Kosovo police interrupt minister’s visit

"Kosovo’s temporary authorities"

Mr. Bogdanovic, if this authority looks temporary to you , for me they look permanent.

#Rosa" ?

ROSU (Regional Operation Support Unit)

"This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs"

No kidding! You realize this now. Serbs should prohibit the freedom of movement for albanians in Presevo in the same way. Don't know why Serbs always have to be the nice ones.

Funny. He is becoming a real laughing stock. After all, he is a minister for something that he does not have.

Rosa? Its ROSU B92, (Regional Operational Support Unit) its the second time you guys spell it wrong. And Mr Bogdanovic should consider another career if he inteds to visit his country again.

“Bogdanović added that he “did not wish to create incidents”, and repeated that today’s events were “the best example of how Serbs live in Kosovo”.”
First, you (Mr. Bogdanovic) are trying so hard to destabilize Kosovo and manipulate the Serb community. Strpce has elected its local government recently, and this newly elected local government will govern in accordance with Kosovo’s Constitution, what makes some sort of threat to you and your policies. So, you should understand that your presence in Kosovo, as “Minister for Kosovo” from a foreign country, automatically threatens Kosovo’s efforts to integrate and empower Serbs in the overall flows in Kosovo.
Second, to me this is the best example how YOU really want Serbs live in Kosovo. You are not interested in their wellbeing, freedom of movement, etc, you simply want to keep them isolated and as far from KS Government, so you can apply easier your destructive policies against Kosovo.

"This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs"


No not for other Serbs. Only for you because you are an enemie.

Police told the minister that he “cannot move in that area without the Kosovo government permission”.
(B92)

That is not true.
The “Minister for Kosovo” trip to Strpce was of a political nature.
He did not request permission for such activities from Kosovo authorities.
So it is a simple twisting of facts (Lie) saying “cannot move in that area without the Kosovo government permission”.
What is true is that he cannot willy-nilly hold political meetings.
The rules are the same for all, Albanian and non-Albanian political figures.
You want to hold a meeting, get the necessary licence.
I wonder if he could hold any meetings or rallies in Serbia without informing the right authorities in Serbia.
You are a citizen of Kosovo, as such if you do not obey the law you should be arrested (hopefully next time).

"Don't know why Serbs always have to be the nice ones.
(MikeC,"

The nicest and the least relavent. There are countless other minoritys prospering, but its always the Serbs who complain for everything.
You dont see the Montenegrien minister for Kosovo (Lol) being such pain in the backside? How about the Macedonian minister for Kosovo?

Jason must have been off duty, otherwise he woulden`t have never allowed for this to happen. :)

Bogdanović added that he “did not wish to create incidents”, and repeated that today’s events were “the best example of how Serbs live in Kosovo”.

1. Bogdanovic should never be allowed to go into Kosovo again, he is prohibiting the serbs in Kosovo to get on with their lives and move towards getting on with the majority Albanians in Kosovo

2. If those serbs so attached to their culture should move and live in Serbia as their human rights are violated in Kosovo!!!

3. these accusations are nonsense and may i remind you that this was Milosovic's propaganda in the 80s and that got you very far....

Two points:

First, this was what Bogdanovic was hoping for, I imagine, and Pristina played right into it. Now all can see the intolerance Serbs face in the southern areas of Kosovo.

Second, Bogdanovic is a resident of Kosovo and it is inconceivable and illegal to ban one from his own country. Regardless of the fact that he operates in the north on a weekly basis, he should be able to go freely to any Serbian area.

Can any serb tell me if political meetings in Serbia are allowed without informing the legal authorities? Can any serb tell me if they would allow a montenegrin minister to travel to Serbia and have a meeting with people there without permission from serbian authorities?
There is a new reality in the ground which is Kosovo is independent and as such, a minister of another country can not go there and hold meeting without informing the Kosovo authorities.
The truth must be accepted or otherwise it will hurt.

Serbia uses churches to rally a crusade and destabilize Kosova. EULEX is allowing this and should be removed from Kosova immediately.

This guy should not be escorted out anymore but jailed on sight for trying to destabilize and incite war in Kosova;Same goes for every politician from Serbia.

"There are countless other minoritys prospering, but its always the Serbs who complain for everything.
You dont see the Montenegrien minister for Kosovo..How about the Macedonian minister for Kosovo?"
troika melb

Oh, now I get it! In the "free and democratic Kosovo" thoso who have recognized Kosovo are allowed to move freely but those who don't recognize Kosovo are not! So, that's how it is! I guess Serbia should force the albanians of Presevo to support Belgrade against the UDI of Kosovo albanians or be forced to leave and/or limit their freedom of movement. Same thing!

Well, it looks to me like the bait was set and ethnic Albanians bit it.

Mike we're not Albanians. Serbia is democratic country and wont harass its citizens. And Un should asnwer for affairs in Un administered part of our territory. We wont match every stupid thing Albanians do in this fight. We'll just exploit every stupid thing Albanians do until they start crying like little girls :)

Nah, we will stay a good long time I think. Sensible Albanians welcome an organization that can help cut down on crime and corruption, but I think we all know you are not one of those Albanians.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 15:51)

Whoa. Déjà vu Jason…. “Sensible Albanians”!!!!!
Have I heard this one before????
I guess I have: It was Milosevic era and the term “Decent Albanians” (or “Pošteni Albanci”) was used a lot.
Translated in Albanian that meant: Non-Albanians pretending to be Albanians and Traitors.
Not only that you think pre 1999 you actually use the same phrases (well a bit modernised)
Jason, I do believe that EULEX is here to help.
You on the other hand………. I don’t think so.
If you are so much against the country you work for (Kosovo) what are you doing here.
Are there no other jobs that give you better personal fulfilment??
Taking in consideration that you seem to have so much time to “contribute to Kosovo forums” I would appreciate an honest answer from you:

Do you actually do any work?
Are you just a simple "pencil pusher"?

Serbia uses churches to rally a crusade and destabilize Kosova. EULEX is allowing this and should be removed from Kosova immediately.
(Bekim, 13 January 2010 14:52)

Nah, we will stay a good long time I think. Sensible Albanians welcome an organization that can help cut down on crime and corruption, but I think we all know you are not one of those Albanians.

'“This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs, residents of Kosovo, myself included, are being denied our basic human right,” said he.' - Mr. Bogdanovic.

This statement is very true.

I have been aware of this ever since I first began working 9 years ago in Kosovo i Metohija.

This is what the 'kosova authorities' have been up to for years - making life unbearable for Kosovo Serbs in the hope that they will leave the province so that the region can be totally albanised.
A real Neanderthal mentality.
I wonder how the EU is going to handle that one!

MB,Ireland

"Serbia uses churches to rally a crusade and destabilize Kosova."
Bekim

I guess you just gave yourself and excuse to burn the churches to the ground.

It is very funny to see you all K-albanian trying to justify a criminal act of your autorities.
Even you think to be indipendent you are not, because kosovo is not economically indipendent, politically indipendent, military indipendent and you still need to be filled of money from civilizated countries as the European are.
It is really really funny to see you all asking for the respectation of international laws when it is very easy to understand that kosovo life is depending on criminal activities.
Then you want that KFOR and EULEX to be removed? Do not be more funny than you are yet!!! If the NATO and EU militaries (and I am one) moved away, believe me kosovars, you would be dead not because of the serbs, but because you cannot produce any kind of richness to survive. I am not Serbian, but now and ever KOSOVO is SERBIA!

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

Obviously an attempt by the KPS to reassert their manhood after it had been snipped by EULEX for Tadic's visit. Sad really. But then again, this IS Kosovo, and I'm sure KPS/ROSA/ROSU/ROSE/ROSEBUD have little else to do.

But I thought Kosovo is Serbia? I guess not

EULEX is allowing this and should be removed from Kosova immediately.
(Bekim, 13 January 2010 14:52)

Bekim, EULEX must stay since you cannot run your affairs alone, sorry.
I understand your annoyance with EULEX and I suggest, instead of asking EULEX to go, you ask EULEX to remove UNMIK leftovers.

I wonder why Bogdanovic used KS plates rather than Serbian plates

Nah, we will stay a good long time I think. Sensible Albanians welcome an organization that can help cut down on crime and corruption, but I think we all know you are not one of those Albanians.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 15:51)

You must have missed the latest report on orginzed crime groups world wide.
Serb mafia is #8 on the list, followed by Albanian mafia on #9. I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.

Ops, I almost forgat Ron 1244.
If i were you, I will knock on every door at UNHQ in NY and raise hell for so called Bogdanovic incident.

Next time go by helicopter, problem solved!

I thought you guys based your government on the Ahtisaari plan? Guess Freedom of Movement for your “citizens” isn’t high on your priority list.

Do any of you guys honestly believe this sort of behavior is going to help your cause?

When he was stopped, Mr/ Bogdanovic was jumping up and down trying to find a camera, and when the police would not allow him to speak in front of cameras in the territory of Kosovo, he spoke in the neutral zone.

I seriously dont understand who Mr. Bogdanovic is trying to fool? Remember this is not the 19th century when you devised all kinds of schemes to make the albanians look like savages!

The Serbian politicians seriously need to take a crash course on contemporary politics, rather than demonize everyone hoping they can gain something because the Serbian people are so "civilised" compared to everyone else.

The EU and the international community know perfectly what the intention and role of these "visits" is, which is why the Kosova Police can stop serbian politicans from 'visiting' Kosovo at an increasing rate.

# Shame on the new "authorities " of Kosovo. Peace is not coming to "your" country with these manners. Agreement with Serbia must be reached also in 20 years.It cannot be exist a totally criminal-mafia-state for a long time.
(Stefano, 13 January 2010 15:53)

Well, I disagree your country ,Italy, seems to be doing OK so I guess mafia states do exist.

However, he is not allowed to go around Kosovo and support the illegal Serbian parallel institutions and this was the case today. That’s why he was not allowed to visit his desired location/destination. These parallel institutions are illegal per Kosovo constitution and go against 1244. Therefore, theoretically neither UNMIK, nor EULEX can do anything about what happened today because as long as Bogdanovic supports illegal parallel Serbian institution in Kosovo he is acting in a matter that is against 1244.
(blue and gold, 13 January 2010 18:14)

You are absolutely right.
With the attempted support of parallel institutions this was the usual Serbian provocation. What is new? This is just continuation of the old failed politic.

Shame on the new "authorities " of Kosovo. Peace is not coming to "your" country with these manners. Agreement with Serbia must be reached also in 20 years.It cannot be exist a totally criminal-mafia-state for a long time.

