Kosovo government have the guts to admit this in public?
Prime minster?
President?
Members of Parliament?
pre 14 godina
Don't know if I am allowed to post links here. But:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLG478629
EULEX cars attacked in Kosovo.
Why? Why attack EULEX? Because EULEX is doing what it should do: govern Kosovo!
Check 1244. Check the EU-UN deal.
The Albanians have a strange way to thank the people they saved them in 1999....
Well, an actually I (and others from the West) are paying for EULEX. And for every burnt car.
Have others things I like to be done with my tax money!
pre 14 godina
"Now everyone is going to make decisions on your behalf and the only way to change this is to deal directly with Serbia and finally find a compromise of some kind."
What is of some kind?
Borders are set, Military will grow, Serbias influence has faded. You relise that there are real people there.
Some kind is a sad alternative that would make Kosovo people feel like they live in Versaille in comparasson.
After 10+ years you still have not put a proper plan together, but dream a way to get the land back as a sort of revenge?
"would cut out all the fat cats who don't give a stuff about the hardships of people living there."
And you care?
If you cared you would live and let live, that would eliminate this "fat cats" much faster than letting the Vuk loose on the planet to stop Kosovo being recognised properly.
I think you know the outcome and all the Serbien strategy is based on slowing down the process. The train has been acalerating for over 10 years non stop.
pre 14 godina
Actually we have some more and better options:
1. kick out EULEX just as UNMIK
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
3. unify with Albania together with the western + northern Macedonia
We can start not being such a good boys anymore you know???
In these last 3 months Serbia got:
On top of 6 point plan
1. 4-5 bn $ bail out
2. EULEX-MUP protocol
3. visa liberalization
Kosova got:
1. humiliation
2. peanuts from US
And you Serbs still complain about EU/US??? give me a break.
Being a bad boy is much more profitable as Serbia and EU teaches us. So go point by point 1-2-3.
If I was in Thaci's place as soon as the EU/US started to twist my arm for the EULEX-MUP agreement I would've order our security forces to reinforce the 2 gates in north; reinforce the border controle with Serbia and arrest the Serbian war-lords in north.
And with that clearly say to Serbia if you need agreement this is the correct address and to EU I am not your colony.
pre 14 godina
yaeh and rada trajkovic have called all serbs in gracanica to come out and vote for her she is runing for the office on gracanica in the and serbs acceptin kosovo reality base on ahtisari plan KOSOVO IS HEART OF ALBANIA
pre 14 godina
"troika melb,
My friend."
I dont know you for you to be my friend. Nothing against you but i dont know you.
"I am not Serbian."
this is an anonymous forum, i will not take your word for it. There are over 40 thousand Serbs in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, more than half i met wont say that they are from Serbia either.
"And please mind that Albanians committed crimes against innocent people too!"
What are you refering to?
Are they even closely comparable to the points I stated above?
"So maybe time to learn to live together! Yep!"
They are, in Preseva and the sorounding, yep :D
but were are you going with this, it sounds like your are deep in denial, somewere in the Red Sea.
"Indeed. Albanians will wake up from their independence dream."
With your theory Serbiens will wake up from their nightmare to conclude that it was better to sleep longer?
"Yes. Kosovo is ruled by UN and EU."
When did 1244 get EU adition?
"Does the Kosovo government have the guts to admit this in public?
Prime minster?
President?
Members of Parliament?"
So now you accapt the independent Kosovo?
I thought it was illegal and you wont listen to them, not that it would change anything, just your consistency.
And Mike
all this time Serbs have been demanding some sort of control over their lifes, and they will have it, but why is it so hard to please serbs.
Why cant the Serbs offer the same protocol to Preseva?
pre 14 godina
Feith is a nobody to Serbia. He only has relevance to our ethnic Albanian citizens. The Serbian controlled areas are firmly under Belgrade's control even though the so-called politicians in Pristina are trying to make life as difficult as possible for Serbians. I suppose the EU has had enough of the provocations and has decided to tell Pristina to lay their hand off Serbians.
Serbia's offer provides self-rule to ethnic Albanians but that obviously does not extend to anyone else.
To ben, ethnic Albanians would never dare rise against the EU or US. You'll lose your airforce and end up in the same camp as Saddam Hussien if you try.
pre 14 godina
Well, this is at least a positive development for Serbs in Kosovo. I bet that the albanians hate this, but it was a condition that atasari put up. Now here is the big question that remains... if they are talking about minority rights, then how on earth is it that they are doing the exact opposite with the bosniak gorani community in the southern most part of Kosovo?! They on purpose merged that municipity of Gora with albanian territory so that the municipality will on purpose not have a bosniak gorani majority. This was proof of the most wicked kind of minority persecution.
pre 14 godina
"1. kick out EULEX just as UNMIK
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
3. unify with Albania together with the western + northern Macedonia "
Ben,
I hope the rules of Kosovo (UNMIK, KFOR and EULEX) are reading this forum. And that they are aware of people like you who want an other war.
Enough blood was spilled already!
Learn to live together! In one state. And that happens to be Serbia. Hey, for Germans in Belgium it is Belgium.
Let me respond to your points:
(1) UNMIK is still in control of Kosovo. So what do you mean? By the way: you really think the UN and EU will allow UNMIK and EULEX to be kicked out?
Not very thankful to your saviours in 1999 by the way!
