“New phase in Kosovo with ICJ decision”

Even if it is non-binding, the ICJ decision will serve as a pilot case for other regions like Republika Srpska, Northern Ireland, Western Macedonia, Cyprus, Scotland and many, many others.

Well, then Darfur and Tibet will be next.

The West opened Pandora's Box!
(Ron, 26 May 2010 15:05

You (or anyone else) can explain why according you "Pandora's box" is closed when countries commit genocide, but opened when they get punished for that. I clearly want to see the answer to this question because some of you want to decrease international law by some lines on a map, clearly refusing the fact that article one holds the undeniable and most important content: human rights.

I say that Pandora's box opens every day when a totalitarian country, such as Sudan, while protected in the UNSR by China and Russia obliterates villages, killing women, children and elderly. That is the real outcry.

"Mr. Feith you don't want Kosovo to be a frozen conflict. What's the solution? Simple! withdraw your occupying NATO troops, Disarm the KLA and let the Serbian Army re-occupy Kosovo province.
(PRO-SERBIA, 26 May 2010 13:57) "

I agree with you - then it won't be a frozen conflict but a very fiery conflict.

"Feith pointed out that the ICJ's non-binding opinion, which he expects to be given at the end of July, will not change the fact that so far 69 states have recognized the independence of the southern Serbian province, but it can encourage Kosovo and Serbia to be more fully engaged in the solving of technical issues."

Of course it will affect the situation if the ICJ opines in Serbia's favour. There will be no more recognitions, there will be some withdrawals of recognition, and the UDI will be accepted as illegal around the world.

Status discussions will have to be held or there will be an indefinite frozen conflict.

I really hope that the ICJ doesn't fall foul of political pressure and come up with some sort of fudged opinion to please all.

"Feith pointed out that the ICJ's non-binding opinion, which he expects to be given at the end of July, will not change the fact that so far 69 states have recognized the independence of the southern Serbian province, but it can encourage Kosovo and Serbia to be more fully engaged in the solving of technical issues. "


I agree with you Mr. Feith. The number 69 is going to increase very soon, and by the end of this year we will have more countries in the world that recognise Kosovo as a state(with its territorial integrity and constitution) than Serbia as a state(with its territorial integrity and constitution).

Long live US of Albania

"I really hope that the ICJ doesn't fall foul of political pressure and come up with some sort of fudged opinion to please all."
(kate, 26 May 2010 14:03)

This is likely to happen: ICJ will praise the territorital integrity in general, and at the same time point out the 'special case'.

In the end, nothing will change, the status will stay the same, and both sides will be happy (or not happy). And in the unlikely case of a ruling that would clearly favour one side, both sides already stated long ago that they won't accept the ICJ ruling, because it's not binding and only advisory.

“Feith pointed out that the ICJ's non-binding opinion, which he expects to be given at the end of July, , but it can encourage Kosovo and Serbia to be more fully engaged in the solving of technical issues.”

I really doubt that Mr. Feith has used the following wording …’the southern Serbian province’. To me, putting words in somebody’s mouth is not professional journalism.

PRO-SERBIA, asking for reoccupation of KS by Serbian Army proves that deep down you always knew that Kosovo was never really Serbian and nor it is today, as it has been preached for ages.

Mr. Feith you don't want Kosovo to be a frozen conflict. What's the solution? Simple! withdraw your occupying NATO troops, Disarm the KLA and let the Serbian Army re-occupy Kosovo province.

J.S.,
I agree in all points with you except those you wrote about. Such an example is:
"Regardless of what the ICJ says; the Albanians will have to revoke their Declaration of Independence."

Actually, the opposite is true. Kosovars have no choice but stick to it. No matter what ICJ opinion would be, Kosovars backs are against the wall. Return under Serbian rule? or insist on Independence? From manyn years of living and working in Kosovo I have a feeling that one thing is for sure not even one Kosovar will vote to return to past. Additionally, Europe, Usa, Uk and other civilized countries will not I repeat WILL NOT rescend their decision on recognition. It would be a great failure to their foreign policy, it will return Kosovo into the powder keg it was. Lets not even consider the set back for the region.

