K. Albanian leader announces new recognitions

Qatar, another bastion of liberal democracy.

"Freedom in the World 2006 lists Qatar as "Not Free", and on a 1-7 scale (1 being the most "free") rates the country a 6 for political rights and 5 for civil liberties.

As of 2008, the Democracy Index describes Qatar as an authoritarian regime with 2.92 points, just slightly more than Iran." [link]

Well lads I guess that put a bit of a spanner into the Qadaffi, Castro, Chavez, North Korea, Ahmedinijad jibes you lot usually throw at Team Serbia.
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 11:31)

Which, til yesterday, you of the pro-serb camp were boasting to have on your side. So next time think a couple of hundred times before screaming from the depth of your lungs that most of the UN members are on your side, as it sems they are dropping fast.

If it is confirmed it's a positive development for Kosovo because there had been a "big hole " in the recognition process by the Muslim World...

#2 - Niall O'Doherty

And the Venezuela, Iran and Russia coalition that is supporting Serbia is of course far better in democracy, right? Mate, Qatar as one of the richest and quite influential countries in the Persian gulf increases the quantitative recognition of Kosova's independence. Kosoval already have The qualitative recognition (USA, 22 of 27 EU members, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea etc.) for the most democratic countries in the world but now it needs the quantitative one and every state counts...

It was bound to happen. The CCASG countries are mega rich and thus can ignore Russia's pressure and "promises". For example Qatar has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $83,840, whereas Serbia has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $10,897. These are rather decent recognitions I must say.

Since I last heard that 70 nations recognize Kosovo's status as a sovereign nation. Qatar's recognition makes it now the 71st nation to recognize Kosovo's independence.Therefore my message for pro-independence Kosovars is to keep up the good work in receiving recognitions.

Ok so Kosovo will never be UN member (never is a big word).

Being in UN is not like is any benefit for a small country like Kosovo swiss were not either and so what.

Look at Taiwan doing great without UN.

So just Relax kosovo has long road to develop many other things other than worry about UN.

But Serbia becoming Isolated that is a big issue and if you aid and grants from EU are stoped lets see if Russia will pick the slack.

Good Luck to Kosovo people 71 is good progress.

"Well lads I guess that put a bit of a spanner into the Qadaffi, Castro, Chavez, North Korea, Ahmedinijad jibes you lot usually throw at Team Serbia."
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 11:31)

Com on, be fair, Qatar is for sure an improvement, compared to the last recognitions (Kingdom of Swaziland and Somalia, the multiethnic and multiconfessional dream state in Africa)

Qatar, another bastion of liberal democracy.

"Freedom in the World 2006 lists Qatar as "Not Free", and on a 1-7 scale (1 being the most "free") rates the country a 6 for political rights and 5 for civil liberties.

As of 2008, the Democracy Index describes Qatar as an authoritarian regime with 2.92 points, just slightly more than Iran." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Qatar

Well lads I guess that put a bit of a spanner into the Qadaffi, Castro, Chavez, North Korea, Ahmedinijad jibes you lot usually throw at Team Serbia.

Let me spell this to you in as clear and a direct manner as I possibly can.

1. No EU for 'Kosova' (ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP)

2. No NATO for 'Kosova' (see above)

3. No UN for 'Kosova' (RUS & CHN)

and most importantly

4. No legal independence for 'Kosova' (need bilateral agreement from Belgrade)

so in essence you are still in the same position where you started off in = limbo, and I dont mean this kind either [link]

Until then my dears, suck it up.
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 14:48)

You seem very convinced about how the future is going to unfold. Apparently history has not tought you anything. You can spell your "NO"s as clearly as you want, in fact you have done so for decades. We are now used to your "NO"s but this didn't stop us from fighting for our rights and freedom. Your "NO"s fly right over our head and into the garbage.

For over 100 yrs you have said only "NO" to us, and look where we are now. In the most naive way, you keep underestimating the Albanian resolve in this matter and look at the results. 71 recognizions and counting, yet you prefer to ignore this reality. Fine by me.

Looks like someone is putting the cart before the horse and announcing recognitions before they even happen.

