Russia opposes Serbian NATO membership

Let's not pretend that Kosovo wasn't a key factor in Russia's decision to use force in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Whether they would have without the Kosovo precedent who knows, but they were looking for something to even the score ever since 17th February 2008 and Saakashvili just walked right into it.

I don't agree with what's happened in South Ossetia and Abkhazia but I'm glad it has happened, purely because of how funny it was hearing the US and UK have the nerve to try to condemn it.

"He added that the decision to join NATO should be made by the Serbian people, and that “no one should even try to influence that decision.”"

I agree...But why doesn't this guy stick to this idea himself?

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.
(Kosova-USA, 1 February 2010, 11:04)

You cannot even make sensible arguments to defend yourself, now you are claiming to speak for the entire Serbian population? Man this is funny...

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.
(Kosova-USA, 1 February 2010 11:04)

This has got to be one of the funniest things I've ever heard. Turkey's will vote for Christmas before Serbs ever vote to join NATO.

I'm sure some will argue that's not a Master-puppet relation, only a "strong friendship"....but I wouldn't like my friends to give me such orders...or threats...
(Hans, 1 February 2010 11:29)
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The only orders are going to ŠuNATOvac demanding he gets Serbia is NATO. Fortunately our constitution describes us as militarily neutral (thanks Koštunica) so we cannot join without a referendum. NATO membership is very unpopular in Serbia and will be overwhelmingly rejected. It is only supported by our ethnic Albanian citizens, such as Kosovo-USA here, but they won't be participating in such a referendum so all is safe.

NATO made a big mistake taking on Serbia. It has probably lost the Western Balkans region because of it. The velvet revolutions are being undone and western influence is deminishing.

Russia is just supporting the will of Serbians and sending out warning messages to certain sell-out politicians. Thank you Russia for protecting our interests.

Thank you once again. Russia is looking after Serbian interests better than SuNATOvac and his gang. Serbia will never, ever, join this criminal organization.
Cheers!

Russia should not worry because it is the leadership, not the people of Serbia who want to join NATO. This was defiantly not a message to the people of Serbia, seeing as they overwhelmingly are against joining NATO. This is a message to the undemocratic forces that are currently in control of Serbia to not play with fire and not go against the clear will of the people.

Vuk Draskovic even said that a referendum is not necessary because there was no referendum on Serbia's military neutrality. However Draskovic is far from relevant these days.

As for the anti-Russian posters on B92 who continue to bring up Abkhazia and South Ossetia, these 2 countries were only recognized by Russia after the fact Georgia broke an agreement and invaded. Since the end of the Kosovo war in 1999 Serbia has done nothing to violate any written agreement between the two sides so a deceleration of independence was not necessary and had no real grounds. Saakashvili lost Abkhazia and South Ossetia when he thought the West was going to run to his aid when he invaded, he failed miserably.

Joining the EU should be considered, joining NATO should never be on table in Serbia.

Since Serbs can't speak their minds thanks to Sutanovac and co Russia is telling the world how it is. Ordinary Serbs never ever want to join HATO.

Russian "logics":

1.) Is there any dialogue regarding Abk. or SO ongoing? Answer: No! So why Moscow proposes this for Kosovo which has been recognized by the majority of CoE members?

2.) Why is it a problem when Serbia would join NATO? Remember, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Albania already part of it. What difference does it make for Russia if Serbia would be part of the NATO, too?

3.) Referendum! Well, this is a very odd suggestion coming from a country which actively try to surpress any kind of democracy and activity pointed against the Kremlin.

Bottom line: Russia suggests points which Moscow itself would never accept for itself. So, it clearly shows that we have a case of bullying a smaller nation around. Russia regards Serbia as its colony with clear demands. Any free people would never accept that kind of dictating terms. Now let us see if the political class of Serbia has just a little bit spine to make their own opinion. However, I doubt that this will happen. Even the "loan" offered by Russia is dictated. Russian companies and Russian point of views how to invest. I think we know where this will lead, too.

