Thaci: Kosovo has European perspective

> He said that he is convinced that these five states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece—will recognize Kosovo’s independence in the future.

Thaci really shouldn't be sampling his own merchandise before he makes public statements.

The only place where this guy deserves to be is in the jail!

"He said that he is convinced that these five states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece—will recognize Kosovo’s independence in the future."
===============

Cyprus siad that they will never do that. What part of never does he not understand?

Even if the others could be "convinced", Cyprus is not going to budge. Why is he daydreaming so much?

Probably mr Thaci very like song "All I Have to do is Dream" ;)

"He said that he expects, in the context of Kosovo’s progress, “further diplomatic reactions from Serbia with the goal of complicating the process of Kosovo recognition.”"

Imagine that! Serbia is trying to prevent the illegal theft of 15% of its territory and severe breach of its legal boundaries.

How unreasonable of them!

The 5 EU countries listed will never recognise Kosovo, and even if one of them did then it would still make no difference. It's a case of all or nothing.

Besides which, all members of the EU will be reassessing their stances on Kosovo if the ICJ states that the UDI was illegal.

In any event, the findings of the ICJ won't be about whether the UDI was illegal (which it clearly was), but rather a reflection of whether political influence has also reached the world court. I really hope not - how will there be any credibility left for the ICJ if their decision is tainted by politicians?

There are five EU countries, and each of them has its own reasons for refusing the recognition of Kosovo self-declared independence. I would not speculate much over Romania's motives - some Romanian fellows did it already better than me, on this very forum, and I agree with them: it's about the future of Moldavia Republic, not of Transilvania, we own our neighbours at least this, since they will be forever under Russian pressure. Last but not least, the Serbs will be forever next to us, to South-West :)
However, the possibility for Kosovo to enter EU sometimes in the (distant) future it's one thing, and its recognition as independent before this and/or before Serbia also joins EU - that's another thing. Seeing what happened in Bucarest in 2008, at the NATO Summit, when Greece blocked Macedonia from joining the Alliance, I would give few chances to Kosovo's bid for both EU and NATO. Not to mention what it's happening these days with the dispute between Slovenia and Croatia... Last but not least, 22 EU members were not able to pressure the 5 countries to recognize Kosovo as a state; why they would be more succesful in pressuring the 5 states into accepting Kosovo into EU?
I dare to say that European politicians will need to be very creative in the next years. One possibility would be to welcome simultaneously Serbia and Kosovo into EU, without any recognition, through a special treaty with Pristina and Belgrade, co-signed by EU countries... Who knows, it may work. Until then, let's see what EU is doing in Kosovo in terms of building its judicial system and supporting the enforcement of the law. And, of course, let's wait for the decision of Intl. Court of Justice, it may influence the overall situation.

At this stage of the game, the only way Kosovo can be a part of the EU (without riding Serbia's coat tails) is for the EU to take over Kosovo as a mandate - which it's pretty much doing now.
(Mike, 3 January 2010 18:16)

I beg to differ Mike.There must be unanimity as far as EU enlargement is concerned.
Kosovo cannot be considered as a candidate before full recognition by all EU countries.

I cannot possibly see any of the remaining countries which haven't recognised kosovo doing so unless there is a negotiated settlement.
Untill this happens the doors to UN and EU will be shut.

Mr. Thaci knows only too well that the only 'european perspective' for his kosovo is that which comes from the mouths of those EU 'officials' who are in receipt of his 'brown envelopes'.
His kosovo will not be recognised by any more countries and I believe a number of governments worldwide are ready to retract their premature recognitions.
His kosovo is attracting little or no FDI and this is understandable.
Who in their right mind would invest in a place that has become a cesspit for corruption, drug and people smuggling?

MB,Ireland

Everything that Thaci claims ends up being just hot air so I'm glad he came up with this speech as it means it's not going to happen, just like 100 recognitions in the first month, just like China's recognition and everything else this guy claims. As long as this person is representing ethnic Albanians for our province, Serbia will only benefit.