It is difficult to know what the results of real negotiations would have been between the Serbs and Albanians of Serbia, if America had not interfered three years ago.

I hope we are all convinced that America was never going to allow proper negotiations at that time.

This is primarily because of Camp Bondsteel, and secondly for the temporary fleeting interests of countries that think America is their ally and friend.

Camp Bondsteel, and other American Military Bases on Continental Europe are an essential part of Anglo-American plans to break up the EU, when the EU is of no further use to them, or even seen as a rival to their Global Hegemony.

Regardless of what the ICJ says; the Albanians will have to revoke their Declaration of Independence.

Regardless of what the ICJ says; the backers of Albanians Independence will have to revoke their support for Racism and Criminality before real negotiations can commence.

There are many people who think that the Albanians should have said years ago that they are Serbian citizens, and come to mutually agreeable arrangement with Serbia.

The puppets of the Balkans only have their poverty to lose, their security and their dignity to gain, if they ignore their Evil Puppet Master, America, and start making decisions to benefit themselves.

Serbia should share the compensation money that the rich countries pay as compensation for acting criminally, with Kosovo if the Albanians revoke their Declaration of Independence.

I think that Serbia should Not attend any Conference on the Balkans until the Albanians revoke, even subtly their Declaration of Criminality and Racism.

The Albanians of Kosovo can do this by saying and accepting that they are of Serbian citizens.

There are many people who think that the Albanians should have said years ago, that they are Serbian citizens, and come to a negotiated compromise with Serbia, and done this with no interference by America.

I am very curious what the ICJ will say. If the say: Kosovo can go, because of the fact that Serbia did awful things there. Well, then Darfur and Tibet will be next.

The West opened Pandora's Box!

The ICJ will rule whether the UDI was legal or not. I assume the question was engineered in a way to do maximum damage if it went against the authors of the UDI but minimal damage if in favour.

So basically, if the UDI was not legal it would mean that the recognitions are not legal also. However, if the UDI was legal, it doesn't mean anyone has to recognise "Kosova" and enough powerful countries have already made their decision not to recognise - thus ensuring "Kosova" does not achieve independence.

I have asked this question before without an answer. What benefits will a UDI-positive decision have when independence is blocked regardless?

MJ - the argument that Kosovo could be sui generis is absolute nonsense. Even the countries that support Kosovo now realise this and have quietly stopped using it. If you actually read through the transcripts of the ICJ hearings, this argument was not actually front and centre of the case made by the countries that supported the UDI. Instead, they focused on other arguments, such as the dangerous vies that a UDI is not a legal or illegal act. Instead, or so they argued, what matters is the right of states to recognise other entities.

PRO-SERBIA, asking for reoccupation of KS by Serbian Army proves that deep down you always knew that Kosovo was never really Serbian and nor it is today, as it has been preached for ages.
(pz, 26 May 2010 14:35)

Your wrong pz! Kosovo is definitely a part of Serbia. The many churches and monasteries there prove that it is SERBIA. Kosovo is Serbia!!
Well your masters NATO driven the Serbian army out way back in 1999 and occupy it. So who's occupying Kosovo now?? =)

Of course it will affect the situation if the ICJ opines in Serbia's favour. There will be no more recognitions, there will be some withdrawals of recognition, and the UDI will be accepted as illegal around the world.

Status discussions will have to be held or there will be an indefinite frozen conflict.

