“ICJ opinion opportunity for compromise”

The events of the last weeks have clearly shown that the Ahtisaari Plan does not provide Kosovo's minorities enough protection. Maybe the SC can explicitly state that.

Great news, all partys can debate on the subjects, a bit unusual for Vuk when he used to have his fun running his mouth unilateraly.
I think from now on we will see Vuk quickly dismaunting the high horse, as he would be easyer spoted up high like that when he did not acomplish anything.
(iFred,)
-
Wrong. Kosovo is represented by Lamberto Zannier, what type of state gets representation from a foreign entity?

"Wrong. Kosovo is represented by Lamberto Zannier, what type of state gets representation from a foreign entity?
(trudsaam"

Lol, he is there to babysit Serbias childish needs to act tough in front of their domestic voters.
The Kosovo FM is there to encourige better cooperation with the region and his 3 friendly neighbours.
Dont act like its the first time this is happening, but pray that is the last time for this "issue".
(iFred)
-
Ummm... maybe you should re-read the article. Try doing this by openeing your eyes this time.--http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=05&dd=16&nav_id=67172.

Let me highlight for you;

"That will already be clear tomorrow at the meeting of the UN Security Council. Serbia will be represented INDEPENDTLY behind a sign that has the name of our country, while the officials of the TEMPORARY institutions of Priština will be LED by (UNMIK Chief) Lamberto Zannier and their sign will only state his first and last name,”
-
Now please inform me of which part you dont understand. Zannier has NO say in regards to Serbian politics, you stating that he does, shows the level of knowledge you hold, and your amateur level in political discussions. Zannier is UNMIK cheif in Kosovo, therefore is has every say about Kosovo. Given the fact that Kosovo is Serbia, I can see your mix up. Then again, you are quite new at this, we'll forgive you this time.

Lamberto is representing the K Albanians, again. When will this K Albanian independent Kosovo actually happen? Sovereign nations represent themselves at the UN, and all other international conferences - is Lamberto there just to hold Hysteriqi's hand?

"The events of the last weeks have clearly shown that the Ahtisaari Plan does not provide Kosovo's minorities enough protection. Maybe the SC can explicitly state that."
(Wim Roffel)

-- Wim, the AP was naively designed with the assumption that its adherents would conform to some type of "European" standard, despite the fact it was designed for one of Europe's most undeveloped regions. The K-Albanian leadership has shown time and time again not only its incapability of running a multiethnic state, but its disinterest in making a multiethnic community possible. The AP can only go so far. Human (in)activity carries it the rest of the way.

iFred,

Your post has no relevance towards this article, what exactly are you trying to say?

"And im not sure what you read as fact but, but how can it be a fact when reality is different in Kosovo and most of the places in the world that have a Serb population agree with the "REAL KOSOVO"?
(iFred)

-- I've come to realize over the years that there's no such thing as a "real Kosovo". Such a conception usually revolves around what agenda-setting group wants to think it is for their own interests. Washington has about as much of an understanding of what the "real Kosovo" is as Belgrade or Pristina does. At best, the "real Kosovo" fluctuates on a municipality by municipality basis. Wherever you are, just look for the flags that are flying the most and that's the "real" Kosovo.

The "real Kosovo" in Mitrovica is considerably different from the "real Kosovo" in Prizren.

I won't even begin to tell you about the differences of "real Kosovo" separated by only 5 km between Pristina and Gracanica.

"UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, chief Lamberto Zannier. and Kosovo Albanian government's foreign minister, Skender Hyseni will also be present, according to reports."

Great news, all partys can debate on the subjects, a bit unusual for Vuk when he used to have his fun running his mouth unilateraly.
I think from now on we will see Vuk quickly dismaunting the high horse, as he would be easyer spoted up high like that when he did not acomplish anything.

THe agenda:
Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)

Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (S/2010/169).


Mind you what led to 1244 is "Yugoslav" non participation and continuation of violance.
and mass displacement of civilians by "military personel to repress civilians"

Very diplomatic for saying stop mass graves, but who cared right? The mighty Serbs had Russia to back them up.
4
Oh Vuk will have a long day, dont worry, in hes eyes he already won, a free ticket to NY :D

"Wrong. Kosovo is represented by Lamberto Zannier, what type of state gets representation from a foreign entity?
(trudsaam"

Lol, he is there to babysit Serbias childish needs to act tough in front of their domestic voters.
The Kosovo FM is there to encourige better cooperation with the region and his 3 friendly neighbours.
Dont act like its the first time this is happening, but pray that is the last time for this "issue".