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

Obviously an attempt by the KPS to reassert their manhood after it had been snipped by EULEX for Tadic's visit. Sad really. But then again, this IS Kosovo, and I'm sure KPS/ROSA/ROSU/ROSE/ROSEBUD have little else to do.
(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

Mike you are intentionally confusing matters here. Here we are dealing with a state official from Belgrade. This is not your average Serb from Kosova. As such the EU mission in Kosova itself stated that there are protocols that Serb state officials have with the EU regarding them visiting Kosova. They also stated that Bogdanovic violated such protocols. Now this Serb state official cannot and will not be allowed to hide under his Kosova resident status to conduct Serbian state matters without approval from the EU in Prishtina. It is simple as that. Now he can act like a smarta$$ and hide behind his residency but every-time he doesn't follow procedures he will be stopped. EULEX is there for this reason also; that is to stop stupid and dirty politics coming from Belgrade. You go on a private visit you don't meet the whole village at the same exact time at the same exact place. Speaking personally last time I went on a visit there I didn't meet all of Prishtina's citizens in the same exact place at the same exact time. I am also sure when you visited Kosova you didn't meet all the residents of a village or a city at the same exact day at the same exact time. You know why? Because you and I REALLY went as private visitors. Next time this guy tries to fool people he should try harder.

As always blah, blah, blah, blah coming from Belgrade. Find another tune. The same old tricks won't do it. Get a little more creative.

“However, he is not allowed to go around Kosovo and support the illegal Serbian parallel institutions and this was the case today.”

Did you support Albanian parallel institutions in Kosovo during the Milosevic years? How is this any different?

Clan and totalitarians don`t know the meaning of human rights and freedom of movements.They reserve that right for organ snatchers,drug smugglers and other criminals.
Reality of Serbs and their rights for survival in Kosovo is sad and disturbing like no other nation in the world.

UNMIK and EULEX should act now!

'Kosovo government' is not in control of Kosovo region but UNMIK is.

Time for UN to show that!

Stop all activities that goes against 1244!

By the way: hope China, Russia and others will act in the UN regarding to this.

Clan tatolitarian rule only proves to the rest of Europe that human rights and freedom of movement is reserved for organ snatcher and heroin smugglers in Kosovo.The man power they used on Bogdanovic and little show of force is nothing but a joke to entertain albanian population so they could forget for a minute on why are they so poor.

The truth must be accepted or otherwise it will hurt.
(True montenegrin, 13 January 2010 16:40)
--
Now listen here True Albanian, this is a matter of freedom of movement and it was clearly demonstrated that residents of Serbian ethnicity do not have this privilege, that is so often proclaimed but in reality is nonexistent. What will the ICJ think of this while they deliberate?

Bait set, bait taken.

Do you have any idea how this would curb democracy? That’s a really scary future for Kosovo.
(Matthew, 13 January 2010 17:09)

Matthew,

What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities as Bogdanovic was trying to do in Strpca?

If you can answer this question honestly, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.

I guess you just gave yourself and excuse to burn the churches to the ground.
(MikeC, 13 January 2010 16:05)

Actually your president Tadic did.

I don't know how much corroboration this brings but here you go anyway, Jason.

http://www.crystalkiss.com/top-10-biggest-mafias-around-the-world/

P.S Interesting how you responded before any actual Serb did. Are you becoming more Serb than the real Serbs by the way?

right so.He has nothing to do in Kosovo. He was just there to provoke Kosovo.
Interesting to now how upset the international state community in Kosovo will be, when they get the complains from Belgrade. I suppose they will leave Kosovo about the "unfair" behaviors infront of the Serbian Minister.

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

Obviously an attempt by the KPS to reassert their manhood after it had been snipped by EULEX for Tadic's visit. Sad really. But then again, this IS Kosovo, and I'm sure KPS/ROSA/ROSU/ROSE/ROSEBUD have little else to do.
(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

I agree, Tadic visit was a major loss for Kosova and proved to everyone in Kosova that EULEX and all internationals here raped our constitution and independence.

'Do you have any idea how this would curb democracy? That’s a really scary future for Kosovo.
(Matthew, 13 January 2010 17:09) '

Democracy seems to be doing just fine in Strpce, and by extension, Kosovo. Just a day or two ago the newly elected council members met (8 of 9 from the SDS, 1 from the PDK)and elected their chairman (Serbian) and their vice-chairman (Albanian).

The Albanian grumbled that more people voted for Albanian candidates than for Serbian ... so they're worried about ticket-splitting these days rather than mutually assured destruction. That sounds like progress.

What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities as Bogdanovic was trying to do in Strpca?

(Michael R., 13 January 2010 18:50)

You are comparing apples and oranges. Serbia is a country recognized by the entire world and Serbia is not having its identity challenged internationally nor does it have 2/3 of the world refusing to recognize it.

what is with the free movement of Kosovoalbanians in serbia, now 10 years Serbia dont allow them to pass the border betweet Kosovo and Serbia!?

(MikeC, 13 January 2010 15:34

Mike there you went again Presevo, this, that.. do us a favour, stop now :)
Tabalija

I know Tabalija, the truth hurts.

yet another provocation from minister bogdanovich to demonstrate, in his view (or, in the view of his MFA "advisers")the limited freedom of movement in Kosovo and all the other stories (which are all true stories unfortunately misused for political purposes).
Am afraid but pristina government, like any government (regardless whether they are on top of a full fledged or other country) can restrict individual freedom of movement when this endanger public security, etc.. the limitation should be proportional and allow me to say, it is definitely the case, considering the statements that mr.bogdanovich constantly releases (which, again, are all products of his faithful advisers). what a shame.... stop misusing K Serbs for your own political purposes.

“This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs, residents of Kosovo, myself included, are being denied our basic human right,”

Ye sure....

and what about 5 daily buses linking PR with BG and NIS???

Or they are only for the Jason's mates that go to party in BG??

I just admire the courage of the Serbian politicians- they are able to deny the evidence while watching you in the face.

The commentary is pretty funny here. The best way to solve this dilemna is to put forth your prediction for where Kosova will be 10 years from now regarding its statehood, then we can all regroup in 10 years to discuss. My opinion is that Kosovar independance will not be revoked. I see more and more countries recognizing Kosova independance over time. New politicians will be elected within Serbia during this time period and move on to different issues instead of protesting Kosova independance. The Serbian public will tire of this Kosova topic as well. It's a war of attrition and one that Serbia will ultimately lose. Time is on the Kosovars side.

First of all I think it’s unfortunate that this had to happen this way.

Secondly, this is not an issue of freedom of movement or the lack off. Bogdanovic is a citizen of Kosovo and he can move anywhere he wants to. Let’s keep in mind that he comes over to Kosovo many many times. I don’t recall him being escorted out every time he visited Kosovo, do you? So your argument about lack of freedom of movement is false and misleading. Serbian president Tadic has been allowed multiple times to come and visit Kosovo during various religious holidays.

Third, this is not a case of freedom of speech or the lack off. Bogdanovic is free to speak his mind and his opinions. However, he is not allowed to go around Kosovo and support the illegal Serbian parallel institutions and this was the case today. That’s why he was not allowed to visit his desired location/destination. These parallel institutions are illegal per Kosovo constitution and go against 1244. Therefore, theoretically neither UNMIK, nor EULEX can do anything about what happened today because as long as Bogdanovic supports illegal parallel Serbian institution in Kosovo he is acting in a matter that is against 1244.

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

Mike, I so rarely catch you in an approbative mood - let me congratulate you. Yes, the elections went well. They were specifically mentioned BTW, along with improved treatment of the Serb minority in the Freedom House decision to raise the Kosovo rating for both political and civic rights). The installation of the new municipal council in Strpce that Bogdanovic just missed should help raise the rating even further in next year's edition.

Cheers, as you like to say.

Anyone still wondering if Tadic requested permision or not from Pristina?

“What is true is that he cannot willy-nilly hold political meetings. (casual_visitor, 13 January 2010 14:58)”

So, no Freedom or Speech or Freedom of Assembly either? You are seriously making the argument that people can not meet without clearing it with KPS first? Besides, they escorted him out, so that implies Freedom of Movement as well.

Do you have any idea how this would curb democracy? That’s a really scary future for Kosovo.

Clan and totaliranians don`t know the meaning of human rights and freedom of movement.They reserve that right for organ snatchers and drug smugglers.

"Now listen here True Albanian, this is a matter of freedom of movement and it was clearly demonstrated that residents of Serbian ethnicity do not have this privilege, that is so often proclaimed but in reality is nonexistent. What will the ICJ think of this while they deliberate?"
This kind of comments are very childish. Even Mr Bogdanovic made this kind of comments. He was not going to go to Shtrpce to have a coup of tea or do some shoping like any other Kosovan citizen he was behaving like a Serbian minister that is why he was sent back to serbia. the day he bacomes Kosovar ambasador to serbia he can move freely as an official wherever he wants in Kosova or Serbia until then every Serbian officials movement in Kosova will be restricted regardless whether they were born in Kosova or Serbia.

I don't know how much corroboration this brings but here you go anyway, Jason.

[link]/

P.S Interesting how you responded before any actual Serb did. Are you becoming more Serb than the real Serbs by the way?
(johny, 13 January 2010 20:45)

Johny I am sorry but I do not consider www.crystalkiss.com an authoritative site on transnational organized crime. Look at the list and you can see no link to official statistics anywhere. Even more telling is the "fact" that the Italian mafia is considered number two in the world. The truth is that the Italians have largely been run out of business by Russian and Albanian OC groups, and most of the families have been shut down by police. The hierarchical structure of La Cosa Nostra also helped to do them in... they were too easy to pick apart with RICO.

As far as Japanese groups, very rarely do we deal with them in the US or in Europe. Bottom line, this site appears to be an opinion of someone with little to no credibility.

"EULEX and all internationals here raped our constitution and independence." (Bekim)

-- Um, buddy? At the risk of pointing out the painfully obvious, your "constitution" was written by a Finn. Your "independence" (and that's still up for debate), was given to you by Americans.

What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities as Bogdanovic was trying to do in Strpca?

(Michael R., 13 January 2010 18:50)

My friend, don't make me laugh!

Kosovo is a Serbian province! That is the difference.

As a Western European tax payer I am getting SICK of this, so I will reiterate once more: Kosovo is a province, NOT a state!

Hope this helps!

You must have missed the latest report on orginzed crime groups world wide.
Serb mafia is #8 on the list, followed by Albanian mafia on #9. I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.


(Kosova-USA, 13 January 2010 17:16)

Wow, what an imagination you have! How about using something like, oh I don't know... FACTS to support these useless posts of yours?
Maybe you have a magical library to get your information from that no one else has. So let's see some links buddy, chop chop!