(2) Well, UNMIK is in control. What more can I say...
(3) Well, that is kind of hard as Kosovo is a Serbian province.
And even if Kosovo was indepedent I thought Kosovo was 'unique' and multi-ethnic. Why would this multi-ethnic state join with Albania?
Thought Kosovo had nothing to do with Albanians nationalism....
pre 14 godina
Ben,
Your 3 points made me giggle...
Who created "Kosova"? Who created your constitution? You need to realize "Kosova" sold themselves off to the "godfather"! If it wasn't for the USA you would have about 30,000 Albanians living in Kosovo. How soon you forget who got you independence. The people will rise against what and whom? If you want to have a "country" you have to play by the rules! If not then you can lose it in a second. Knowing Albanians, I think you guys will screw this up and lose your "kosova". America switched sides in the past. Just ask Saddam and Bin Laden. Once strong "friends" of the USA, now.... well no comment there. Disobey and you will pay.
Serbs will get Kosovo back as the Albanians will start a war in the North. I truly believe the US will be on the Serbs side this time and the Albanians will regret disobeying the "godfather".
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
pre 14 godina
According to the International Civilian Representative's (ICR) press bureau, Feith said that preparations were complete in the new municipalities of Gračanica, Klokot-Vrbovac, Ranilug, as well as in the expanded municipality of Novo Brdo, of which Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu had been informed.
"have been informed" this is the all point, not part of the decision, simply being informed.
I really do not understand why the k-a posters are getting so nuts...., if I remember well:
1)At the UN only one number exists: 1244
2)Attisari medals collectors's plan was rejected
3) kosovo has a supervised independance
4)Eulex has its own extended rights and decision making process (maybe it was written in small letter in the "constitution")
5) Eulex has the right to sign agreements with neighbouring countries
6) kosovo's govnt is only on the paper
6)... the list is too long
So, either you are to naive to understand that dealing with the US is a free ride or simply you have been fooled all the way down!
Either of the way has not and will not change the reality on the ground.
If you want to achieve something you have to work for it and stop blaming the all world for your misery.
I remind you that not long ago you were praising your muppet show govnt and today you are telling them to go.
So, to summarize you want everybody out that doesn't fit into your wish list, great, and what then??.. Yep let's follow ben's advice to provoke the serbs and finish the job... what a poor mentality!!!
pre 14 godina
Feith represents the Quint: USA, Germany, France, UK and Italy so he is all good. No vote = no recognition of Independence = no munis.
I wonder what Bogdanovic had to say about this...
pre 14 godina
Just as European nations begin to realize the problems that "multiculturalism" can lead to in their own countries, they decide to impose it on Kosovo? This plan sounds too much like our Indian reservations to be comfortable for an American.
But nothing in a constitution cannot be amended at some point in the future. With an average age of 50, the Serbian population in Kosovo is not going to be growing, and the facts on the ground will eventually have to be taken into account.
pre 14 godina
in 1996 the first military actions of KLA started.
IN 1997 MIlosevic said that it will take 2 weeks to get rid of KLA.
It arrived 1998
than 1999 and KLA was still there.
If Serbia was not able to deal with villager smugling weapons with donkeys for 4 years
today I am quite confortable that the stake they will eat it somewehre else- and perheps will have probelems with digestion.
pre 14 godina
" With an average age of 50, the Serbian population in Kosovo is not going to be growing, and the facts on the ground will eventually have to be taken into account.
(Amer)
-- Hmm, interesting point Amer, and at the same time empirical. Yes, you're right that there is a potential for a major reduction in Serb demographics in Kosovo over the next few decades simply due to age and the opportunity to pursue a better life in the rest of Serbia, or elsewhere.
This is an issue I noticed when in Gracanica. Right now, there's a sizeable youth population, and there's opportunity to really invest in the region to make it both livable and sustainable. But if given the opportunity to leave, would they? It boils down to political and economic sustainability. If there's something worth sticking around for in Kosovo, they'll stay. If there's nothing outside of Pristina or Kosovska Mitrovica, they won't. My guess is that this is the reason for the creation of more Serbian municipalities as an incentive to stay. Feith may very well think this will integrate Serbs into Kosovo's institutions, but in actuality, it may very well deepen the parallel structures. Ultimately what is more important: some token semblance of multiculturalism in Kosovo, or a unified political entity? The two are looking increasingly exclusive.
pre 14 godina
Couple of questions that people seem to forget -
Kosovo today -
*has no currency to call their own
*has no valid passport
*is the poorest "country" in the world
So, the question should be - Why is the current government wasting money for all this paperwork when WE ALL KNOW that the master plan all along was to create the greater albania?
Help me understand this monstrosity.....CCCC
pre 14 godina
I prefer to be out of UN but a states as Taiwan rather than member of UN as Bosnia.
(ben, 16 September 2009 11:13)
Well, at this moment Kosovo is just a Serbian province ruled by UN. So forget about EU and UN!
Mutual agreed deal! The only solution!
pre 14 godina
"It's the new province of Feith! Or should I say 'Feitha'. So I guess the new language is Dutch? Or perhaps 'Deutsche'?"
-No it´s Jiddish actually....
pre 14 godina
Ben wrote this,
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
Yes Ben, we all know how you get things done and how you managed to provoke Serbia into acting with this end result. Do you think that it will work twice?
