K. Albanians disable phone networks in Serb areas

"The reason for the disabling of the networks remains unknown."

It remains unknown to the entire world except to the albanians. This is another threat to Serbs and sign of desperation by Pristina. They are running out of ways to threaten and intimidate the Serbian minority. If albanians think that this move will force Serbia to recognize the theft of Kosovo they are mistaken. Serbia solved the energy shortage imposed by albanians on Serb communities in Kosovo and they will take care of this problem to. I guess the albanians are even more despreate then I previously thought. Then again the ICJ ruling is getting closer every day.

"K. Albanian authorities disable mobile networks"

Although late this is EXTREMELY important step to maintain law and order and flex muscles to control the teritory of Kosovo.

They have to apply for licence, pay taxes, and if they follow properly procedures they may be allowed again to operate.

At the end of the day, what do they need Serbian operators in the teritory of Kosoo. They will soon end up buying VALA 900, IPKO or Z-mobile sim cards and get fresh breath high-tech mobile operators with very LOW prices.

My sincere suggestion is: Get VALA, because VALA IS FROM KOSOVO

" The reason for the disabling of the networks remains unknown. "

Wow B92! Unknown? How about no license to operate, anyone could have told you this and they were warned for a long time.

Cell companies that paid for licenses in Kosova complained about this

One more miserable and cowardish act by the authorities from banana country. Now the Europe (to whose values they are striving so much) can see "their way of democracy and freedom of communications".
What's cooking next?

Oh the reasons for this cut off are very known: Get an official licence to operate a mobile network and you will be able to operate it.

Obviously someone wants to disable competitive networks which have more clients than so called kosovan operators. They didn't disable but destroyed their equipment and someone (kosovo-albanian tax payers most definitely) will pay for that act. You see Telenor and VIP are Norwegian and austrian companies respectively. It has nothing with so called licencing from illegal kosovan institutions.

The question is how long can the western media continue to self censore this madness? Its the violent nature of it that is so unacceptable. Are there any educated Kosovan Albanian leaders? Did Thaci study anything? I don't know I am not Kosovan. Surely there must be some Albanian intelligentsia that can come forward and negotiate, co operate and reach solutions acceptable to all rather than smashing things up all the time?

Miles

Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia where you can you use "Telekom Srbija". Kudos to Kosovo Police!
(Pejoni, 23 April 2010 12:56)

When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province!

Yes, probably a licensing issue. Their own fault! Why didn't these companies send a licensing parcel (containing some bundles of $$$-notes) to Thaci?

Ethnic Albanians shooting themselves in the foot once again. I can just imagine how this will attract foreign investment when companies can have equipment removed without a court order. Prison camp "Kosova" lives up to its name.

"Yes Miles many of us have Education from western Universities in all fields of life."
Alo

In that case its about time you show it. Make something of Albania and yourselves. Its easy to talk but you have nothing to show for your "western diplomas". What have you accomplished? Any areas of success?

Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia where you can you use "Telekom Srbija". Kudos to Kosovo Police!

"Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia"

Ohh, Pejoni wants to send Albin Kurti (who doesn't obeye the laws) to Serbia? I'm sure they will be happy about that ;-)

So, Alo

You want to tell us you know that there's a court order for closing down networks and removal of equipment?

If anybody thinks that such acts will encourage foreign investment they should think again.

In normal countries there is a court process to decide what should be done in cases like these - the police or whoever can't just go in there on behalf of businessmen to cut off their rival operators.

And unfortunately no matter how much either side would wish it, the status issue is still uresolved. So, just as it appears normal that a state would want its companies to get a license, you could easily turn it around and say that Kosovo telephone companies do not have Serbian licenses and could be closed down.

I don't advocate that Serbs mobilise in Mitrovica to close down 'illegal' businesses, but the message here is clear. Until we have a settlement and negotiations, might is right. Serbs in Albanian dominated Kosovo will suffer and Albanians in Serb dominated Kosovo will suffer.

And people are really wondering why there are no significant western companies willing to invest and trying to do business in Kosovo?

There's simply no safety for their investment.

Nobody can conduct business ilegally by being hidden behind freedom of communication. These operators that got what they deserved have been ilegally operating in Kosovo for a long time after being warned in nice way. For everyone that says this action is against democracy I would ask to get information from every country they live can they get serbian 064 and 063 frequencies in those countries. There is no madness here just the application of law.

I think this calls for some response. This could be practical or political. For example, there can be jamming of other phone operators (not expensive to organise and can be done by individuals with a bit of know-how) and other forms of sanction if necessary (that needs to be organised at a community level).

Those provoked by this will find other means of communication and are likely to respond adversely.

This is the kind of action that is likely to reinforce partition.

Belgrade needs to act on this in my view.

Impositions like this do look a bit pathetic, but a decision needs to be made as to whether to laugh or to respond.

In that case its about time you show it. Make something of Albania and yourselves. Its easy to talk but you have nothing to show for your "western diplomas". What have you accomplished? Any areas of success?
(Mikael C, 23 April 2010 14:33)

Well first I cant do much for Albania since I was born in Kosovo so in this aspect I can only improve Kosovo.

I am Engineer and work for Engineering Company in Germany as Expat via USA. I have 27Patents in my field but this is only personal accomplishment.

On improving Kosovo I have created a fund where we send 5 Engineering Students from University of Prishtina to study abroad for free as result they must return and work minimum 5 years in Kosovo. Not so much could be more but its a step in right direction.

And from 1989 till 1999 K-Albanians have gone through a lot so we started from huge hole. But hey slowly we will Improve it takes time.

I dont know if there was a warrant but do they have License to operate in Kosovo?

"I am Engineer and work for Engineering Company in Germany as Expat via USA."
Alo

Yes, and I'm Santa Clause!

It seems the pitchfork peasants are at it again in an attempt to stifle any competition. First it was KEK, and now its whatever the Albanians use for their mobiles.

How can Serbian telephone companies be "illegal" if Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo's authorities and is not pressured to? No, no, I suspect the "you follow the law" position from our favorite Albanian diasporas are using that as a ruse to cover their wish to control the lives of Serbs, not because they're suddenly law-abiding individuals.

"Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia where you can you use "Telekom Srbija". Kudos to Kosovo Police!"

-- This coming from someone who wants to arm a bunch of unemployed Albanians teenagers as an instant army to invade northern Kosovo. Diasporas are always so damn funny.

randomly severed cables....


My poor poor pitchfork peasants :)

If they get the licence and start pay taxes to Kosovo budget I will be among the first to subscribe for one of them.
(Simpatiku, 23 April 2010 15:58)
--
International law states that Kosovo is a Serbian province under UN administration. Tell me now, who is running Kosovo? Serbians, UN, ethnic Albanians? It's a bit confusing so I can't expect too many foreign companies wanting to invest there. This will remain the case until status negotiations are concluded.

(miles, 23 April 2010 12:13)

Yes Miles many of us have Education from western Universities in all fields of life.

This would happen in any place in the world what would Germany do if i go put a tower without license in Munich say.

They would remove it.

When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province!
(Ron, 23 April 2010 14:30)

Where Serbia has no say according to the same resolution.

Obviously the next step is to start ethnic cleansing of Serbs as their communication has been cut.

A very good move by Pristina.

International companies will take note that only by dealing with Belgrade will they get a guaranteed return on their investment rather than arbitrary and secretive appropriation of their own equipment by the local clans.

From now on foreign companies will demand much higher guarantees from Pristina before they even think of investing written in black and white, clearly Pristina's words being less than useless.

One should mention either that if it is a choice between a market of 8 million in an advanced market economy and

Nobody can conduct business ilegally by being hidden behind freedom of communication. These operators that got what they deserved have been ilegally operating in Kosovo for a long time after being warned in nice way. For everyone that says this action is against democracy I would ask to get information from every country they live can they get serbian 064 and 063 frequencies in those countries. There is no madness here just the application of law.
(Simpatiku, 23 April 2010 13:15)

So you are telling everyone that the application of the law means to destroy someone else's devices or beating someone for what they did?
It is good to know it, because now I can advertise every European Country that if a k-alb does not respect the law it is possible to destroy his every property, is it right? And more over if he only tries to react it is possible to kill him.
GOOD NEW FOR EVERY EUROPEAN POLICE CORP!!!