John

1.Dialogue with SO & Abkhasia is blocked by Georgia refusing to sign an agreement not to use military force. So the ball is on your American side.

2.Concerning relations with Russia in the list of the states you offer only Greece can partly be compared with Serbia. But it became a NATO member in quite different circumstances. If Serbia joins this anti-Russian club it will only spoil our relations with no affect on our security. And I don’t think our brothers need someone’s advice to take this vital decision.

3.Yes we have problems with democracy but in the hostile circumstances we have to live in we can merely afford more. Also I doubt there are no problems with democracy in the USA. In 13 EU states freedom ends where Holocaust matters are discussed. In France they will put you in prison if you deny genocide of the Armenians. 8 Russian fathers were imprisoned in Germany because they object sexual lessons for their small children.

Your mad comments concerning colonial type of relations between Russia and Serbia I leave without a comment. You know John we already have Joe , Mircea , Kosovo-USA guys here who will welcome you to their “Crazy Horse Club”. The question is if you really need it ?

How can a nation's politicians even think of joining an organization that had bombed the hell out of them, killing their people and destroying their nation.

"regarding joing UN or Eu i think kosovars shouldnt worry to much , its more easy to join Albania, our mother , where kosova belong."
mailam

You probably mean the k-albanians belong in Albania not the territory of Kosovo which belongs to Serbia. Proof of that is the fact that all cities and towns in Kosovo have Serbian names, not to mention all the churches and monasteries that date back to the 12th century.

And Sierra Leone probably does too. Regardless of what you think of NATO, is Serbia independent or what?

you dontt cease to amaze me from one moment to the next

just so you know they killed more people with their bombs than the plane managed to kill in the world trade center..
and for that they invaded a country..

what did serbia do? commemorate the victims at least?
no, we want to join nato.

shame on you
gde vam je obraz!?

Isn't this guy the clear proof that Serbia has now found its Master ???? I guess Yes...

I'm sure some will argue that's not a Master-puppet relation, only a "strong friendship"....but I wouldn't like my friends to give me such orders...or threats...

being in the law, every time I read "NATO" I remember Cesare Lombroso and his book " delinquente nato"

delinquente nato...

yes, that´s truly the best name for this aggressive organisation in service of US-imperial interests.

mr Russian I dont get it if you spoke in Russians name or Serbias.
Kosovo it's a done deal and we are willing to wait not dacades but centuries just not to be under Serbias boot again.I wont trade my freedom I have now with all of Russia's welth.

He noted that Russia does not recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo, and that he believes that the Council of Europe should deal with human rights, democracy, the election process, and the protection of ethnic minorities, which he said is all on a very low level in Kosovo. What about the Russian client state of Abakhazia its even more dismal for the Georgians ethnically cleansed with Russia support and watch. Council of Europe had peace observers their and in S. Ossetia. Russia kicked them out so they would not be observe of Russians hypocritical behaviour their. Now Russia is saying and giving Serbia strong hints better be care full what it joins or its support of Serbia over Kosovo will be in jeopardy. The Kremlin full of KJB cronies they sure like to play a hypocritical double standard who can believe anything they say poor ordinary Russians.

serbia doesn´t want either, only this illegal regime wants it ...

but this will never happen, just like the eu-entry ...

This guys is making Serbia look as Russian muppet, or maybe reminding us of the fact.
Anyhow, he is telling serbian politicians that Serbia cannot have referendum on NATO because Russia says so.

So John, it's good to see the so-called 'political classes' of countries like Serbia and Montenegro (yes I do know they're 2 countries and am using them as good separate examples) making decisions that none of their people want but somehow the government in Russia which is actually popular is totally undemocratic.

I wonder which government decision was more popular with its people, the Putin's decision to liberate South Ossetia and Abkhazia or Djukanovic's decision to recognise Kosovo.

Don't worry Russians...in the simple words: in the Nato, over our dead bodies only.