So here you are, publically admitting that you were the reason for what happened in Kosovo because of your provocation and the whole time you are blaming Serbia for all the troubles.
NATO will not let you provoke again. They have achieved what they want and they will not allow any more wars in order to satisfy your lust for eradicating all the Serbs from Kosovo.
It's really pathetic how you guys just take it for granted that NATO is your personal airforce. Very, very arrogant of you to say that.
pre 14 godina
Zoran, I've seen a lot of your posts and act you like a diplomat. So let me act like one too. What did Serbia offer to Albanians that they didn't have in their previous autonomy within SFRY? you as a "diplomat" know what it was. Actually it was offered less than before. Now if you take something from me then in order to give it back, also give me more for reparations. At least make them par with the Serbian people. Only autonomy without foreign representation or defense makes the condition and authority on the ground for Albanians very weak. Serbs would have all aces in their hand. In my opinion the Serbian delegation should've offered more to entice the other pair straight up and now drag the negotiations for that long. Not being sincere at the start hurt.
pre 14 godina
Mike -
"Feith may very well think this will integrate Serbs into Kosovo's institutions, but in actuality, it may very well deepen the parallel structures."
That's exactly what I had in mind with the Indian reservation remark - and just look how well they did with territories that are independent on a state level but still under federal law. Education in Serbian is hardly going to prepare young people in the enclaves for anything except going to Belgrade for further study, and then what are the chances of their moving back? This plan makes it easier on the older people - they can pretend to still be living in Serbia - but it's an invitation to leave for the best and the brightest of the upcoming generations.
pre 14 godina
Ben, you're sounding way to pessimistic. EULEX is not working against you, they know what they are doing. Only a couple of months are left until ICJ rave party. EULEX therefore needs to do everything possible to (appear to) demonstrate their determination to offer the K-Serbs a more than fair treatment. Things to remember: Independence is irreversible, negotiations over the Status are over. Let EULEX sort out the rest.
pre 14 godina
I've never seen so many Serbian supporters so happy with implementation of the Ahtissari Plan!
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
(Kosova-USA, 16 September 2009 15:16)
How would you know? It is easy to cheer from the sidelines back in the US but the reality is you don't know because you are not here. I know, I know... you are "American" now and too comfortable to move back. Hey, I don't blame you for staying where you can have 24-hour electricity. The only place they have that here is north of the Ibar. You worry about yourself and let the Serbs in Kosovo speak for themselves.
(Jason, 16 September 2009 16:23)
I am here and there as I please. But, at this moment I am here and as far as electricity(power), all I can say to Jason is "Welcome to Balkans". I know back in NY, I don't have to worry about power cuts and also I can use as much power and pay a very low price compared to prices in Balkans. Again, my roots are here and I am not in the state of denial as some other are.
Getting back to main topic, again I say that this is the best thing for K-Serbs to integrate in sociatey where they belong.
pre 14 godina
serbian can create municipalities in kosovo,where they are majority.Nothing wrong here as long as this is for the citizen and not for undermining kosovo state with serbian hate and propaganda.
pre 14 godina
Amer,
Well let's take this argument of yours one step further. We both agree that aside from the rhetoric of Kosovo being Serbia's heartland, there needs to be something sustainable for Serbs to want to stay there (or, dare I hypothesize RETURN to??). Otherwise, Kosovo will be little more than an open-air ethnographic museum for them.
So what do we need? Particularly in Gracanica, we need simple things like shops, theaters, schools of higher learning, and some form of industry. Without these, you're right. Serbs will hop on the first bus out if given the slightest chance of bettering their lives.
But here's where you and I may differ. I see the creation of these municipalities as a way for K-Serbs to exercise more legitimate forms of self-determination outside the network of Pristina. And whether we want to say it will be in tandem with Belgrade, or (dare I once again hypothesize) on their own, it at least provides a setting where collective responsibility is theirs and theirs alone. Whether they develop parallel structures really isn't the issue. Unless something catastrophic happens, even Feith knows they will function separately from Pristina (and this may be a good thing for Albanians in the long run too). Obviously the first step in preserving a particular demographic and halting further decline is to provide some form of political and economic self-responsibility. And whether we want to argue this is all part of the Ahtisaari Plan or part of EULEX quietly supporting a "functional separation", it minimizes the potential of blaming one's collective malaise on someone else's political mismanagement.
pre 14 godina
Ron, apparently your leaders in your country decide how to appropriately spend your tax dollars and together with most of the wealthiest nations in the world we can make a difference in Kosovo. Thanks for your contribution.
pre 14 godina
Mike,
Basically, I agree on the need for more political responsibility and more facilities for S-Kosovars. But I just don't think that there are enough Serbians in Kosovo to form an independent, self-sustaining society, and that Serbia proper, especially Belgrade, is going to exert a powerful attraction on the young people, and especially the most ambitious. I doubt that Ahtisaari had in mind what we learned in basic army tactics - always leave your enemy a way to retreat, but still, this seems to be what helping the Serbs to maintain their language and connections to Serbia amounts to.
pre 14 godina
what's this whining all about ?
1)There will be no more parallel structures.
2) Serbs are integrating into the Republic of Kosovo Institutions.
3)Partition idea is not going to sell....
4) Kosovo is not Bosnia.
5) Serbia lost control of its Serbs.