It seems like all the Serbian side can say is Russia will do this, Russia will not allow this, Russia will block this, etc.
Kind of like the bully on the school yard saying if you don't my big brother will beat you up.

And the Venezuela, Iran and Russia coalition that is supporting Serbia is of course far better in democracy, right? Mate, Qatar as one of the richest and quite influential countries in the Persian gulf increases the quantitative recognition of Kosova's independence. Kosoval already have The qualitative recognition (USA, 22 of 27 EU members, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea etc.) for the most democratic countries in the world but now it needs the quantitative one and every state counts...
(Modest Mind, 7 September 2010 12:46)

Let me spell this to you in as clear and a direct manner as I possibly can.

1. No EU for 'Kosova' (ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP)

2. No NATO for 'Kosova' (see above)

3. No UN for 'Kosova' (RUS & CHN)

and most importantly

4. No legal independence for 'Kosova' (need bilateral agreement from Belgrade)

so in essence you are still in the same position where you started off in = limbo, and I dont mean this kind either http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggIKV-jKz_U

Until then my dears, suck it up.

Fortunately Russia and China will veto Kosovo from UN!

I am not a fan of Russia or China. But they are right on this one: no unilateral declaration of independence!
(Ron, 7 September 2010 16:19)

PR China has only used it's veto 3 times, all of which were directly related to the Taiwan dispute. PR China prefers to abstain when it disagrees to an issue which it is not directly involved with. Also it is not in China's interests to have a disputed Kosovo, they know there is no going back. They would not veto Kosovo's membership to the UN, they'd abstain instead.

Russia would veto Kosovo's membership, however they will want some things passing through the UNSC at some point which the UK, US and France are not too bothered about; if they continue to veto Kosovo's membership ,the UK, US and France will veto things which Russia wants passing through the UNSC. How long will Russia withstand this? If Russia is to veto things which the UK, US and France want passing through the UNSC, then the UK, US and France will retaliate by vetoing things which Russia wants passing through the UNSC. Remember Serbia isn't all that to Russia, they have bigger things to worry about. It isn't practicable for Russia to veto Kosovo forever, it isn't worth it for Russia due to the consequences.

So we can count on the rest of the Islamic world to stab us in the back. It comes to a total of 5 out of the 30-50 new needed recognitions.

"When the oil gas runs out they will have a GDP of what sand and a camel is worth not much, not very productive peoples of the Arab Gulf. I guess the Brits will be trading their goods with them until the oil runs out giving them in the mean time blank moral checks until then.
(Lenard, 7 September 2010 18:13)"

They have enough gas and oil to last them 500 years at the current output. This recognition is worthy, at least for the next couple of hundred years.

--------------------------

" "Kosova" is not a "sue generis" case as some would like to point out and sets a precedent for Taiwan to seek UN recognition that has been denied to them for close to a century. On the contrary, China may indeed use its UN Security council veto as this issue does impact them directly. Why is it not in China interest to have a disputed Kosovo?
(Jugoslavija, 7 September 2010 23:41)"

I think you will find that Kosovo is a sui generis case. Please name another situation where a territory which had it's autonomy illegally dissolved? which lead to it wanting independence in the 1990s and turned into a war, which led to NATO intervening before it got out of hand. This resulted in Kosovo being under UN temporary administration/ self governance for nine years where it waited to have to have it's final status resolved; which Serbia unilaterally finalised without asking Kosovo in 2006 with it's constitution and thus Serbia violated UNSCR 1244 as there wasn't a joint agreement and Kosovo had no say in it's final status. This left Kosovo no option but to declared independence, which was contested by Serbia in the ICJ and it ruled in Kosovo's favour. Please name a similar situation/ case to Kosovo? You can't because Kosovo's case is unique and sui generis. Nowhere else in the world has been in a similar situation to Kosovo.

Yes in theory China could use it's veto, but in reality it won't. Capitalist PR China won't benefit from a disputed Kosovo nor will their economic partners in Europe and that is all that China cares about; making money. To date, China hasn't even whispered the word "veto", however many Serbs have put the words "veto" and "China" together when talking about Kosovo unlike China itself.