Most of the Serbian commentators here seem so keen to understimate/belittle the Kosovo/a representation in international meetings. I understand that is a Serbian way of thinking of the others, But the truth is that Serbia with its current policy towards Kosovo/a is DOINT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in re-integrating Kosovo/a into Serbia or re-instating its sovereignity over Kosovo/a. These are THE TRUE FACTS.

No matter which way you look at it there has been very little progress on any front since UDI.

I suppose one might expect Serbs and Albanians to remain at loggerheads but the crucial factor is the international position.

If there was a constructive but decisive unified international position (with complete preparedness to use the carrot and stick) Belgrade and Pristina would have no choice but to sit down and compromise.

In the absence of any constructive, external lead, the only solution is for Serbs and Albanians to sit down and work it out for themselves. But again the international factor is complicating such a solution.

And im not sure what you read as fact but, but how can it be a fact when reality is different in Kosovo and most of the places in the world that have a Serb population agree with the "REAL KOSOVO" ?
(iFred)
-
If you are expecting a response from all I have to say is that you choose to ignore the facts and nit pick little details that have no relevence towards the circumstance.

Side not; Most of the world does NOT recognize Kosovo, that point of yours is a sham. And what does Serbs living in the West have to do with anything, even tho some of those countries have recognized your so-called state. Are you suggesting for them to leave?

Maybe every Albanian should migrate out of Spain, leave Russia and refuse to purchase anything "Made in China". Your attempt was weak, but humorous nevertheless, good day :)

There are no 100 countries on serbia's side. they're just waiting because they don't like the usa. A lot more countries would have been speaking at the ICJ for serbia if it were so. But in every phase of the ICJ ruling there were more advocates for the Independence. Jeremic is such a clown. He's a hypocrit. Wait for 2 years and serbia will get rid of him.

READ THIS: SERBIA'S DARK FUTURE

http://waz.euobserver.com/887/30079

We agree Lamberto Zannieri represent UNMIK but tell us Vuk Skender Hyseni who Represent . Is he working for UNMIK to.Please tell your nation who Hyseni represented at the UN.

"Given the fact that Kosovo is Serbia, I can see your mix up. Then again, you are quite new at this, we'll forgive you this time.
(trudsaam, 17"

We forgive you? lol
Firstly you are forgeting who you are quoting. Secondly the EU representative its there for the Serb bait, that way Vuk can explain to you that all is well and Kosovo is next to umnik.
Were was umnik in Croatian enaguration, Usa thanksgiving ect ect.
No matter how forceful Vuk wants to be the truth is:

Many Kosovo Serbs, however, are sceptical. According to representative Rada Trajkovic, Belgrade lacks the clout to achieve a solution to its liking.

"Serbia is weak politically and in terms of security, is economically dependent on donors and has no clearly defined strategy for Kosovo and Metohija," Trajkovic told SETimes. "Even if with all these weaknesses it was able to start negotiations on the status, they would not result in success."

Technical talks on issues affecting the lives of Kosovo Serbs are a more realistic possibility, she said. Such talks, "if well prepared, could strengthen the position of the Serbs and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo", she said." http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2010/05/17/feature-01

Believe what you want, but respect reality.

And im not sure what you read as fact but, but how can it be a fact when reality is different in Kosovo and most of the places in the world that have a Serb population agree with the "REAL KOSOVO" ?

Serbia is unable to get Kosovo back. Even if everyone agrees to it. It is beyond the capabilities of Serbia to integrate this territory back.

While I understand their feelings the logic is not there.

Nevertheless, while the US and most of the relevant countries that recognized Kosovo will not back from their decision, neither will Russia and some other pro-Serbian countries.

So this matter will be dragged on for quite a while.

It is time for Kosovo to readjust its ambitions and focus only in economic revival and European integration. The rest may or may not come later.