6) Defunct Ministry of KiM.
pre 14 godina
yaeh and rada trajkovic have called all serbs in gracanica to come out and vote for her she is runing for the office on gracanica in the and serbs acceptin kosovo reality base on ahtisari plan KOSOVO IS HEART OF ALBANIA
pre 14 godina
P.S. this will not be the first time that we will have to swallow the bitter bite.
(ben, 15 September 2009 13:51)
And punctually after less than 24 hours:
“According to the International Civilian Representative's (ICR) press bureau, Feith said that preparations were complete in the new municipalities of Gračanica, Klokot-Vrbovac, Ranilug, as well as in the expanded municipality of Novo Brdo, of which Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu had been informed”
I guess Sejdiu replied with: thank you Mr Faith for being so kind to inform me that YOU have created in MY country new municipalities. I really appreciate it. Anything else you would like, perhaps should I change my office?? Put down a wall?? Change my furniture?? At your good will Mr Feith your wishes are my law.
STOP TO THE BOSNIASATION OF KOSOVA!!!
Bosnia is COMPLTELY DIFFRETENT case from Kosova: the internal borders and constitution are a result of ethnic cleansing and genocide; they have huge portion of population at least 1/3 that is obstructing and is against Bosnia.
Kosova has 9 out of 10 of her citizens determined to be independent. The only one that is opposing lives in enclaves and has no territorial continuation with themselves or neighbouring countries. You cannot find more compact case where people of one country have large consensus in on issue.
If Kosova is not a functional state it is because you EU/US do not want it.
A nation that was kicked out from her land in front of the eyes of the entire world is allowed to have 2,500 strong man lightly armed defending forces tale me if this not an insult?? Aks Israel to have 2,500 strong man army if you can- they will reply you we will NEVER allow that Auschwitz happens to us again. And Kosova can of course (with 2,500 strong man trained by NATO standards Kosova can protect her freedom- they are supermen)... I see foreign missions signing international agreements in my name regarding my safety; i see international missions designing my internal organisation and order; i see my authority undermined everyday more and more... this is the truth- and one cannot close her eyes and pretend that nothing is going one.
Be sure that Kosova will not tolerate to become a new protectorate as Bosnia. The only question is the time when the people will rise against it.
As far as the authorities of Prishtina i think they should:
1. Ask from EULEX/ICO to change their language and communication with the opinion: if there is need for new municipalities it is ME that will CREATE them and it is ME that will communicate that to the opinion, not Mr Feith. Ask that EULEX/ICO to report of their work in front of the parliament every 6 month and be accountable in front of the parliament of Kosova for their work. Their existence is due to Kosova not Brussels so they should be accountable at least to Kosova as well. If they underperform should be sacked if they go against the constitution should be kicked out.
2. If they refuse as it seams: rectify the invitation letter and ask them to leave Kosova as they are acting against the constitution of Kosova. No one can object to that we ALL want functioning legal state don’t we??
3. If you are not able to do that: RESIGN and stop being puppets. It is the right of people of Kosova to see in which situation their country is. And will take it from there...
We have to position ourselves as partners with the international community not as people that live from their overflows. Serbia was just 3 months ago bailed out from IMF and World Bank and they still oppose to EU/US why we that consider EU/US as our frinds should not be clear and tale them what we don’t like in their relation with us???
I prefer to be out of UN but a states as Taiwan rather than member of UN as Bosnia.
pre 14 godina
Who is this guy? Who is he speaking for? Another drunk the West has sent to stir things up in Kosovo and Metohija!
pre 14 godina
"Time for real negotiations!
(Ron, "
go dance the limbo to the IMF tune. Aperntly the Serb rulers.
Or the hague tribunal tune on how to be civilised.
What is the point in negotiating with a state that wants to destroy a nation?
Your track record is low, very low. Ranging from burning embassys wich are considered foreign soil, to destabilising countries thorugh internal matters.
And can you please tell me since when is internationaly accapted to give fake passports to criminals in New York to flee charges?
You should be happy about this news, Serbs are being welcomed to rule themself in Kosovo.
If Belgrade gives the no no message to Serbs in Kosovo on voting, well this news wont matter as propobly someone else will win. Serbs will only have themself to blame.
Please do tell us what steps is Serbia taking to bring ties closer between her neighbours, in the name of stability as a great independent law loving UN recognised country?
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
pre 14 godina
ben - I can fully understand your anger. And after the love fest with the internationals, it seems like some marital strife is looming (and we all know how bad that can get!).
But it wasn't Kosovo which invited in EULEX, it was Serbia which allowed their deployment on the basis of the 6 points. We are now seeing these being put into action.
These included not basing any legislation on the redundant and thrown out A Plan; having special administrative rights over the north of Kosovo and Serbian enclaves; EULEX working under the UN and within UN Res. 1244; and EULEX, as with the UN, remaining status neutral.
Now everyone is going to make decisions on your behalf and the only way to change this is to deal directly with Serbia and finally find a compromise of some kind.
That would raise the game far better than protests abd would cut out all the fat cats who don't give a stuff about the hardships of people living there.
pre 14 godina
"Now everyone is going to make decisions on your behalf and the only way to change this is to deal directly with Serbia and finally find a compromise of some kind."
What is of some kind?
Borders are set, Military will grow, Serbias influence has faded. You relise that there are real people there.
Some kind is a sad alternative that would make Kosovo people feel like they live in Versaille in comparasson.