Qatar is # 71, and counting. isn't it amazing, after everything that's come down,all of the pressures, all of the threats, the nasty jokes... it seems as though the last laugh is on someone else...

we have kept the faith, never given up, never weakened, doubted. i never would have chosen such an acrimonious route, but given it, we've persevered.

there's plenty of progressive changes that need to be implemented -- no one pretends that everything in Kosova is perfect. it isn't. but we're on the right path. democracy is a process, inclusivity must be worked towards, corruption must be battled. human rights fully addressed, the traumas from the wars seriously addressed. right of return honored... the mass graves exhumed, wherever they lie.

anyway, 71 countries and counting. and one day, 100 recognitions. we're right on track.

I am totally in support of negotiating, of talking. we're sure that it has been happening, sub-rosa, as it is. but to sit down w serbian govt politicians, it is as equals. that, or nada. my opinion, of course.

ciao! and congratualtions.

robert-0

Looks like someone is putting the cart before the horse and announcing recognitions before they even happen.
(Zoran, 7 September 2010 12:48)
====================

Albanians are always accusing Serbs of speaking on someone else's behalf but look who's talking now.
Isn't Thaci speaking for someone else?

Let's see how many recognitions they really get and from where.

"KOSOVA" won´t become UN member, whether "KOSOVA" "collects" 71, 100 or 150 recognitions.

Because UNSC member Russia will not accept "KOSOVA".

For example Qatar has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $83,840, whereas Serbia has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $10,897. These are rather decent recognitions I must say.
(Ian, UK, 7 September 2010 11:57) When the oil gas runs out they will have a GDP of what sand and a camel is worth not much, not very productive peoples of the Arab Gulf. I guess the Brits will be trading their goods with them until the oil runs out giving them in the mean time blank moral checks until then.

"When the oil gas runs out they will have a GDP of what sand and a camel is worth not much, not very productive peoples of the Arab Gulf. I guess the Brits will be trading their goods with them until the oil runs out giving them in the mean time blank moral checks until then.
(Lenard, 7 September 2010 18:13) "

The current emir knows all about the finite nature of hydrocarbon resources, and is investing heavily in education and research. A number of foreign universities have opened branches in Doha - these guys intend to be ready for the end of gas.

Fortunately Russia and China will veto Kosovo from UN!

I am not a fan of Russia or China. But they are right on this one: no unilateral declaration of independence!

1. No EU for 'Kosova' (ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP)
2. No NATO for 'Kosova' (see above)
3. No UN for 'Kosova' (RUS & CHN)
and most importantly
4. No legal independence for 'Kosova' (need bilateral agreement from Belgrade)
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 14:48)

1. ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP have never said that they will veto Kosovo’s admission to the EU. You can admit an entity to the EU without recognizing it as a country.
2. See above
3. Who cares; Kosovo is in Europe, not in Africa. They are independent regardless of UN membership. If they agreed to be an autonomous province of Serbia, Kosovo would not be a UN member anyway.
4. Who cares that Kosovo’s independence is illegal under Serbia’s constitution. Sue them in a Serbian court if you want. I’m sure everybody will have good laugh.

Because UNSC member Russia will not accept "KOSOVA".
(dht, 7 September 2010 14:50)

And if Kosovo is never a member of the UN, exactly what does that mean? After all Taiwan isn't a member and they seem to be doing pretty well. In fact, if Kosovo ever achieved the economic status of Taiwan, it would considered a great success.

What? You mean qatar has not recognized until now? That country is one big, US military base. Nobody had to bribe them; just park a tank in front of the emir's palace.

PR China has only used it's veto 3 times, all of which were directly related to the Taiwan dispute. PR China prefers to abstain when it disagrees to an issue which it is not directly involved with. Also it is not in China's interests to have a disputed Kosovo, they know there is no going back. They would not veto Kosovo's membership to the UN, they'd abstain instead.

(Ian, UK, 7 September 2010 17:42)

"Kosova" is not a "sue generis" case as some would like to point out and sets a precedent for Taiwan to seek UN recognition that has been denied to them for close to a century.

On the contrary, China may indeed use its UN Security council veto as this issue does impact them directly.

Why is it not in China interest to have a disputed Kosovo?