As for Serbia, unless Kostunica comes back to power, I don't see how they can be serious on Kosovo. The current clique simply wants to stay in power. It has no backbone to take decisive actions on Kosovo (whether give it up at some price or get it back at any price).

Ummm... maybe you should re-read the article. Try doing this by openeing your eyes this time.--[link].

Let me highlight for you;

"That will already be clear tomorrow at the meeting of the UN Security Council. Serbia will be represented INDEPENDTLY behind a sign that has the name of our country, while the officials of the TEMPORARY institutions of Priština will be LED by (UNMIK Chief) Lamberto Zannier and their sign will only state his first and last name,”
-

(trudsaam, 17 May 2010 18:53)
You must also consider the source whose intention is identical to Pavlo's study on ringing the bell and elicting the desired response than actual news reporting.

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Security Council

6314th Meeting (PM)



Note: a complete summary of today’s Security Council meeting on Kosovo will be made available as press release SC/9928 after the conclusion of the meeting.



Background



Security Council members had before them the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (document S/2010/169), which calls for continued regional and international support for the Mission, known as UNMIK, saying it is uniquely placed to facilitate dialogue between Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian, Serb and other minority communities. “The strategic goal of UNMIK remains the promotion of security, stability and respect for human rights through engagement with all communities in Kosovo, as well as with Pristina and Belgrade and regional and international actors,” the report says.



According to the report, UNMIK continued to support minority communities, encourage reconciliation and facilitate dialogue and regional cooperation during the reporting period, from 16 December 2009 to 15 March 2010, with the Special Representative continuing to cultivate good-faith relations with all sides. The Mission maintained close cooperation with the 3,200-strong European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), which has 1,400 international police officers operating under the overall authority and within the framework of the United Nations, which retains a “status neutral” stance vis-à-vis Kosovo’s declaration of independence in early 2008. UNMIK also maintained cooperation with the Kosovo multinational security force (KFOR), which was being phased into a “deterrent presence”. The number of troops in Kosovo was drawn down to 10,200 by the end of January, and further reductions will be determined by the North Atlantic Council on the basis of prevailing conditions rather than a fixed calendar.



The report states that the security situation remained relatively “calm but fragile” during the period under review, with no increase in incidents in comparison to previous periods. However, the persistence of such incidents — including stone-throwing on the part of both ethnic groups, other assaults and the discovery of the bodies of two ethnic Serb men who were apparently the victims of violence — continues to represent an obstacle to the return of those who fled the fighting that ended in 1999, and perpetuates a perception of insecurity among minority communities. Bringing the perpetrators of crimes to justice, publicly condemning such incidents and reaching out to the victims, as occurred in some instances during the reporting period, would serve to alleviate some concerns among the communities and foster a feeling of increased security.



Turning to the question of refugees, the report notes that, although voluntary minority returns remain “disappointingly low” in absolute numbers, they increased from 2008, with 1,153 people returning from displacement in and outside Kosovo in 2009, compared with 679 in 2008. United Nations statistics show 259 returns, including 90 Kosovo Serbs and 89 Kosovo Ashkali, between January and February 2010, compared with 55 in the same period in 2009. Several Serbian cultural and religious sites were vandalized during the reporting period, showing that securing respect for the rights of all communities continues to be a challenge, the report says, welcoming, in that context, progress in discussions relating to the establishment of a mechanism for the protection of Serbian Orthodox religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo.



The report expresses continuing concern over the possibility of increased tensions in northern Kosovo, where many ethnic Serbs live, if sensitive issues there are not addressed through consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders. To that end, the Special Representative met with Kosovo Serb and Kosovo Albanian leaders, and UNMIK is engaging with both sides to establish task forces comprising all stakeholders to address practical issues such as reconstruction of houses, infrastructure and services, in order to decrease tensions, focus on common needs and thereby facilitate more returns.



According to the report, task forces are also planned to tackle education, health and the relocation of members of the Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities to permanent housing, in order to address the critical health risks they face as a result of lead contamination. As for regional development and cooperation, the authorities in Serbia and Kosovo should be encouraged to exercise flexibility in working towards mutually beneficial goals, irrespective of status-related considerations. In that regard, the Secretary-General urges both sides to take a pragmatic approach to participation by representatives of the Kosovo institutions in regional and international forums.

"UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, chief Lamberto Zannier. and Kosovo Albanian government's foreign minister, Skender Hyseni will also be present, according to reports."

Great news, all partys can debate on the subjects, a bit unusual for Vuk when he used to have his fun running his mouth unilateraly.
I think from now on we will see Vuk quickly dismaunting the high horse, as he would be easyer spoted up high like that when he did not acomplish anything.

THe agenda:
Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)

Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (S/2010/169).


Mind you what led to 1244 is "Yugoslav" non participation and continuation of violance.
and mass displacement of civilians by "military personel to repress civilians"

Very diplomatic for saying stop mass graves, but who cared right? The mighty Serbs had Russia to back them up.
4
Oh Vuk will have a long day, dont worry, in hes eyes he already won, a free ticket to NY :D

The events of the last weeks have clearly shown that the Ahtisaari Plan does not provide Kosovo's minorities enough protection. Maybe the SC can explicitly state that.

"Wrong. Kosovo is represented by Lamberto Zannier, what type of state gets representation from a foreign entity?
(trudsaam"

Lol, he is there to babysit Serbias childish needs to act tough in front of their domestic voters.
The Kosovo FM is there to encourige better cooperation with the region and his 3 friendly neighbours.
Dont act like its the first time this is happening, but pray that is the last time for this "issue".

Most of the Serbian commentators here seem so keen to understimate/belittle the Kosovo/a representation in international meetings. I understand that is a Serbian way of thinking of the others, But the truth is that Serbia with its current policy towards Kosovo/a is DOINT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in re-integrating Kosovo/a into Serbia or re-instating its sovereignity over Kosovo/a. These are THE TRUE FACTS.

Great news, all partys can debate on the subjects, a bit unusual for Vuk when he used to have his fun running his mouth unilateraly.
I think from now on we will see Vuk quickly dismaunting the high horse, as he would be easyer spoted up high like that when he did not acomplish anything.
(iFred,)
-
Wrong. Kosovo is represented by Lamberto Zannier, what type of state gets representation from a foreign entity?

"Given the fact that Kosovo is Serbia, I can see your mix up. Then again, you are quite new at this, we'll forgive you this time.
(trudsaam, 17"

We forgive you? lol
Firstly you are forgeting who you are quoting. Secondly the EU representative its there for the Serb bait, that way Vuk can explain to you that all is well and Kosovo is next to umnik.
Were was umnik in Croatian enaguration, Usa thanksgiving ect ect.
No matter how forceful Vuk wants to be the truth is:

Many Kosovo Serbs, however, are sceptical. According to representative Rada Trajkovic, Belgrade lacks the clout to achieve a solution to its liking.

"Serbia is weak politically and in terms of security, is economically dependent on donors and has no clearly defined strategy for Kosovo and Metohija," Trajkovic told SETimes. "Even if with all these weaknesses it was able to start negotiations on the status, they would not result in success."

Technical talks on issues affecting the lives of Kosovo Serbs are a more realistic possibility, she said. Such talks, "if well prepared, could strengthen the position of the Serbs and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo", she said." http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2010/05/17/feature-01

Believe what you want, but respect reality.

And im not sure what you read as fact but, but how can it be a fact when reality is different in Kosovo and most of the places in the world that have a Serb population agree with the "REAL KOSOVO" ?

Lamberto is representing the K Albanians, again. When will this K Albanian independent Kosovo actually happen? Sovereign nations represent themselves at the UN, and all other international conferences - is Lamberto there just to hold Hysteriqi's hand?

"Wrong. Kosovo is represented by Lamberto Zannier, what type of state gets representation from a foreign entity?
(trudsaam"

Lol, he is there to babysit Serbias childish needs to act tough in front of their domestic voters.
The Kosovo FM is there to encourige better cooperation with the region and his 3 friendly neighbours.
Dont act like its the first time this is happening, but pray that is the last time for this "issue".
(iFred)
-
Ummm... maybe you should re-read the article. Try doing this by openeing your eyes this time.--http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=05&dd=16&nav_id=67172.