At this stage of the game, the only way Kosovo can be a part of the EU (without riding Serbia's coat tails) is for the EU to take over Kosovo as a mandate - which it's pretty much doing now.

Cyprus siad that they will never do that. What part of never does he not understand?
---
The never say never part.

Denis:
> Dear Sir/Maddam, it is very arrogant of you to wish a democratically elected leader of another people, inprisonment and/or physical harm. Thaci represent the will of K-Alb for better or worse, and you (as always) are way out of line wishing for something against this will. At least show some manners as a civilized western you pretend to be, and spare us these Balkan style comments.

Am trying hard, but for the life of me cannot find any hidden irony in this comment.. so can only assume 'Denis' is serious... to which one can only say.... wow ;)

ps 'Denis'.. from a strictly mercenary serb POV, the longer Thaci & the like stay in power, the better, so any comments from the serb camp that advocate his removal can only aid the cause of the very K-albanians whose 'will' you are defending.

Denis: "Dear Sir/Maddam, it is very arrogant of you to wish a democratically elected leader of another people, inprisonment and/or physical harm."

Don't you see the irony in that comment? The whole Nato action was based on displacing and even harming a democratically elected leader in Belgrade (even though he became widely hated by his own people).

Direct attacks on elected leaders are commonplace by the US, and yet Thaci, who is known by all internationally to be a war criminal, should not be subject to hopes that he should be replaced?

He should absolutely face trial for his role in Kosovo and the KLA. Nothing will move forward while he is the leader. Belgrade can never deal with him.

Thaci is a KLA war criminal that has to be removed from Pristina's government, if that government will ever be listened to. These people like Thaci, did their purpose, and now they must leave - they are old school. Thaci is a war criminal in Belgrade, how could Serbia ever talk to a war criminal?

"Kosovo cannot be considered as a candidate before full recognition by all EU countries. I cannot possibly see any of the remaining countries which haven't recognised kosovo doing so unless there is a negotiated settlement."

-- That's exactly my point Leonidas. The Netherlands, Greece, and Slovenia are three perfect examples of how one, just one, country can stymie the goals and objectives of any one aspiring EU state. With 5 states officially opposed to Kosovo's "statehood", it makes Kosovo's EU integration all but impossible in the absence of any negotiated settlement with Serbia. If Serbia must fulfill its commitments to the ICTY, if Croatia must negotiate with Slovenia, and if FYROM must negotiate with Greece, then Kosovo must negotiate with Serbia.

Therefore, while I can't see the EU as a whole suddenly reverse engines and push for Kosovo's complete reintegration with the rest of Serbia, and while states like Slovakia and Romania could/should have been easy pushovers in terms of external pressure to recognize (even more I'd think than Montenegro, but even Djukanovic has a price), all it takes is one country to block. In Kosovo's case it indoubtedly falls to either Spain or Cyprus.

Therefore, the only optimal way forward for all interested parties is to either have Kosovo ride in with the rest of Serbia, or in light of an ICJ ruling, take it over completely as EU property.

"Snake" Thaci, is not credible.

http://www.javno.com/en-world/who-is-hashim-snake-thaci_125467

under the protection of great powers such as US, which for what I can tell from your previous writings, you despise.
(Denis, 4 January 2010 02:20)

The US our protectors, God help us.... and as to your beloved snake, well, just type his name on google and you'll find a lot of interesting articles as to who this guy is!!

Just some links to refresh your mind..., if you call them saints, then, good luck to you!

http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000080.htm

http://www.savekosovo.org/default.asp?p=5&leader=0&sp=515

Thaci: "Kosovo has European perspective:
“Five member-states of the EU have yet to recognize our independence, however, all of them support Kosovo's progress and its European perspective,” Thaci told daily Koha Ditore. He said that he is convinced that these five states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece—will recognize Kosovo’s independence in the future.