Democratic Party is massively losing on its potential voters numbers by deliberately delaying and ignoring the calls for immediate Referendum on the Nato issue knowing the predominant negative vote and sentiment of the Serbia's population against Nato.

It will be catasprophical political bet for Democratic Party if they protege Nato membership by risking its own political existence. They may be "going with the wind" under the census if they continue and openly support Nato option.

Referendum NOW..and Democratic Party, please do not "worry" about my "emotional" vote.If Referendum is not scheduled to be soon as NOW, that simple but very genuine "emotion" will grow only very much stronger.

“A possible decision by Serbia to join NATO would mean that the Serbian people accept the NATO action against the former Yugoslavia and accept Kosovo’s independence,” Kosachev said.

He is definately right on this one, but it will happened sooner rather than later.



He added that the decision to join NATO should be made by the Serbian people, and that “no one should even try to influence that decision.”

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.

There goes Serbian referendum on joining NATO. Just like that. It even makes Kosovo look good on puppet scale.
(Mirub Jager, 1 February 2010 17:50)
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Now tell me, which part of Russia's position below didn't you understand?
--
“This decision should be made through democratic procedures, and I think that the most democratic procedure – a referendum – would be needed if that question even arose,” he said.
--
Russia is encouraging a referendum expressing the true will of the people and to keep Serbia democratic and free. Of course that's a threat to NATO, right?

Serbia needs to remain on the side of the free world and never join NATO. I have never met any Serbian who wants to join this immoral organisation.

Someone here said: "As for the anti-Russian posters on B92 who continue to bring up Abkhazia and South Ossetia, these 2 countries were only recognized by Russia after the fact Georgia broke an agreement and invaded. Since the end of the Kosovo war in 1999 Serbia has done nothing to violate any written agreement between the two sides so a deceleration of independence was not necessary and had no real grounds."

1. Serbia broke the former Jugoslav constitution in which annulled autonomy of Kosova unilaterally and without the support of the people living in Kosova.

2. It ethnically cleansed 1 million people. It killed around 10 thousand civilians. Serbian tanks demolished homes.

3. In the middle of status negotiation it passed a Constitution which sought to predetermine these talks. This constitution was passed without the votes of more than 90% of people living in Kosova.

Those are reasons enough to separate. Now if you're a Serb that's another matter. Of course you're gonna have a problem with that. The least you can do however is try to stop being so hypocritical. The average Serb out there is immediately in a nonsensical situation the moment he/she tries to defend Russia's position in Abhazia and Serbia's position regarding Kosova. They are mutually exclusive simply because while you hold Serbia's sovereignty as the pinnacle of world order at the same time you unequivocally support Russia's disregard of Georgian sovereignty.

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.
(Kosova-USA, 1 February 2010, 11:04)

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

When are Albanians going to stop speaking for the Serbs?

regarding joing UN or Eu i think kosovars shouldnt worry to much , its more easy to join Albania, our mother , where kosova belong.

@ Rote Kapelle

1.) This is not an answer to my point. Russia is demanding "re-newed status talks" regarding Kosovo in which Pristina and Belgrad have to find a common solution. In Caucasia, however, Russia doesn't even consider to do so. So the question is just: Why Russia demands in the Balkans something what itself is not doing in the Caucasus?

2.) We can take Greece as an example. Being in the NATO is not an eternal obligation. As a souvereign state, it is Athens choice to stay inside NATO or not. As far as I remember, there is no serious discussion in Greece to leace NATO. Any yet, relations between Russia and Greece are good. Tells me that we are not talking about technical or diplomativ issue. It appears more that Russia takes it personal when a country joins NATO. A reflex from older times, and the whining of a former superpower who still mourns about this loss.

3.) Democracy doesn't mean perfection. You will find even in the most developed countries flaws. Russia on the other hand is a big flaw regarding democracy and it is interesting to see how some always defend this oligarchy, no matter what and only based on their own nationalism. Well, I can assure you that those people in charge in Moscow don't share your nationalism. They only bother to maximize their income and, to sooth your kind, to issue nationalistic statements.