I must say that I liked how you were so quiet the past couple days after getting your latest verbal spanking by the folks here.

It's clear as day that the Kosovars control their territory by themselves, with the international community, it doesn't matter. The Serbs are impotent in preventing any of this "Kosovar control". If Serbia had one gram of control you would see the MUP, Munja, OPG, Frenkies, Beli Orlovi, Osvetnici, Arkans or any of these lovely groups of people fighting a "brave" battle in Kosova. Once again just like Lazar Hrebeljanovic, choose the "heavenly kingdom" over the "earthly one".

Then you want that KFOR and EULEX to be removed? Do not be more funny than you are yet!!! If the NATO and EU militaries (and I am one) moved away, believe me kosovars, you would be dead not because of the serbs, but because you cannot produce any kind of richness to survive. I am not Serbian, but now and ever KOSOVO is SERBIA!
(Luca, 13 January 2010 16:33)

And you "Italians" should really leave EU since you are not Europeans and take the spanish moors with ya.

respect my authoritaaah

Go we!!

>(MikeC, 13 January 2010 15:34

Mike there you went again Presevo, this, that.. do us a favour, stop now :)

You are comparing apples and oranges. Serbia is a country recognized by the entire world and Serbia is not having its identity challenged internationally nor does it have 2/3 of the world refusing to recognize it.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 20:01)
Sounds like the Kosovo authorities successfully made an apple pie out of oranges then.

'Wow, what an imagination you have! How about using something like, oh I don't know... FACTS to support these useless posts of yours?
Maybe you have a magical library to get your information from that no one else has. So let's see some links buddy, chop chop!


(Jason, 13 January 2010 19:41) '

Here's one for you, pal: http://www.novosti.rs/code/navigate.php?Id=9&status=jedna&vest=167806&title_add=Srbi%20glava%20hobotnice&kword_add=bia%2C%20kokain

Organized crime? There is an Internet out there with proper reports by proper bodies.

The most recent EUROPOL annual report 'European Organised Crime Threat Assessment' (OCTA) 2009 clearly says that the albanians control the traffiking business in the Balkans. Or are they just big Serb supporters? Not to let facts get in the way or anything!

http://www.europol.europa.eu/index.asp?page=publications&language

OGC = Organized Crime Groups, IN-SO = Influence Societies and Economies

P.16
"The South East criminal hub is very active in both producing various commodities and acting as a busy transit,warehousing and re-packaging zone.There are at least three main feeders and relevant routes directly influencing the South East criminal hub:North (the Ukraine and Moldova),Centre (Western Balkans) and South (Turkey).

The significance of the port of Constanta in the cocaine traffic is growing,and cocaine seems to be increasingly arriving in the EU through Turkey and/or the Balkans.This may be due to the increased involvement of Turkish and ethnic Albanian groups in the cocaine distribution chain,but may also be the effect of the already well-established role of West Africa as a transit zone."

P.23

"The most active OC groups involved in trafficking human beings in the EU are Bulgarian, Nigerian and Romanian. Groups from other Balkan countries, China, Moldova, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam are also frequently reported. Albanian OC groups tend to exploit victims trafficked by other groups."

P.33

"There are at least three main feeders and relevant routes directly influencing the South East criminal hub: ...

Centre (the Balkans):Albania,Kosovo/Serbia, Montenegro and FYROM Origin and/or transit point for cannabis products,i llegal immigrants/victims of trafficking, heroin, cocaine, cigarettes, synthetic
drugs and precursors, counterfeit Euros and arms into the EU."

P.34

"Regional distribution in South East Europe seems however still to be in the hands of ethnic Albanian groups, with Albania serving as a pre-gathering and transport centre for the distribution of
heroin into the EU....The South East criminal hub also impacts strongly upon the Southern hub. The links between Albania,the Kosovo region and Italy remain strong in trafficking in human beings,
heroin, cannabis products and increasingly also cocaine while Romania is an important gateway..."

P.37

"The Turkish groups are using Romania and Bulgaria as entry points for heroin into the EU, and are co-operating with ethnic Albanian and Serbian groups who often handle at least certain parts
of the final distribution starting from Albania and the Kosovo region and proceeding via Austria into Western Europe."

P.46

"There are indications suggesting the possibility that IN-SO strategies have been adopted by OCGs run by criminals with Albanian ethnicity or originating from the Caucasus region."

It's funny seeing the title of the article "Kosovo police interrupt Ministers Kosova visit" devolve into topics of "organized crime" "who's more European" "waiting out the Ottoman empire" and other irrelevant topics. This thinking is precisely the problem with this region. Historically one side or the other had more or less power which aided things like mass murder and ethnic cleansing and the rewriting of the history books to benifit one side or the other. Now, nobody is any weaker than the other. All sides are strong and have their own resources whether it be home grown weaponry or alliances. Think of it in atomic terms of M.A.D Mutually Assured Destruction. There is no way now that Serbia would ever dare to cross over into Kosova or any other country for that matter with their military. The Kosovars are being trained by the best (S.A.S. Green Berets, GSG-9) and equipped with modern western armament and support for what will be a future Kosovar Army. All of this is happening behind closed doors and is a fact. So, we can all sit here and argue symantics such as who is more civilized, who has better athletes, who can hit a tennis ball better. Folks, those issues are irrelevant when it comes to the topic of kosova independance. You can win little battles, but the war was won on June 10th, 1999 by Kosova. Done deal...

listen all you who like to say "well if kosovo is serbia why does he not have the right of free movement" you know very well south serbia is occupied today. you can remove every serb from kosovo and metohja every religious site burn every history book and guess what KOSOVO IS STILL SOUTH SERBIA -your temporary occupation changes NOTHING!

...And it begins. These outstanding issues are going to force all parties back to the negotiating table.

why didn´t these "cops" bring him to the border in mitrovica? to the liberated part of the city?

I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.


(Kosova-USA, 13 January 2010 17:16)

Yeah,but you guys are the World champs in organ harvesting and playing marbles.

Aleks,

Excellent information and research on this issue of organized crime. The link posted by Captain America was extremely dubious and lacking in any factual information.

Mike C:

When you remarked that you don't know why Serbs always have to be the nice ones that got me thinking that in particular that even if I'm nice I can't be "extra-nice" to a Serb(s)who have ethnocentric characteristics and in particular I can't be extra-nice to an Albanian(s) who's full of ingratitude(I speak from experience) and an Albanian(s) who might just might be a traitor to his or her or their people. Finally what I mean by not being extra-nice to them means that I can't interact well with them nor can I do special things for them.

"What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities (Michael R., 13 January 2010 18:50)"
That's exactly my point Michael. Team "Kosova" used exactly the same tactics under Milosevic. Why was that OK and this is not? All Pristina is proving to the world is they don't have the maturity to treat the Serbian minority with the proper respect and freedom we deserve. There will be a partition of Kosovo, mark my words.
However, that being said, I personally support the rights of Kosovar Albanians to participate in whatever politics they desire in Presevo or anywhere in Serbia as long as it does not involve violence. I deeply respect men like Rugova and the peaceful means he advocated for political change.
If you have any examples at all of the Serbian government trampling on the political rights of Albanians in Presevo I'd love to see them. From what I've read on B92, its all relatively minor stuff.

johny,

Well I doubt most Serbs are going to be that upset at Bogdanovic's brush with the (cough cough) law. One doesn't see Oliver Ivanovic being harassed, but one rarely sees Ivanovic cross the Ibar. Still, his removal was justified via word of mouth, rather than documented reason, and that I feel is cause for concern. Why? Because it makes KPS act as if the law is/was taken into their own hands. If Bogdanovic was truly out of order because he didn't carry the right papers, that's one thing. If it was, as I suspect, Pristina trying to flex its nuts it's something else. This will probably be one of the issues on the table when those wonderful negotiations that everyone wants but refuses to attend: who can travel where, when, and by what means.

Amer,

It's natural for Kosovo's status in Freedom House to go up. One can only go up from absolute zero. All kidding aside, I'm happy to see that and hope that continued improving of conditions facilitates a political culture where the electorate looks beyond the current crop of goons as KLA heroes and asks, as Ment commented yesterday, "what are you going to do for us?" But before any of us gets all Tocquevellian on the region, it's still got a long way's to go, as proven today I'm afraid.

Okay it's theirs (Albanian) 5 minutes but something we the Serbs have is patience. Serbs managed to overthrow turkish occupation of Kosovo so we will make it again. Kosovo is protectorate and interests of today great powers are changeable. We also should not forget we live in the Balkans.

What is really interesting, pollice from Pristina ordered minister Bogdanović to leave Kosovo but over crossing Merdare. It's so obvious they don't control the area north of the bridge in Kosovska Mitrovica. I'm glad they finally got it.

Would normalisation be an admission of defeat?

1244 was imposed after a bombing but it did give autonomy and it did acknowledge Serbia's ownership of the territory.

If 1244 is being ignored and broken and generally abused by giving support for the UDI, then there does come a time when Serbia could acknowledge that 1244 is at an end and so legally reoccupy. (In my reading, the notion that the west sees the current situation as an imposed 'settlement' does effectively end its terms if Serbia chooses to see it that way).

If this argument allows that possibility that Serbia will legally reoccupy in the distant future, then normalisation would not be a defeat. As long as Serbia can keep the door open to retain its territory then there will be no humiliation.

Effectively Serbia would label Pristina as being 'autonomous' and then treat them in that way. (Hopefully that would be enough for the EU while at the same time not letting the EU politicians feel too comfortable. Pristina would have to put up with it like everything else.)

I suppose that the way EULEX has been allowed into Kosovo is similar - originally I saw that as a failure on the part of Belgrade, but I guess it is actually a clever trick to keep the situation live, make moves towards the EU and NOT acknowledge Pristina.)

Millosevic was not very clever in his dealings - this current lot actually are not doing so badly given the mess that he left them with!

Serbia is a country recognized by the entire world and Serbia is not having its identity challenged internationally nor does it have 2/3 of the world refusing to recognize it.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 20:01)

Correction... Only about 1/3 of countries have REFUSED to recognize Kosovo (for example Serbia, Russia & Co have stated so). About 1/3 of the states have neither refused nor accepted to recognize. Another 1/3 have made a statement to recognize.

Not making a statement is not equal to refuse as it is not equal to recognition. For example, US has never made a statement that they recognize UK. Does that mean that they don't recognize UK ?!!!

For your knowledge there are countries that, as a matter of policy, never make a statement of recognizing another country. Their recognition is deducted from their actions (they recognize passports, establish diplomatic relations, vote for the other country to be admitted to int'l organizations, etc...).