I really hope that the ICJ doesn't fall foul of political pressure and come up with some sort of fudged opinion to please all.
(kate, 26 May 2010 14:03)
This is wishful thinking at best. The countries recognizing Kosovo did so knowing the questions, it is the ones who have opted to wait that the opinion will make a difference and that may not even dissuade them from doing so.
As far as the political pressure ( I love this from people who are unsure of the validity of their stance) I have every confidence they will not fudge the opinion to rule in your interests.
Notice it is only those who are on a losing side that claim corruption, I find it amusing people start prefacing it before a decision is even made. Serbia should have never asked if they are afraid of an answer they can not live with.

Nikshala,

When the KLA was "fighting" the Serbian Army, the KLA was actually in Albania trying to survive. I don't think they would fare any better this time.

"Personally, I'm not in favor of partition either as it all but guarantees the end of Serb communities south of the Ibar in a generation or two."

Mike


The end of Serb communities in the south is unavoidable. Mostly elderly people live here with daily threats by albanians. They get some protection from KFOR but they can't be protected forever. Even if they should accept Pristinas authority what future is there in Kosovo? None what so ever. This is the poorest and most corrupt place in Europe. More albanians are leaving Kosovo today then during Milosevic. If albanians themselves want out what should keep the Serbs from leaving? Serbs should hold on to areas where they are a majority and where they are better connected to Serbia proper. The sad thing is that Kosovo will be partitioned. Thank the US for that. Look at Irak today. Same thing there. Sunni, Shia and Kurd areas are seperated by huge concrete walls and with little or no interaction between the various people. Whas this the case during Saddams rule? I don't think so. Anywhere the Americans and Brits go they create division and hatered amongst people. Seems like its in their interest to have it this way.

Anywhere the Americans and Brits go they create division and hatered amongst people. Seems like its in their interest to have it this way.
(Mikael C, 26 May 2010 19:12)
That hatred never existed before western intervention in the balkans. I think you need to review why the US/UK came there to start with (ethnic cleansing, ring a bell)
You want the Serb areas to be tied to Serbia and not the rest of Kosovo and you blame the west for the segregation, think about it.

For a region that only yesterday was reported to have made "considerable progress", Feith now seems strangely vague on the outcome of Kosovo's status after an ICJ ruling. Maybe he chooses his words according to the news source he's speaking to, but "never say never" to partition means that such a solution is not off the table. Personally, I'm not in favor of partition either as it all but guarantees the end of Serb communities south of the Ibar in a generation or two. Additionally it opens the door for the dissolution of other states in the region like Bosnia and Macedonia.

Best to officially declare Kosovo international neutral territory and allow both Serbs and Albanians maximum self-rule on a municipality by municipality basis.

"The West opened Pandora's Box!
(Ron, 26 May 2010 15:05)

No. They thought of that, too. SUI GENERIS is the lock for the "box".

"let the Serbian Army re-occupy Kosovo province.
PRO-SERBIA

And continue la politic of the nineties. What a dreamer.

Your wrong pz! Kosovo is definitely a part of Serbia. The many churches and monasteries there prove that it is SERBIA. Kosovo is Serbia!!
Well your masters NATO driven the Serbian army out way back in 1999 and occupy it. So who's occupying Kosovo now?? =)
(PRO-SERBIA, 26 May 2010 16:16)

There is a Serbian Orthodox Church in the town of Halifax in West Yorkshire near me and a Serb community, does this mean that Halifax is Serbia?

Asking Commentator
==================

What you're basically asking is why are people hypocrites?

Answer...it's in humanity's nature.

I agree with you - then it won't be a frozen conflict but a very fiery conflict.
(nikshala, 26 May 2010 14:29)
=====================

Yes, the one KLA has no hope of surviving.

Ok, so after the ICJ decision Feith and his EU/US friends that recognize Kosovo will face a problem. The have been pointed out as violators of the law but they don't want to give in. So what do they do instead: they create "facts on the ground" in Kosovo - and that may include policies of soft ethnic cleansing - and they will increase the pressure on Serbia to legalize their recognition of Kosovo.

It is obvious why they don't want a frozen conflict: it would mean that their status as violators of international law would be frozen (=continued) too.

