“EU making Cyprus out of Kosovo”

Cyprus HAS ABSOLOUTELY NOTHING TO DO with Kosovo.

Cyprus has been a sovereign, legal state, recognised by everyone, that was invaded by Turkey in 1974. And almost 1/3 of it's land is being captured by Turkey for the last 36 years. However this does not make it less less legal, that's why Cyprus is already a member of almost every single international organization (UN, OSCE, European Union).

Kosovo on the other hand is an illegal pseudo-state that was never internationaly recognised properly and of course it never will. I would say that Kosovo is more like "Repuplic of Northenr Cyprus", the illegal state entity that Turkey created on the conquered part of the island 36 years ago, and of course it is not recognised by anyone - apart from Turkey.

It is a total shame to mention that a soverign state is or could be similar an illegal pseudo-state entity that was created from the stealing (not even conquering....) of land of another state (Serbia that is).

I would say that Kosovo is more like "Repuplic of Northenr Cyprus", the illegal state entity that Turkey created on the conquered part of the island 36 years ago...
(The Greek, 6 April 2010, 13:07)
---
I believe that is the point being made here. "Northern Cyprus" and "Kosova" are going nowhere. Only when an agreement is made with Cyprus and Serbia can progress be made but until that time the status quo or frozen conflict remains. I suspect "Northern Cyprus" is much like prison camp "Kosova".

You all forgot that Northen Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey while Kosovo is recognized by 65 states, 22 out of 27 EU states.

How can EU have Serbia as its member with Kosovo when most of them recognized Kosovo and have an Embassy in Prishtina?

For Serbia, Kosovo is LOST in 1999!

The Greek

You forgot to mention that Cyprus has one of the highest standards of living in Europe while Kosovo can only really compete with some countries in Africa.

Ian UK: what on earth is the "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo"? I'd stop now before you embarass yourself, mate.

Belgrade and Priština would participate in the Sarajevo Western Balkans conference on June 1 only if the Kosovo Albanian delegation were to be represented as “UNMIK-Kosovo” or “Kosovo under (UNSC) Resolution 1244”.

Like in Slovenia? If Serbia got support from Spain to not attend it doesn't mean we lack any support.However, Ivanovic is right when he says that if Kosova's status was done Germany and Co would not have suggested all those idiotic models.

Well said.

He reiterated that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence and announced that both officials from Belgrade and Priština would participate in the Sarajevo Western Balkans conference on June 1 only if the Kosovo Albanian delegation were to be represented as “UNMIK-Kosovo” or “Kosovo under (UNSC) Resolution 1244”.


Dream on Oli. No President or PM of Kosovo will seat at that table under the name of UNMIK or 1244, or what ever you are saying. Therefore, either Serbia or Kosovo will not be at that table. I would have prefered to see both at the meeting, but good example was in Slovenia.

Ministry for Kosovo State Secretary Oliver Ivanović said that the EU is turning Kosovo into a “second Cyprus” and would have to accept it as such.
B92

I totally agree with the Greek's comments.Ivanovich's comments are weird and inappropriate in comparing a province with a country which
is a UN and EU member.

The EU did the right thing letting the Republic of Cyprus to become a member and not falling into the trap of allowing direct trade and flights with the occupied part as that would amount to recognition and violation of UN resolutions.

The Turkish Cypriots are simply Ankara's puppets and they will do what told to do.

Turkey's 35 year effort to legitimize Ethnic Cleansing and Ethnic Division has been an abject failure. Today, 35 years later, no nation except for Turkey recognizes TRNC. Numerous UN resolutions have called the continuing military occupation of north Cyprus as illegal and in violation of international law.

Once again Turkey has overplayed their hand and overestimated their importance-thinking they could violate UN resolutions with impunity and without consequences.

I also think that there are clever politics played by the EU in Cyprus.The present stalemate is an excuse for them to continue refusing EU entry to Ankara.

I agree, Kosovo is like Cyprus. The "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo" is a thorn, which needs to be integrated into the rest of Kosovo, just like the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" needs to be integrated into the rest of Cyprus.

Oliver Ivanovic is quite possibly one the last, if only, voices of reason and sanity in Kosovo-UNMIK.

Kosovo is a permanent ghetto and will stay as such. A territory run by drug warlords just like the us-mexico borderland.

"thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!" (mijari)

-- Yeah, but it's been proven you need all 27 for anything to be effective. Otherwise, it's just a cruel tease. Why else are your greatest supporters looking for loophole compromises and now envisioning diminished expectations?

You all forgot that Northen Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey while Kosovo is recognized by 65 states, 22 out of 27 EU states.

How can EU have Serbia as its member with Kosovo when most of them recognized Kosovo and have an Embassy in Prishtina?

For Serbia, Kosovo is LOST in 1999!
(Hekuran, 6 April 2010 14:13)

thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!

Most of western world in 50-60's recognized South Vietnam and had embassies in Saigon. Where is "independent" South Vietnam today????

Never say "never" mr Hekuran ;)
(Milan, 6 April 2010 23:34)

So is Serbia going to invade Kosovo to bring it under control?

Exacly!

You all forgot that Northen Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey while Kosovo is recognized by 65 states, 22 out of 27 EU states.

How can EU have Serbia as its member with Kosovo when most of them recognized Kosovo and have an Embassy in Prishtina?

For Serbia, Kosovo is LOST in 1999!
(Hekuran, 6 April 2010 14:13)
Most of western world in 50-60's recognized South Vietnam and had embassies in Saigon. Where is "independent" South Vietnam today????

Never say "never" mr Hekuran ;)

Please try to understand that Kosovo never ever will be a country. It matters not if it is recognised by one or 26 EU-states. ALL 27 memberstates have to agree, is that so hard to understand. Likewise, ALL 5 permanent member states of the UNSC must agree if res. 1244 should be upheld. My God, what is the matter with people? Why does not some understand that Kosovo will forever be like it is now. It belongs to Serbia, the Albanians there are happy because the think its their country. Let them believe this circus. Unmik and Eulex tells how things will be. Everything is fine.

Why this guy is A REAL JOKE?

Read just that and you will understand.

NOVI SAD -- Ministry for Kosovo State Secretary Oliver Ivanović said that the EU is turning Kosovo into a “second Cyprus” and would have to accept it as such.

“Lamentations could be arriving from Brussels, such as: We don’t need a new Cyprus. But, if they really want the region to be under the wing of the EU, there is no other solution. Also, they are the ones who have created the ‘second Cyprus',” he told Novi Sad daily Dnevnik.

Ivanović was also quoted as saying that the countries that have recognized Kosovo ... have not finished the job, and it won't be possible to finish it, until Serbia agrees to some kind of solution,” he said.

Ivanović said that dialogue between Belgrade and Priština could be successful... Serbia will never recognize Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence...

I told you he is a Serbian joke...)

I think that Kosovo will never enter UN. And that Kosovo will never enter EU.

UN and EU will keep governing Kosovo province. It will in that way join EU: as a EU protectorate.

What a sad affair?!

With this statement this guy just bought his so called "ministry" and thus also himself 2-3more months of useless existence

The Greek

You forgot to mention that Cyprus has one of the highest standards of living in Europe while Kosovo can only really compete with some countries in Africa.
(Peter Sudyka, 6 April 2010 14:47)

Peter the proudest Pole,we don't want to compete with no-one,we want to finish what we started!!!
About your high living standards ask 2 million Poles who are living in UK and claiming benefits for children born in Poland!!!

then serbia should offer more than they did in the negotiations like a federation of serbia and kosova, pretty simple

-- Yeah, but it's been proven you need all 27 for anything to be effective. Otherwise, it's just a cruel tease. Why else are your greatest supporters looking for loophole compromises and now envisioning diminished expectations?
(Mike, 6 April 2010 17:01)

Yeah but better have 5 against than 22. 2 years ago there was none pro-independence. If you follow the trend, you know where it leads. We'll get there, just be patient. The "Never!" clauses coming from Serbia are just so some people stay pacified.

Most of western world in 50-60's recognized South Vietnam and had embassies in Saigon. Where is "independent" South Vietnam today????

Never say "never" mr Hekuran ;)
(Milan, 6 April 2010 23:34)

So is Serbia going to invade Kosovo to bring it under control?

----

And as to my comparison of "Northern Kosovo" and "Northern Cyprus" which seems to have caused some confusion; I was just turning what Ivanovic said on it's head in a light-hearted humorous way by giving Northern Kosovo a parody name. I don't think that Northern Kosovo and Northern Cyprus are in the same scenario at all. I was just highlighting that there are SOME parallels between the two, not that they are exactly in the same position because they aren't. I think it was wrong of Ivanovic to make the comparison between Cyprus and Kosovo as they are in two entirely different scenarios/ situations. He made the comparison as an attack on the 22 EU member states which recognised Kosovo; that's why I turned what he said on it's head, to criticise him in return.