Unfortunately for Thaci, and he knows this well, all five of those states have vehemently stated they WILL NEVER recognized the illegal independence of Serbian land from Serbia, this being called Kosovo. 128 UN countries HAVE NOT recognized the illegal independence of Kosovo from Serbia. The overwhelming majority of the World's nations do not believe in this Kosovo experiment. Kosovo is and will always be Serbian, today and forever till the end of time. Serbs will never relinquish their ancient homeland, and all Albanians know this. This Kosovo experiment will not last long.
Thaci's Kosovo European perspective is like a bear craping in the woods, totally irrelevant.

Kosovo has European perspective, if:
-it gets governed by professional staff
-it manages to implement a completely new judicial system starting by Zero, since the current one is one of the most corruptet in the world.
-it manages to bring to court warlords, participants of organized crimes (due to western intelegence services: almost every leading politician of Kosovo).
-combats annual rising corruption.
-attracts foreign investmenst, who currently do not exist at all.

The people of Kosovo must understand their situation, which is metaphorically speaking that of a sick person on a respirator (with KEK turning power on/off) racing against sportsmen-

Is this the same guy talking...

http://www.politicalforum.com/ethnic-religious-conflicts/91215-blowback-again-kosovo-vs-west.html

The US our protectors, God help us.... and as to your beloved snake, well, just type his name on google and you'll find a lot of interesting articles as to who this guy is!!

Just some links to refresh your mind..., if you call them saints, then, good luck to you!

[link]

[link]
(The Swiss, 4 January 2010 14:51)

Oh yes, you are your "own man", you protect yourself making chocolate, Rolexes or Swiss Army pocket knifes? Think again.

Your Serbian propaganda links are very convincing. Thaci should be imprisoned, according to you, based on "facts" you collect on the internet.

There is an international tribunal, called the Hague Tribunal, why doesn't your beloved Serbia try to make a case against Thaci there. If he (and other K-Alb)is/are convicted, I am all for sending them to prison, for life. But apparently you would rather send them to prison serbian-style..... well known for its reputation of justice.

@Mike:
I agree fully with your statement, there are two options: "either have Kosovo ride in [EU] with the rest of Serbia, or in light of an ICJ ruling, take it over completely as EU property."

Maybe I should mention that Romania has proposed officially at UN (I think it was 2007) that EU takes in both Serbia and Kosovo - at that time, UN was supposed to remain as administrator of Kosovo...

The only place where this guy deserves to be is in the jail!
(The Swiss, 3 January 2010 17:29)

Dear Sir/Maddam, it is very arrogant of you to wish a democratically elected leader of another people, inprisonment and/or physical harm. Thaci represent the will of K-Alb for better or worse, and you (as always) are way out of line wishing for something against this will. At least show some manners as a civilized western you pretend to be, and spare us these Balkan style comments.

Thaci is not your leader dear, nor is his incompetence hurting you.

But again what do you know of suffering, liberty, freedom, and rights. You take them for granted and enjoy them under the protection of great powers such as US, which for what I can tell from your previous writings, you despise.

For your information: only STATES can join EU. Kosovo is PROVINCE.

Ergo: Kosovo cannot join EU!

Please stop wasting time on this whole Kosovo non-issue!
And start real negotiations!

"Two playing the same game"
Bessi,
when will Kosovo realize that it must comprimise with Serbia and ultimately rejoin with Serbia?
I await your answer with bells on. I'd also like to preface with a preemptive "never say never".
NOTE: that statements powers are in both directions for everything making the statement somewhat pointless.

'Therefore, the only optimal way forward for all interested parties is to either have Kosovo ride in with the rest of Serbia, or in light of an ICJ ruling, take it over completely as EU property.
(Mike, 4 January 2010 05:26)'

"For all interested parties"? I think you forgot 90% of the population here.

Let's wait for the ICJ ruling. Which is exactly what Papandreou is saying: Greece's decision is based on respect for international law. And if Greece comes, can Cyprus be far behind?