"Ok, so after the ICJ decision Feith and his EU/US friends that recognize Kosovo will face a problem."
(Wim Roffel, 27 May 2010 11:19)
Are you saying that whatever the ICJ decision they will face a problem or are you implying that ICJ decision will be on Serbia's side?

Asking Commentator
===…==

What you're basically asking is why are people hypocrites?

Answer...it's in humanity's nature.
(Ment, 26 May 2010 19:56)

Well, human nature is always included, here, there, anywhere. Means that the just question is still not answered. I don't understand this either. We have extreme problems in this world, much more than border changes, which btw. happen frequently, can ever be. I don't care of borders as long as the people within there are not harmed. Apparantly, some here have no problems with abuses of human rights, as long as borders are changed. I would call this "failed priorities", at best.

There is a Serbian Orthodox Church in the town of Halifax in West Yorkshire near me and a Serb community, does this mean that Halifax is Serbia?
(Ian, UK, 27 May 2010 15:31)

Of course not, but if Serbia had certain countries of the the 'international community' on its side which supported and recognised a UDI of Yorkshire, and was able to against the will of Britain land grab the whole of the county illegally, then yes it would. Until legal boundaries are sorted out and a solution found.

Doesn't it sound ridiculous? It is ridiculous. Just because it is in Serbia doesn't make it any less ridiculous or illegal.

Just imagine how Britain would react. Certainly not just with peaceful and diplomatic means.

If it happened in America there would be a full on offensive launched.

Are you saying that whatever the ICJ decision they will face a problem or are you implying that ICJ decision will be on Serbia's side?
(Mirub Jager, 27 May 2010 15:47)

I consider it very improbable that the ICJ will give full approval to what has happened in Kosovo as that would have huge international consequences. But anything less than full approval would mean that something has been done wrong and needs to be repaired. So even if the decision is the kind of "balanced" opinion that some time ago was mentioned as the most probable Washington and Brussel have a problem as their solution is not balanced.

Mr. Feith you don't want Kosovo to be a frozen conflict. What's the solution? Simple! withdraw your occupying NATO troops, Disarm the KLA and let the Serbian Army re-occupy Kosovo province.

PRO-SERBIA, asking for reoccupation of KS by Serbian Army proves that deep down you always knew that Kosovo was never really Serbian and nor it is today, as it has been preached for ages.
(pz, 26 May 2010 14:35)

Your wrong pz! Kosovo is definitely a part of Serbia. The many churches and monasteries there prove that it is SERBIA. Kosovo is Serbia!!
Well your masters NATO driven the Serbian army out way back in 1999 and occupy it. So who's occupying Kosovo now?? =)

Nikshala,

When the KLA was "fighting" the Serbian Army, the KLA was actually in Albania trying to survive. I don't think they would fare any better this time.

It is difficult to know what the results of real negotiations would have been between the Serbs and Albanians of Serbia, if America had not interfered three years ago.

I hope we are all convinced that America was never going to allow proper negotiations at that time.

This is primarily because of Camp Bondsteel, and secondly for the temporary fleeting interests of countries that think America is their ally and friend.

Camp Bondsteel, and other American Military Bases on Continental Europe are an essential part of Anglo-American plans to break up the EU, when the EU is of no further use to them, or even seen as a rival to their Global Hegemony.

Regardless of what the ICJ says; the Albanians will have to revoke their Declaration of Independence.

Regardless of what the ICJ says; the backers of Albanians Independence will have to revoke their support for Racism and Criminality before real negotiations can commence.

There are many people who think that the Albanians should have said years ago that they are Serbian citizens, and come to mutually agreeable arrangement with Serbia.

The puppets of the Balkans only have their poverty to lose, their security and their dignity to gain, if they ignore their Evil Puppet Master, America, and start making decisions to benefit themselves.

Serbia should share the compensation money that the rich countries pay as compensation for acting criminally, with Kosovo if the Albanians revoke their Declaration of Independence.