It's very symptomatic for albanian pseudoathorities in Kosovo - from one side they spoke about "multiethnic society", live in peace etc., but from other side - they doing all for destroy serbian community in Kosovo.

Today's Kosovo is not "multiethnic". Kosovo is illegal pseudostate based on albanian NATIONALISM. It's time for european community to open their eyes. Only real Balkan multiethnic state - is Republic of Serbia.

OK, lets follow practice. Go in and destroy every bit of electric relay powering the albanian parts of Kosovo. The electric utilities and not to mention almost every other utility built in Kosovo was built by the Serbs. Why should the albanians be able to operate without a license?

Ethnic Albanians shooting themselves in the foot once again. I can just imagine how this will attract foreign investment when companies can have equipment removed without a court order. Prison camp "Kosova" lives up to its name.
(Zoran, 23 April 2010 15:20)

Zoran
This will have a positive impact for foreign investors. The first and fundemantal thing that foreign investors want to see is fair competition. The fair competition does not mean that IPKO and Vala have to pay tax to Kosovo budget and Mobtel, Telenor and VIP do not.
I have no hard feelings of three last operators. If they get the licence and start pay taxes to Kosovo budget I will be among the first to subscribe for one of them.

Typcail B92 propaganda!! ... there are definitely less than 40, 000 serbs in Kosovo these days!!
(adrian kola, 23 April 2010 14:23)

and why would that be mr. kola? if this is a joke, then good on you. if you're serious then still hahahahahahaha!!

Typcail B92 propaganda!! ... there are definitely less than 40, 000 serbs in Kosovo these days!!
(adrian kola, 23 April 2010 14:23)

THESE DAYS!!?
somebody's showing true colors here, huh!?

a brick here, a stoning there, cutting some telecom lines tomorrow and in no time ... no serbs, no problem, right?!

"As a consequence, 40,000 Serbs are either left without service in that part of the province, or have very poor reception. "

Typcail B92 propaganda!! What about those serbs who subscribe to Kosovan mobile operators???? Also there are definitely less than 40, 000 serbs in Kosovo these days!!

When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province!
(Ron, 23 April 2010 14:30)
If you had actually read 1244 you would realize that irregardless of Independence, Serbian law is not the governing law of Kosovo. You should really read it sometime it has some interesting stuff in it.

So the ever wise authorities in Pristina thought that serving up an ultimatum to norwegian and austrian mobile operators was a really smart move, i.e. deal with us or deal with Belgrade.

Hmm. well what a difficult decision considering there are some 8 million serbs who are much better off and have a much better economy.

Clearly investing in Kosovo is not safe for any international company when such arbitrary and secret actions are carried out. But then again the parts controlled by Pristina are far from anything recognizable as a 'country'.

"This would happen in any place in the world what would Germany do if i go put a tower without license in Munich say."

Not exactly. The example would fit if Bavarian politicians in Munich order the local police to shut down telekom operators who have a licence throughout Germany...

My sincere suggestion is: Get VALA, because VALA IS FROM KOSOVO
(PRN, 23 April 2010 11:11)

-Don't you mean from Albania?

In that case its about time you show it. Make something of Albania and yourselves. Its easy to talk but you have nothing to show for your "western diplomas". What have you accomplished? Any areas of success?
(Mikael C, 23 April 2010 14:33)

What have we accomplished or any area of success that is not your business. Obey the law wherever you live and you will have no problem. Wherever you feel like you don't like to respect the law do not start any business. According to your logic all that one company needs to do for this type of business is to build a tower and put antenna.

@PRN "Obey the law wherever you live and you will have no problem. Wherever you feel like you don't like to respect the law do not start any business"

Does this same ideology apply to obeying the law when considering attacking returnees or when considering illegally proclaiming independance or is it just applied when Thaci and co feel it can be used to justify yet more thuggary?

--"When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province! "

No where does that mention the word province or Serbia. But anyway, complain to UN.

--"How can Serbian telephone companies be "illegal" if Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo's authorities and is not pressured to?"

Even IF Kosova is 110% under 1244, is still means that Serbia under 1244 has absolutely no say in Kosova, politically or economically. Read it.

---"I can just imagine how this will attract foreign investment when companies can have equipment removed without a court order."

Next time get a license.

-"Not exactly. The example would fit if Bavarian politicians in Munich order the local police to shut down telekom operators who have a licence throughout Germany..."

In that case, come and put it up again, and why are you complaining? I can assure you in the case you mention the German federal police would fix this.

--"the police or whoever can't just go in there on behalf of businessmen to cut off their rival operators. "

The Telecom Ministry ordered it. The know what's legal and what's illegal. Telekom Serbia can sue in Prishtina courts if they want.

---"Surely there must be some Albanian intelligentsia that can come forward and negotiate, co operate and reach solutions acceptable to all rather than smashing things up all the time? "

Negotiate like in Bosnia with you guys? Anyway, the time to 'negotiate' passed, all the licenses have been sold. Telekom Serbia should have bid a few years back.

nothing that could not be fixed again...

I´d call that moves of desperation by those socalled government-actors in Pristina...

but, that all makes them even weaker...

in the end, Serbia will prevail, ...and it will be just like when Serbia came back into it´s southern province after the Ottomans had to leave...

electricity and clean water came with the Serbs, and mobile communication will come again with the Serbs...

everything just a question of time...

im very happy to see that our kosovo police are acting! GO KPS!
(mijari, 23 April 2010 18:41)

Aha - police acting without court decision?
More things like this and who knows - maybe there will be a CERTAIN court decision.

Congratulation - this was Balkan at it's worst. This was to make the Albanian-Serb friendship long-lasting.

Why is there never any burden put on Albanians by world media??? Whenever a Serb opens his mouth and not action but words everyone screams, moans, and disapproves! For example when Dodik speaks his mind, here comes the OHR/EU,Pack the list goes on. But when Albos actually cause harm to Serbs everyone is HUSH HUSH!! Shame shame! Belgrade needs to step up!

Where Serbia has no say according to the same resolution.
(Simpatiku, 23 April 2010 15:40)

Indeed. As the UN is governing Kosovo. And only the UN can change the status of Kosovo.

This is a desperate and petty action, though a life-threatening one for emergency reasons, by a desperate and petty group of people. The Pristina Albanians are running out of ways to intimidate the remaining Serbs south of the Ibar. What is next, blocking sewers in Serb enclaves, so they can't flush their toilets unless they pay Pristina a toilets user fee? And these primitive people (Pristina so-called authorities) want to be a part of Europe, that will not happen until they become civilized.

K. Albanians disable phone networks in Serb areas"

What a headline! Straight out of Slobodan's Information Ministry. Phone networks in Serb areas work just as in all areas---the licensed phone networks that is. These licensed networks that pay taxes to Kosova and have a license, don't discriminate at all (in fact one is Slovenian) and Serbs can get one today if they wanted to.

On the next tender Telekom Serbia can bid, if they want.

These criminal decision makers are simply insane!

And another setback for Pristina's attempt at befriending "Europe's most privilieged minority".
(Mike, 23 April 2010 22:14)

Who did it was a moron of course. Now we know, he has a lot of (brain?)power in his little head under fustanellë. That's what this was to show.

Otherwise to answer your other question: the strength of the signal depends of course on the location. Now some Serbs can roam with weaker signal and paying more. Some probably can't get any signal because of locations where the closest Albanian towers were built.

What I love in this story: the usual Albanian quetzalcoatls and their servant trolls on B92 repeat ad nauseam about "lawless North" which they are "basically in control of".

So...