Bottom line is that you don't show any sign of a proof but a mere defence for your mother Russia and the alleged bilteral connections to Serbia. From my perspective, I just see a Russia bullying a nation which has no choice but to comply to that political farce. I have already mentioned the Russian "loan" which will be offered only with certain conditions: Russian companies involved and inverstment in those sectors only which the Russian regard as important, not Belgrad. For me, this is only dictating the term while simultaneously earning the interests of this "deal". This really fits with the NIS farce.

But in order to add to my point 2.). You know what is really the difference to a country like Greece and Serbia? Greece can stay in the NATO, maintain good relationship to Moscow while saying against every unfair deal: No! Serbia on the other hand has to shut up and deal with what it will be given by their Russian masters. That are indeed different times.

There goes Serbian referendum on joining NATO. Just like that. It even makes Kosovo look good on puppet scale.
Additionally, it shows the two faces old Serbia. Celebrate when schengen visas revoked but maintain as Russia's puppet.

Is this a request or... homework for Serbia?

EU integration is supposed to separate Serbia from the influence of Kremlin while the last is trying to pull back Serbia into its sphere of influence. Serbs should be the last ones to wish for this.

Serbia needs to remain on the side of the free world and never join NATO. I have never met any Serbian who wants to join this immoral organisation.
(Zoran, 1 February 2010 18:47)

Of course not. You want to join the "moral" organization - Russia and its puppets. You will not join NATO cause NATO will rob you, your independence, while with Russia you will be a free and sovereign nation.... who are you kidding.

But don't forget, Russia does not have a stake in Kosovo. Its position is based on superficial interest, (principle in apparence) which in the future might change and be compromised. In the future Russia will sell you in a heartbeat.

It's all about strategy. Who gets the better and most powerfull allies. Serbia is definitely positioning east, which is good for Albanians, Croats and other nations who have a beef with Serbs.

Serbia will definitely be seen as a Russian puppet state in a region who is not Russian friendly.

The Serbian people should better listen to father Russia; otherwise it could be that it wouldn’t get the promised pocket-money. Your very old friend who is very close again, advises you not to lean too much to the West by coming too close to the NATO like the rest of the Balkan countries; he could become very angry, if you don’t listen to him. To keep up his support and grant, you have to allow him to interfere in your internal affairs. Then Mr. Kosachev also shows how he likes to prescribe what the Council of Europe should do.
“He noted that Russia does not recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo, and that he believes that the Council of Europe should deal with human rights, democracy, the election process, and the protection of ehtnic minorities, which he said, is all on a very low level in Kosovo”.
This is exactly what the CoE and the European Court in Strasbourg does, every time Russian civilians complain about: the lack of implementation of their Human Rights, protection of minorities and democracy. Last weekend we could be witness again that the “PUTIN PARTY” doesn’t like any opposition and criticism.
But be lucky! You are allowed to become a member of the EU………..!!!!!!

Yeah but then people like you Harry, will complain when the Serb people decide their interests are with Russia

russia please leave serbia alone, serbia is a souveraign state and can decide what is good for its interests

Hello All,

I have been reading here for a while, and felt compelled today to join the conversation.

I can understand totally from a Serbian perspective not wanting to join NATO.

The issues that need to be considered carefully however (and I believe this is the rationale of Sutanovac etc), is that IF Serbia joined NATO that would guarantee peace with neighbours as NATO countries can't attack each other, and is the discussion merely politically driven.

I am not suggesting to anyone that joining NATO is good, just wanted to put up an argument for it being discussed.

In the end, its a very difficult question, and I think its actually quite smart politics to raise the question, knowing what the answer of the people will be. The Serbian govt can then go back to NATO / EU and say, there is your answer.

Maybe it is just savvy political maneouvring?