After 10+ years you still have not put a proper plan together, but dream a way to get the land back as a sort of revenge?
"would cut out all the fat cats who don't give a stuff about the hardships of people living there."
And you care?
If you cared you would live and let live, that would eliminate this "fat cats" much faster than letting the Vuk loose on the planet to stop Kosovo being recognised properly.
I think you know the outcome and all the Serbien strategy is based on slowing down the process. The train has been acalerating for over 10 years non stop.
pre 14 godina
You see, the Dutchman Pieter Feith is actually head of state of Kosovo (Serbian province of Kosovo ruled by UN).
So please stop stating that Kosovo is an independent country!
Or is someone from UN or EU saying that new provinces or whatever are created in Italy or Norway?
Back to reality! 1244 is valid. UN/EU is controlling Kosovo!
Time for real negotiations!
pre 14 godina
in 1996 the first military actions of KLA started.
IN 1997 MIlosevic said that it will take 2 weeks to get rid of KLA.
It arrived 1998
than 1999 and KLA was still there.
If Serbia was not able to deal with villager smugling weapons with donkeys for 4 years
today I am quite confortable that the stake they will eat it somewehre else- and perheps will have probelems with digestion.
pre 14 godina
Actually we have some more and better options:
1. kick out EULEX just as UNMIK
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
3. unify with Albania together with the western + northern Macedonia
We can start not being such a good boys anymore you know???
In these last 3 months Serbia got:
On top of 6 point plan
1. 4-5 bn $ bail out
2. EULEX-MUP protocol
3. visa liberalization
Kosova got:
1. humiliation
2. peanuts from US
And you Serbs still complain about EU/US??? give me a break.
Being a bad boy is much more profitable as Serbia and EU teaches us. So go point by point 1-2-3.
If I was in Thaci's place as soon as the EU/US started to twist my arm for the EULEX-MUP agreement I would've order our security forces to reinforce the 2 gates in north; reinforce the border controle with Serbia and arrest the Serbian war-lords in north.
And with that clearly say to Serbia if you need agreement this is the correct address and to EU I am not your colony.
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
(Kosova-USA, 16 September 2009 15:16)
How would you know? It is easy to cheer from the sidelines back in the US but the reality is you don't know because you are not here. I know, I know... you are "American" now and too comfortable to move back. Hey, I don't blame you for staying where you can have 24-hour electricity. The only place they have that here is north of the Ibar. You worry about yourself and let the Serbs in Kosovo speak for themselves.
(Jason, 16 September 2009 16:23)
I am here and there as I please. But, at this moment I am here and as far as electricity(power), all I can say to Jason is "Welcome to Balkans". I know back in NY, I don't have to worry about power cuts and also I can use as much power and pay a very low price compared to prices in Balkans. Again, my roots are here and I am not in the state of denial as some other are.
Getting back to main topic, again I say that this is the best thing for K-Serbs to integrate in sociatey where they belong.
pre 14 godina
ben said, "Kosova has 9 out of 10 of her citizens determined to be independent."
ben first of all it's spelled KosovO, second since when is it up to you albanians to decide this? Kosovo je Srbija
pre 14 godina
Ben, you're sounding way to pessimistic. EULEX is not working against you, they know what they are doing. Only a couple of months are left until ICJ rave party. EULEX therefore needs to do everything possible to (appear to) demonstrate their determination to offer the K-Serbs a more than fair treatment. Things to remember: Independence is irreversible, negotiations over the Status are over. Let EULEX sort out the rest.
pre 14 godina
Ben
Children usually don't beat Santa Claus if the present is not what they wanted.
Be aware that the fact you can say "my country" and that you don't speak Serbian when you go to renew your driving licence is all thanks to me, and 500 million other EU taxpayers.
So don't insult Santa Clause because next time he will spank you.
Forcing EU to leave Kosovo on its devices would be disastrous, although many EU taxpayers would applaude it.
As the old Dakota Indian saying goes: you can't build a castle out of sh...t.
If Kosovo is missing qualified leaders, judges, prosecutors, economy, and no one pays taxes, closing the money faucet would have bad effect.
Maybe Mr. Vetevendosje will make a miracle (if he finds some time between vandalising cars) but I hardly think so.
Obviously there are two camps here. You leave EU/USA you must ask enter Serbia's camp, or sleep on the bare ground.
pre 14 godina
Feith represents the Quint: USA, Germany, France, UK and Italy so he is all good. No vote = no recognition of Independence = no munis.
I wonder what Bogdanovic had to say about this...
pre 14 godina
"troika melb,
My friend."
I dont know you for you to be my friend. Nothing against you but i dont know you.
"I am not Serbian."
this is an anonymous forum, i will not take your word for it. There are over 40 thousand Serbs in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, more than half i met wont say that they are from Serbia either.
"And please mind that Albanians committed crimes against innocent people too!"
What are you refering to?
Are they even closely comparable to the points I stated above?
"So maybe time to learn to live together! Yep!"
They are, in Preseva and the sorounding, yep :D
but were are you going with this, it sounds like your are deep in denial, somewere in the Red Sea.
"Indeed. Albanians will wake up from their independence dream."
With your theory Serbiens will wake up from their nightmare to conclude that it was better to sleep longer?
"Yes. Kosovo is ruled by UN and EU."
When did 1244 get EU adition?
"Does the Kosovo government have the guts to admit this in public?