PR China has only used it's veto 3 times, all of which were directly related to the Taiwan dispute. PR China prefers to abstain when it disagrees to an issue which it is not directly involved with. Also it is not in China's interests to have a disputed Kosovo, they know there is no going back. They would not veto Kosovo's membership to the UN, they'd abstain instead.

(Ian, UK, 7 September 2010 17:42)

Sorry to disappoint but the Chinese leadership has said it would veto any membership claims by Kosovo in the UN. It sees Kosovo as a direct threat to its territory of Taiwan plus it does not want give any hope for Tibet.


The current emir knows all about the finite nature of hydrocarbon resources, and is investing heavily in education and research. A number of foreign universities have opened branches in Doha - these guys intend to be ready for the end of gas.
(Amer, 7 September 2010 23:41)

In general most of these middle-eastern oil producing countries are up to their necks in debt and that’s the way the US likes it. A foreign university means little and some of their degrees are not worth the paper that are printed on – remember that you can’t be too strict with the marks otherwise no students.

All the industry you have mentioned is superficial – while the big bucks are around they are there but as soon as it becomes tough they fly away. Once the oil and gas runs out, there will only be tourism left.

"In general most of these middle-eastern oil producing countries are up to their necks in debt and that’s the way the US likes it. "

We're talking a specific country here - where are your figures on Qatar's indebtedness?

"A foreign university means little and some of their degrees are not worth the paper that are printed on – remember that you can’t be too strict with the marks otherwise no students."

Which ones aren't worth the paper?

"All the industry you have mentioned is superficial – while the big bucks are around they are there but as soon as it becomes tough they fly away."

Which industries that I mentioned are superficial? The Qatar government is concentrating on developing its own. With a highly-educated populace, they can continue to be a mini-economic powerhouse, like Singapore.

"Once the oil and gas runs out, there will only be tourism left.
(sj, 8 September 2010 05:28)"

That's not how they're planning it, obviously. In the meantime, they're in talks with Kosovo officials about investments there, which is probably more relevant here than guesses about the timing of peak oil and gas.

(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 11:31)
However, none of those issues were important as long as it was perceived that Qatar was in Serbia's corner?
Unfortunately the UN is made up of all mixtures of governments, Serbia is courting countries irregardless of their "democratic" worthiness, that does not change if they support Kosovo.
Now, do you believe Serbia will not revel in the support from Iran, Libya, North Korea if it is given at the UNGA.

Those grapes must be getting very sour!

It seems like all the Serbian side can say is Russia will do this, Russia will not allow this, Russia will block this, etc.
Kind of like the bully on the school yard saying if you don't my big brother will beat you up.
(doodah, 7 September 2010 20:24)
====================

Hahaha, you're talking about yourselves here and don't even see it.

You guys are the ones hiding behind NATO. You are the last people on earth to say something like you just did.
I would be too embarrassed to come up with such a ridiculous statement if I was as dependent on the US and NATO as much as you guys are.

Wait a minute someone compare the KosovA so called state with Taiwan let alone Switzerland. For real! I cannot stop laughing out loud.
For KosovO UN chair is important but they won't become member of it until they come back to Serbia. Just like they keep saying they won't be part of Serbia ever again I would ask them what will happen when the Americans go home. Americans are too far away but Kosovo is surrounded in greater extent by Serbia. In situation when only one side is satisfied progress won't be made. Think of it!

Yet more recognitions for the Albanians to add to their ever growing list.

Is it necessary! We all know and the ICJ has confirmed it - declaring yourself independent is not illegal!

Is this what these recognitions are recognising? What an irrelevance! Their recognitions to my mind are becomming a joke.

Presumably these countries recognise Serbia. In which case they have already recognised that Kosovo is a part of Serbia! Until Serbia says otherwise Kosovo will always be Serbian.