I agree, Kosovo is like Cyprus. The "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo" is a thorn, which needs to be integrated into the rest of Kosovo, just like the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" needs to be integrated into the rest of Cyprus.
(Ian, UK, 6 April 2010 14:46)
Interesting but very very TRUE. I don’t understand why people don’t get it. It is very good comparison with North of Cyprus and North of Kosovo. However I would say that Kosovo have better chances to survive and restore the law and order in North the Cyprus because of the Turkey army there. That’s why EU and US are doing their best to help Pristina Government to restore order in its North before it is too late like North of Cyprus.
BalkanUpdate

That’s why EU and US are doing their best to help Pristina Government to restore order in its North before it is too late like North of Cyprus. 

BalkanUpdate

(BalkanUpdate, 6 April 2010 23:10)

If "doing their best" is what I did experience this weekend, than it's pathetic to say the least. We have some fresh pictures.

-------

You forgot to mention that Cyprus has one of the highest standards of living in Europe while Kosovo can only really compete with some countries in Africa.

(Peter Sudyka, 6 April 2010 14:47)

Peter, what we did see in the North and South was closer to Hungary than to Africa. We have some fresh pictures about that, too. Around 1980 Kosovo was somewhat ahead of Hungary. Now - since they lost quite a few years in the civil war - the situation just reversed. BTW: as a teacher my wife is earning precisely the Kosovo average wage.

Ian UK: what on earth is the "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo"? I'd stop now before you embarass yourself, mate.
(Dave, 6 April 2010)

It's the territory North of Kosova occupied by Serbs. Look it up in a map.

"I don’t understand why people don’t get it. It is very good comparison with North of Cyprus and North of Kosovo. However I would say that Kosovo have better chances to survive and restore the law and order in North the Cyprus because of the Turkey army there. That’s why EU and US are doing their best to help Pristina Government to restore order in its North before it is too late like North of Cyprus." (BalkanUpdate)

Problem 1: Northern Cyprus and northern Kosovo are two different entities. Northern Cyprus is a parastate. Northern Kosovo is part of the sovereign state of Serbia, seeking netiher recognition for independence, nor autonomy. It simply wants to remain in the original state it is in: Serbia. It's Kosovo itself that's the parastate seeking recognition and international support.

Let me try to make this even simpler:

Pristina wants to be taken seriously as the capital of an independent state.

Kosovska Mitrovica just wants to be seen as a part of Serbia.

Problem 2. "Kosovo have better chances to survive and restore the law and order in North the Cyprus because of the Turkey army there." -- First, this doesn't even make any sense - either grammatically or empirically. The fact that the Turkish army *is* in northern Cyprus should be more of an indication TRNC has longevity, right? On top of a strong military, it's somehow managed to survive since 1974 despite all international efforts to find a solution.

Now please tell me how in the name of Bob does Pristina have a better hold on northern Kosovo when

a) There is no Kosovo army occupying the north

b) By your own admonition, you need the "help" of the EU and the US to get you the north, and neither of these two powers are interested in doing anything beyond cheap useless diplomacy? You're saying wishful thinking is better than definitive military occupation?

Great job there. Weren't you the one who also said 50% of Strpce elected the Pristina-financed mayor?

I agree, Kosovo is like Cyprus. The "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo" is a thorn, which needs to be integrated into the rest of Kosovo, just like the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" needs to be integrated into the rest of Cyprus.
(Ian, UK, 6 April 2010 14:46)

I agree with Ian very much on this comparison, those trying to compare Kosova with the TRNC are way off. In stark contrast to the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” the constitution of independent Kosovo hardly even mentions the Albanian people (actually it mentions the large constitutional rights of the Serb minority far more, it has a flag that is unrecognizably unrelated to anything Albanian, minorities (particularly Serb) have all kinds of guaranteed positions in the government and at all levels, unthinkable in an ethnic state such as the TRNC. Actually the best equivalent to the TRNC kin the Balkans is that other entirely ethnic state, Republika Srpska.