Amer, two things: one more important than the other (I'll leave it up to you to decide what's the more important one :) )

1. I don't think 90% of Kosovo's population really cares what the other 10% does. If anything, "all interested parties" are basically getting what they want now: the non-interference of the other side. Albanians and Serbs are basically free to do what they like and think what they like in Kosovo in parallel bliss. And if Bosnia is any indication of how the West compromises something to perfect inefficiency, it would seem to me that Kosovo's definitive status is, well, "indefinite", leaving Greece and Cyprus on one end to "respect" international law, and the United States on the other to promote self-determination, or whatever we're currently arguing. To say that Kosovo has a European future is basically self-evindent since the EU runs it. To say it's going to not only navigate around the 5 Naysayers and get into the EU according to Thaci's point of view is too far fetched for me.

2. This has nothing to do with Kosovo but is a simple repeat of an early inquiry of yours (in case you didn't get it the first time) :

"BTW, how do you like Sam Adams? A Czech guy told me it was the only American beer he could drink." (Amer)

-- Sam Adams is a good all around beer for me. I usually have a case or three in my basement at any given time of the year. The original Boston Lager is their primary brew, but if you can get your hands on one of their seasonal variety packs (a decent liquor store here should carry it), it usually includes 4 or 5 different brands (IPAs, Summer Ales, Winter Ales, Holiday Ales, Oktoberfests, etc.)

If you want something stronger, try Stone (you'll have to look in more specialty liquor stores for them but their "Ruination IPA" is outstanding).

Mike -

"To say it's going to not only navigate around the 5 Naysayers and get into the EU according to Thaci's point of view is too far fetched for me. "

Greece is talking about "respecting international law" these days, not about supporting Serbia unconditionally. Any more. I think this is code for using the ICJ judgement to get itself out of an unpleasant position with respect to the rest of the EU (which it needs economic help from, big time).

And after going over the written statements, written comments, and oral statements, I really think Kosovo is going to win. (Originally I was "don't know" in the B92 poll.) Look at Papandreou's statements during his visit to Belgrade - not a word about Kosovo. And Spain? It's being almost fulsome in it's praise of and promises to Serbia about its EU accession - a sign the knife is coming? (Or am I getting cynical in my old age?)

Now, getting down to the important things in life: I live near Boston, no problem getting a local beer. I was just wondering whether Sam (which my Czech friend insisted on politely referring to as "Samuel Adams") had really gone national. - After reading that last sentence, I realize I spend too much time worrying about Balkan politics.

5 Countries who dont recognise Kosovo inependence are Powerless countries they dont impact nothing in changing Kosovo Status.

(Denis, 4 January 2010 20:47)
Apparently you are not aware of the facts according to this forum. The ICTY is corrupt and why is it corrupt, because it has found guilty people guilty. Plus it does not perceive everyone who does not have a Serbian nationalist view as a criminal.

As long as this person is representing ethnic Albanians for our province, Serbia will only benefit.
(Zoran, 3 January 2010 18:32)

Right, I agree with you on this mate! Thaci is an true idiot, I'm myself an K-Alb, but I hate him, he is totally corrupt, un-educated, arogant, etc...
As long as we have "leaders" as such, we ain't going to move anywhere, and Serbia can rest assured that they can win in the political scene, when have to deal with such as Thaqi et al.

I really hope, that we will witness a government change, so that we could move forward, a government that will work for the interests of its people and not its pockets. Only then we can talk about EU aspirations if there is any. We've clearly seen how we've been left out of White Schengen lists, by both sides, EU and Serbia. The latter still continues to claim KS as part of its territory, but the reality on ground is quite different, Serbia has failed to show/support Kosovo in anyway, which is a clear indicator that Kosovo is not part of Serbia.
If Kosovo is Serbia, then why no passports? Why Kosovo didnt join the white list with Serbia too? Or why did Serbia trade Kosovo for the white list?