1) anything destroyed north of Ibar? ROFL!
2) Who is lawless? Where is the court decision about this action?
3) Curious, does ICJ look at this and how far it will affect their decision?

And the best part: all Serbs need is a good satellite connection and use VoIP where possible. They need some friends who have know-how about satellites. I know, that's the most "difficult" part. Poor Serbs - hehe, they don't have anyone to consult about that - right?

im very happy to see that our kosovo police are acting! GO KPS!

Thinking about this some more, I'm wondering how this is going to benefit Pristina. If I remember travelling throughout Romania, my Serbian mobile continued to work except it found a Romanian provider instead. Granted I was "roaming", but the phone service wasn't disrupted.

So if I suspect most people in Kosovo-UNMIK are using prepaid SIM cards, the only difference will be they now are "roaming" too. So they'll just have to go to their local trafika more often to purchase credit.

If Gracanica's "f-you" example with the generators when KEK tried to cut their power is any indication, K-Serbs will just be spending more on mobile credits, that's all. They can still use their 061, 062, 063 and 064 numbers.

And another setback for Pristina's attempt at befriending "Europe's most privilieged minority".

Indeed. As the UN is governing Kosovo. And only the UN can change the status of Kosovo.
(Ron, 23 April 2010 17:20)

Ron
Even if I agree with you, these 3 operators are ilegal even according to the resolution 1244. The only operator that is legal are the ones lincenced by Kosovo Telecommunication Authority. No hard feeling man. You can find all UNMIK administrative instructions.

They do nothing without help from internationals..Olbright group is getting hungrier by a minute..
Vile..

Truth for SEE, A Serbian province is no country without Serbia's permission. So you stop lying about Kosovo being an independent state. Your unilateral independence is no more ludicrous than Turkish enclaves in Germany unilaterally declaring independence from Germany.

Actually we all know that Serbian telecom was operating illegally in Kosova.
(Nelli_Canada, 24 April 2010 02:05)

We can twist it the other way.

Actually we all know that Albanian "Kosova" is operating illegally in "Косово и Метохиjа".

"Congratulation - this was Balkan at it's worst. This was to make the Albanian-Serb friendship long-lasting.""

What have YOU done to make this friendship long-lasting?? We all know what Serbia has done in this respect. While we have not done a whole lot ourselves, at least a part of our society has tried, even given the circumstance in which we were being victimized at the hands of Serbia's government for a whole century.

As far as this news is concerned, this should have been done long ago. It is not fair to the current companies that have paid for their licence and taxes. The laws of the land must be respected. It is as simple as that. The media in Serbia have to be very responsible in the way that they serve as a medium between events as the people of Serbia. This event can be explained in a simple 'cause and effect' format. Company - licence = company gets cut out. It's simple.

Does this same ideology apply to obeying the law when considering attacking returnees or when considering illegally proclaiming independance or is it just applied when Thaci and co feel it can be used to justify yet more thuggary?
(UK, 23 April 2010 16:39)

Yes it does.

"1) anything destroyed north of Ibar? ROFL!"

-- Oh them and their quixotic goal to gain the "north". Thaci better be prepared to pay roaming charges when he enters Kosovska Mitrovica :)

2) Who is lawless? Where is the court decision about this action?

-- Since EULEX has already said the judicial system in Kosovo-UNMIK is a joke, no one apparently waited for a court decision to steal the satillite antennae. Besides, I got crappy reception in Vucitrn and Babin Most anyways, so no Serb probably noticed the change there. And I wouldn't put it past the ingenuity of Gracanica Serbs to jury rig some antenna over some kafana by the end of the weekend.

3) Curious, does ICJ look at this and how far it will affect their decision?

-- Probably as much as KEK's attempt at muscling out any competition too. Methinks Feith will step in and order the stolen equipment back and the wires duct-taped. We can't have Europe's youngest democracy look like a scene from the next Borat movie, now can we? :)

Besides, this has nothing to do with shutting down "illegal" phone services. This has eveything to do with Albanians wanting more money. Which is why I think these people are so stupid. MTS (2008) and Telenor (2009) didn't get one dinar from me when I bought credit for my mobile at the local trafika. Unless some Dardan opens up a trafika in downtown Gracanica, they're still on the outs.

I see Serbs are sweating at being cut off from illegal gains.Of course this is a crappy action because the same should happen in the north and the railway from Serbia into Kosova crossing everyday. It should stop only when all Serb products are gone from Kosova's market. If our products can not cross into Serbia why should there be Serb products in Kosova?

Can Vala and Ipko can set up antenas all over Serbia?
and, based on what some serb hardliners on this site; Kosova je Serbia, why can'T Kosova phone companies do the same ?

"Obey the law wherever you live and you will have no problem. Wherever you feel like you don't like to respect the law do not start any business."

The problem is that the business of these companies have started much before the new "laws" have been made. And who knows when the "laws" will change again? Companies don't like those uncertainties, they want security for their assets and investments - something that Kosovo cannot provide, obviously.

I have said it before and its time again ! This is excellent news. Does anyone here at this forum think that the judges in the ICJ who are going to make verdict of HUGE importance to Kosovo in a couple of weeks/months are blind? That they dont follow whats going on in Kosovo every week with Kurti, stoning of Serb buses, corruption, bombing of building in Istok etc etc etc. No need for Serbia to worry anymore about Kosovo, the Albanians with their joke-leaders and stone age behaviour will get the final spike in the coffin themself. UN, EU and US are tired to death by the K Albanians. Dont believe me? Ask them !!

This is by all means a great news confirming that K authorities are "working as designed".

Nevertheless what's more important is that while Serbia's policy towards K. starts to soften with hidden meetings and agendas, the hard core talk that means nothing is left to figures like Mr. Ivanovic and Mr. Bogdanovic who have no actual role or say in any of Serbia's policies. They are just protagonists of a show that is running these days in Serbia to hold radicals and emotionally sensitive serb disaspora in check, while Serbia makes a 180 degree turn. Why doesn't B92 tells us really what happened behind closed doors meeting with Spanish and Turkish ministers. What was the result of that meeting after all, is Serbia going to take part in Sarajevo or no!.
But instead, this news page tells us what Mr. Ivanovic speaks about. How ridiculous is to fund an entire ministry for only one role, to spread anti-K propaganda.
What else has Mr. Ivanovic and Mr. Bogdanovic done in job as functionaries of phanthom K-Ministry, other than bad-mouthing everything that takes place in K.

Hey my dear neighbor Serbs,

Could you allow mobile company "Vala" to establish their network in Belgrade??? Of course not!!!
Than, why you are trying to destruct everyone smaller than you?

Just one thing to recall: Nowadays EU and US is permanently informed about whole region, especially about Kosovo. Don't try to lie the world. Globe knows exactly Serbian face!!!

1244 gives substantial autonomy but not udi. Clearly telecommunication licensing is something that could be more sensibly managed from Belgrade and is a topic where local autonomous government does not need to involve itself anymore.

This matter appears to have been dealt with very politically ineptly by Pristina. They have not taken any steps to disguise the racial element in this targeting, and the use of police to do damage is not the way in which laws (if they even exist in this case) would expect to be enforced by nations who have any pretence of wanting to be EU members.

Pristina has let itself down badly in this case and clearly does not deserve to manage telecom licensing.

I don't know what the UN can do, but it would be totally appropriate under 1244 to insist that licensing be done from Belgrade.

In the meantime, I think Belgrade should refuse to sit at any table with any of the Pristina government - local cooperation has not been encouraged by this unnecessary and precipitous act.

I can't wait for K-Albanians to start stoning and ripping wires out of British Airways planes because according to their website Kosovo is still part of Serbia.

Then again, I can't see British Airways flying to Pristina, so they they will be safe.

" The reason for the disabling of the networks remains unknown. "


Actually we all know that Serbian telecom was operating illegally in Kosova. If Serbs don't like Albanian "Vala" they can get Slovenian IPKO which has the best rates in the region.

Can Vala and Ipko can set up antenas all over Serbia?