However, where Ian says the Serb republic in the north K and the Turkish republic in north C need to be integrated into the rest, well yes and no in both cases. There is no basis for outright international partition in either case, given the actual spread of populations, especially pre-conflict. However, the word “integration” is fraught with double and triple meanings. While Serbia and Turkey bear the primary responsibility in both cases, no-one can deny the significant responsibility of irresponsible nationalists among both K Albanians and Greek Cypriots in bringing about the crisis and the inter-ethnic hostility, particularly Greek Cypriot nationalists before 1974 (Eoka B, 1974 coup leaders etc) and K Albanian nationalists after 1999 (pogroms against remaining Serbs etc). Therefore, noone ought to have bright ideas about “imposing integration.”

As I have said before, I believe the Annan Plan for Cyprus (an independent federated state consisting of a Greek Cypriot federal entity and a Turkish Cypriot federal entity) would be a good model for Kosovo/a, giving the Serbs more than the substantial autonomy under Atisaari, giving the Albanians a more complete independence and right to use their own symbols. Google Annan Plan for Cyprus for a Kosovo/a solution. You don’t have to love it; it may however remove an impasse.

Mr. Ivanovic we would like to have new negotiations over border delineation. We both have to delineate the border if we want EU. In particular the border across Gnjilane municipality and Mitrovica. THis is something we want, but the interntinal community doesn't allow us. It is not that they love us or hate you THis is something they think would have a broader impact, causing a domino effect in the region.

So is Serbia going to invade Kosovo to bring it under control?

Exacly!
(Hekruan, 7 April 2010 13:53)

No. I only show You that You can't say that something is "irreversible" becouse USA hypocrite support and US embassy on the territory.

And as to my comparison of "Northern Kosovo" and "Northern Cyprus" which seems to have caused some confusion; I was just turning what Ivanovic said on it's head in a light-hearted humorous way by giving Northern Kosovo a parody name. I don't think that Northern Kosovo and Northern Cyprus are in the same scenario at all. I was just highlighting that there are SOME parallels between the two, not that they are exactly in the same position because they aren't. I think it was wrong of Ivanovic to make the comparison between Cyprus and Kosovo as they are in two entirely different scenarios/ situations. He made the comparison as an attack on the 22 EU member states which recognised Kosovo; that's why I turned what he said on it's head, to criticise him in return.
(Ian, UK, 7 April 2010 11:23)
Ian - situation of KOSOVO and Northern Cyprus is same - they are illegal created separatist pseudostates on the territories of independent, UN recognized states.
You wrote about Northern Ksovo and Northern Cyprus - but You are wqrong. Northern Kosovo is not problem but separatist pseudostate of Kosovo. Northern Kosovo is NOT like Northern Cyprus - Northern Kosovo is part of serbian Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, where separatist, nationalistic pseudogovernment who need to grab this part territory of Republic of Serbia have any power, and Northern Cyprus - is pseudostate created by separatists with support of enemy state (like "independent" Kosovo).

Google Annan Plan for Cyprus for a Kosovo/a solution. You don’t have to love it; it may however remove an impasse.
(DimTuc, 7 April 2010 17:18)

Why stop with Kosovo and not apply it to the entire exYU + AL than?
Yes, it will be a huge territory...
Yes, it will have good 30+ million of people..
Yes, it will be a local super-power...
Yes, it will be capable for industrial and agricultural output making Italy or France scramble...
(ever seen any food in Italy or France which can't be made cheaper + better in exYU+AL?)

Ah... maybe THAT'S WHY.

And if it's about tourist attractions than all I say Berat - Ohrid - Kotor - Tara - Istria and there goes (down) the entire France, sorry for French.

louie

2 million, you say? I wonder where you got this number from.

Anyway, Poles are going home to Poland now, because of the state that the UK economy is in:

Polish immigrants leaving Britain: What the Poles did for us

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/poland/3248852/Polish-immigrants-leaving-Britain-What-the-Poles-did-for-us.html

In fact, the trend has reversed and it seems Germans are coming to Poland to seek work:

Germans seek jobs in thriving Poland

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Germans+seek+jobs+thriving+Poland/2715053/story.html

thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!
(mijari, 6 April 2010 15:17)
====================

Here's some more truth for you.
That's the way it will stay forever.

thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!
(mijari, 6 April 2010 15:17)

So???? Albanian politicians in 2008 belived that until end of 2008 Kosovo will be recognized by more than 100 states and will be full member of United Nations. So?? Where are these recognitions?? Where is United Nation membership??