> He said that he is convinced that these five states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece—will recognize Kosovo’s independence in the future.

Thaci really shouldn't be sampling his own merchandise before he makes public statements.

Probably mr Thaci very like song "All I Have to do is Dream" ;)

The only place where this guy deserves to be is in the jail!

"He said that he expects, in the context of Kosovo’s progress, “further diplomatic reactions from Serbia with the goal of complicating the process of Kosovo recognition.”"

Imagine that! Serbia is trying to prevent the illegal theft of 15% of its territory and severe breach of its legal boundaries.

How unreasonable of them!

The 5 EU countries listed will never recognise Kosovo, and even if one of them did then it would still make no difference. It's a case of all or nothing.

Besides which, all members of the EU will be reassessing their stances on Kosovo if the ICJ states that the UDI was illegal.

In any event, the findings of the ICJ won't be about whether the UDI was illegal (which it clearly was), but rather a reflection of whether political influence has also reached the world court. I really hope not - how will there be any credibility left for the ICJ if their decision is tainted by politicians?

Cyprus siad that they will never do that. What part of never does he not understand?
---
The never say never part.

At this stage of the game, the only way Kosovo can be a part of the EU (without riding Serbia's coat tails) is for the EU to take over Kosovo as a mandate - which it's pretty much doing now.
(Mike, 3 January 2010 18:16)

I beg to differ Mike.There must be unanimity as far as EU enlargement is concerned.
Kosovo cannot be considered as a candidate before full recognition by all EU countries.

I cannot possibly see any of the remaining countries which haven't recognised kosovo doing so unless there is a negotiated settlement.
Untill this happens the doors to UN and EU will be shut.

"He said that he is convinced that these five states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece—will recognize Kosovo’s independence in the future."
===============

Cyprus siad that they will never do that. What part of never does he not understand?

Even if the others could be "convinced", Cyprus is not going to budge. Why is he daydreaming so much?

Everything that Thaci claims ends up being just hot air so I'm glad he came up with this speech as it means it's not going to happen, just like 100 recognitions in the first month, just like China's recognition and everything else this guy claims. As long as this person is representing ethnic Albanians for our province, Serbia will only benefit.

Mr. Thaci knows only too well that the only 'european perspective' for his kosovo is that which comes from the mouths of those EU 'officials' who are in receipt of his 'brown envelopes'.
His kosovo will not be recognised by any more countries and I believe a number of governments worldwide are ready to retract their premature recognitions.
His kosovo is attracting little or no FDI and this is understandable.
Who in their right mind would invest in a place that has become a cesspit for corruption, drug and people smuggling?

MB,Ireland

5 Countries who dont recognise Kosovo inependence are Powerless countries they dont impact nothing in changing Kosovo Status.

At this stage of the game, the only way Kosovo can be a part of the EU (without riding Serbia's coat tails) is for the EU to take over Kosovo as a mandate - which it's pretty much doing now.

The only place where this guy deserves to be is in the jail!
(The Swiss, 3 January 2010 17:29)

Dear Sir/Maddam, it is very arrogant of you to wish a democratically elected leader of another people, inprisonment and/or physical harm. Thaci represent the will of K-Alb for better or worse, and you (as always) are way out of line wishing for something against this will. At least show some manners as a civilized western you pretend to be, and spare us these Balkan style comments.

Thaci is not your leader dear, nor is his incompetence hurting you.

But again what do you know of suffering, liberty, freedom, and rights. You take them for granted and enjoy them under the protection of great powers such as US, which for what I can tell from your previous writings, you despise.