Kosova USA that is the entire point. As far as Serbia is concerned that is exactly what is happening.

As far as Kosovo government is concerned the Serbian companies are illegal operators as we know.

What happens is the same as always in the Balkans, might is right? But what you must be careful of is where Albanians are in a minority in Kosovo. If Albanians can shut down Serbian businesses then the reverse can happen too.

Far, far better for us to resolve these issues around the table.

Kosovo telecommunication agency is illegal. It's not a memeber of any international agencies just like fake state of Kosovo. Telekom and Telenor posses licence issued by UNMIK. UN resolution 1244 is still in power dear Albanians you like or not. For this criminal acts someone will pay! I wonder who that might be! May kosovo albanian tax payers no matter the fact unemployment rate is about 70% in Kosovo. Kosova-USA and other members of Albanian diaspora are not concerned at all. This is one in many daily news for them.

The Telecom Ministry ordered it. The know what's legal and what's illegal. Telekom Serbia can sue in Prishtina courts if they want.
(Gjergj, 23 April 2010 16:59)

AH!AH!AH!
You k-alb are more and more funny everyday!!!
I am sure (and you don't lose a chance to demonstrate it every day) that all over the world there is no k-alb who know what is legal and what is not, and we are talking about people who left kosovo and tried to study in a civilized country... You are talking about someone (or something???) who decided (or better, has been forced) to remain in your banana "republic"!!!

I can't wait for K-Albanians to start stoning and ripping wires out of British Airways planes because according to their website Kosovo is still part of Serbia.

Then again, I can't see British Airways flying to Pristina, so they they will be safe.
(Peggy, 24 April 2010 00:36)

Peggy
You're not understanding the essential part of the problem. Not only British Airways has Kosovo as part of Serbia in its website. The same has Turkish Airlines and these two still operate. Why? Because they do not land their planes on Pristina Airport without schedule, without permission and do not try to get the tax free operation to and from Pristina Airport. They are registered in Pristina Airport and pay the tax.

apply for a licence and that all! slovenian did it so they have a network here,you do not,so according to unmik law ,you can not operate!
it is not the gvt of kosovo,but phone companies that complain about this unfair concurrence and asked for this action based on legality!

America ,

By not doing anything to protect the Serbian people in Kosovo and by choosing to support the evils of the Albanian dream --you have lost all support by those Serbs and some very wonderful Westerners which worked so hard and sacrificed so much in trying to cooperate and work with you. Your handling of the Kosovo Serb situation is purely and simply too evil for us to continue our support and be a part of something that we organize to prevent.

Let us pause for a while and see where your heart really is --although at this point in time we are wondering if you really have one.

The saddest part of it all is that Tadich has to loose our support also, because of your NEVER CONDEMN THE ALBANIAN POLICY NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO TO THE SERBS. We have joined the West because we saw more than another Kennedy in Tadich-- and so much hope. You drove us away because of your lack of vision and Justice.

We choose to remain neutral and not to disrupt or oppose Tadic's policy--but we do choose not to support anything American or Western until we are convinced that your heart is in the Right place.

And we are not talking about blogging support here on B92!!!

Be Well everyone.

If Gracanica's "f-you" example with the generators when KEK tried to cut their power is any indication, K-Serbs will just be spending more on mobile credits, that's all. They can still use their 061, 062, 063 and 064 numbers.

And another setback for Pristina's attempt at befriending "Europe's most privilieged minority".
(Mike, 23 April 2010 22:14)

They must be laughing their arses off in Belgrade. The Albanians are practically handing it to Vuk on a plate with this KLA mafia style - eliminate the competition nonsense. Something tells me this will all backfire.

and the gas thing is, you will still get the Team Albania dolts coming on here to lecture us about human rights and democracy. What a way to build bridges with the other side. I mean, who the hell is advising Thaci & co. Golan from Planet of the Apes?

The more this goes on, the more i'm confident of victory for Serbia in the ICJ.

Honestly, you couldnt make this stuff up.

ridicoulous provocation of the greater albanian...

why didn´t the "polic" steal equipment in the non-occupied parts of kosmet ???

just like before, this will make the seperation clearer and the liberated parts of kosmet more functional.

greetings to the self-proclaimed sultans of pristina ...

What a shame !! let these Serbs living in ghetto have some dignity and be able to call their relatives and try to maintain some normality within their lifes ...

What is the international community doing ? noting ... just supporting the process of having a pure Albanian Kosovo ...

Nice....slowly...slowly everything is possible just matter of time and believe....and if anyone thing this is something wrong I dont know with what kind of prove you will come forward...so good job..KPS

Far, far better for us to resolve these issues around the table.
(bganon, 24 April 2010 00:29)

That is exactly what happened. And the decision was to take action against criminal activity.

What have YOU done to make this friendship long-lasting??
(visar, 24 April 2010 07:38)

I tried somewhat and it was appreciated. Few people were happy. This is what counts. For sure, it could be more - but I am a private person and I am not accountable to the public.

Here Mr. Hashish took a lot of responsibility because apparently he wants to be more, than a private person = he is accountable.

lots of emotional comments here from people who haven't the slightest clue about a lot of things.

This issue is simply the repetition of what this dispute is:

Kosovo has declared itself independent.

Serbia doesn't recognize that independence.

All the rest is details.

The answer to this problem is simple.
I've learned from different articles (including pro-Albanian ones) that many former KLA fighters run mobile business now. So they are simply removing competitors.

Peggy
You're not understanding the essential part of the problem. Not only British Airways has Kosovo as part of Serbia in its website. The same has Turkish Airlines and these two still operate. Why? Because they do not land their planes on Pristina Airport without schedule, without permission and do not try to get the tax free operation to and from Pristina Airport. They are registered in Pristina Airport and pay the tax.
(Simpatiku, 24 April 2010 05:26)
====================

Wow, you actually have commercial British flights going to Pristina?
Tourism must be a major asset to Kosovo then.
How many British tourists do you get?

I tried somewhat and it was appreciated. Few people were happy. This is what counts. For sure, it could be more - but I am a private person and I am not accountable to the public.

Here Mr. Hashish took a lot of responsibility because apparently he wants to be more, than a private person = he is accountable.
(Ataman, 24 April 2010 21:48)

Ataman
When I see you here fighting on ilegal side of the problem, I am convinced why 10 years have passed and Kosovo is still partitioned. I am not really optimistic on the success of the mission that hired people like you. You are imune to some extent, nobody else is.

Wow, you actually have commercial British flights going to Pristina?
Tourism must be a major asset to Kosovo then.
How many British tourists do you get?
(Peggy, 25 April 2010 16:24)

Peggy
I do not have statistics on how many British tourists we get and tourism is not the main Kosovo asset. Family links, people who work in international organizations, businessmen and students make large number of passengers to and from UK. I never implied that Kosovo is developed and haven on earth. However there is my home where I live and I would advice you do not feed stereotypes for albanians based on Kosovo contest. I don't do that for serbs.

I don't understand the laws and the outcomes of Resolution 1244 regarding telecommunications regulation however from a technical aspect there are two main areas which telecoms providers should be complying with for any regulatory body:

1. Carrier licensing - ability to operate as a telecommunications carrier
2. Radiocommunication spectrum licensing - allocation of frequency spectrum for radio infrastructure (e.g. mobile base stations & fixed radio links)

Practically, these things should be operated from a centralised body in Belgrade as far as a consistent and organised licensing structure is concerned. I believe from my understanding that at present in Serbia there are three mobile telephony carriers licensed in Serbia. Any additional carriers setting up in Kosovo such as "Vala" is highly illegal.

If the "TRA" is legal and has been established by UNMIK for a number of years, why is it now that telecoms infrastructure is being vandalised?

I hear copper is at a good price right now - perhaps "The Snake" Thaci desperately needs some money for his coke addiction and is digging up some old land lines to sell for cash at the scrap metal yard.