Cao!

mr Russian I dont get it if you spoke in Russians name or Serbias.
Kosovo it's a done deal and we are willing to wait not dacades but centuries just not to be under Serbias boot again.I wont trade my freedom I have now with all of Russia's welth.

“A possible decision by Serbia to join NATO would mean that the Serbian people accept the NATO action against the former Yugoslavia and accept Kosovo’s independence,” Kosachev said.

He is definately right on this one, but it will happened sooner rather than later.



He added that the decision to join NATO should be made by the Serbian people, and that “no one should even try to influence that decision.”

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.

Russian "logics":

1.) Is there any dialogue regarding Abk. or SO ongoing? Answer: No! So why Moscow proposes this for Kosovo which has been recognized by the majority of CoE members?

2.) Why is it a problem when Serbia would join NATO? Remember, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Albania already part of it. What difference does it make for Russia if Serbia would be part of the NATO, too?

3.) Referendum! Well, this is a very odd suggestion coming from a country which actively try to surpress any kind of democracy and activity pointed against the Kremlin.

Bottom line: Russia suggests points which Moscow itself would never accept for itself. So, it clearly shows that we have a case of bullying a smaller nation around. Russia regards Serbia as its colony with clear demands. Any free people would never accept that kind of dictating terms. Now let us see if the political class of Serbia has just a little bit spine to make their own opinion. However, I doubt that this will happen. Even the "loan" offered by Russia is dictated. Russian companies and Russian point of views how to invest. I think we know where this will lead, too.

Isn't this guy the clear proof that Serbia has now found its Master ???? I guess Yes...

I'm sure some will argue that's not a Master-puppet relation, only a "strong friendship"....but I wouldn't like my friends to give me such orders...or threats...

regarding joing UN or Eu i think kosovars shouldnt worry to much , its more easy to join Albania, our mother , where kosova belong.

He noted that Russia does not recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo, and that he believes that the Council of Europe should deal with human rights, democracy, the election process, and the protection of ethnic minorities, which he said is all on a very low level in Kosovo. What about the Russian client state of Abakhazia its even more dismal for the Georgians ethnically cleansed with Russia support and watch. Council of Europe had peace observers their and in S. Ossetia. Russia kicked them out so they would not be observe of Russians hypocritical behaviour their. Now Russia is saying and giving Serbia strong hints better be care full what it joins or its support of Serbia over Kosovo will be in jeopardy. The Kremlin full of KJB cronies they sure like to play a hypocritical double standard who can believe anything they say poor ordinary Russians.

This guys is making Serbia look as Russian muppet, or maybe reminding us of the fact.
Anyhow, he is telling serbian politicians that Serbia cannot have referendum on NATO because Russia says so.

There goes Serbian referendum on joining NATO. Just like that. It even makes Kosovo look good on puppet scale.
Additionally, it shows the two faces old Serbia. Celebrate when schengen visas revoked but maintain as Russia's puppet.

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.
(Kosova-USA, 1 February 2010, 11:04)

You cannot even make sensible arguments to defend yourself, now you are claiming to speak for the entire Serbian population? Man this is funny...

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.
(Kosova-USA, 1 February 2010 11:04)

This has got to be one of the funniest things I've ever heard. Turkey's will vote for Christmas before Serbs ever vote to join NATO.

And Sierra Leone probably does too. Regardless of what you think of NATO, is Serbia independent or what?

I'm sure some will argue that's not a Master-puppet relation, only a "strong friendship"....but I wouldn't like my friends to give me such orders...or threats...
(Hans, 1 February 2010 11:29)
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The only orders are going to ŠuNATOvac demanding he gets Serbia is NATO. Fortunately our constitution describes us as militarily neutral (thanks Koštunica) so we cannot join without a referendum. NATO membership is very unpopular in Serbia and will be overwhelmingly rejected. It is only supported by our ethnic Albanian citizens, such as Kosovo-USA here, but they won't be participating in such a referendum so all is safe.