Take another example; assume you are an immigrant and apply for a benefit that requires a statement from the ministry of interior that you are a legal immigrant. Does that mean that all immigrants for which no such statement has been issued are illegal ?!!!

# Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

Mike, I so rarely catch you in an approbative mood - let me congratulate you. Yes, the elections went well. They were specifically mentioned BTW, along with improved treatment of the Serb minority in the Freedom House decision to raise the Kosovo rating for both political and civic rights). The installation of the new municipal council in Strpce that Bogdanovic just missed should help raise the rating even further in next year's edition.

Cheers, as you like to say.
(Amer, 13 January 2010 19:00)

thanks, amer, always happy to pick up good tidbits. things are moving forward, slowly but surely. the elections went well, and these endless provocations from outside don't really seem to be upsetting the apple cart. we have a long ways to go, but i believe are moving in good directions.

eyes on the prize... i think soon enough we will see 70 total recognitions, and more. very exciting, and rewarding. nice to see some good postings today, again.

roberto
frisco

.(The Truth, 13 January 2010 20:30

You want a prediction, well here it is without fear or any favor – unless there is settlement with Belgrade whether return to Serb rule or diving up Kosovo, some to go to Serbia and the rest to Albania, Kosovo will become a stagnant region where people will just pack up and leave. By the way, stagnation will not take ten years in fact it’s happening right now where young Albanians are leaving villages empty to seek a better life elsewhere in Europe.
NO one and I repeat no one will open even a corner store in Kosovo unless it status is settled and you can have the UN recognize the “independence of Kosovo” till the proverbial cows come home! Just ask yourself the simple question – how many multi-national companies have opened for business in Pristina?????? The US can convince a couple of its corporations to open a branch in Pristina and pay any losses, but the US will not.
Time is not on your side. Your best hope is to get Serbia to recognize Kosovo now otherwise it’s too late, the longer it takes the less important Kosovo becomes to the US.

Serb mafia is #8 on the list, followed by Albanian mafia on #9. I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.
(Kosova-USA, 13 January 2010 17:16)
--
Of course Kosovo is considered part of Serbia when those ratings were made and it is only natural that our ethnic Albanian criminals show their Serbian passport when caught. I mean, I bet you would show your Serbian passport if you got caught in some crime, wouldn't you?

the so-called "minister for kosovo" is a fantastical tile for a man whom no one in kosovo voted for...including kosovo serbs. A relic from milosovic era yugoslavia whereby serbia had and continues to have the audacity to name representation "on behalf" of anyone.

good riddance.

In Italy there is just a black hole in some southern regions in which mafia is powerful but as you know is much different from Kosovo:an entire black hole state and a TOTALLY-CRIMINAL-MAFIA STATE. Please don't be funny, don't comparate Italy to the "new"Kosovo.
(Stefano, 14 January 2010 00:36)

Well actually Italians created many blackholes all over the world, hell even in Australia and not to mention other countries. So the original organized crime is Italian you are forgetting Don Berlusconi-face-smashed-in-by-Duomo.

# Shame on the new "authorities " of Kosovo. Peace is not coming to "your" country with these manners. Agreement with Serbia must be reached also in 20 years.It cannot be exist a totally criminal-mafia-state for a long time.
(Stefano, 13 January 2010 15:53)

Well, I disagree your country ,Italy, seems to be doing OK so I guess mafia states do exist.
(Bekim, 13 January 2010 16:42)

In Italy there is just a black hole in some southern regions in which mafia is powerful but as you know is much different from Kosovo:an entire black hole state and a TOTALLY-CRIMINAL-MAFIA STATE. Please don't be funny, don't comparate Italy to the "new"Kosovo.

Nick said:

"I seriously dont understand who Mr. Bogdanovic is trying to fool? Remember this is not the 19th century when you devised all kinds of schemes to make the albanians look like savages!"

======================

Nobody needs to resort to scheming to achieve that.
If a person is truly civilised then schemes don't work as you will conduct yourself in an appropriate manner anyway.

Bottom line, only you can make yourself look like anything you want.

Just get e visa since Kosovo is not part of EU yet.
Or did you forget that Kosovo is independent.

>The Kosovars are being trained by the best (S.A.S. Green Berets, GSG-9) and equipped

Really? I found out that one Gsg9 in the lower soft backside is best training for useless peasants. Is that how they do em?

why has the B92 censor a problem with the target killing of albanian terrorists?

your buddy america is also target killing terrorists, even those outside their country ???

Out of curiosity are the minsters in the Serb cabinet for Sandzak, Vojvodina or any other "provinces" of Serbia?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

well,he has only met a kps patrol:they act as our internationals tells them to act,and seems that orders were to stop this minister(what serbia has well understood, as the convocation of ambasadors proves it).
He could have met a kla group Be carefull next time!!

Kosovo is a serbian province?
Kosovo was a serbian province.
If Kosovo was still a serbian province we wouldn't be talking about Bogdanovic.How is he a minister for Kosovo?
Anyway, it's going to take time for serbs to understand and accept that Kosovo is lost forever. (in the sense of how they perceive this
loss)A lot do accept this fact among them, but no one dare to admit this openely.
However, I still believe that there are a lot of things to discuss in the the mutual interest of these two people,regardless of how each side perceive the situation.And please stop insulting each other.If we start respecting each other a litle more here,than maybe we already are contributing to a better future for both serbian and albanian people.Happy new year to those of orthodox faith.

'By the way, stagnation will not take ten years in fact it’s happening right now where young Albanians are leaving villages empty to seek a better life elsewhere in Europe.

(sj, 14 January 2010 00:09) '

Albanians aren't the only ones leaving the region

Serbian officials are talking hopefully about dealing with local unemployment by emptying out towns where 60% of the factories have been closed down. And it's not as though these people don't realize that their new visas are only for tourism and short-term visits - they're planning on fictitious marriages to German women, a classic method of evading immigration regulations.

'The link posted by Captain America was extremely dubious and lacking in any factual information.
(Jason, 14 January 2010 09:28) '

What do you mean, lacking in factual information! It had numbers! (Of tons of cocaine smuggled into Europe by Serbian groups.) And it was in Serbian, which ought to count for something. Not to mention, it was colorfully illustrated.

I suppose that the way EULEX has been allowed into Kosovo is similar - originally I saw that as a failure on the part of Belgrade, but I guess it is actually a clever trick to keep the situation live, make moves towards the EU and NOT acknowledge Pristina.)

Millosevic was not very clever in his dealings - this current lot actually are not doing so badly given the mess that he left them with!
(Bob, 14 January 2010 03:43)
There are some obvious flaws in your reasoning.
Just because Serbia wants to say 1244 is not functioning does not make it so.
Serbian forces would not just move across the border. Kfor is there to stop them, their numbers are not controlled by continuing resolutions in the UNSC. They have the original mandate, they can decrease their security size or increase due to "their" evaluation of the security situation.
A move into Kosovo would be seen as an assault on the UN and EU. Russia and China would be powerless to enact a new resolution preventing this.
So keep cheering 1244 because as long as it is in force it keeps Serbia powerless militarily and politically inside the Kosovo borders.

What do you mean, lacking in factual information! It had numbers! (Of tons of cocaine smuggled into Europe by Serbian groups.) And it was in Serbian, which ought to count for something. Not to mention, it was colorfully illustrated.
(Amer, 14 January 2010 16:15)

I was referring to the original site Johny referred to... "crystalkiss." Hardly a scholarly source of information. Instead, it was something one woulf find in Maxim Magazine to give a general overview to newcomers to OC in general. As I said before, LA Cosa Nostra is far, far from what it used to be so any article that places them at number 2 of the world's most powerful is extremely outdated and/or inaccurate.

The Serbian site I could not translate entirely, but you must know that tons of drugs smuggled is not indicative of how powerful or global a criminal organization is. Drug smuggling is only one part of OC... you have human trafficking, extortion, money laundering, fraud, murder-for-hire, arms trafficking, etc etc etc. The Europol site given by Aleks was a professional assessment of the situation encompassed all OC, not just drug smuggling.

In the US I can tell you that Albanians are infinitely more of a problem for law enforcement than Serbs. In fact, Albanians have outdone the Russians in terms of brutality and scope of criminal activity in the NYC area. The Russians had replaced the Italians, who had replaced the Irish... anyway, its the Albanians now we must deal with. I dare say that a check with police from the UK, Germany, and Switzerland will reveal that Albanians are far more trouble than the Serbs living there - but that's only a guess.

Traditional immigrant behavior, unfortunately - the new guys are hungry and ambitious and take over. Which makes it all the harder for the rest of the same nationality - don't statistics show that immigrants have better criminal records overall in the U.S. than the native-born?

-- You are probably correct on that one, I am not sure the UCR takes that into account but I would not be surprised if it were the case.

"I dare say that a check with police from the UK, Germany, and Switzerland will reveal that Albanians are far more trouble than the Serbs living there - but that's only a guess."

That last part is the problem.

-- Hey, but at least I am saying so rather than claiming opinion to be fact. Right? :)
(Amer, 15 January 2010 19:54)

(Jason, 15 January 2010 10:00) '

'The Europol site given by Aleks was a professional assessment of the situation encompassed all OC, not just drug smuggling.'

I've only skimmed the publication (I've got to get back to work) - but it looks like most of the references to Albania/Kosovo also included Serbia or referred to the Western Balkans. What was really depressing was that almost no ethnicity from anywhere in the world seemed to go unmentioned.

"In fact, Albanians have outdone the Russians in terms of brutality and scope of criminal activity in the NYC area. The Russians had replaced the Italians, who had replaced the Irish... anyway, its the Albanians now we must deal with."

Traditional immigrant behavior, unfortunately - the new guys are hungry and ambitious and take over. Which makes it all the harder for the rest of the same nationality - don't statistics show that immigrants have better criminal records overall in the U.S. than the native-born?

"I dare say that a check with police from the UK, Germany, and Switzerland will reveal that Albanians are far more trouble than the Serbs living there - but that's only a guess."

That last part is the problem.

My apologies - post (Amer, 14 January 2010 15:34) omitted a link to the article "Ode Pešter u Evropu" - here it is: http://www.novosti.rs/code/navigate.php?Id=10&status=jedna&vest=167802&title_add=Ode%20Pe%C5%A1ter%20u%20Evropu&kword_add=put%20u%20evropu%2C%20ukidanje%20viza

"This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs"

No kidding! You realize this now. Serbs should prohibit the freedom of movement for albanians in Presevo in the same way. Don't know why Serbs always have to be the nice ones.