"K. Albanian authorities disable mobile networks"

Although late this is EXTREMELY important step to maintain law and order and flex muscles to control the teritory of Kosovo.

They have to apply for licence, pay taxes, and if they follow properly procedures they may be allowed again to operate.

At the end of the day, what do they need Serbian operators in the teritory of Kosoo. They will soon end up buying VALA 900, IPKO or Z-mobile sim cards and get fresh breath high-tech mobile operators with very LOW prices.

My sincere suggestion is: Get VALA, because VALA IS FROM KOSOVO

" The reason for the disabling of the networks remains unknown. "

Wow B92! Unknown? How about no license to operate, anyone could have told you this and they were warned for a long time.

Cell companies that paid for licenses in Kosova complained about this

Oh the reasons for this cut off are very known: Get an official licence to operate a mobile network and you will be able to operate it.

"As a consequence, 40,000 Serbs are either left without service in that part of the province, or have very poor reception. "

Typcail B92 propaganda!! What about those serbs who subscribe to Kosovan mobile operators???? Also there are definitely less than 40, 000 serbs in Kosovo these days!!

One more miserable and cowardish act by the authorities from banana country. Now the Europe (to whose values they are striving so much) can see "their way of democracy and freedom of communications".
What's cooking next?

"The reason for the disabling of the networks remains unknown."

It remains unknown to the entire world except to the albanians. This is another threat to Serbs and sign of desperation by Pristina. They are running out of ways to threaten and intimidate the Serbian minority. If albanians think that this move will force Serbia to recognize the theft of Kosovo they are mistaken. Serbia solved the energy shortage imposed by albanians on Serb communities in Kosovo and they will take care of this problem to. I guess the albanians are even more despreate then I previously thought. Then again the ICJ ruling is getting closer every day.

Obviously someone wants to disable competitive networks which have more clients than so called kosovan operators. They didn't disable but destroyed their equipment and someone (kosovo-albanian tax payers most definitely) will pay for that act. You see Telenor and VIP are Norwegian and austrian companies respectively. It has nothing with so called licencing from illegal kosovan institutions.

Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia where you can you use "Telekom Srbija". Kudos to Kosovo Police!

The question is how long can the western media continue to self censore this madness? Its the violent nature of it that is so unacceptable. Are there any educated Kosovan Albanian leaders? Did Thaci study anything? I don't know I am not Kosovan. Surely there must be some Albanian intelligentsia that can come forward and negotiate, co operate and reach solutions acceptable to all rather than smashing things up all the time?

Miles

Nobody can conduct business ilegally by being hidden behind freedom of communication. These operators that got what they deserved have been ilegally operating in Kosovo for a long time after being warned in nice way. For everyone that says this action is against democracy I would ask to get information from every country they live can they get serbian 064 and 063 frequencies in those countries. There is no madness here just the application of law.

(miles, 23 April 2010 12:13)

Yes Miles many of us have Education from western Universities in all fields of life.

This would happen in any place in the world what would Germany do if i go put a tower without license in Munich say.

They would remove it.

im very happy to see that our kosovo police are acting! GO KPS!

Yes, probably a licensing issue. Their own fault! Why didn't these companies send a licensing parcel (containing some bundles of $$$-notes) to Thaci?

And people are really wondering why there are no significant western companies willing to invest and trying to do business in Kosovo?

There's simply no safety for their investment.

Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia where you can you use "Telekom Srbija". Kudos to Kosovo Police!
(Pejoni, 23 April 2010 12:56)

When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province!

"Yes Miles many of us have Education from western Universities in all fields of life."
Alo

In that case its about time you show it. Make something of Albania and yourselves. Its easy to talk but you have nothing to show for your "western diplomas". What have you accomplished? Any areas of success?

Ethnic Albanians shooting themselves in the foot once again. I can just imagine how this will attract foreign investment when companies can have equipment removed without a court order. Prison camp "Kosova" lives up to its name.

In that case its about time you show it. Make something of Albania and yourselves. Its easy to talk but you have nothing to show for your "western diplomas". What have you accomplished? Any areas of success?
(Mikael C, 23 April 2010 14:33)

Well first I cant do much for Albania since I was born in Kosovo so in this aspect I can only improve Kosovo.

I am Engineer and work for Engineering Company in Germany as Expat via USA. I have 27Patents in my field but this is only personal accomplishment.

On improving Kosovo I have created a fund where we send 5 Engineering Students from University of Prishtina to study abroad for free as result they must return and work minimum 5 years in Kosovo. Not so much could be more but its a step in right direction.

And from 1989 till 1999 K-Albanians have gone through a lot so we started from huge hole. But hey slowly we will Improve it takes time.

I dont know if there was a warrant but do they have License to operate in Kosovo?

I see Serbs are sweating at being cut off from illegal gains.Of course this is a crappy action because the same should happen in the north and the railway from Serbia into Kosova crossing everyday. It should stop only when all Serb products are gone from Kosova's market. If our products can not cross into Serbia why should there be Serb products in Kosova?

In that case its about time you show it. Make something of Albania and yourselves. Its easy to talk but you have nothing to show for your "western diplomas". What have you accomplished? Any areas of success?
(Mikael C, 23 April 2010 14:33)

What have we accomplished or any area of success that is not your business. Obey the law wherever you live and you will have no problem. Wherever you feel like you don't like to respect the law do not start any business. According to your logic all that one company needs to do for this type of business is to build a tower and put antenna.

"I am Engineer and work for Engineering Company in Germany as Expat via USA."
Alo

Yes, and I'm Santa Clause!

K. Albanians disable phone networks in Serb areas"

What a headline! Straight out of Slobodan's Information Ministry. Phone networks in Serb areas work just as in all areas---the licensed phone networks that is. These licensed networks that pay taxes to Kosova and have a license, don't discriminate at all (in fact one is Slovenian) and Serbs can get one today if they wanted to.

On the next tender Telekom Serbia can bid, if they want.

" The reason for the disabling of the networks remains unknown. "


Actually we all know that Serbian telecom was operating illegally in Kosova. If Serbs don't like Albanian "Vala" they can get Slovenian IPKO which has the best rates in the region.

Ethnic Albanians shooting themselves in the foot once again. I can just imagine how this will attract foreign investment when companies can have equipment removed without a court order. Prison camp "Kosova" lives up to its name.
(Zoran, 23 April 2010 15:20)

Zoran
This will have a positive impact for foreign investors. The first and fundemantal thing that foreign investors want to see is fair competition. The fair competition does not mean that IPKO and Vala have to pay tax to Kosovo budget and Mobtel, Telenor and VIP do not.
I have no hard feelings of three last operators. If they get the licence and start pay taxes to Kosovo budget I will be among the first to subscribe for one of them.

--"When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province! "

No where does that mention the word province or Serbia. But anyway, complain to UN.

--"How can Serbian telephone companies be "illegal" if Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo's authorities and is not pressured to?"

Even IF Kosova is 110% under 1244, is still means that Serbia under 1244 has absolutely no say in Kosova, politically or economically. Read it.

---"I can just imagine how this will attract foreign investment when companies can have equipment removed without a court order."

Next time get a license.

-"Not exactly. The example would fit if Bavarian politicians in Munich order the local police to shut down telekom operators who have a licence throughout Germany..."

In that case, come and put it up again, and why are you complaining? I can assure you in the case you mention the German federal police would fix this.

--"the police or whoever can't just go in there on behalf of businessmen to cut off their rival operators. "

The Telecom Ministry ordered it. The know what's legal and what's illegal. Telekom Serbia can sue in Prishtina courts if they want.

---"Surely there must be some Albanian intelligentsia that can come forward and negotiate, co operate and reach solutions acceptable to all rather than smashing things up all the time? "

Negotiate like in Bosnia with you guys? Anyway, the time to 'negotiate' passed, all the licenses have been sold. Telekom Serbia should have bid a few years back.

If anybody thinks that such acts will encourage foreign investment they should think again.