NATO made a big mistake taking on Serbia. It has probably lost the Western Balkans region because of it. The velvet revolutions are being undone and western influence is deminishing.

Russia is just supporting the will of Serbians and sending out warning messages to certain sell-out politicians. Thank you Russia for protecting our interests.

"regarding joing UN or Eu i think kosovars shouldnt worry to much , its more easy to join Albania, our mother , where kosova belong."
mailam

You probably mean the k-albanians belong in Albania not the territory of Kosovo which belongs to Serbia. Proof of that is the fact that all cities and towns in Kosovo have Serbian names, not to mention all the churches and monasteries that date back to the 12th century.

"He added that the decision to join NATO should be made by the Serbian people, and that “no one should even try to influence that decision.”"

I agree...But why doesn't this guy stick to this idea himself?

John

1.Dialogue with SO & Abkhasia is blocked by Georgia refusing to sign an agreement not to use military force. So the ball is on your American side.

2.Concerning relations with Russia in the list of the states you offer only Greece can partly be compared with Serbia. But it became a NATO member in quite different circumstances. If Serbia joins this anti-Russian club it will only spoil our relations with no affect on our security. And I don’t think our brothers need someone’s advice to take this vital decision.

3.Yes we have problems with democracy but in the hostile circumstances we have to live in we can merely afford more. Also I doubt there are no problems with democracy in the USA. In 13 EU states freedom ends where Holocaust matters are discussed. In France they will put you in prison if you deny genocide of the Armenians. 8 Russian fathers were imprisoned in Germany because they object sexual lessons for their small children.

Your mad comments concerning colonial type of relations between Russia and Serbia I leave without a comment. You know John we already have Joe , Mircea , Kosovo-USA guys here who will welcome you to their “Crazy Horse Club”. The question is if you really need it ?

@ Rote Kapelle

1.) This is not an answer to my point. Russia is demanding "re-newed status talks" regarding Kosovo in which Pristina and Belgrad have to find a common solution. In Caucasia, however, Russia doesn't even consider to do so. So the question is just: Why Russia demands in the Balkans something what itself is not doing in the Caucasus?

2.) We can take Greece as an example. Being in the NATO is not an eternal obligation. As a souvereign state, it is Athens choice to stay inside NATO or not. As far as I remember, there is no serious discussion in Greece to leace NATO. Any yet, relations between Russia and Greece are good. Tells me that we are not talking about technical or diplomativ issue. It appears more that Russia takes it personal when a country joins NATO. A reflex from older times, and the whining of a former superpower who still mourns about this loss.

3.) Democracy doesn't mean perfection. You will find even in the most developed countries flaws. Russia on the other hand is a big flaw regarding democracy and it is interesting to see how some always defend this oligarchy, no matter what and only based on their own nationalism. Well, I can assure you that those people in charge in Moscow don't share your nationalism. They only bother to maximize their income and, to sooth your kind, to issue nationalistic statements.

Bottom line is that you don't show any sign of a proof but a mere defence for your mother Russia and the alleged bilteral connections to Serbia. From my perspective, I just see a Russia bullying a nation which has no choice but to comply to that political farce. I have already mentioned the Russian "loan" which will be offered only with certain conditions: Russian companies involved and inverstment in those sectors only which the Russian regard as important, not Belgrad. For me, this is only dictating the term while simultaneously earning the interests of this "deal". This really fits with the NIS farce.

But in order to add to my point 2.). You know what is really the difference to a country like Greece and Serbia? Greece can stay in the NATO, maintain good relationship to Moscow while saying against every unfair deal: No! Serbia on the other hand has to shut up and deal with what it will be given by their Russian masters. That are indeed different times.

Let's not pretend that Kosovo wasn't a key factor in Russia's decision to use force in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Whether they would have without the Kosovo precedent who knows, but they were looking for something to even the score ever since 17th February 2008 and Saakashvili just walked right into it.