"Kosovo’s temporary authorities"

Mr. Bogdanovic, if this authority looks temporary to you , for me they look permanent.

#Rosa" ?

ROSU (Regional Operation Support Unit)

Rosa? Its ROSU B92, (Regional Operational Support Unit) its the second time you guys spell it wrong. And Mr Bogdanovic should consider another career if he inteds to visit his country again.

Funny. He is becoming a real laughing stock. After all, he is a minister for something that he does not have.

Two points:

First, this was what Bogdanovic was hoping for, I imagine, and Pristina played right into it. Now all can see the intolerance Serbs face in the southern areas of Kosovo.

Second, Bogdanovic is a resident of Kosovo and it is inconceivable and illegal to ban one from his own country. Regardless of the fact that he operates in the north on a weekly basis, he should be able to go freely to any Serbian area.

"This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs"


No not for other Serbs. Only for you because you are an enemie.

"Don't know why Serbs always have to be the nice ones.
(MikeC,"

The nicest and the least relavent. There are countless other minoritys prospering, but its always the Serbs who complain for everything.
You dont see the Montenegrien minister for Kosovo (Lol) being such pain in the backside? How about the Macedonian minister for Kosovo?

Police told the minister that he “cannot move in that area without the Kosovo government permission”.
(B92)

That is not true.
The “Minister for Kosovo” trip to Strpce was of a political nature.
He did not request permission for such activities from Kosovo authorities.
So it is a simple twisting of facts (Lie) saying “cannot move in that area without the Kosovo government permission”.
What is true is that he cannot willy-nilly hold political meetings.
The rules are the same for all, Albanian and non-Albanian political figures.
You want to hold a meeting, get the necessary licence.
I wonder if he could hold any meetings or rallies in Serbia without informing the right authorities in Serbia.
You are a citizen of Kosovo, as such if you do not obey the law you should be arrested (hopefully next time).

Mike we're not Albanians. Serbia is democratic country and wont harass its citizens. And Un should asnwer for affairs in Un administered part of our territory. We wont match every stupid thing Albanians do in this fight. We'll just exploit every stupid thing Albanians do until they start crying like little girls :)

'“This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs, residents of Kosovo, myself included, are being denied our basic human right,” said he.' - Mr. Bogdanovic.

This statement is very true.

I have been aware of this ever since I first began working 9 years ago in Kosovo i Metohija.

This is what the 'kosova authorities' have been up to for years - making life unbearable for Kosovo Serbs in the hope that they will leave the province so that the region can be totally albanised.
A real Neanderthal mentality.
I wonder how the EU is going to handle that one!

MB,Ireland

What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities as Bogdanovic was trying to do in Strpca?

(Michael R., 13 January 2010 18:50)

My friend, don't make me laugh!

Kosovo is a Serbian province! That is the difference.

As a Western European tax payer I am getting SICK of this, so I will reiterate once more: Kosovo is a province, NOT a state!

Hope this helps!

Serbia uses churches to rally a crusade and destabilize Kosova. EULEX is allowing this and should be removed from Kosova immediately.

This guy should not be escorted out anymore but jailed on sight for trying to destabilize and incite war in Kosova;Same goes for every politician from Serbia.

“Bogdanović added that he “did not wish to create incidents”, and repeated that today’s events were “the best example of how Serbs live in Kosovo”.”
First, you (Mr. Bogdanovic) are trying so hard to destabilize Kosovo and manipulate the Serb community. Strpce has elected its local government recently, and this newly elected local government will govern in accordance with Kosovo’s Constitution, what makes some sort of threat to you and your policies. So, you should understand that your presence in Kosovo, as “Minister for Kosovo” from a foreign country, automatically threatens Kosovo’s efforts to integrate and empower Serbs in the overall flows in Kosovo.
Second, to me this is the best example how YOU really want Serbs live in Kosovo. You are not interested in their wellbeing, freedom of movement, etc, you simply want to keep them isolated and as far from KS Government, so you can apply easier your destructive policies against Kosovo.

Shame on the new "authorities " of Kosovo. Peace is not coming to "your" country with these manners. Agreement with Serbia must be reached also in 20 years.It cannot be exist a totally criminal-mafia-state for a long time.

"There are countless other minoritys prospering, but its always the Serbs who complain for everything.
You dont see the Montenegrien minister for Kosovo..How about the Macedonian minister for Kosovo?"
troika melb

Oh, now I get it! In the "free and democratic Kosovo" thoso who have recognized Kosovo are allowed to move freely but those who don't recognize Kosovo are not! So, that's how it is! I guess Serbia should force the albanians of Presevo to support Belgrade against the UDI of Kosovo albanians or be forced to leave and/or limit their freedom of movement. Same thing!

Bogdanović added that he “did not wish to create incidents”, and repeated that today’s events were “the best example of how Serbs live in Kosovo”.

1. Bogdanovic should never be allowed to go into Kosovo again, he is prohibiting the serbs in Kosovo to get on with their lives and move towards getting on with the majority Albanians in Kosovo

2. If those serbs so attached to their culture should move and live in Serbia as their human rights are violated in Kosovo!!!

3. these accusations are nonsense and may i remind you that this was Milosovic's propaganda in the 80s and that got you very far....

"Serbia uses churches to rally a crusade and destabilize Kosova."
Bekim

I guess you just gave yourself and excuse to burn the churches to the ground.

Serbia uses churches to rally a crusade and destabilize Kosova. EULEX is allowing this and should be removed from Kosova immediately.
(Bekim, 13 January 2010 14:52)

Nah, we will stay a good long time I think. Sensible Albanians welcome an organization that can help cut down on crime and corruption, but I think we all know you are not one of those Albanians.

Well, it looks to me like the bait was set and ethnic Albanians bit it.

I guess you just gave yourself and excuse to burn the churches to the ground.
(MikeC, 13 January 2010 16:05)

Actually your president Tadic did.

The truth must be accepted or otherwise it will hurt.
(True montenegrin, 13 January 2010 16:40)
--
Now listen here True Albanian, this is a matter of freedom of movement and it was clearly demonstrated that residents of Serbian ethnicity do not have this privilege, that is so often proclaimed but in reality is nonexistent. What will the ICJ think of this while they deliberate?

Bait set, bait taken.

Jason must have been off duty, otherwise he woulden`t have never allowed for this to happen. :)

You must have missed the latest report on orginzed crime groups world wide.
Serb mafia is #8 on the list, followed by Albanian mafia on #9. I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.


(Kosova-USA, 13 January 2010 17:16)

Wow, what an imagination you have! How about using something like, oh I don't know... FACTS to support these useless posts of yours?
Maybe you have a magical library to get your information from that no one else has. So let's see some links buddy, chop chop!

I must say that I liked how you were so quiet the past couple days after getting your latest verbal spanking by the folks here.

“What is true is that he cannot willy-nilly hold political meetings. (casual_visitor, 13 January 2010 14:58)”

So, no Freedom or Speech or Freedom of Assembly either? You are seriously making the argument that people can not meet without clearing it with KPS first? Besides, they escorted him out, so that implies Freedom of Movement as well.

Do you have any idea how this would curb democracy? That’s a really scary future for Kosovo.

Clan and totaliranians don`t know the meaning of human rights and freedom of movement.They reserve that right for organ snatchers and drug smugglers.

I thought you guys based your government on the Ahtisaari plan? Guess Freedom of Movement for your “citizens” isn’t high on your priority list.

Do any of you guys honestly believe this sort of behavior is going to help your cause?

It's clear as day that the Kosovars control their territory by themselves, with the international community, it doesn't matter. The Serbs are impotent in preventing any of this "Kosovar control". If Serbia had one gram of control you would see the MUP, Munja, OPG, Frenkies, Beli Orlovi, Osvetnici, Arkans or any of these lovely groups of people fighting a "brave" battle in Kosova. Once again just like Lazar Hrebeljanovic, choose the "heavenly kingdom" over the "earthly one".

Then you want that KFOR and EULEX to be removed? Do not be more funny than you are yet!!! If the NATO and EU militaries (and I am one) moved away, believe me kosovars, you would be dead not because of the serbs, but because you cannot produce any kind of richness to survive. I am not Serbian, but now and ever KOSOVO is SERBIA!
(Luca, 13 January 2010 16:33)

And you "Italians" should really leave EU since you are not Europeans and take the spanish moors with ya.

I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.


(Kosova-USA, 13 January 2010 17:16)

Yeah,but you guys are the World champs in organ harvesting and playing marbles.

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

Obviously an attempt by the KPS to reassert their manhood after it had been snipped by EULEX for Tadic's visit. Sad really. But then again, this IS Kosovo, and I'm sure KPS/ROSA/ROSU/ROSE/ROSEBUD have little else to do.

Nah, we will stay a good long time I think. Sensible Albanians welcome an organization that can help cut down on crime and corruption, but I think we all know you are not one of those Albanians.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 15:51)

You must have missed the latest report on orginzed crime groups world wide.
Serb mafia is #8 on the list, followed by Albanian mafia on #9. I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.

Ops, I almost forgat Ron 1244.
If i were you, I will knock on every door at UNHQ in NY and raise hell for so called Bogdanovic incident.

Next time go by helicopter, problem solved!

UNMIK and EULEX should act now!

'Kosovo government' is not in control of Kosovo region but UNMIK is.

Time for UN to show that!

Stop all activities that goes against 1244!

By the way: hope China, Russia and others will act in the UN regarding to this.

What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities as Bogdanovic was trying to do in Strpca?

(Michael R., 13 January 2010 18:50)

You are comparing apples and oranges. Serbia is a country recognized by the entire world and Serbia is not having its identity challenged internationally nor does it have 2/3 of the world refusing to recognize it.

Can any serb tell me if political meetings in Serbia are allowed without informing the legal authorities? Can any serb tell me if they would allow a montenegrin minister to travel to Serbia and have a meeting with people there without permission from serbian authorities?
There is a new reality in the ground which is Kosovo is independent and as such, a minister of another country can not go there and hold meeting without informing the Kosovo authorities.
The truth must be accepted or otherwise it will hurt.

“However, he is not allowed to go around Kosovo and support the illegal Serbian parallel institutions and this was the case today.”

Did you support Albanian parallel institutions in Kosovo during the Milosevic years? How is this any different?

Clan and totalitarians don`t know the meaning of human rights and freedom of movements.They reserve that right for organ snatchers,drug smugglers and other criminals.
Reality of Serbs and their rights for survival in Kosovo is sad and disturbing like no other nation in the world.