I agree, Kosovo is like Cyprus. The "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo" is a thorn, which needs to be integrated into the rest of Kosovo, just like the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" needs to be integrated into the rest of Cyprus.

You all forgot that Northen Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey while Kosovo is recognized by 65 states, 22 out of 27 EU states.

How can EU have Serbia as its member with Kosovo when most of them recognized Kosovo and have an Embassy in Prishtina?

For Serbia, Kosovo is LOST in 1999!

Cyprus HAS ABSOLOUTELY NOTHING TO DO with Kosovo.

Cyprus has been a sovereign, legal state, recognised by everyone, that was invaded by Turkey in 1974. And almost 1/3 of it's land is being captured by Turkey for the last 36 years. However this does not make it less less legal, that's why Cyprus is already a member of almost every single international organization (UN, OSCE, European Union).

Kosovo on the other hand is an illegal pseudo-state that was never internationaly recognised properly and of course it never will. I would say that Kosovo is more like "Repuplic of Northenr Cyprus", the illegal state entity that Turkey created on the conquered part of the island 36 years ago, and of course it is not recognised by anyone - apart from Turkey.

It is a total shame to mention that a soverign state is or could be similar an illegal pseudo-state entity that was created from the stealing (not even conquering....) of land of another state (Serbia that is).

He reiterated that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence and announced that both officials from Belgrade and Priština would participate in the Sarajevo Western Balkans conference on June 1 only if the Kosovo Albanian delegation were to be represented as “UNMIK-Kosovo” or “Kosovo under (UNSC) Resolution 1244”.


Dream on Oli. No President or PM of Kosovo will seat at that table under the name of UNMIK or 1244, or what ever you are saying. Therefore, either Serbia or Kosovo will not be at that table. I would have prefered to see both at the meeting, but good example was in Slovenia.

I would say that Kosovo is more like "Repuplic of Northenr Cyprus", the illegal state entity that Turkey created on the conquered part of the island 36 years ago...
(The Greek, 6 April 2010, 13:07)
---
I believe that is the point being made here. "Northern Cyprus" and "Kosova" are going nowhere. Only when an agreement is made with Cyprus and Serbia can progress be made but until that time the status quo or frozen conflict remains. I suspect "Northern Cyprus" is much like prison camp "Kosova".

then serbia should offer more than they did in the negotiations like a federation of serbia and kosova, pretty simple

You all forgot that Northen Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey while Kosovo is recognized by 65 states, 22 out of 27 EU states.

How can EU have Serbia as its member with Kosovo when most of them recognized Kosovo and have an Embassy in Prishtina?

For Serbia, Kosovo is LOST in 1999!
(Hekuran, 6 April 2010 14:13)

thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!

The Greek

You forgot to mention that Cyprus has one of the highest standards of living in Europe while Kosovo can only really compete with some countries in Africa.

Well said.

Kosovo is a permanent ghetto and will stay as such. A territory run by drug warlords just like the us-mexico borderland.

Ian UK: what on earth is the "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo"? I'd stop now before you embarass yourself, mate.

Ministry for Kosovo State Secretary Oliver Ivanović said that the EU is turning Kosovo into a “second Cyprus” and would have to accept it as such.
B92

I totally agree with the Greek's comments.Ivanovich's comments are weird and inappropriate in comparing a province with a country which
is a UN and EU member.

The EU did the right thing letting the Republic of Cyprus to become a member and not falling into the trap of allowing direct trade and flights with the occupied part as that would amount to recognition and violation of UN resolutions.

The Turkish Cypriots are simply Ankara's puppets and they will do what told to do.

Turkey's 35 year effort to legitimize Ethnic Cleansing and Ethnic Division has been an abject failure. Today, 35 years later, no nation except for Turkey recognizes TRNC. Numerous UN resolutions have called the continuing military occupation of north Cyprus as illegal and in violation of international law.

Once again Turkey has overplayed their hand and overestimated their importance-thinking they could violate UN resolutions with impunity and without consequences.

I also think that there are clever politics played by the EU in Cyprus.The present stalemate is an excuse for them to continue refusing EU entry to Ankara.

"thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!" (mijari)

-- Yeah, but it's been proven you need all 27 for anything to be effective. Otherwise, it's just a cruel tease. Why else are your greatest supporters looking for loophole compromises and now envisioning diminished expectations?

Oliver Ivanovic is quite possibly one the last, if only, voices of reason and sanity in Kosovo-UNMIK.