I think that Serbia should Not attend any Conference on the Balkans until the Albanians revoke, even subtly their Declaration of Criminality and Racism.

The Albanians of Kosovo can do this by saying and accepting that they are of Serbian citizens.

There are many people who think that the Albanians should have said years ago, that they are Serbian citizens, and come to a negotiated compromise with Serbia, and done this with no interference by America.

"Feith pointed out that the ICJ's non-binding opinion, which he expects to be given at the end of July, will not change the fact that so far 69 states have recognized the independence of the southern Serbian province, but it can encourage Kosovo and Serbia to be more fully engaged in the solving of technical issues."

Of course it will affect the situation if the ICJ opines in Serbia's favour. There will be no more recognitions, there will be some withdrawals of recognition, and the UDI will be accepted as illegal around the world.

Status discussions will have to be held or there will be an indefinite frozen conflict.

I really hope that the ICJ doesn't fall foul of political pressure and come up with some sort of fudged opinion to please all.

"Feith pointed out that the ICJ's non-binding opinion, which he expects to be given at the end of July, will not change the fact that so far 69 states have recognized the independence of the southern Serbian province, but it can encourage Kosovo and Serbia to be more fully engaged in the solving of technical issues. "


I agree with you Mr. Feith. The number 69 is going to increase very soon, and by the end of this year we will have more countries in the world that recognise Kosovo as a state(with its territorial integrity and constitution) than Serbia as a state(with its territorial integrity and constitution).

Long live US of Albania

Even if it is non-binding, the ICJ decision will serve as a pilot case for other regions like Republika Srpska, Northern Ireland, Western Macedonia, Cyprus, Scotland and many, many others.

I am very curious what the ICJ will say. If the say: Kosovo can go, because of the fact that Serbia did awful things there. Well, then Darfur and Tibet will be next.

The West opened Pandora's Box!

For a region that only yesterday was reported to have made "considerable progress", Feith now seems strangely vague on the outcome of Kosovo's status after an ICJ ruling. Maybe he chooses his words according to the news source he's speaking to, but "never say never" to partition means that such a solution is not off the table. Personally, I'm not in favor of partition either as it all but guarantees the end of Serb communities south of the Ibar in a generation or two. Additionally it opens the door for the dissolution of other states in the region like Bosnia and Macedonia.

Best to officially declare Kosovo international neutral territory and allow both Serbs and Albanians maximum self-rule on a municipality by municipality basis.

Of course it will affect the situation if the ICJ opines in Serbia's favour. There will be no more recognitions, there will be some withdrawals of recognition, and the UDI will be accepted as illegal around the world.

Status discussions will have to be held or there will be an indefinite frozen conflict.

I really hope that the ICJ doesn't fall foul of political pressure and come up with some sort of fudged opinion to please all.
(kate, 26 May 2010 14:03)
This is wishful thinking at best. The countries recognizing Kosovo did so knowing the questions, it is the ones who have opted to wait that the opinion will make a difference and that may not even dissuade them from doing so.
As far as the political pressure ( I love this from people who are unsure of the validity of their stance) I have every confidence they will not fudge the opinion to rule in your interests.
Notice it is only those who are on a losing side that claim corruption, I find it amusing people start prefacing it before a decision is even made. Serbia should have never asked if they are afraid of an answer they can not live with.

"The West opened Pandora's Box!
(Ron, 26 May 2010 15:05)

No. They thought of that, too. SUI GENERIS is the lock for the "box".

“Feith pointed out that the ICJ's non-binding opinion, which he expects to be given at the end of July, , but it can encourage Kosovo and Serbia to be more fully engaged in the solving of technical issues.”

I really doubt that Mr. Feith has used the following wording …’the southern Serbian province’. To me, putting words in somebody’s mouth is not professional journalism.