There are five EU countries, and each of them has its own reasons for refusing the recognition of Kosovo self-declared independence. I would not speculate much over Romania's motives - some Romanian fellows did it already better than me, on this very forum, and I agree with them: it's about the future of Moldavia Republic, not of Transilvania, we own our neighbours at least this, since they will be forever under Russian pressure. Last but not least, the Serbs will be forever next to us, to South-West :)
However, the possibility for Kosovo to enter EU sometimes in the (distant) future it's one thing, and its recognition as independent before this and/or before Serbia also joins EU - that's another thing. Seeing what happened in Bucarest in 2008, at the NATO Summit, when Greece blocked Macedonia from joining the Alliance, I would give few chances to Kosovo's bid for both EU and NATO. Not to mention what it's happening these days with the dispute between Slovenia and Croatia... Last but not least, 22 EU members were not able to pressure the 5 countries to recognize Kosovo as a state; why they would be more succesful in pressuring the 5 states into accepting Kosovo into EU?
I dare to say that European politicians will need to be very creative in the next years. One possibility would be to welcome simultaneously Serbia and Kosovo into EU, without any recognition, through a special treaty with Pristina and Belgrade, co-signed by EU countries... Who knows, it may work. Until then, let's see what EU is doing in Kosovo in terms of building its judicial system and supporting the enforcement of the law. And, of course, let's wait for the decision of Intl. Court of Justice, it may influence the overall situation.

The US our protectors, God help us.... and as to your beloved snake, well, just type his name on google and you'll find a lot of interesting articles as to who this guy is!!

Just some links to refresh your mind..., if you call them saints, then, good luck to you!

[link]

[link]
(The Swiss, 4 January 2010 14:51)

Oh yes, you are your "own man", you protect yourself making chocolate, Rolexes or Swiss Army pocket knifes? Think again.

Your Serbian propaganda links are very convincing. Thaci should be imprisoned, according to you, based on "facts" you collect on the internet.

There is an international tribunal, called the Hague Tribunal, why doesn't your beloved Serbia try to make a case against Thaci there. If he (and other K-Alb)is/are convicted, I am all for sending them to prison, for life. But apparently you would rather send them to prison serbian-style..... well known for its reputation of justice.

For your information: only STATES can join EU. Kosovo is PROVINCE.

Ergo: Kosovo cannot join EU!

Please stop wasting time on this whole Kosovo non-issue!
And start real negotiations!

Thaci is a KLA war criminal that has to be removed from Pristina's government, if that government will ever be listened to. These people like Thaci, did their purpose, and now they must leave - they are old school. Thaci is a war criminal in Belgrade, how could Serbia ever talk to a war criminal?

"Snake" Thaci, is not credible.

http://www.javno.com/en-world/who-is-hashim-snake-thaci_125467

under the protection of great powers such as US, which for what I can tell from your previous writings, you despise.
(Denis, 4 January 2010 02:20)

The US our protectors, God help us.... and as to your beloved snake, well, just type his name on google and you'll find a lot of interesting articles as to who this guy is!!

Just some links to refresh your mind..., if you call them saints, then, good luck to you!

http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000080.htm

http://www.savekosovo.org/default.asp?p=5&leader=0&sp=515

"Two playing the same game"
Bessi,
when will Kosovo realize that it must comprimise with Serbia and ultimately rejoin with Serbia?
I await your answer with bells on. I'd also like to preface with a preemptive "never say never".
NOTE: that statements powers are in both directions for everything making the statement somewhat pointless.

'Therefore, the only optimal way forward for all interested parties is to either have Kosovo ride in with the rest of Serbia, or in light of an ICJ ruling, take it over completely as EU property.
(Mike, 4 January 2010 05:26)'

"For all interested parties"? I think you forgot 90% of the population here.

Let's wait for the ICJ ruling. Which is exactly what Papandreou is saying: Greece's decision is based on respect for international law. And if Greece comes, can Cyprus be far behind?

Thaci: "Kosovo has European perspective:
“Five member-states of the EU have yet to recognize our independence, however, all of them support Kosovo's progress and its European perspective,” Thaci told daily Koha Ditore. He said that he is convinced that these five states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece—will recognize Kosovo’s independence in the future.