In normal countries there is a court process to decide what should be done in cases like these - the police or whoever can't just go in there on behalf of businessmen to cut off their rival operators.

And unfortunately no matter how much either side would wish it, the status issue is still uresolved. So, just as it appears normal that a state would want its companies to get a license, you could easily turn it around and say that Kosovo telephone companies do not have Serbian licenses and could be closed down.

I don't advocate that Serbs mobilise in Mitrovica to close down 'illegal' businesses, but the message here is clear. Until we have a settlement and negotiations, might is right. Serbs in Albanian dominated Kosovo will suffer and Albanians in Serb dominated Kosovo will suffer.

It's very symptomatic for albanian pseudoathorities in Kosovo - from one side they spoke about "multiethnic society", live in peace etc., but from other side - they doing all for destroy serbian community in Kosovo.

Today's Kosovo is not "multiethnic". Kosovo is illegal pseudostate based on albanian NATIONALISM. It's time for european community to open their eyes. Only real Balkan multiethnic state - is Republic of Serbia.

It seems the pitchfork peasants are at it again in an attempt to stifle any competition. First it was KEK, and now its whatever the Albanians use for their mobiles.

How can Serbian telephone companies be "illegal" if Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo's authorities and is not pressured to? No, no, I suspect the "you follow the law" position from our favorite Albanian diasporas are using that as a ruse to cover their wish to control the lives of Serbs, not because they're suddenly law-abiding individuals.

"Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia where you can you use "Telekom Srbija". Kudos to Kosovo Police!"

-- This coming from someone who wants to arm a bunch of unemployed Albanians teenagers as an instant army to invade northern Kosovo. Diasporas are always so damn funny.

If they get the licence and start pay taxes to Kosovo budget I will be among the first to subscribe for one of them.
(Simpatiku, 23 April 2010 15:58)
--
International law states that Kosovo is a Serbian province under UN administration. Tell me now, who is running Kosovo? Serbians, UN, ethnic Albanians? It's a bit confusing so I can't expect too many foreign companies wanting to invest there. This will remain the case until status negotiations are concluded.

When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province!
(Ron, 23 April 2010 14:30)

Where Serbia has no say according to the same resolution.

When will you start obeying internaional law (1244). And Serbian law. Kosovo still is a Serbian province!
(Ron, 23 April 2010 14:30)
If you had actually read 1244 you would realize that irregardless of Independence, Serbian law is not the governing law of Kosovo. You should really read it sometime it has some interesting stuff in it.

Obviously the next step is to start ethnic cleansing of Serbs as their communication has been cut.

OK, lets follow practice. Go in and destroy every bit of electric relay powering the albanian parts of Kosovo. The electric utilities and not to mention almost every other utility built in Kosovo was built by the Serbs. Why should the albanians be able to operate without a license?

@PRN "Obey the law wherever you live and you will have no problem. Wherever you feel like you don't like to respect the law do not start any business"

Does this same ideology apply to obeying the law when considering attacking returnees or when considering illegally proclaiming independance or is it just applied when Thaci and co feel it can be used to justify yet more thuggary?

apply for a licence and that all! slovenian did it so they have a network here,you do not,so according to unmik law ,you can not operate!
it is not the gvt of kosovo,but phone companies that complain about this unfair concurrence and asked for this action based on legality!

Hey my dear neighbor Serbs,

Could you allow mobile company "Vala" to establish their network in Belgrade??? Of course not!!!
Than, why you are trying to destruct everyone smaller than you?

Just one thing to recall: Nowadays EU and US is permanently informed about whole region, especially about Kosovo. Don't try to lie the world. Globe knows exactly Serbian face!!!

"Laws are laws, start obeying them or get yourself a oneway ticket back to Serbia"

Ohh, Pejoni wants to send Albin Kurti (who doesn't obeye the laws) to Serbia? I'm sure they will be happy about that ;-)

Nobody can conduct business ilegally by being hidden behind freedom of communication. These operators that got what they deserved have been ilegally operating in Kosovo for a long time after being warned in nice way. For everyone that says this action is against democracy I would ask to get information from every country they live can they get serbian 064 and 063 frequencies in those countries. There is no madness here just the application of law.
(Simpatiku, 23 April 2010 13:15)

So you are telling everyone that the application of the law means to destroy someone else's devices or beating someone for what they did?
It is good to know it, because now I can advertise every European Country that if a k-alb does not respect the law it is possible to destroy his every property, is it right? And more over if he only tries to react it is possible to kill him.
GOOD NEW FOR EVERY EUROPEAN POLICE CORP!!!

Actually we all know that Serbian telecom was operating illegally in Kosova.
(Nelli_Canada, 24 April 2010 02:05)

We can twist it the other way.

Actually we all know that Albanian "Kosova" is operating illegally in "Косово и Метохиjа".

"This would happen in any place in the world what would Germany do if i go put a tower without license in Munich say."

Not exactly. The example would fit if Bavarian politicians in Munich order the local police to shut down telekom operators who have a licence throughout Germany...

"Obey the law wherever you live and you will have no problem. Wherever you feel like you don't like to respect the law do not start any business."

The problem is that the business of these companies have started much before the new "laws" have been made. And who knows when the "laws" will change again? Companies don't like those uncertainties, they want security for their assets and investments - something that Kosovo cannot provide, obviously.

Where Serbia has no say according to the same resolution.
(Simpatiku, 23 April 2010 15:40)

Indeed. As the UN is governing Kosovo. And only the UN can change the status of Kosovo.

Can Vala and Ipko can set up antenas all over Serbia?
and, based on what some serb hardliners on this site; Kosova je Serbia, why can'T Kosova phone companies do the same ?

I think this calls for some response. This could be practical or political. For example, there can be jamming of other phone operators (not expensive to organise and can be done by individuals with a bit of know-how) and other forms of sanction if necessary (that needs to be organised at a community level).

Those provoked by this will find other means of communication and are likely to respond adversely.

This is the kind of action that is likely to reinforce partition.

Belgrade needs to act on this in my view.

Impositions like this do look a bit pathetic, but a decision needs to be made as to whether to laugh or to respond.

Typcail B92 propaganda!! ... there are definitely less than 40, 000 serbs in Kosovo these days!!
(adrian kola, 23 April 2010 14:23)

and why would that be mr. kola? if this is a joke, then good on you. if you're serious then still hahahahahahaha!!

This is a desperate and petty action, though a life-threatening one for emergency reasons, by a desperate and petty group of people. The Pristina Albanians are running out of ways to intimidate the remaining Serbs south of the Ibar. What is next, blocking sewers in Serb enclaves, so they can't flush their toilets unless they pay Pristina a toilets user fee? And these primitive people (Pristina so-called authorities) want to be a part of Europe, that will not happen until they become civilized.

Indeed. As the UN is governing Kosovo. And only the UN can change the status of Kosovo.
(Ron, 23 April 2010 17:20)

Ron
Even if I agree with you, these 3 operators are ilegal even according to the resolution 1244. The only operator that is legal are the ones lincenced by Kosovo Telecommunication Authority. No hard feeling man. You can find all UNMIK administrative instructions.

These criminal decision makers are simply insane!

Why is there never any burden put on Albanians by world media??? Whenever a Serb opens his mouth and not action but words everyone screams, moans, and disapproves! For example when Dodik speaks his mind, here comes the OHR/EU,Pack the list goes on. But when Albos actually cause harm to Serbs everyone is HUSH HUSH!! Shame shame! Belgrade needs to step up!

Nice....slowly...slowly everything is possible just matter of time and believe....and if anyone thing this is something wrong I dont know with what kind of prove you will come forward...so good job..KPS

So the ever wise authorities in Pristina thought that serving up an ultimatum to norwegian and austrian mobile operators was a really smart move, i.e. deal with us or deal with Belgrade.

Hmm. well what a difficult decision considering there are some 8 million serbs who are much better off and have a much better economy.

Clearly investing in Kosovo is not safe for any international company when such arbitrary and secret actions are carried out. But then again the parts controlled by Pristina are far from anything recognizable as a 'country'.