It is very funny to see you all K-albanian trying to justify a criminal act of your autorities.
Even you think to be indipendent you are not, because kosovo is not economically indipendent, politically indipendent, military indipendent and you still need to be filled of money from civilizated countries as the European are.
It is really really funny to see you all asking for the respectation of international laws when it is very easy to understand that kosovo life is depending on criminal activities.
Then you want that KFOR and EULEX to be removed? Do not be more funny than you are yet!!! If the NATO and EU militaries (and I am one) moved away, believe me kosovars, you would be dead not because of the serbs, but because you cannot produce any kind of richness to survive. I am not Serbian, but now and ever KOSOVO is SERBIA!

"EULEX and all internationals here raped our constitution and independence." (Bekim)

-- Um, buddy? At the risk of pointing out the painfully obvious, your "constitution" was written by a Finn. Your "independence" (and that's still up for debate), was given to you by Americans.

Nah, we will stay a good long time I think. Sensible Albanians welcome an organization that can help cut down on crime and corruption, but I think we all know you are not one of those Albanians.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 15:51)

Whoa. Déjà vu Jason…. “Sensible Albanians”!!!!!
Have I heard this one before????
I guess I have: It was Milosevic era and the term “Decent Albanians” (or “Pošteni Albanci”) was used a lot.
Translated in Albanian that meant: Non-Albanians pretending to be Albanians and Traitors.
Not only that you think pre 1999 you actually use the same phrases (well a bit modernised)
Jason, I do believe that EULEX is here to help.
You on the other hand………. I don’t think so.
If you are so much against the country you work for (Kosovo) what are you doing here.
Are there no other jobs that give you better personal fulfilment??
Taking in consideration that you seem to have so much time to “contribute to Kosovo forums” I would appreciate an honest answer from you:

Do you actually do any work?
Are you just a simple "pencil pusher"?

(MikeC, 13 January 2010 15:34

Mike there you went again Presevo, this, that.. do us a favour, stop now :)
Tabalija

I know Tabalija, the truth hurts.

However, he is not allowed to go around Kosovo and support the illegal Serbian parallel institutions and this was the case today. That’s why he was not allowed to visit his desired location/destination. These parallel institutions are illegal per Kosovo constitution and go against 1244. Therefore, theoretically neither UNMIK, nor EULEX can do anything about what happened today because as long as Bogdanovic supports illegal parallel Serbian institution in Kosovo he is acting in a matter that is against 1244.
(blue and gold, 13 January 2010 18:14)

You are absolutely right.
With the attempted support of parallel institutions this was the usual Serbian provocation. What is new? This is just continuation of the old failed politic.

Mike C:

When you remarked that you don't know why Serbs always have to be the nice ones that got me thinking that in particular that even if I'm nice I can't be "extra-nice" to a Serb(s)who have ethnocentric characteristics and in particular I can't be extra-nice to an Albanian(s) who's full of ingratitude(I speak from experience) and an Albanian(s) who might just might be a traitor to his or her or their people. Finally what I mean by not being extra-nice to them means that I can't interact well with them nor can I do special things for them.

First of all I think it’s unfortunate that this had to happen this way.

Secondly, this is not an issue of freedom of movement or the lack off. Bogdanovic is a citizen of Kosovo and he can move anywhere he wants to. Let’s keep in mind that he comes over to Kosovo many many times. I don’t recall him being escorted out every time he visited Kosovo, do you? So your argument about lack of freedom of movement is false and misleading. Serbian president Tadic has been allowed multiple times to come and visit Kosovo during various religious holidays.

Third, this is not a case of freedom of speech or the lack off. Bogdanovic is free to speak his mind and his opinions. However, he is not allowed to go around Kosovo and support the illegal Serbian parallel institutions and this was the case today. That’s why he was not allowed to visit his desired location/destination. These parallel institutions are illegal per Kosovo constitution and go against 1244. Therefore, theoretically neither UNMIK, nor EULEX can do anything about what happened today because as long as Bogdanovic supports illegal parallel Serbian institution in Kosovo he is acting in a matter that is against 1244.

Clan tatolitarian rule only proves to the rest of Europe that human rights and freedom of movement is reserved for organ snatcher and heroin smugglers in Kosovo.The man power they used on Bogdanovic and little show of force is nothing but a joke to entertain albanian population so they could forget for a minute on why are they so poor.

listen all you who like to say "well if kosovo is serbia why does he not have the right of free movement" you know very well south serbia is occupied today. you can remove every serb from kosovo and metohja every religious site burn every history book and guess what KOSOVO IS STILL SOUTH SERBIA -your temporary occupation changes NOTHING!

# Shame on the new "authorities " of Kosovo. Peace is not coming to "your" country with these manners. Agreement with Serbia must be reached also in 20 years.It cannot be exist a totally criminal-mafia-state for a long time.
(Stefano, 13 January 2010 15:53)

Well, I disagree your country ,Italy, seems to be doing OK so I guess mafia states do exist.

right so.He has nothing to do in Kosovo. He was just there to provoke Kosovo.
Interesting to now how upset the international state community in Kosovo will be, when they get the complains from Belgrade. I suppose they will leave Kosovo about the "unfair" behaviors infront of the Serbian Minister.

"Now listen here True Albanian, this is a matter of freedom of movement and it was clearly demonstrated that residents of Serbian ethnicity do not have this privilege, that is so often proclaimed but in reality is nonexistent. What will the ICJ think of this while they deliberate?"
This kind of comments are very childish. Even Mr Bogdanovic made this kind of comments. He was not going to go to Shtrpce to have a coup of tea or do some shoping like any other Kosovan citizen he was behaving like a Serbian minister that is why he was sent back to serbia. the day he bacomes Kosovar ambasador to serbia he can move freely as an official wherever he wants in Kosova or Serbia until then every Serbian officials movement in Kosova will be restricted regardless whether they were born in Kosova or Serbia.

'Do you have any idea how this would curb democracy? That’s a really scary future for Kosovo.
(Matthew, 13 January 2010 17:09) '

Democracy seems to be doing just fine in Strpce, and by extension, Kosovo. Just a day or two ago the newly elected council members met (8 of 9 from the SDS, 1 from the PDK)and elected their chairman (Serbian) and their vice-chairman (Albanian).

The Albanian grumbled that more people voted for Albanian candidates than for Serbian ... so they're worried about ticket-splitting these days rather than mutually assured destruction. That sounds like progress.

I don't know how much corroboration this brings but here you go anyway, Jason.

[link]/

P.S Interesting how you responded before any actual Serb did. Are you becoming more Serb than the real Serbs by the way?
(johny, 13 January 2010 20:45)

Johny I am sorry but I do not consider www.crystalkiss.com an authoritative site on transnational organized crime. Look at the list and you can see no link to official statistics anywhere. Even more telling is the "fact" that the Italian mafia is considered number two in the world. The truth is that the Italians have largely been run out of business by Russian and Albanian OC groups, and most of the families have been shut down by police. The hierarchical structure of La Cosa Nostra also helped to do them in... they were too easy to pick apart with RICO.

As far as Japanese groups, very rarely do we deal with them in the US or in Europe. Bottom line, this site appears to be an opinion of someone with little to no credibility.

EULEX is allowing this and should be removed from Kosova immediately.
(Bekim, 13 January 2010 14:52)

Bekim, EULEX must stay since you cannot run your affairs alone, sorry.
I understand your annoyance with EULEX and I suggest, instead of asking EULEX to go, you ask EULEX to remove UNMIK leftovers.

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

Obviously an attempt by the KPS to reassert their manhood after it had been snipped by EULEX for Tadic's visit. Sad really. But then again, this IS Kosovo, and I'm sure KPS/ROSA/ROSU/ROSE/ROSEBUD have little else to do.
(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

Mike you are intentionally confusing matters here. Here we are dealing with a state official from Belgrade. This is not your average Serb from Kosova. As such the EU mission in Kosova itself stated that there are protocols that Serb state officials have with the EU regarding them visiting Kosova. They also stated that Bogdanovic violated such protocols. Now this Serb state official cannot and will not be allowed to hide under his Kosova resident status to conduct Serbian state matters without approval from the EU in Prishtina. It is simple as that. Now he can act like a smarta$$ and hide behind his residency but every-time he doesn't follow procedures he will be stopped. EULEX is there for this reason also; that is to stop stupid and dirty politics coming from Belgrade. You go on a private visit you don't meet the whole village at the same exact time at the same exact place. Speaking personally last time I went on a visit there I didn't meet all of Prishtina's citizens in the same exact place at the same exact time. I am also sure when you visited Kosova you didn't meet all the residents of a village or a city at the same exact day at the same exact time. You know why? Because you and I REALLY went as private visitors. Next time this guy tries to fool people he should try harder.

As always blah, blah, blah, blah coming from Belgrade. Find another tune. The same old tricks won't do it. Get a little more creative.

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

Mike, I so rarely catch you in an approbative mood - let me congratulate you. Yes, the elections went well. They were specifically mentioned BTW, along with improved treatment of the Serb minority in the Freedom House decision to raise the Kosovo rating for both political and civic rights). The installation of the new municipal council in Strpce that Bogdanovic just missed should help raise the rating even further in next year's edition.

Cheers, as you like to say.

>(MikeC, 13 January 2010 15:34

Mike there you went again Presevo, this, that.. do us a favour, stop now :)

# Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

Mike, I so rarely catch you in an approbative mood - let me congratulate you. Yes, the elections went well. They were specifically mentioned BTW, along with improved treatment of the Serb minority in the Freedom House decision to raise the Kosovo rating for both political and civic rights). The installation of the new municipal council in Strpce that Bogdanovic just missed should help raise the rating even further in next year's edition.

Cheers, as you like to say.
(Amer, 13 January 2010 19:00)

thanks, amer, always happy to pick up good tidbits. things are moving forward, slowly but surely. the elections went well, and these endless provocations from outside don't really seem to be upsetting the apple cart. we have a long ways to go, but i believe are moving in good directions.

eyes on the prize... i think soon enough we will see 70 total recognitions, and more. very exciting, and rewarding. nice to see some good postings today, again.

roberto
frisco

Ah, the youngest Europeans are at it again :)

Obviously an attempt by the KPS to reassert their manhood after it had been snipped by EULEX for Tadic's visit. Sad really. But then again, this IS Kosovo, and I'm sure KPS/ROSA/ROSU/ROSE/ROSEBUD have little else to do.
(Mike, 13 January 2010 17:49)

I agree, Tadic visit was a major loss for Kosova and proved to everyone in Kosova that EULEX and all internationals here raped our constitution and independence.

what is with the free movement of Kosovoalbanians in serbia, now 10 years Serbia dont allow them to pass the border betweet Kosovo and Serbia!?