Unfortunately for Thaci, and he knows this well, all five of those states have vehemently stated they WILL NEVER recognized the illegal independence of Serbian land from Serbia, this being called Kosovo. 128 UN countries HAVE NOT recognized the illegal independence of Kosovo from Serbia. The overwhelming majority of the World's nations do not believe in this Kosovo experiment. Kosovo is and will always be Serbian, today and forever till the end of time. Serbs will never relinquish their ancient homeland, and all Albanians know this. This Kosovo experiment will not last long.
Thaci's Kosovo European perspective is like a bear craping in the woods, totally irrelevant.

Is this the same guy talking...

http://www.politicalforum.com/ethnic-religious-conflicts/91215-blowback-again-kosovo-vs-west.html

Kosovo has European perspective, if:
-it gets governed by professional staff
-it manages to implement a completely new judicial system starting by Zero, since the current one is one of the most corruptet in the world.
-it manages to bring to court warlords, participants of organized crimes (due to western intelegence services: almost every leading politician of Kosovo).
-combats annual rising corruption.
-attracts foreign investmenst, who currently do not exist at all.

The people of Kosovo must understand their situation, which is metaphorically speaking that of a sick person on a respirator (with KEK turning power on/off) racing against sportsmen-

Mike -

"To say it's going to not only navigate around the 5 Naysayers and get into the EU according to Thaci's point of view is too far fetched for me. "

Greece is talking about "respecting international law" these days, not about supporting Serbia unconditionally. Any more. I think this is code for using the ICJ judgement to get itself out of an unpleasant position with respect to the rest of the EU (which it needs economic help from, big time).

And after going over the written statements, written comments, and oral statements, I really think Kosovo is going to win. (Originally I was "don't know" in the B92 poll.) Look at Papandreou's statements during his visit to Belgrade - not a word about Kosovo. And Spain? It's being almost fulsome in it's praise of and promises to Serbia about its EU accession - a sign the knife is coming? (Or am I getting cynical in my old age?)

Now, getting down to the important things in life: I live near Boston, no problem getting a local beer. I was just wondering whether Sam (which my Czech friend insisted on politely referring to as "Samuel Adams") had really gone national. - After reading that last sentence, I realize I spend too much time worrying about Balkan politics.

(Denis, 4 January 2010 20:47)
Apparently you are not aware of the facts according to this forum. The ICTY is corrupt and why is it corrupt, because it has found guilty people guilty. Plus it does not perceive everyone who does not have a Serbian nationalist view as a criminal.

@Mike:
I agree fully with your statement, there are two options: "either have Kosovo ride in [EU] with the rest of Serbia, or in light of an ICJ ruling, take it over completely as EU property."

Maybe I should mention that Romania has proposed officially at UN (I think it was 2007) that EU takes in both Serbia and Kosovo - at that time, UN was supposed to remain as administrator of Kosovo...

Denis:
> Dear Sir/Maddam, it is very arrogant of you to wish a democratically elected leader of another people, inprisonment and/or physical harm. Thaci represent the will of K-Alb for better or worse, and you (as always) are way out of line wishing for something against this will. At least show some manners as a civilized western you pretend to be, and spare us these Balkan style comments.

Am trying hard, but for the life of me cannot find any hidden irony in this comment.. so can only assume 'Denis' is serious... to which one can only say.... wow ;)

ps 'Denis'.. from a strictly mercenary serb POV, the longer Thaci & the like stay in power, the better, so any comments from the serb camp that advocate his removal can only aid the cause of the very K-albanians whose 'will' you are defending.

Amer, two things: one more important than the other (I'll leave it up to you to decide what's the more important one :) )

1. I don't think 90% of Kosovo's population really cares what the other 10% does. If anything, "all interested parties" are basically getting what they want now: the non-interference of the other side. Albanians and Serbs are basically free to do what they like and think what they like in Kosovo in parallel bliss. And if Bosnia is any indication of how the West compromises something to perfect inefficiency, it would seem to me that Kosovo's definitive status is, well, "indefinite", leaving Greece and Cyprus on one end to "respect" international law, and the United States on the other to promote self-determination, or whatever we're currently arguing. To say that Kosovo has a European future is basically self-evindent since the EU runs it. To say it's going to not only navigate around the 5 Naysayers and get into the EU according to Thaci's point of view is too far fetched for me.