I have said it before and its time again ! This is excellent news. Does anyone here at this forum think that the judges in the ICJ who are going to make verdict of HUGE importance to Kosovo in a couple of weeks/months are blind? That they dont follow whats going on in Kosovo every week with Kurti, stoning of Serb buses, corruption, bombing of building in Istok etc etc etc. No need for Serbia to worry anymore about Kosovo, the Albanians with their joke-leaders and stone age behaviour will get the final spike in the coffin themself. UN, EU and US are tired to death by the K Albanians. Dont believe me? Ask them !!

America ,

By not doing anything to protect the Serbian people in Kosovo and by choosing to support the evils of the Albanian dream --you have lost all support by those Serbs and some very wonderful Westerners which worked so hard and sacrificed so much in trying to cooperate and work with you. Your handling of the Kosovo Serb situation is purely and simply too evil for us to continue our support and be a part of something that we organize to prevent.

Let us pause for a while and see where your heart really is --although at this point in time we are wondering if you really have one.

The saddest part of it all is that Tadich has to loose our support also, because of your NEVER CONDEMN THE ALBANIAN POLICY NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO TO THE SERBS. We have joined the West because we saw more than another Kennedy in Tadich-- and so much hope. You drove us away because of your lack of vision and Justice.

We choose to remain neutral and not to disrupt or oppose Tadic's policy--but we do choose not to support anything American or Western until we are convinced that your heart is in the Right place.

And we are not talking about blogging support here on B92!!!

Be Well everyone.

A very good move by Pristina.

International companies will take note that only by dealing with Belgrade will they get a guaranteed return on their investment rather than arbitrary and secretive appropriation of their own equipment by the local clans.

From now on foreign companies will demand much higher guarantees from Pristina before they even think of investing written in black and white, clearly Pristina's words being less than useless.

One should mention either that if it is a choice between a market of 8 million in an advanced market economy and

The Telecom Ministry ordered it. The know what's legal and what's illegal. Telekom Serbia can sue in Prishtina courts if they want.
(Gjergj, 23 April 2010 16:59)

AH!AH!AH!
You k-alb are more and more funny everyday!!!
I am sure (and you don't lose a chance to demonstrate it every day) that all over the world there is no k-alb who know what is legal and what is not, and we are talking about people who left kosovo and tried to study in a civilized country... You are talking about someone (or something???) who decided (or better, has been forced) to remain in your banana "republic"!!!

This is by all means a great news confirming that K authorities are "working as designed".

Nevertheless what's more important is that while Serbia's policy towards K. starts to soften with hidden meetings and agendas, the hard core talk that means nothing is left to figures like Mr. Ivanovic and Mr. Bogdanovic who have no actual role or say in any of Serbia's policies. They are just protagonists of a show that is running these days in Serbia to hold radicals and emotionally sensitive serb disaspora in check, while Serbia makes a 180 degree turn. Why doesn't B92 tells us really what happened behind closed doors meeting with Spanish and Turkish ministers. What was the result of that meeting after all, is Serbia going to take part in Sarajevo or no!.
But instead, this news page tells us what Mr. Ivanovic speaks about. How ridiculous is to fund an entire ministry for only one role, to spread anti-K propaganda.
What else has Mr. Ivanovic and Mr. Bogdanovic done in job as functionaries of phanthom K-Ministry, other than bad-mouthing everything that takes place in K.

I can't wait for K-Albanians to start stoning and ripping wires out of British Airways planes because according to their website Kosovo is still part of Serbia.

Then again, I can't see British Airways flying to Pristina, so they they will be safe.

And another setback for Pristina's attempt at befriending "Europe's most privilieged minority".
(Mike, 23 April 2010 22:14)

Who did it was a moron of course. Now we know, he has a lot of (brain?)power in his little head under fustanellë. That's what this was to show.

Otherwise to answer your other question: the strength of the signal depends of course on the location. Now some Serbs can roam with weaker signal and paying more. Some probably can't get any signal because of locations where the closest Albanian towers were built.

What I love in this story: the usual Albanian quetzalcoatls and their servant trolls on B92 repeat ad nauseam about "lawless North" which they are "basically in control of".

So...

1) anything destroyed north of Ibar? ROFL!
2) Who is lawless? Where is the court decision about this action?
3) Curious, does ICJ look at this and how far it will affect their decision?

And the best part: all Serbs need is a good satellite connection and use VoIP where possible. They need some friends who have know-how about satellites. I know, that's the most "difficult" part. Poor Serbs - hehe, they don't have anyone to consult about that - right?

They do nothing without help from internationals..Olbright group is getting hungrier by a minute..
Vile..

Typcail B92 propaganda!! ... there are definitely less than 40, 000 serbs in Kosovo these days!!
(adrian kola, 23 April 2010 14:23)

THESE DAYS!!?
somebody's showing true colors here, huh!?

a brick here, a stoning there, cutting some telecom lines tomorrow and in no time ... no serbs, no problem, right?!

nothing that could not be fixed again...

I´d call that moves of desperation by those socalled government-actors in Pristina...

but, that all makes them even weaker...

in the end, Serbia will prevail, ...and it will be just like when Serbia came back into it´s southern province after the Ottomans had to leave...

electricity and clean water came with the Serbs, and mobile communication will come again with the Serbs...

everything just a question of time...

Truth for SEE, A Serbian province is no country without Serbia's permission. So you stop lying about Kosovo being an independent state. Your unilateral independence is no more ludicrous than Turkish enclaves in Germany unilaterally declaring independence from Germany.

"Congratulation - this was Balkan at it's worst. This was to make the Albanian-Serb friendship long-lasting.""

What have YOU done to make this friendship long-lasting?? We all know what Serbia has done in this respect. While we have not done a whole lot ourselves, at least a part of our society has tried, even given the circumstance in which we were being victimized at the hands of Serbia's government for a whole century.

As far as this news is concerned, this should have been done long ago. It is not fair to the current companies that have paid for their licence and taxes. The laws of the land must be respected. It is as simple as that. The media in Serbia have to be very responsible in the way that they serve as a medium between events as the people of Serbia. This event can be explained in a simple 'cause and effect' format. Company - licence = company gets cut out. It's simple.

im very happy to see that our kosovo police are acting! GO KPS!
(mijari, 23 April 2010 18:41)

Aha - police acting without court decision?
More things like this and who knows - maybe there will be a CERTAIN court decision.

Congratulation - this was Balkan at it's worst. This was to make the Albanian-Serb friendship long-lasting.

Thinking about this some more, I'm wondering how this is going to benefit Pristina. If I remember travelling throughout Romania, my Serbian mobile continued to work except it found a Romanian provider instead. Granted I was "roaming", but the phone service wasn't disrupted.

So if I suspect most people in Kosovo-UNMIK are using prepaid SIM cards, the only difference will be they now are "roaming" too. So they'll just have to go to their local trafika more often to purchase credit.

If Gracanica's "f-you" example with the generators when KEK tried to cut their power is any indication, K-Serbs will just be spending more on mobile credits, that's all. They can still use their 061, 062, 063 and 064 numbers.

And another setback for Pristina's attempt at befriending "Europe's most privilieged minority".

lots of emotional comments here from people who haven't the slightest clue about a lot of things.

This issue is simply the repetition of what this dispute is:

Kosovo has declared itself independent.

Serbia doesn't recognize that independence.

All the rest is details.

randomly severed cables....


My poor poor pitchfork peasants :)

So, Alo

You want to tell us you know that there's a court order for closing down networks and removal of equipment?

ridicoulous provocation of the greater albanian...

why didn´t the "polic" steal equipment in the non-occupied parts of kosmet ???

just like before, this will make the seperation clearer and the liberated parts of kosmet more functional.

greetings to the self-proclaimed sultans of pristina ...