I don't agree with what's happened in South Ossetia and Abkhazia but I'm glad it has happened, purely because of how funny it was hearing the US and UK have the nerve to try to condemn it.

Someone here said: "As for the anti-Russian posters on B92 who continue to bring up Abkhazia and South Ossetia, these 2 countries were only recognized by Russia after the fact Georgia broke an agreement and invaded. Since the end of the Kosovo war in 1999 Serbia has done nothing to violate any written agreement between the two sides so a deceleration of independence was not necessary and had no real grounds."

1. Serbia broke the former Jugoslav constitution in which annulled autonomy of Kosova unilaterally and without the support of the people living in Kosova.

2. It ethnically cleansed 1 million people. It killed around 10 thousand civilians. Serbian tanks demolished homes.

3. In the middle of status negotiation it passed a Constitution which sought to predetermine these talks. This constitution was passed without the votes of more than 90% of people living in Kosova.

Those are reasons enough to separate. Now if you're a Serb that's another matter. Of course you're gonna have a problem with that. The least you can do however is try to stop being so hypocritical. The average Serb out there is immediately in a nonsensical situation the moment he/she tries to defend Russia's position in Abhazia and Serbia's position regarding Kosova. They are mutually exclusive simply because while you hold Serbia's sovereignty as the pinnacle of world order at the same time you unequivocally support Russia's disregard of Georgian sovereignty.

Serbia needs to remain on the side of the free world and never join NATO. I have never met any Serbian who wants to join this immoral organisation.
(Zoran, 1 February 2010 18:47)

Of course not. You want to join the "moral" organization - Russia and its puppets. You will not join NATO cause NATO will rob you, your independence, while with Russia you will be a free and sovereign nation.... who are you kidding.

But don't forget, Russia does not have a stake in Kosovo. Its position is based on superficial interest, (principle in apparence) which in the future might change and be compromised. In the future Russia will sell you in a heartbeat.

It's all about strategy. Who gets the better and most powerfull allies. Serbia is definitely positioning east, which is good for Albanians, Croats and other nations who have a beef with Serbs.

Serbia will definitely be seen as a Russian puppet state in a region who is not Russian friendly.

serbia doesn´t want either, only this illegal regime wants it ...

but this will never happen, just like the eu-entry ...

Thank you once again. Russia is looking after Serbian interests better than SuNATOvac and his gang. Serbia will never, ever, join this criminal organization.
Cheers!

Is this a request or... homework for Serbia?

EU integration is supposed to separate Serbia from the influence of Kremlin while the last is trying to pull back Serbia into its sphere of influence. Serbs should be the last ones to wish for this.

The Serbian people should better listen to father Russia; otherwise it could be that it wouldn’t get the promised pocket-money. Your very old friend who is very close again, advises you not to lean too much to the West by coming too close to the NATO like the rest of the Balkan countries; he could become very angry, if you don’t listen to him. To keep up his support and grant, you have to allow him to interfere in your internal affairs. Then Mr. Kosachev also shows how he likes to prescribe what the Council of Europe should do.
“He noted that Russia does not recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo, and that he believes that the Council of Europe should deal with human rights, democracy, the election process, and the protection of ehtnic minorities, which he said, is all on a very low level in Kosovo”.
This is exactly what the CoE and the European Court in Strasbourg does, every time Russian civilians complain about: the lack of implementation of their Human Rights, protection of minorities and democracy. Last weekend we could be witness again that the “PUTIN PARTY” doesn’t like any opposition and criticism.
But be lucky! You are allowed to become a member of the EU………..!!!!!!

Don't worry Russians...in the simple words: in the Nato, over our dead bodies only.

Democratic Party is massively losing on its potential voters numbers by deliberately delaying and ignoring the calls for immediate Referendum on the Nato issue knowing the predominant negative vote and sentiment of the Serbia's population against Nato.

It will be catasprophical political bet for Democratic Party if they protege Nato membership by risking its own political existence. They may be "going with the wind" under the census if they continue and openly support Nato option.