Prime minster?
President?
Members of Parliament?"
So now you accapt the independent Kosovo?
I thought it was illegal and you wont listen to them, not that it would change anything, just your consistency.
And Mike
all this time Serbs have been demanding some sort of control over their lifes, and they will have it, but why is it so hard to please serbs.
Why cant the Serbs offer the same protocol to Preseva?
pre 14 godina
troika melb,
My friend. I am not Serbian. And please mind that Albanians committed crimes against innocent people too! So maybe time to learn to live together! Yep!
kate,
Indeed. Albanians will wake up from their independence dream. Yes. Kosovo is ruled by UN and EU.
Does the Kosovo government have the guts to admit this in public?
Prime minster?
President?
Members of Parliament?
pre 14 godina
"I guess Sejdiu replied with: thank you Mr Faith for being so kind to inform me that YOU have created in MY country new municipalities. I really appreciate it. Anything else you would like, perhaps should I change my office?? Put down a wall?? Change my furniture?? At your good will Mr Feith your wishes are my law."
Mr Ben - are You still thinking that Kosovo is not EU prttectorate, but "independent" country?? ;)
pre 14 godina
"STOP TO THE BOSNIASATION OF KOSOVA [sic]!!!"
On the contrary Ben, START THE DAYTONIZATION OF KOSOVO!!!
I'm sorry if you and others are predictably angry at special rights and privileges being appropriately given to other people who don't take your leaders' sincerity in crafting a "multiethnic" Kosovo and don't believe in the Albanian narrative of historical morality and entitlement, but these municipalities are both timely and necessary. I'm especially happy to see that Gracanica is now being elevated to a municipality of its own. It definitely deserves to be as it actually has potential for sustainability and growth.
I am all for the continued canontonization of Kosovo south of the Ibar and welcome this apparent change in attitude from the EU towards the protectorate. Any signs of protest from Albanians, either here or in public protest affirms their hyposcrisy in wanting rights and privileges only for themselves and refusing to grant it to others that want no part of their administration. "I can separate from you, but you can't separate from me", no longer seems feasible.
pre 14 godina
Ben,
I don't know where you live, but obviously not in KosovO. If you do, please talk to your daddy or someone older first and re-phrase your comment.
1. Nobody kicked out UNMIK, they are still in KosovO. Pristina would be small boy to kick out UN in the first place, secondly Kosovo wants to be a member state. Right?
2. KPS is unable to re- establish law and order even with UNMIK and EULEX, especially because Pristina blocks the Protocol with Serbia which is the first step.
3. You want to provoke Serbia? If NATO was not here, be sure, no need for provoking, starting at 8 AM, Serbs would eat Karagjorge steak (aka: Skenderbeg steak) in Pristina for lunch.
Pristina chose sides. No way going back now. If you insult your allies, you can be left alone and learn respect and gratitude the hard way.
they would be in Pristina Should they leave,
pre 14 godina
Slowly but suraley things are falling in its palce. K-Serbs are begining to understand what is in their best interest. So, they will come out and vote on 15 and elect their Mayor and Assemblymen. They will get all the benefits from Central Govermant just like any other Municipality.
I say, this is the best news and best thing for K-Serbs.
(Kosova-USA, 16 September 2009 15:16)
How would you know? It is easy to cheer from the sidelines back in the US but the reality is you don't know because you are not here. I know, I know... you are "American" now and too comfortable to move back. Hey, I don't blame you for staying where you can have 24-hour electricity. The only place they have that here is north of the Ibar. You worry about yourself and let the Serbs in Kosovo speak for themselves.
pre 14 godina
serbian can create municipalities in kosovo,where they are majority.Nothing wrong here as long as this is for the citizen and not for undermining kosovo state with serbian hate and propaganda.
pre 14 godina
It's the new province of Feith! Or should I say 'Feitha'. So I guess the new language is Dutch? Or perhaps 'Deutsche'? Is there anymore room for oversized billboards, Feith would like his pic next to Clinton.
pre 14 godina
"It's the new province of Feith! Or should I say 'Feitha'. So I guess the new language is Dutch? Or perhaps 'Deutsche'?"
-No it´s Jiddish actually....
pre 14 godina
Zoran, I've seen a lot of your posts and act you like a diplomat. So let me act like one too. What did Serbia offer to Albanians that they didn't have in their previous autonomy within SFRY? you as a "diplomat" know what it was. Actually it was offered less than before. Now if you take something from me then in order to give it back, also give me more for reparations. At least make them par with the Serbian people. Only autonomy without foreign representation or defense makes the condition and authority on the ground for Albanians very weak. Serbs would have all aces in their hand. In my opinion the Serbian delegation should've offered more to entice the other pair straight up and now drag the negotiations for that long. Not being sincere at the start hurt.
pre 14 godina
I've never seen so many Serbian supporters so happy with implementation of the Ahtissari Plan!
pre 14 godina
Don't know if I am allowed to post links here. But:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLG478629
EULEX cars attacked in Kosovo.
Why? Why attack EULEX? Because EULEX is doing what it should do: govern Kosovo!
Check 1244. Check the EU-UN deal.
The Albanians have a strange way to thank the people they saved them in 1999....
Well, an actually I (and others from the West) are paying for EULEX. And for every burnt car.