"What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities (Michael R., 13 January 2010 18:50)"
That's exactly my point Michael. Team "Kosova" used exactly the same tactics under Milosevic. Why was that OK and this is not? All Pristina is proving to the world is they don't have the maturity to treat the Serbian minority with the proper respect and freedom we deserve. There will be a partition of Kosovo, mark my words.
However, that being said, I personally support the rights of Kosovar Albanians to participate in whatever politics they desire in Presevo or anywhere in Serbia as long as it does not involve violence. I deeply respect men like Rugova and the peaceful means he advocated for political change.
If you have any examples at all of the Serbian government trampling on the political rights of Albanians in Presevo I'd love to see them. From what I've read on B92, its all relatively minor stuff.

But I thought Kosovo is Serbia? I guess not

the so-called "minister for kosovo" is a fantastical tile for a man whom no one in kosovo voted for...including kosovo serbs. A relic from milosovic era yugoslavia whereby serbia had and continues to have the audacity to name representation "on behalf" of anyone.

good riddance.

Anyone still wondering if Tadic requested permision or not from Pristina?

In Italy there is just a black hole in some southern regions in which mafia is powerful but as you know is much different from Kosovo:an entire black hole state and a TOTALLY-CRIMINAL-MAFIA STATE. Please don't be funny, don't comparate Italy to the "new"Kosovo.
(Stefano, 14 January 2010 00:36)

Well actually Italians created many blackholes all over the world, hell even in Australia and not to mention other countries. So the original organized crime is Italian you are forgetting Don Berlusconi-face-smashed-in-by-Duomo.

When he was stopped, Mr/ Bogdanovic was jumping up and down trying to find a camera, and when the police would not allow him to speak in front of cameras in the territory of Kosovo, he spoke in the neutral zone.

I seriously dont understand who Mr. Bogdanovic is trying to fool? Remember this is not the 19th century when you devised all kinds of schemes to make the albanians look like savages!

The Serbian politicians seriously need to take a crash course on contemporary politics, rather than demonize everyone hoping they can gain something because the Serbian people are so "civilised" compared to everyone else.

The EU and the international community know perfectly what the intention and role of these "visits" is, which is why the Kosova Police can stop serbian politicans from 'visiting' Kosovo at an increasing rate.

I wonder why Bogdanovic used KS plates rather than Serbian plates

“This is a demonstration that there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo and that local Serbs, residents of Kosovo, myself included, are being denied our basic human right,”

Ye sure....

and what about 5 daily buses linking PR with BG and NIS???

Or they are only for the Jason's mates that go to party in BG??

I just admire the courage of the Serbian politicians- they are able to deny the evidence while watching you in the face.

The commentary is pretty funny here. The best way to solve this dilemna is to put forth your prediction for where Kosova will be 10 years from now regarding its statehood, then we can all regroup in 10 years to discuss. My opinion is that Kosovar independance will not be revoked. I see more and more countries recognizing Kosova independance over time. New politicians will be elected within Serbia during this time period and move on to different issues instead of protesting Kosova independance. The Serbian public will tire of this Kosova topic as well. It's a war of attrition and one that Serbia will ultimately lose. Time is on the Kosovars side.

well,he has only met a kps patrol:they act as our internationals tells them to act,and seems that orders were to stop this minister(what serbia has well understood, as the convocation of ambasadors proves it).
He could have met a kla group Be carefull next time!!

Kosovo is a serbian province?
Kosovo was a serbian province.
If Kosovo was still a serbian province we wouldn't be talking about Bogdanovic.How is he a minister for Kosovo?
Anyway, it's going to take time for serbs to understand and accept that Kosovo is lost forever. (in the sense of how they perceive this
loss)A lot do accept this fact among them, but no one dare to admit this openely.
However, I still believe that there are a lot of things to discuss in the the mutual interest of these two people,regardless of how each side perceive the situation.And please stop insulting each other.If we start respecting each other a litle more here,than maybe we already are contributing to a better future for both serbian and albanian people.Happy new year to those of orthodox faith.

Do you have any idea how this would curb democracy? That’s a really scary future for Kosovo.
(Matthew, 13 January 2010 17:09)

Matthew,

What would the Serb authorities do in the case of an Albanian politician from Kosova who went to Presheva, unannounced, and attempted to conduct political activities as Bogdanovic was trying to do in Strpca?

If you can answer this question honestly, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.

...And it begins. These outstanding issues are going to force all parties back to the negotiating table.

Serbia is a country recognized by the entire world and Serbia is not having its identity challenged internationally nor does it have 2/3 of the world refusing to recognize it.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 20:01)

Correction... Only about 1/3 of countries have REFUSED to recognize Kosovo (for example Serbia, Russia & Co have stated so). About 1/3 of the states have neither refused nor accepted to recognize. Another 1/3 have made a statement to recognize.

Not making a statement is not equal to refuse as it is not equal to recognition. For example, US has never made a statement that they recognize UK. Does that mean that they don't recognize UK ?!!!

For your knowledge there are countries that, as a matter of policy, never make a statement of recognizing another country. Their recognition is deducted from their actions (they recognize passports, establish diplomatic relations, vote for the other country to be admitted to int'l organizations, etc...).

Take another example; assume you are an immigrant and apply for a benefit that requires a statement from the ministry of interior that you are a legal immigrant. Does that mean that all immigrants for which no such statement has been issued are illegal ?!!!

Just get e visa since Kosovo is not part of EU yet.
Or did you forget that Kosovo is independent.

Aleks,

Excellent information and research on this issue of organized crime. The link posted by Captain America was extremely dubious and lacking in any factual information.

I suppose that the way EULEX has been allowed into Kosovo is similar - originally I saw that as a failure on the part of Belgrade, but I guess it is actually a clever trick to keep the situation live, make moves towards the EU and NOT acknowledge Pristina.)

Millosevic was not very clever in his dealings - this current lot actually are not doing so badly given the mess that he left them with!
(Bob, 14 January 2010 03:43)
There are some obvious flaws in your reasoning.
Just because Serbia wants to say 1244 is not functioning does not make it so.
Serbian forces would not just move across the border. Kfor is there to stop them, their numbers are not controlled by continuing resolutions in the UNSC. They have the original mandate, they can decrease their security size or increase due to "their" evaluation of the security situation.
A move into Kosovo would be seen as an assault on the UN and EU. Russia and China would be powerless to enact a new resolution preventing this.
So keep cheering 1244 because as long as it is in force it keeps Serbia powerless militarily and politically inside the Kosovo borders.

yet another provocation from minister bogdanovich to demonstrate, in his view (or, in the view of his MFA "advisers")the limited freedom of movement in Kosovo and all the other stories (which are all true stories unfortunately misused for political purposes).
Am afraid but pristina government, like any government (regardless whether they are on top of a full fledged or other country) can restrict individual freedom of movement when this endanger public security, etc.. the limitation should be proportional and allow me to say, it is definitely the case, considering the statements that mr.bogdanovich constantly releases (which, again, are all products of his faithful advisers). what a shame.... stop misusing K Serbs for your own political purposes.

I don't know how much corroboration this brings but here you go anyway, Jason.

http://www.crystalkiss.com/top-10-biggest-mafias-around-the-world/

P.S Interesting how you responded before any actual Serb did. Are you becoming more Serb than the real Serbs by the way?

johny,

Well I doubt most Serbs are going to be that upset at Bogdanovic's brush with the (cough cough) law. One doesn't see Oliver Ivanovic being harassed, but one rarely sees Ivanovic cross the Ibar. Still, his removal was justified via word of mouth, rather than documented reason, and that I feel is cause for concern. Why? Because it makes KPS act as if the law is/was taken into their own hands. If Bogdanovic was truly out of order because he didn't carry the right papers, that's one thing. If it was, as I suspect, Pristina trying to flex its nuts it's something else. This will probably be one of the issues on the table when those wonderful negotiations that everyone wants but refuses to attend: who can travel where, when, and by what means.

Amer,

It's natural for Kosovo's status in Freedom House to go up. One can only go up from absolute zero. All kidding aside, I'm happy to see that and hope that continued improving of conditions facilitates a political culture where the electorate looks beyond the current crop of goons as KLA heroes and asks, as Ment commented yesterday, "what are you going to do for us?" But before any of us gets all Tocquevellian on the region, it's still got a long way's to go, as proven today I'm afraid.

'The link posted by Captain America was extremely dubious and lacking in any factual information.
(Jason, 14 January 2010 09:28) '

What do you mean, lacking in factual information! It had numbers! (Of tons of cocaine smuggled into Europe by Serbian groups.) And it was in Serbian, which ought to count for something. Not to mention, it was colorfully illustrated.

You are comparing apples and oranges. Serbia is a country recognized by the entire world and Serbia is not having its identity challenged internationally nor does it have 2/3 of the world refusing to recognize it.
(Jason, 13 January 2010 20:01)
Sounds like the Kosovo authorities successfully made an apple pie out of oranges then.

Out of curiosity are the minsters in the Serb cabinet for Sandzak, Vojvodina or any other "provinces" of Serbia?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

'Wow, what an imagination you have! How about using something like, oh I don't know... FACTS to support these useless posts of yours?
Maybe you have a magical library to get your information from that no one else has. So let's see some links buddy, chop chop!


(Jason, 13 January 2010 19:41) '

Here's one for you, pal: http://www.novosti.rs/code/navigate.php?Id=9&status=jedna&vest=167806&title_add=Srbi%20glava%20hobotnice&kword_add=bia%2C%20kokain

Organized crime? There is an Internet out there with proper reports by proper bodies.

The most recent EUROPOL annual report 'European Organised Crime Threat Assessment' (OCTA) 2009 clearly says that the albanians control the traffiking business in the Balkans. Or are they just big Serb supporters? Not to let facts get in the way or anything!

http://www.europol.europa.eu/index.asp?page=publications&language

OGC = Organized Crime Groups, IN-SO = Influence Societies and Economies

P.16
"The South East criminal hub is very active in both producing various commodities and acting as a busy transit,warehousing and re-packaging zone.There are at least three main feeders and relevant routes directly influencing the South East criminal hub:North (the Ukraine and Moldova),Centre (Western Balkans) and South (Turkey).

The significance of the port of Constanta in the cocaine traffic is growing,and cocaine seems to be increasingly arriving in the EU through Turkey and/or the Balkans.This may be due to the increased involvement of Turkish and ethnic Albanian groups in the cocaine distribution chain,but may also be the effect of the already well-established role of West Africa as a transit zone."