With this statement this guy just bought his so called "ministry" and thus also himself 2-3more months of useless existence

Ian UK: what on earth is the "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo"? I'd stop now before you embarass yourself, mate.
(Dave, 6 April 2010)

It's the territory North of Kosova occupied by Serbs. Look it up in a map.

I think that Kosovo will never enter UN. And that Kosovo will never enter EU.

UN and EU will keep governing Kosovo province. It will in that way join EU: as a EU protectorate.

What a sad affair?!

-- Yeah, but it's been proven you need all 27 for anything to be effective. Otherwise, it's just a cruel tease. Why else are your greatest supporters looking for loophole compromises and now envisioning diminished expectations?
(Mike, 6 April 2010 17:01)

Yeah but better have 5 against than 22. 2 years ago there was none pro-independence. If you follow the trend, you know where it leads. We'll get there, just be patient. The "Never!" clauses coming from Serbia are just so some people stay pacified.

Please try to understand that Kosovo never ever will be a country. It matters not if it is recognised by one or 26 EU-states. ALL 27 memberstates have to agree, is that so hard to understand. Likewise, ALL 5 permanent member states of the UNSC must agree if res. 1244 should be upheld. My God, what is the matter with people? Why does not some understand that Kosovo will forever be like it is now. It belongs to Serbia, the Albanians there are happy because the think its their country. Let them believe this circus. Unmik and Eulex tells how things will be. Everything is fine.

Belgrade and Priština would participate in the Sarajevo Western Balkans conference on June 1 only if the Kosovo Albanian delegation were to be represented as “UNMIK-Kosovo” or “Kosovo under (UNSC) Resolution 1244”.

Like in Slovenia? If Serbia got support from Spain to not attend it doesn't mean we lack any support.However, Ivanovic is right when he says that if Kosova's status was done Germany and Co would not have suggested all those idiotic models.

Mr. Ivanovic we would like to have new negotiations over border delineation. We both have to delineate the border if we want EU. In particular the border across Gnjilane municipality and Mitrovica. THis is something we want, but the interntinal community doesn't allow us. It is not that they love us or hate you THis is something they think would have a broader impact, causing a domino effect in the region.

Why this guy is A REAL JOKE?

Read just that and you will understand.

NOVI SAD -- Ministry for Kosovo State Secretary Oliver Ivanović said that the EU is turning Kosovo into a “second Cyprus” and would have to accept it as such.

“Lamentations could be arriving from Brussels, such as: We don’t need a new Cyprus. But, if they really want the region to be under the wing of the EU, there is no other solution. Also, they are the ones who have created the ‘second Cyprus',” he told Novi Sad daily Dnevnik.

Ivanović was also quoted as saying that the countries that have recognized Kosovo ... have not finished the job, and it won't be possible to finish it, until Serbia agrees to some kind of solution,” he said.

Ivanović said that dialogue between Belgrade and Priština could be successful... Serbia will never recognize Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence...

I told you he is a Serbian joke...)

You all forgot that Northen Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey while Kosovo is recognized by 65 states, 22 out of 27 EU states.

How can EU have Serbia as its member with Kosovo when most of them recognized Kosovo and have an Embassy in Prishtina?

For Serbia, Kosovo is LOST in 1999!
(Hekuran, 6 April 2010 14:13)
Most of western world in 50-60's recognized South Vietnam and had embassies in Saigon. Where is "independent" South Vietnam today????

Never say "never" mr Hekuran ;)

I agree, Kosovo is like Cyprus. The "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo" is a thorn, which needs to be integrated into the rest of Kosovo, just like the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" needs to be integrated into the rest of Cyprus.
(Ian, UK, 6 April 2010 14:46)
Interesting but very very TRUE. I don’t understand why people don’t get it. It is very good comparison with North of Cyprus and North of Kosovo. However I would say that Kosovo have better chances to survive and restore the law and order in North the Cyprus because of the Turkey army there. That’s why EU and US are doing their best to help Pristina Government to restore order in its North before it is too late like North of Cyprus.
BalkanUpdate

The Greek

You forgot to mention that Cyprus has one of the highest standards of living in Europe while Kosovo can only really compete with some countries in Africa.
(Peter Sudyka, 6 April 2010 14:47)

Peter the proudest Pole,we don't want to compete with no-one,we want to finish what we started!!!
About your high living standards ask 2 million Poles who are living in UK and claiming benefits for children born in Poland!!!