Let me highlight for you;

"That will already be clear tomorrow at the meeting of the UN Security Council. Serbia will be represented INDEPENDTLY behind a sign that has the name of our country, while the officials of the TEMPORARY institutions of Priština will be LED by (UNMIK Chief) Lamberto Zannier and their sign will only state his first and last name,”
-
Now please inform me of which part you dont understand. Zannier has NO say in regards to Serbian politics, you stating that he does, shows the level of knowledge you hold, and your amateur level in political discussions. Zannier is UNMIK cheif in Kosovo, therefore is has every say about Kosovo. Given the fact that Kosovo is Serbia, I can see your mix up. Then again, you are quite new at this, we'll forgive you this time.

"The events of the last weeks have clearly shown that the Ahtisaari Plan does not provide Kosovo's minorities enough protection. Maybe the SC can explicitly state that."
(Wim Roffel)

-- Wim, the AP was naively designed with the assumption that its adherents would conform to some type of "European" standard, despite the fact it was designed for one of Europe's most undeveloped regions. The K-Albanian leadership has shown time and time again not only its incapability of running a multiethnic state, but its disinterest in making a multiethnic community possible. The AP can only go so far. Human (in)activity carries it the rest of the way.

iFred,

Your post has no relevance towards this article, what exactly are you trying to say?

Ummm... maybe you should re-read the article. Try doing this by openeing your eyes this time.--[link].

Let me highlight for you;

"That will already be clear tomorrow at the meeting of the UN Security Council. Serbia will be represented INDEPENDTLY behind a sign that has the name of our country, while the officials of the TEMPORARY institutions of Priština will be LED by (UNMIK Chief) Lamberto Zannier and their sign will only state his first and last name,”
-

(trudsaam, 17 May 2010 18:53)
You must also consider the source whose intention is identical to Pavlo's study on ringing the bell and elicting the desired response than actual news reporting.

We agree Lamberto Zannieri represent UNMIK but tell us Vuk Skender Hyseni who Represent . Is he working for UNMIK to.Please tell your nation who Hyseni represented at the UN.

Serbia is unable to get Kosovo back. Even if everyone agrees to it. It is beyond the capabilities of Serbia to integrate this territory back.

While I understand their feelings the logic is not there.

Nevertheless, while the US and most of the relevant countries that recognized Kosovo will not back from their decision, neither will Russia and some other pro-Serbian countries.

So this matter will be dragged on for quite a while.

It is time for Kosovo to readjust its ambitions and focus only in economic revival and European integration. The rest may or may not come later.

As for Serbia, unless Kostunica comes back to power, I don't see how they can be serious on Kosovo. The current clique simply wants to stay in power. It has no backbone to take decisive actions on Kosovo (whether give it up at some price or get it back at any price).

There are no 100 countries on serbia's side. they're just waiting because they don't like the usa. A lot more countries would have been speaking at the ICJ for serbia if it were so. But in every phase of the ICJ ruling there were more advocates for the Independence. Jeremic is such a clown. He's a hypocrit. Wait for 2 years and serbia will get rid of him.

READ THIS: SERBIA'S DARK FUTURE

http://waz.euobserver.com/887/30079

"And im not sure what you read as fact but, but how can it be a fact when reality is different in Kosovo and most of the places in the world that have a Serb population agree with the "REAL KOSOVO"?
(iFred)

-- I've come to realize over the years that there's no such thing as a "real Kosovo". Such a conception usually revolves around what agenda-setting group wants to think it is for their own interests. Washington has about as much of an understanding of what the "real Kosovo" is as Belgrade or Pristina does. At best, the "real Kosovo" fluctuates on a municipality by municipality basis. Wherever you are, just look for the flags that are flying the most and that's the "real" Kosovo.

The "real Kosovo" in Mitrovica is considerably different from the "real Kosovo" in Prizren.

I won't even begin to tell you about the differences of "real Kosovo" separated by only 5 km between Pristina and Gracanica.

And im not sure what you read as fact but, but how can it be a fact when reality is different in Kosovo and most of the places in the world that have a Serb population agree with the "REAL KOSOVO" ?
(iFred)
-
If you are expecting a response from all I have to say is that you choose to ignore the facts and nit pick little details that have no relevence towards the circumstance.

Side not; Most of the world does NOT recognize Kosovo, that point of yours is a sham. And what does Serbs living in the West have to do with anything, even tho some of those countries have recognized your so-called state. Are you suggesting for them to leave?