Does this same ideology apply to obeying the law when considering attacking returnees or when considering illegally proclaiming independance or is it just applied when Thaci and co feel it can be used to justify yet more thuggary?
(UK, 23 April 2010 16:39)

Yes it does.

Can Vala and Ipko can set up antenas all over Serbia?

Kosova USA that is the entire point. As far as Serbia is concerned that is exactly what is happening.

As far as Kosovo government is concerned the Serbian companies are illegal operators as we know.

What happens is the same as always in the Balkans, might is right? But what you must be careful of is where Albanians are in a minority in Kosovo. If Albanians can shut down Serbian businesses then the reverse can happen too.

Far, far better for us to resolve these issues around the table.

My sincere suggestion is: Get VALA, because VALA IS FROM KOSOVO
(PRN, 23 April 2010 11:11)

-Don't you mean from Albania?

I can't wait for K-Albanians to start stoning and ripping wires out of British Airways planes because according to their website Kosovo is still part of Serbia.

Then again, I can't see British Airways flying to Pristina, so they they will be safe.
(Peggy, 24 April 2010 00:36)

Peggy
You're not understanding the essential part of the problem. Not only British Airways has Kosovo as part of Serbia in its website. The same has Turkish Airlines and these two still operate. Why? Because they do not land their planes on Pristina Airport without schedule, without permission and do not try to get the tax free operation to and from Pristina Airport. They are registered in Pristina Airport and pay the tax.

"1) anything destroyed north of Ibar? ROFL!"

-- Oh them and their quixotic goal to gain the "north". Thaci better be prepared to pay roaming charges when he enters Kosovska Mitrovica :)

2) Who is lawless? Where is the court decision about this action?

-- Since EULEX has already said the judicial system in Kosovo-UNMIK is a joke, no one apparently waited for a court decision to steal the satillite antennae. Besides, I got crappy reception in Vucitrn and Babin Most anyways, so no Serb probably noticed the change there. And I wouldn't put it past the ingenuity of Gracanica Serbs to jury rig some antenna over some kafana by the end of the weekend.

3) Curious, does ICJ look at this and how far it will affect their decision?

-- Probably as much as KEK's attempt at muscling out any competition too. Methinks Feith will step in and order the stolen equipment back and the wires duct-taped. We can't have Europe's youngest democracy look like a scene from the next Borat movie, now can we? :)

Besides, this has nothing to do with shutting down "illegal" phone services. This has eveything to do with Albanians wanting more money. Which is why I think these people are so stupid. MTS (2008) and Telenor (2009) didn't get one dinar from me when I bought credit for my mobile at the local trafika. Unless some Dardan opens up a trafika in downtown Gracanica, they're still on the outs.

Far, far better for us to resolve these issues around the table.
(bganon, 24 April 2010 00:29)

That is exactly what happened. And the decision was to take action against criminal activity.

Kosovo telecommunication agency is illegal. It's not a memeber of any international agencies just like fake state of Kosovo. Telekom and Telenor posses licence issued by UNMIK. UN resolution 1244 is still in power dear Albanians you like or not. For this criminal acts someone will pay! I wonder who that might be! May kosovo albanian tax payers no matter the fact unemployment rate is about 70% in Kosovo. Kosova-USA and other members of Albanian diaspora are not concerned at all. This is one in many daily news for them.

1244 gives substantial autonomy but not udi. Clearly telecommunication licensing is something that could be more sensibly managed from Belgrade and is a topic where local autonomous government does not need to involve itself anymore.

This matter appears to have been dealt with very politically ineptly by Pristina. They have not taken any steps to disguise the racial element in this targeting, and the use of police to do damage is not the way in which laws (if they even exist in this case) would expect to be enforced by nations who have any pretence of wanting to be EU members.

Pristina has let itself down badly in this case and clearly does not deserve to manage telecom licensing.

I don't know what the UN can do, but it would be totally appropriate under 1244 to insist that licensing be done from Belgrade.

In the meantime, I think Belgrade should refuse to sit at any table with any of the Pristina government - local cooperation has not been encouraged by this unnecessary and precipitous act.

What have YOU done to make this friendship long-lasting??
(visar, 24 April 2010 07:38)

I tried somewhat and it was appreciated. Few people were happy. This is what counts. For sure, it could be more - but I am a private person and I am not accountable to the public.

Here Mr. Hashish took a lot of responsibility because apparently he wants to be more, than a private person = he is accountable.

I tried somewhat and it was appreciated. Few people were happy. This is what counts. For sure, it could be more - but I am a private person and I am not accountable to the public.

Here Mr. Hashish took a lot of responsibility because apparently he wants to be more, than a private person = he is accountable.
(Ataman, 24 April 2010 21:48)

Ataman
When I see you here fighting on ilegal side of the problem, I am convinced why 10 years have passed and Kosovo is still partitioned. I am not really optimistic on the success of the mission that hired people like you. You are imune to some extent, nobody else is.

If Gracanica's "f-you" example with the generators when KEK tried to cut their power is any indication, K-Serbs will just be spending more on mobile credits, that's all. They can still use their 061, 062, 063 and 064 numbers.

And another setback for Pristina's attempt at befriending "Europe's most privilieged minority".
(Mike, 23 April 2010 22:14)

They must be laughing their arses off in Belgrade. The Albanians are practically handing it to Vuk on a plate with this KLA mafia style - eliminate the competition nonsense. Something tells me this will all backfire.

and the gas thing is, you will still get the Team Albania dolts coming on here to lecture us about human rights and democracy. What a way to build bridges with the other side. I mean, who the hell is advising Thaci & co. Golan from Planet of the Apes?

The more this goes on, the more i'm confident of victory for Serbia in the ICJ.

Honestly, you couldnt make this stuff up.

The answer to this problem is simple.
I've learned from different articles (including pro-Albanian ones) that many former KLA fighters run mobile business now. So they are simply removing competitors.

Peggy
You're not understanding the essential part of the problem. Not only British Airways has Kosovo as part of Serbia in its website. The same has Turkish Airlines and these two still operate. Why? Because they do not land their planes on Pristina Airport without schedule, without permission and do not try to get the tax free operation to and from Pristina Airport. They are registered in Pristina Airport and pay the tax.
(Simpatiku, 24 April 2010 05:26)
====================

Wow, you actually have commercial British flights going to Pristina?
Tourism must be a major asset to Kosovo then.
How many British tourists do you get?

What a shame !! let these Serbs living in ghetto have some dignity and be able to call their relatives and try to maintain some normality within their lifes ...

What is the international community doing ? noting ... just supporting the process of having a pure Albanian Kosovo ...

I don't understand the laws and the outcomes of Resolution 1244 regarding telecommunications regulation however from a technical aspect there are two main areas which telecoms providers should be complying with for any regulatory body:

1. Carrier licensing - ability to operate as a telecommunications carrier
2. Radiocommunication spectrum licensing - allocation of frequency spectrum for radio infrastructure (e.g. mobile base stations & fixed radio links)

Practically, these things should be operated from a centralised body in Belgrade as far as a consistent and organised licensing structure is concerned. I believe from my understanding that at present in Serbia there are three mobile telephony carriers licensed in Serbia. Any additional carriers setting up in Kosovo such as "Vala" is highly illegal.

If the "TRA" is legal and has been established by UNMIK for a number of years, why is it now that telecoms infrastructure is being vandalised?

I hear copper is at a good price right now - perhaps "The Snake" Thaci desperately needs some money for his coke addiction and is digging up some old land lines to sell for cash at the scrap metal yard.

Wow, you actually have commercial British flights going to Pristina?
Tourism must be a major asset to Kosovo then.
How many British tourists do you get?
(Peggy, 25 April 2010 16:24)

Peggy
I do not have statistics on how many British tourists we get and tourism is not the main Kosovo asset. Family links, people who work in international organizations, businessmen and students make large number of passengers to and from UK. I never implied that Kosovo is developed and haven on earth. However there is my home where I live and I would advice you do not feed stereotypes for albanians based on Kosovo contest. I don't do that for serbs.