"I don’t understand why people don’t get it. It is very good comparison with North of Cyprus and North of Kosovo. However I would say that Kosovo have better chances to survive and restore the law and order in North the Cyprus because of the Turkey army there. That’s why EU and US are doing their best to help Pristina Government to restore order in its North before it is too late like North of Cyprus." (BalkanUpdate)

Problem 1: Northern Cyprus and northern Kosovo are two different entities. Northern Cyprus is a parastate. Northern Kosovo is part of the sovereign state of Serbia, seeking netiher recognition for independence, nor autonomy. It simply wants to remain in the original state it is in: Serbia. It's Kosovo itself that's the parastate seeking recognition and international support.

Let me try to make this even simpler:

Pristina wants to be taken seriously as the capital of an independent state.

Kosovska Mitrovica just wants to be seen as a part of Serbia.

Problem 2. "Kosovo have better chances to survive and restore the law and order in North the Cyprus because of the Turkey army there." -- First, this doesn't even make any sense - either grammatically or empirically. The fact that the Turkish army *is* in northern Cyprus should be more of an indication TRNC has longevity, right? On top of a strong military, it's somehow managed to survive since 1974 despite all international efforts to find a solution.

Now please tell me how in the name of Bob does Pristina have a better hold on northern Kosovo when

a) There is no Kosovo army occupying the north

b) By your own admonition, you need the "help" of the EU and the US to get you the north, and neither of these two powers are interested in doing anything beyond cheap useless diplomacy? You're saying wishful thinking is better than definitive military occupation?

Great job there. Weren't you the one who also said 50% of Strpce elected the Pristina-financed mayor?

louie

2 million, you say? I wonder where you got this number from.

Anyway, Poles are going home to Poland now, because of the state that the UK economy is in:

Polish immigrants leaving Britain: What the Poles did for us

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/poland/3248852/Polish-immigrants-leaving-Britain-What-the-Poles-did-for-us.html

In fact, the trend has reversed and it seems Germans are coming to Poland to seek work:

Germans seek jobs in thriving Poland

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Germans+seek+jobs+thriving+Poland/2715053/story.html

Most of western world in 50-60's recognized South Vietnam and had embassies in Saigon. Where is "independent" South Vietnam today????

Never say "never" mr Hekuran ;)
(Milan, 6 April 2010 23:34)

So is Serbia going to invade Kosovo to bring it under control?

----

And as to my comparison of "Northern Kosovo" and "Northern Cyprus" which seems to have caused some confusion; I was just turning what Ivanovic said on it's head in a light-hearted humorous way by giving Northern Kosovo a parody name. I don't think that Northern Kosovo and Northern Cyprus are in the same scenario at all. I was just highlighting that there are SOME parallels between the two, not that they are exactly in the same position because they aren't. I think it was wrong of Ivanovic to make the comparison between Cyprus and Kosovo as they are in two entirely different scenarios/ situations. He made the comparison as an attack on the 22 EU member states which recognised Kosovo; that's why I turned what he said on it's head, to criticise him in return.

That’s why EU and US are doing their best to help Pristina Government to restore order in its North before it is too late like North of Cyprus. 

BalkanUpdate

(BalkanUpdate, 6 April 2010 23:10)

If "doing their best" is what I did experience this weekend, than it's pathetic to say the least. We have some fresh pictures.

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You forgot to mention that Cyprus has one of the highest standards of living in Europe while Kosovo can only really compete with some countries in Africa.

(Peter Sudyka, 6 April 2010 14:47)

Peter, what we did see in the North and South was closer to Hungary than to Africa. We have some fresh pictures about that, too. Around 1980 Kosovo was somewhat ahead of Hungary. Now - since they lost quite a few years in the civil war - the situation just reversed. BTW: as a teacher my wife is earning precisely the Kosovo average wage.

Most of western world in 50-60's recognized South Vietnam and had embassies in Saigon. Where is "independent" South Vietnam today????

Never say "never" mr Hekuran ;)
(Milan, 6 April 2010 23:34)

So is Serbia going to invade Kosovo to bring it under control?

Exacly!