Maybe every Albanian should migrate out of Spain, leave Russia and refuse to purchase anything "Made in China". Your attempt was weak, but humorous nevertheless, good day :)

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Security Council

6314th Meeting (PM)



Note: a complete summary of today’s Security Council meeting on Kosovo will be made available as press release SC/9928 after the conclusion of the meeting.



Background



Security Council members had before them the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (document S/2010/169), which calls for continued regional and international support for the Mission, known as UNMIK, saying it is uniquely placed to facilitate dialogue between Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian, Serb and other minority communities. “The strategic goal of UNMIK remains the promotion of security, stability and respect for human rights through engagement with all communities in Kosovo, as well as with Pristina and Belgrade and regional and international actors,” the report says.



According to the report, UNMIK continued to support minority communities, encourage reconciliation and facilitate dialogue and regional cooperation during the reporting period, from 16 December 2009 to 15 March 2010, with the Special Representative continuing to cultivate good-faith relations with all sides. The Mission maintained close cooperation with the 3,200-strong European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), which has 1,400 international police officers operating under the overall authority and within the framework of the United Nations, which retains a “status neutral” stance vis-à-vis Kosovo’s declaration of independence in early 2008. UNMIK also maintained cooperation with the Kosovo multinational security force (KFOR), which was being phased into a “deterrent presence”. The number of troops in Kosovo was drawn down to 10,200 by the end of January, and further reductions will be determined by the North Atlantic Council on the basis of prevailing conditions rather than a fixed calendar.



The report states that the security situation remained relatively “calm but fragile” during the period under review, with no increase in incidents in comparison to previous periods. However, the persistence of such incidents — including stone-throwing on the part of both ethnic groups, other assaults and the discovery of the bodies of two ethnic Serb men who were apparently the victims of violence — continues to represent an obstacle to the return of those who fled the fighting that ended in 1999, and perpetuates a perception of insecurity among minority communities. Bringing the perpetrators of crimes to justice, publicly condemning such incidents and reaching out to the victims, as occurred in some instances during the reporting period, would serve to alleviate some concerns among the communities and foster a feeling of increased security.



Turning to the question of refugees, the report notes that, although voluntary minority returns remain “disappointingly low” in absolute numbers, they increased from 2008, with 1,153 people returning from displacement in and outside Kosovo in 2009, compared with 679 in 2008. United Nations statistics show 259 returns, including 90 Kosovo Serbs and 89 Kosovo Ashkali, between January and February 2010, compared with 55 in the same period in 2009. Several Serbian cultural and religious sites were vandalized during the reporting period, showing that securing respect for the rights of all communities continues to be a challenge, the report says, welcoming, in that context, progress in discussions relating to the establishment of a mechanism for the protection of Serbian Orthodox religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo.



The report expresses continuing concern over the possibility of increased tensions in northern Kosovo, where many ethnic Serbs live, if sensitive issues there are not addressed through consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders. To that end, the Special Representative met with Kosovo Serb and Kosovo Albanian leaders, and UNMIK is engaging with both sides to establish task forces comprising all stakeholders to address practical issues such as reconstruction of houses, infrastructure and services, in order to decrease tensions, focus on common needs and thereby facilitate more returns.



According to the report, task forces are also planned to tackle education, health and the relocation of members of the Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities to permanent housing, in order to address the critical health risks they face as a result of lead contamination. As for regional development and cooperation, the authorities in Serbia and Kosovo should be encouraged to exercise flexibility in working towards mutually beneficial goals, irrespective of status-related considerations. In that regard, the Secretary-General urges both sides to take a pragmatic approach to participation by representatives of the Kosovo institutions in regional and international forums.

No matter which way you look at it there has been very little progress on any front since UDI.

I suppose one might expect Serbs and Albanians to remain at loggerheads but the crucial factor is the international position.

If there was a constructive but decisive unified international position (with complete preparedness to use the carrot and stick) Belgrade and Pristina would have no choice but to sit down and compromise.

In the absence of any constructive, external lead, the only solution is for Serbs and Albanians to sit down and work it out for themselves. But again the international factor is complicating such a solution.