P.23

"The most active OC groups involved in trafficking human beings in the EU are Bulgarian, Nigerian and Romanian. Groups from other Balkan countries, China, Moldova, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam are also frequently reported. Albanian OC groups tend to exploit victims trafficked by other groups."

P.33

"There are at least three main feeders and relevant routes directly influencing the South East criminal hub: ...

Centre (the Balkans):Albania,Kosovo/Serbia, Montenegro and FYROM Origin and/or transit point for cannabis products,i llegal immigrants/victims of trafficking, heroin, cocaine, cigarettes, synthetic
drugs and precursors, counterfeit Euros and arms into the EU."

P.34

"Regional distribution in South East Europe seems however still to be in the hands of ethnic Albanian groups, with Albania serving as a pre-gathering and transport centre for the distribution of
heroin into the EU....The South East criminal hub also impacts strongly upon the Southern hub. The links between Albania,the Kosovo region and Italy remain strong in trafficking in human beings,
heroin, cannabis products and increasingly also cocaine while Romania is an important gateway..."

P.37

"The Turkish groups are using Romania and Bulgaria as entry points for heroin into the EU, and are co-operating with ethnic Albanian and Serbian groups who often handle at least certain parts
of the final distribution starting from Albania and the Kosovo region and proceeding via Austria into Western Europe."

P.46

"There are indications suggesting the possibility that IN-SO strategies have been adopted by OCGs run by criminals with Albanian ethnicity or originating from the Caucasus region."

Okay it's theirs (Albanian) 5 minutes but something we the Serbs have is patience. Serbs managed to overthrow turkish occupation of Kosovo so we will make it again. Kosovo is protectorate and interests of today great powers are changeable. We also should not forget we live in the Balkans.

What is really interesting, pollice from Pristina ordered minister Bogdanović to leave Kosovo but over crossing Merdare. It's so obvious they don't control the area north of the bridge in Kosovska Mitrovica. I'm glad they finally got it.

It's funny seeing the title of the article "Kosovo police interrupt Ministers Kosova visit" devolve into topics of "organized crime" "who's more European" "waiting out the Ottoman empire" and other irrelevant topics. This thinking is precisely the problem with this region. Historically one side or the other had more or less power which aided things like mass murder and ethnic cleansing and the rewriting of the history books to benifit one side or the other. Now, nobody is any weaker than the other. All sides are strong and have their own resources whether it be home grown weaponry or alliances. Think of it in atomic terms of M.A.D Mutually Assured Destruction. There is no way now that Serbia would ever dare to cross over into Kosova or any other country for that matter with their military. The Kosovars are being trained by the best (S.A.S. Green Berets, GSG-9) and equipped with modern western armament and support for what will be a future Kosovar Army. All of this is happening behind closed doors and is a fact. So, we can all sit here and argue symantics such as who is more civilized, who has better athletes, who can hit a tennis ball better. Folks, those issues are irrelevant when it comes to the topic of kosova independance. You can win little battles, but the war was won on June 10th, 1999 by Kosova. Done deal...

What do you mean, lacking in factual information! It had numbers! (Of tons of cocaine smuggled into Europe by Serbian groups.) And it was in Serbian, which ought to count for something. Not to mention, it was colorfully illustrated.
(Amer, 14 January 2010 16:15)

I was referring to the original site Johny referred to... "crystalkiss." Hardly a scholarly source of information. Instead, it was something one woulf find in Maxim Magazine to give a general overview to newcomers to OC in general. As I said before, LA Cosa Nostra is far, far from what it used to be so any article that places them at number 2 of the world's most powerful is extremely outdated and/or inaccurate.

The Serbian site I could not translate entirely, but you must know that tons of drugs smuggled is not indicative of how powerful or global a criminal organization is. Drug smuggling is only one part of OC... you have human trafficking, extortion, money laundering, fraud, murder-for-hire, arms trafficking, etc etc etc. The Europol site given by Aleks was a professional assessment of the situation encompassed all OC, not just drug smuggling.

In the US I can tell you that Albanians are infinitely more of a problem for law enforcement than Serbs. In fact, Albanians have outdone the Russians in terms of brutality and scope of criminal activity in the NYC area. The Russians had replaced the Italians, who had replaced the Irish... anyway, its the Albanians now we must deal with. I dare say that a check with police from the UK, Germany, and Switzerland will reveal that Albanians are far more trouble than the Serbs living there - but that's only a guess.

Nick said:

"I seriously dont understand who Mr. Bogdanovic is trying to fool? Remember this is not the 19th century when you devised all kinds of schemes to make the albanians look like savages!"

======================

Nobody needs to resort to scheming to achieve that.
If a person is truly civilised then schemes don't work as you will conduct yourself in an appropriate manner anyway.

Bottom line, only you can make yourself look like anything you want.

'By the way, stagnation will not take ten years in fact it’s happening right now where young Albanians are leaving villages empty to seek a better life elsewhere in Europe.

(sj, 14 January 2010 00:09) '

Albanians aren't the only ones leaving the region

Serbian officials are talking hopefully about dealing with local unemployment by emptying out towns where 60% of the factories have been closed down. And it's not as though these people don't realize that their new visas are only for tourism and short-term visits - they're planning on fictitious marriages to German women, a classic method of evading immigration regulations.

respect my authoritaaah

Go we!!

Serb mafia is #8 on the list, followed by Albanian mafia on #9. I must admitt Serbs are better criminals than Albanians.
(Kosova-USA, 13 January 2010 17:16)
--
Of course Kosovo is considered part of Serbia when those ratings were made and it is only natural that our ethnic Albanian criminals show their Serbian passport when caught. I mean, I bet you would show your Serbian passport if you got caught in some crime, wouldn't you?

.(The Truth, 13 January 2010 20:30

You want a prediction, well here it is without fear or any favor – unless there is settlement with Belgrade whether return to Serb rule or diving up Kosovo, some to go to Serbia and the rest to Albania, Kosovo will become a stagnant region where people will just pack up and leave. By the way, stagnation will not take ten years in fact it’s happening right now where young Albanians are leaving villages empty to seek a better life elsewhere in Europe.
NO one and I repeat no one will open even a corner store in Kosovo unless it status is settled and you can have the UN recognize the “independence of Kosovo” till the proverbial cows come home! Just ask yourself the simple question – how many multi-national companies have opened for business in Pristina?????? The US can convince a couple of its corporations to open a branch in Pristina and pay any losses, but the US will not.
Time is not on your side. Your best hope is to get Serbia to recognize Kosovo now otherwise it’s too late, the longer it takes the less important Kosovo becomes to the US.

why didn´t these "cops" bring him to the border in mitrovica? to the liberated part of the city?

why has the B92 censor a problem with the target killing of albanian terrorists?

your buddy america is also target killing terrorists, even those outside their country ???

# Shame on the new "authorities " of Kosovo. Peace is not coming to "your" country with these manners. Agreement with Serbia must be reached also in 20 years.It cannot be exist a totally criminal-mafia-state for a long time.
(Stefano, 13 January 2010 15:53)

Well, I disagree your country ,Italy, seems to be doing OK so I guess mafia states do exist.
(Bekim, 13 January 2010 16:42)

In Italy there is just a black hole in some southern regions in which mafia is powerful but as you know is much different from Kosovo:an entire black hole state and a TOTALLY-CRIMINAL-MAFIA STATE. Please don't be funny, don't comparate Italy to the "new"Kosovo.

Would normalisation be an admission of defeat?

1244 was imposed after a bombing but it did give autonomy and it did acknowledge Serbia's ownership of the territory.

If 1244 is being ignored and broken and generally abused by giving support for the UDI, then there does come a time when Serbia could acknowledge that 1244 is at an end and so legally reoccupy. (In my reading, the notion that the west sees the current situation as an imposed 'settlement' does effectively end its terms if Serbia chooses to see it that way).

If this argument allows that possibility that Serbia will legally reoccupy in the distant future, then normalisation would not be a defeat. As long as Serbia can keep the door open to retain its territory then there will be no humiliation.

Effectively Serbia would label Pristina as being 'autonomous' and then treat them in that way. (Hopefully that would be enough for the EU while at the same time not letting the EU politicians feel too comfortable. Pristina would have to put up with it like everything else.)

I suppose that the way EULEX has been allowed into Kosovo is similar - originally I saw that as a failure on the part of Belgrade, but I guess it is actually a clever trick to keep the situation live, make moves towards the EU and NOT acknowledge Pristina.)

Millosevic was not very clever in his dealings - this current lot actually are not doing so badly given the mess that he left them with!

(Jason, 15 January 2010 10:00) '

'The Europol site given by Aleks was a professional assessment of the situation encompassed all OC, not just drug smuggling.'

I've only skimmed the publication (I've got to get back to work) - but it looks like most of the references to Albania/Kosovo also included Serbia or referred to the Western Balkans. What was really depressing was that almost no ethnicity from anywhere in the world seemed to go unmentioned.

"In fact, Albanians have outdone the Russians in terms of brutality and scope of criminal activity in the NYC area. The Russians had replaced the Italians, who had replaced the Irish... anyway, its the Albanians now we must deal with."

Traditional immigrant behavior, unfortunately - the new guys are hungry and ambitious and take over. Which makes it all the harder for the rest of the same nationality - don't statistics show that immigrants have better criminal records overall in the U.S. than the native-born?

"I dare say that a check with police from the UK, Germany, and Switzerland will reveal that Albanians are far more trouble than the Serbs living there - but that's only a guess."

That last part is the problem.

>The Kosovars are being trained by the best (S.A.S. Green Berets, GSG-9) and equipped

Really? I found out that one Gsg9 in the lower soft backside is best training for useless peasants. Is that how they do em?

My apologies - post (Amer, 14 January 2010 15:34) omitted a link to the article "Ode Pešter u Evropu" - here it is: http://www.novosti.rs/code/navigate.php?Id=10&status=jedna&vest=167802&title_add=Ode%20Pe%C5%A1ter%20u%20Evropu&kword_add=put%20u%20evropu%2C%20ukidanje%20viza

Traditional immigrant behavior, unfortunately - the new guys are hungry and ambitious and take over. Which makes it all the harder for the rest of the same nationality - don't statistics show that immigrants have better criminal records overall in the U.S. than the native-born?

-- You are probably correct on that one, I am not sure the UCR takes that into account but I would not be surprised if it were the case.

"I dare say that a check with police from the UK, Germany, and Switzerland will reveal that Albanians are far more trouble than the Serbs living there - but that's only a guess."

That last part is the problem.

-- Hey, but at least I am saying so rather than claiming opinion to be fact. Right? :)
(Amer, 15 January 2010 19:54)