I agree, Kosovo is like Cyprus. The "Serbian Republic of Northern Kosovo" is a thorn, which needs to be integrated into the rest of Kosovo, just like the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" needs to be integrated into the rest of Cyprus.
(Ian, UK, 6 April 2010 14:46)

I agree with Ian very much on this comparison, those trying to compare Kosova with the TRNC are way off. In stark contrast to the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” the constitution of independent Kosovo hardly even mentions the Albanian people (actually it mentions the large constitutional rights of the Serb minority far more, it has a flag that is unrecognizably unrelated to anything Albanian, minorities (particularly Serb) have all kinds of guaranteed positions in the government and at all levels, unthinkable in an ethnic state such as the TRNC. Actually the best equivalent to the TRNC kin the Balkans is that other entirely ethnic state, Republika Srpska.

However, where Ian says the Serb republic in the north K and the Turkish republic in north C need to be integrated into the rest, well yes and no in both cases. There is no basis for outright international partition in either case, given the actual spread of populations, especially pre-conflict. However, the word “integration” is fraught with double and triple meanings. While Serbia and Turkey bear the primary responsibility in both cases, no-one can deny the significant responsibility of irresponsible nationalists among both K Albanians and Greek Cypriots in bringing about the crisis and the inter-ethnic hostility, particularly Greek Cypriot nationalists before 1974 (Eoka B, 1974 coup leaders etc) and K Albanian nationalists after 1999 (pogroms against remaining Serbs etc). Therefore, noone ought to have bright ideas about “imposing integration.”

As I have said before, I believe the Annan Plan for Cyprus (an independent federated state consisting of a Greek Cypriot federal entity and a Turkish Cypriot federal entity) would be a good model for Kosovo/a, giving the Serbs more than the substantial autonomy under Atisaari, giving the Albanians a more complete independence and right to use their own symbols. Google Annan Plan for Cyprus for a Kosovo/a solution. You don’t have to love it; it may however remove an impasse.

So is Serbia going to invade Kosovo to bring it under control?

Exacly!
(Hekruan, 7 April 2010 13:53)

No. I only show You that You can't say that something is "irreversible" becouse USA hypocrite support and US embassy on the territory.

And as to my comparison of "Northern Kosovo" and "Northern Cyprus" which seems to have caused some confusion; I was just turning what Ivanovic said on it's head in a light-hearted humorous way by giving Northern Kosovo a parody name. I don't think that Northern Kosovo and Northern Cyprus are in the same scenario at all. I was just highlighting that there are SOME parallels between the two, not that they are exactly in the same position because they aren't. I think it was wrong of Ivanovic to make the comparison between Cyprus and Kosovo as they are in two entirely different scenarios/ situations. He made the comparison as an attack on the 22 EU member states which recognised Kosovo; that's why I turned what he said on it's head, to criticise him in return.
(Ian, UK, 7 April 2010 11:23)
Ian - situation of KOSOVO and Northern Cyprus is same - they are illegal created separatist pseudostates on the territories of independent, UN recognized states.
You wrote about Northern Ksovo and Northern Cyprus - but You are wqrong. Northern Kosovo is not problem but separatist pseudostate of Kosovo. Northern Kosovo is NOT like Northern Cyprus - Northern Kosovo is part of serbian Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, where separatist, nationalistic pseudogovernment who need to grab this part territory of Republic of Serbia have any power, and Northern Cyprus - is pseudostate created by separatists with support of enemy state (like "independent" Kosovo).

Google Annan Plan for Cyprus for a Kosovo/a solution. You don’t have to love it; it may however remove an impasse.
(DimTuc, 7 April 2010 17:18)

Why stop with Kosovo and not apply it to the entire exYU + AL than?
Yes, it will be a huge territory...
Yes, it will have good 30+ million of people..
Yes, it will be a local super-power...
Yes, it will be capable for industrial and agricultural output making Italy or France scramble...
(ever seen any food in Italy or France which can't be made cheaper + better in exYU+AL?)

Ah... maybe THAT'S WHY.

And if it's about tourist attractions than all I say Berat - Ohrid - Kotor - Tara - Istria and there goes (down) the entire France, sorry for French.

thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!
(mijari, 6 April 2010 15:17)
====================

Here's some more truth for you.
That's the way it will stay forever.

thanks for telling us the truth thats the big difference kosovo is almost recognized by 22 of 27 EU member states within 2 years of its existence!
(mijari, 6 April 2010 15:17)

So???? Albanian politicians in 2008 belived that until end of 2008 Kosovo will be recognized by more than 100 states and will be full member of United Nations. So?? Where are these recognitions?? Where is United Nation membership??