Have others things I like to be done with my tax money!
pre 14 godina
Just as European nations begin to realize the problems that "multiculturalism" can lead to in their own countries, they decide to impose it on Kosovo? This plan sounds too much like our Indian reservations to be comfortable for an American.
But nothing in a constitution cannot be amended at some point in the future. With an average age of 50, the Serbian population in Kosovo is not going to be growing, and the facts on the ground will eventually have to be taken into account.
pre 14 godina
"1. kick out EULEX just as UNMIK
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
3. unify with Albania together with the western + northern Macedonia "
Ben,
I hope the rules of Kosovo (UNMIK, KFOR and EULEX) are reading this forum. And that they are aware of people like you who want an other war.
Enough blood was spilled already!
Learn to live together! In one state. And that happens to be Serbia. Hey, for Germans in Belgium it is Belgium.
Let me respond to your points:
(1) UNMIK is still in control of Kosovo. So what do you mean? By the way: you really think the UN and EU will allow UNMIK and EULEX to be kicked out?
Not very thankful to your saviours in 1999 by the way!
(2) Well, UNMIK is in control. What more can I say...
(3) Well, that is kind of hard as Kosovo is a Serbian province.
And even if Kosovo was indepedent I thought Kosovo was 'unique' and multi-ethnic. Why would this multi-ethnic state join with Albania?
Thought Kosovo had nothing to do with Albanians nationalism....
pre 14 godina
Well, this is at least a positive development for Serbs in Kosovo. I bet that the albanians hate this, but it was a condition that atasari put up. Now here is the big question that remains... if they are talking about minority rights, then how on earth is it that they are doing the exact opposite with the bosniak gorani community in the southern most part of Kosovo?! They on purpose merged that municipity of Gora with albanian territory so that the municipality will on purpose not have a bosniak gorani majority. This was proof of the most wicked kind of minority persecution.
pre 14 godina
Ron, apparently your leaders in your country decide how to appropriately spend your tax dollars and together with most of the wealthiest nations in the world we can make a difference in Kosovo. Thanks for your contribution.
pre 14 godina
Ben,
Your 3 points made me giggle...
Who created "Kosova"? Who created your constitution? You need to realize "Kosova" sold themselves off to the "godfather"! If it wasn't for the USA you would have about 30,000 Albanians living in Kosovo. How soon you forget who got you independence. The people will rise against what and whom? If you want to have a "country" you have to play by the rules! If not then you can lose it in a second. Knowing Albanians, I think you guys will screw this up and lose your "kosova". America switched sides in the past. Just ask Saddam and Bin Laden. Once strong "friends" of the USA, now.... well no comment there. Disobey and you will pay.
Serbs will get Kosovo back as the Albanians will start a war in the North. I truly believe the US will be on the Serbs side this time and the Albanians will regret disobeying the "godfather".
pre 14 godina
What Serbs and Albanians and all others need to realize is that MR. Feith is not the one making these "changes". Belgrade and Pristina ARE negotiating the Kosovo status secretly. Feith is just acknowledging what the two sides are agreeing upon. Why would Peter all of a sudden create 3 municipalities that favours Serbs out of the blue? Why would Serbia recognize a "custom border"? Serbia is hoping that Gracinica will eventually connect to North Kosovo and create an autonomous region in Kosovo ala the RS. Serbia would possibly gain land in Kosovo, but would lose their soveriengty over Kosovo. Hoping that one day the newly created autonomous region in Kosovo will seek independence and unite with Serbia. A risky gamble! With Thaci and Tadic supposedly out of the picture the people can not blame nobody , but the EU. Who is going to go to a war with the EU? I sure don't think Serbs or Albanians want to do that. Peter has no problem being the bad guy on either side.
ben,
Kosovo is not like Bosnia? Who created the Serb enclaves? It sure wasn't ethnic cleansing? Why is there only about 4 Serbs living in Pristina? Did they all decide to move to Gracanica?
I do appreciate your honesty towards your gov't. That is what true democracy is all about!
pre 14 godina
what's this whining all about ?
1)There will be no more parallel structures.
2) Serbs are integrating into the Republic of Kosovo Institutions.
3)Partition idea is not going to sell....
4) Kosovo is not Bosnia.
5) Serbia lost control of its Serbs.
6) Defunct Ministry of KiM.
pre 14 godina
Feith is a nobody to Serbia. He only has relevance to our ethnic Albanian citizens. The Serbian controlled areas are firmly under Belgrade's control even though the so-called politicians in Pristina are trying to make life as difficult as possible for Serbians. I suppose the EU has had enough of the provocations and has decided to tell Pristina to lay their hand off Serbians.
Serbia's offer provides self-rule to ethnic Albanians but that obviously does not extend to anyone else.
To ben, ethnic Albanians would never dare rise against the EU or US. You'll lose your airforce and end up in the same camp as Saddam Hussien if you try.
pre 14 godina
I prefer to be out of UN but a states as Taiwan rather than member of UN as Bosnia.
(ben, 16 September 2009 11:13)
Well, at this moment Kosovo is just a Serbian province ruled by UN. So forget about EU and UN!