Referendum NOW..and Democratic Party, please do not "worry" about my "emotional" vote.If Referendum is not scheduled to be soon as NOW, that simple but very genuine "emotion" will grow only very much stronger.

Since Serbs can't speak their minds thanks to Sutanovac and co Russia is telling the world how it is. Ordinary Serbs never ever want to join HATO.

you dontt cease to amaze me from one moment to the next

just so you know they killed more people with their bombs than the plane managed to kill in the world trade center..
and for that they invaded a country..

what did serbia do? commemorate the victims at least?
no, we want to join nato.

shame on you
gde vam je obraz!?

being in the law, every time I read "NATO" I remember Cesare Lombroso and his book " delinquente nato"

delinquente nato...

yes, that´s truly the best name for this aggressive organisation in service of US-imperial interests.

There goes Serbian referendum on joining NATO. Just like that. It even makes Kosovo look good on puppet scale.
(Mirub Jager, 1 February 2010 17:50)
--
Now tell me, which part of Russia's position below didn't you understand?
--
“This decision should be made through democratic procedures, and I think that the most democratic procedure – a referendum – would be needed if that question even arose,” he said.
--
Russia is encouraging a referendum expressing the true will of the people and to keep Serbia democratic and free. Of course that's a threat to NATO, right?

Serbia needs to remain on the side of the free world and never join NATO. I have never met any Serbian who wants to join this immoral organisation.

How can a nation's politicians even think of joining an organization that had bombed the hell out of them, killing their people and destroying their nation.

russia please leave serbia alone, serbia is a souveraign state and can decide what is good for its interests

Russia should not worry because it is the leadership, not the people of Serbia who want to join NATO. This was defiantly not a message to the people of Serbia, seeing as they overwhelmingly are against joining NATO. This is a message to the undemocratic forces that are currently in control of Serbia to not play with fire and not go against the clear will of the people.

Vuk Draskovic even said that a referendum is not necessary because there was no referendum on Serbia's military neutrality. However Draskovic is far from relevant these days.

As for the anti-Russian posters on B92 who continue to bring up Abkhazia and South Ossetia, these 2 countries were only recognized by Russia after the fact Georgia broke an agreement and invaded. Since the end of the Kosovo war in 1999 Serbia has done nothing to violate any written agreement between the two sides so a deceleration of independence was not necessary and had no real grounds. Saakashvili lost Abkhazia and South Ossetia when he thought the West was going to run to his aid when he invaded, he failed miserably.

Joining the EU should be considered, joining NATO should never be on table in Serbia.

He is right on this one too, but he will be very disipointed since majority of Serbs will vote in favour of joining NATO and not Russian military alliance.
(Kosova-USA, 1 February 2010, 11:04)

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When are Albanians going to stop speaking for the Serbs?

So John, it's good to see the so-called 'political classes' of countries like Serbia and Montenegro (yes I do know they're 2 countries and am using them as good separate examples) making decisions that none of their people want but somehow the government in Russia which is actually popular is totally undemocratic.

I wonder which government decision was more popular with its people, the Putin's decision to liberate South Ossetia and Abkhazia or Djukanovic's decision to recognise Kosovo.

Hello All,

I have been reading here for a while, and felt compelled today to join the conversation.

I can understand totally from a Serbian perspective not wanting to join NATO.

The issues that need to be considered carefully however (and I believe this is the rationale of Sutanovac etc), is that IF Serbia joined NATO that would guarantee peace with neighbours as NATO countries can't attack each other, and is the discussion merely politically driven.

I am not suggesting to anyone that joining NATO is good, just wanted to put up an argument for it being discussed.

In the end, its a very difficult question, and I think its actually quite smart politics to raise the question, knowing what the answer of the people will be. The Serbian govt can then go back to NATO / EU and say, there is your answer.

Maybe it is just savvy political maneouvring?

Cao!

Yeah but then people like you Harry, will complain when the Serb people decide their interests are with Russia