PRO-SERBIA, asking for reoccupation of KS by Serbian Army proves that deep down you always knew that Kosovo was never really Serbian and nor it is today, as it has been preached for ages.

J.S.,
I agree in all points with you except those you wrote about. Such an example is:
"Regardless of what the ICJ says; the Albanians will have to revoke their Declaration of Independence."

Actually, the opposite is true. Kosovars have no choice but stick to it. No matter what ICJ opinion would be, Kosovars backs are against the wall. Return under Serbian rule? or insist on Independence? From manyn years of living and working in Kosovo I have a feeling that one thing is for sure not even one Kosovar will vote to return to past. Additionally, Europe, Usa, Uk and other civilized countries will not I repeat WILL NOT rescend their decision on recognition. It would be a great failure to their foreign policy, it will return Kosovo into the powder keg it was. Lets not even consider the set back for the region.

"Personally, I'm not in favor of partition either as it all but guarantees the end of Serb communities south of the Ibar in a generation or two."

Mike


The end of Serb communities in the south is unavoidable. Mostly elderly people live here with daily threats by albanians. They get some protection from KFOR but they can't be protected forever. Even if they should accept Pristinas authority what future is there in Kosovo? None what so ever. This is the poorest and most corrupt place in Europe. More albanians are leaving Kosovo today then during Milosevic. If albanians themselves want out what should keep the Serbs from leaving? Serbs should hold on to areas where they are a majority and where they are better connected to Serbia proper. The sad thing is that Kosovo will be partitioned. Thank the US for that. Look at Irak today. Same thing there. Sunni, Shia and Kurd areas are seperated by huge concrete walls and with little or no interaction between the various people. Whas this the case during Saddams rule? I don't think so. Anywhere the Americans and Brits go they create division and hatered amongst people. Seems like its in their interest to have it this way.

The ICJ will rule whether the UDI was legal or not. I assume the question was engineered in a way to do maximum damage if it went against the authors of the UDI but minimal damage if in favour.

So basically, if the UDI was not legal it would mean that the recognitions are not legal also. However, if the UDI was legal, it doesn't mean anyone has to recognise "Kosova" and enough powerful countries have already made their decision not to recognise - thus ensuring "Kosova" does not achieve independence.

I have asked this question before without an answer. What benefits will a UDI-positive decision have when independence is blocked regardless?

"Mr. Feith you don't want Kosovo to be a frozen conflict. What's the solution? Simple! withdraw your occupying NATO troops, Disarm the KLA and let the Serbian Army re-occupy Kosovo province.
(PRO-SERBIA, 26 May 2010 13:57) "

I agree with you - then it won't be a frozen conflict but a very fiery conflict.

"let the Serbian Army re-occupy Kosovo province.
PRO-SERBIA

And continue la politic of the nineties. What a dreamer.

Anywhere the Americans and Brits go they create division and hatered amongst people. Seems like its in their interest to have it this way.
(Mikael C, 26 May 2010 19:12)
That hatred never existed before western intervention in the balkans. I think you need to review why the US/UK came there to start with (ethnic cleansing, ring a bell)
You want the Serb areas to be tied to Serbia and not the rest of Kosovo and you blame the west for the segregation, think about it.

I agree with you - then it won't be a frozen conflict but a very fiery conflict.
(nikshala, 26 May 2010 14:29)
=====================

Yes, the one KLA has no hope of surviving.

Well, then Darfur and Tibet will be next.

The West opened Pandora's Box!
(Ron, 26 May 2010 15:05

You (or anyone else) can explain why according you "Pandora's box" is closed when countries commit genocide, but opened when they get punished for that. I clearly want to see the answer to this question because some of you want to decrease international law by some lines on a map, clearly refusing the fact that article one holds the undeniable and most important content: human rights.

I say that Pandora's box opens every day when a totalitarian country, such as Sudan, while protected in the UNSR by China and Russia obliterates villages, killing women, children and elderly. That is the real outcry.