Mutual agreed deal! The only solution!
pre 14 godina
Mike,
Basically, I agree on the need for more political responsibility and more facilities for S-Kosovars. But I just don't think that there are enough Serbians in Kosovo to form an independent, self-sustaining society, and that Serbia proper, especially Belgrade, is going to exert a powerful attraction on the young people, and especially the most ambitious. I doubt that Ahtisaari had in mind what we learned in basic army tactics - always leave your enemy a way to retreat, but still, this seems to be what helping the Serbs to maintain their language and connections to Serbia amounts to.
pre 14 godina
Couple of questions that people seem to forget -
Kosovo today -
*has no currency to call their own
*has no valid passport
*is the poorest "country" in the world
So, the question should be - Why is the current government wasting money for all this paperwork when WE ALL KNOW that the master plan all along was to create the greater albania?
Help me understand this monstrosity.....CCCC
pre 14 godina
Ben wrote this,
2. re-establish law and order in North- and hopefully provoking Serbian military reaction and finish the unfinished job with them
Yes Ben, we all know how you get things done and how you managed to provoke Serbia into acting with this end result. Do you think that it will work twice?
So here you are, publically admitting that you were the reason for what happened in Kosovo because of your provocation and the whole time you are blaming Serbia for all the troubles.
NATO will not let you provoke again. They have achieved what they want and they will not allow any more wars in order to satisfy your lust for eradicating all the Serbs from Kosovo.
It's really pathetic how you guys just take it for granted that NATO is your personal airforce. Very, very arrogant of you to say that.
pre 14 godina
According to the International Civilian Representative's (ICR) press bureau, Feith said that preparations were complete in the new municipalities of Gračanica, Klokot-Vrbovac, Ranilug, as well as in the expanded municipality of Novo Brdo, of which Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu had been informed.
"have been informed" this is the all point, not part of the decision, simply being informed.
I really do not understand why the k-a posters are getting so nuts...., if I remember well:
1)At the UN only one number exists: 1244
2)Attisari medals collectors's plan was rejected
3) kosovo has a supervised independance
4)Eulex has its own extended rights and decision making process (maybe it was written in small letter in the "constitution")
5) Eulex has the right to sign agreements with neighbouring countries
6) kosovo's govnt is only on the paper
6)... the list is too long
So, either you are to naive to understand that dealing with the US is a free ride or simply you have been fooled all the way down!
Either of the way has not and will not change the reality on the ground.
If you want to achieve something you have to work for it and stop blaming the all world for your misery.
I remind you that not long ago you were praising your muppet show govnt and today you are telling them to go.
So, to summarize you want everybody out that doesn't fit into your wish list, great, and what then??.. Yep let's follow ben's advice to provoke the serbs and finish the job... what a poor mentality!!!
pre 14 godina
" With an average age of 50, the Serbian population in Kosovo is not going to be growing, and the facts on the ground will eventually have to be taken into account.
(Amer)
-- Hmm, interesting point Amer, and at the same time empirical. Yes, you're right that there is a potential for a major reduction in Serb demographics in Kosovo over the next few decades simply due to age and the opportunity to pursue a better life in the rest of Serbia, or elsewhere.
This is an issue I noticed when in Gracanica. Right now, there's a sizeable youth population, and there's opportunity to really invest in the region to make it both livable and sustainable. But if given the opportunity to leave, would they? It boils down to political and economic sustainability. If there's something worth sticking around for in Kosovo, they'll stay. If there's nothing outside of Pristina or Kosovska Mitrovica, they won't. My guess is that this is the reason for the creation of more Serbian municipalities as an incentive to stay. Feith may very well think this will integrate Serbs into Kosovo's institutions, but in actuality, it may very well deepen the parallel structures. Ultimately what is more important: some token semblance of multiculturalism in Kosovo, or a unified political entity? The two are looking increasingly exclusive.
pre 14 godina
Mike -
"Feith may very well think this will integrate Serbs into Kosovo's institutions, but in actuality, it may very well deepen the parallel structures."
That's exactly what I had in mind with the Indian reservation remark - and just look how well they did with territories that are independent on a state level but still under federal law. Education in Serbian is hardly going to prepare young people in the enclaves for anything except going to Belgrade for further study, and then what are the chances of their moving back? This plan makes it easier on the older people - they can pretend to still be living in Serbia - but it's an invitation to leave for the best and the brightest of the upcoming generations.
pre 14 godina
Amer,
Well let's take this argument of yours one step further. We both agree that aside from the rhetoric of Kosovo being Serbia's heartland, there needs to be something sustainable for Serbs to want to stay there (or, dare I hypothesize RETURN to??). Otherwise, Kosovo will be little more than an open-air ethnographic museum for them.
So what do we need? Particularly in Gracanica, we need simple things like shops, theaters, schools of higher learning, and some form of industry. Without these, you're right. Serbs will hop on the first bus out if given the slightest chance of bettering their lives.
But here's where you and I may differ. I see the creation of these municipalities as a way for K-Serbs to exercise more legitimate forms of self-determination outside the network of Pristina. And whether we want to say it will be in tandem with Belgrade, or (dare I once again hypothesize) on their own, it at least provides a setting where collective responsibility is theirs and theirs alone. Whether they develop parallel structures really isn't the issue. Unless something catastrophic happens, even Feith knows they will function separately from Pristina (and this may be a good thing for Albanians in the long run too). Obviously the first step in preserving a particular demographic and halting further decline is to provide some form of political and economic self-responsibility. And whether we want to argue this is all part of the Ahtisaari Plan or part of EULEX quietly supporting a "functional separation", it minimizes the potential of blaming one's collective malaise on someone else's political mismanagement.
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