2. This has nothing to do with Kosovo but is a simple repeat of an early inquiry of yours (in case you didn't get it the first time) :

"BTW, how do you like Sam Adams? A Czech guy told me it was the only American beer he could drink." (Amer)

-- Sam Adams is a good all around beer for me. I usually have a case or three in my basement at any given time of the year. The original Boston Lager is their primary brew, but if you can get your hands on one of their seasonal variety packs (a decent liquor store here should carry it), it usually includes 4 or 5 different brands (IPAs, Summer Ales, Winter Ales, Holiday Ales, Oktoberfests, etc.)

If you want something stronger, try Stone (you'll have to look in more specialty liquor stores for them but their "Ruination IPA" is outstanding).

"Kosovo cannot be considered as a candidate before full recognition by all EU countries. I cannot possibly see any of the remaining countries which haven't recognised kosovo doing so unless there is a negotiated settlement."

-- That's exactly my point Leonidas. The Netherlands, Greece, and Slovenia are three perfect examples of how one, just one, country can stymie the goals and objectives of any one aspiring EU state. With 5 states officially opposed to Kosovo's "statehood", it makes Kosovo's EU integration all but impossible in the absence of any negotiated settlement with Serbia. If Serbia must fulfill its commitments to the ICTY, if Croatia must negotiate with Slovenia, and if FYROM must negotiate with Greece, then Kosovo must negotiate with Serbia.

Therefore, while I can't see the EU as a whole suddenly reverse engines and push for Kosovo's complete reintegration with the rest of Serbia, and while states like Slovakia and Romania could/should have been easy pushovers in terms of external pressure to recognize (even more I'd think than Montenegro, but even Djukanovic has a price), all it takes is one country to block. In Kosovo's case it indoubtedly falls to either Spain or Cyprus.

Therefore, the only optimal way forward for all interested parties is to either have Kosovo ride in with the rest of Serbia, or in light of an ICJ ruling, take it over completely as EU property.

Denis: "Dear Sir/Maddam, it is very arrogant of you to wish a democratically elected leader of another people, inprisonment and/or physical harm."

Don't you see the irony in that comment? The whole Nato action was based on displacing and even harming a democratically elected leader in Belgrade (even though he became widely hated by his own people).

Direct attacks on elected leaders are commonplace by the US, and yet Thaci, who is known by all internationally to be a war criminal, should not be subject to hopes that he should be replaced?

He should absolutely face trial for his role in Kosovo and the KLA. Nothing will move forward while he is the leader. Belgrade can never deal with him.

As long as this person is representing ethnic Albanians for our province, Serbia will only benefit.
(Zoran, 3 January 2010 18:32)

Right, I agree with you on this mate! Thaci is an true idiot, I'm myself an K-Alb, but I hate him, he is totally corrupt, un-educated, arogant, etc...
As long as we have "leaders" as such, we ain't going to move anywhere, and Serbia can rest assured that they can win in the political scene, when have to deal with such as Thaqi et al.

I really hope, that we will witness a government change, so that we could move forward, a government that will work for the interests of its people and not its pockets. Only then we can talk about EU aspirations if there is any. We've clearly seen how we've been left out of White Schengen lists, by both sides, EU and Serbia. The latter still continues to claim KS as part of its territory, but the reality on ground is quite different, Serbia has failed to show/support Kosovo in anyway, which is a clear indicator that Kosovo is not part of Serbia.
If Kosovo is Serbia, then why no passports? Why Kosovo didnt join the white list with Serbia too? Or why did Serbia trade Kosovo for the white list?