"I really hope that the ICJ doesn't fall foul of political pressure and come up with some sort of fudged opinion to please all."
(kate, 26 May 2010 14:03)

This is likely to happen: ICJ will praise the territorital integrity in general, and at the same time point out the 'special case'.

In the end, nothing will change, the status will stay the same, and both sides will be happy (or not happy). And in the unlikely case of a ruling that would clearly favour one side, both sides already stated long ago that they won't accept the ICJ ruling, because it's not binding and only advisory.

MJ - the argument that Kosovo could be sui generis is absolute nonsense. Even the countries that support Kosovo now realise this and have quietly stopped using it. If you actually read through the transcripts of the ICJ hearings, this argument was not actually front and centre of the case made by the countries that supported the UDI. Instead, they focused on other arguments, such as the dangerous vies that a UDI is not a legal or illegal act. Instead, or so they argued, what matters is the right of states to recognise other entities.

Your wrong pz! Kosovo is definitely a part of Serbia. The many churches and monasteries there prove that it is SERBIA. Kosovo is Serbia!!
Well your masters NATO driven the Serbian army out way back in 1999 and occupy it. So who's occupying Kosovo now?? =)
(PRO-SERBIA, 26 May 2010 16:16)

There is a Serbian Orthodox Church in the town of Halifax in West Yorkshire near me and a Serb community, does this mean that Halifax is Serbia?

Asking Commentator
==================

What you're basically asking is why are people hypocrites?

Answer...it's in humanity's nature.

Ok, so after the ICJ decision Feith and his EU/US friends that recognize Kosovo will face a problem. The have been pointed out as violators of the law but they don't want to give in. So what do they do instead: they create "facts on the ground" in Kosovo - and that may include policies of soft ethnic cleansing - and they will increase the pressure on Serbia to legalize their recognition of Kosovo.

It is obvious why they don't want a frozen conflict: it would mean that their status as violators of international law would be frozen (=continued) too.

"Ok, so after the ICJ decision Feith and his EU/US friends that recognize Kosovo will face a problem."
(Wim Roffel, 27 May 2010 11:19)
Are you saying that whatever the ICJ decision they will face a problem or are you implying that ICJ decision will be on Serbia's side?

Asking Commentator
===…==

What you're basically asking is why are people hypocrites?

Answer...it's in humanity's nature.
(Ment, 26 May 2010 19:56)

Well, human nature is always included, here, there, anywhere. Means that the just question is still not answered. I don't understand this either. We have extreme problems in this world, much more than border changes, which btw. happen frequently, can ever be. I don't care of borders as long as the people within there are not harmed. Apparantly, some here have no problems with abuses of human rights, as long as borders are changed. I would call this "failed priorities", at best.

Are you saying that whatever the ICJ decision they will face a problem or are you implying that ICJ decision will be on Serbia's side?
(Mirub Jager, 27 May 2010 15:47)

I consider it very improbable that the ICJ will give full approval to what has happened in Kosovo as that would have huge international consequences. But anything less than full approval would mean that something has been done wrong and needs to be repaired. So even if the decision is the kind of "balanced" opinion that some time ago was mentioned as the most probable Washington and Brussel have a problem as their solution is not balanced.

There is a Serbian Orthodox Church in the town of Halifax in West Yorkshire near me and a Serb community, does this mean that Halifax is Serbia?
(Ian, UK, 27 May 2010 15:31)

Of course not, but if Serbia had certain countries of the the 'international community' on its side which supported and recognised a UDI of Yorkshire, and was able to against the will of Britain land grab the whole of the county illegally, then yes it would. Until legal boundaries are sorted out and a solution found.

Doesn't it sound ridiculous? It is ridiculous. Just because it is in Serbia doesn't make it any less ridiculous or illegal.

Just imagine how Britain would react. Certainly not just with peaceful and diplomatic means.

If it happened in America there would be a full on offensive launched.