Yes in theory China could use it's veto, but in reality it won't. Capitalist PR China won't benefit from a disputed Kosovo nor will their economic partners in Europe and that is all that China cares about; making money. To date, China hasn't even whispered the word "veto", however many Serbs have put the words "veto" and "China" together when talking about Kosovo unlike China itself.
(Ian, UK, 8 September 2010 09:51

I don’t know where you get this from but China is extremely concerned about the Kosovo issue. Perhaps living in the Uk has distorted your views of Asia. In fact five years before the handover of Hong Kong the Uk established what it called “a democratic system” or in plain English, a half-baked system of electing a government so as to destabilise Chinese authority over the island. But during the past 95 years of British rule there was nothing – it was governed under an autocratic system.

Just because the Times does not write about it does not mean it will not happen. I suggest that you learn to read Mandarin and buy some Chinese newspapers. China is greatly concerned over Taiwan and Tibet. Plus the recent announcement that southern Sudan will hold a referendum to break away from Sudan has China even more concerned.

“Capitalist PR China won't benefit from a disputed Kosovo nor will their economic partners in Europe and that is all that China cares about; making money”

You have to be kidding! Where do you get this one from? Kosovo stopping trade between China and the EU!!!!. I think you believe this nonsense a little too much. Like the US, the EU will trade with Satan if its profitable.

For your information China and South Korea are in the process of opening up factories in Serbia right now, but I have not read or heard one Corporation, country or individual that will do the same in this so called independent Kosovo and it has been recognised by most of the western countries.

Qatar, another bastion of liberal democracy.

"Freedom in the World 2006 lists Qatar as "Not Free", and on a 1-7 scale (1 being the most "free") rates the country a 6 for political rights and 5 for civil liberties.

As of 2008, the Democracy Index describes Qatar as an authoritarian regime with 2.92 points, just slightly more than Iran." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Qatar

Well lads I guess that put a bit of a spanner into the Qadaffi, Castro, Chavez, North Korea, Ahmedinijad jibes you lot usually throw at Team Serbia.

And the Venezuela, Iran and Russia coalition that is supporting Serbia is of course far better in democracy, right? Mate, Qatar as one of the richest and quite influential countries in the Persian gulf increases the quantitative recognition of Kosova's independence. Kosoval already have The qualitative recognition (USA, 22 of 27 EU members, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea etc.) for the most democratic countries in the world but now it needs the quantitative one and every state counts...
(Modest Mind, 7 September 2010 12:46)

Let me spell this to you in as clear and a direct manner as I possibly can.

1. No EU for 'Kosova' (ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP)

2. No NATO for 'Kosova' (see above)

3. No UN for 'Kosova' (RUS & CHN)

and most importantly

4. No legal independence for 'Kosova' (need bilateral agreement from Belgrade)

so in essence you are still in the same position where you started off in = limbo, and I dont mean this kind either http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggIKV-jKz_U

Until then my dears, suck it up.

"KOSOVA" won´t become UN member, whether "KOSOVA" "collects" 71, 100 or 150 recognitions.

Because UNSC member Russia will not accept "KOSOVA".

Looks like someone is putting the cart before the horse and announcing recognitions before they even happen.
(Zoran, 7 September 2010 12:48)
====================

Albanians are always accusing Serbs of speaking on someone else's behalf but look who's talking now.
Isn't Thaci speaking for someone else?

Let's see how many recognitions they really get and from where.

Fortunately Russia and China will veto Kosovo from UN!

I am not a fan of Russia or China. But they are right on this one: no unilateral declaration of independence!

Looks like someone is putting the cart before the horse and announcing recognitions before they even happen.

So we can count on the rest of the Islamic world to stab us in the back. It comes to a total of 5 out of the 30-50 new needed recognitions.

Qatar, another bastion of liberal democracy.

"Freedom in the World 2006 lists Qatar as "Not Free", and on a 1-7 scale (1 being the most "free") rates the country a 6 for political rights and 5 for civil liberties.

As of 2008, the Democracy Index describes Qatar as an authoritarian regime with 2.92 points, just slightly more than Iran." [link]

Well lads I guess that put a bit of a spanner into the Qadaffi, Castro, Chavez, North Korea, Ahmedinijad jibes you lot usually throw at Team Serbia.
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 11:31)

Which, til yesterday, you of the pro-serb camp were boasting to have on your side. So next time think a couple of hundred times before screaming from the depth of your lungs that most of the UN members are on your side, as it sems they are dropping fast.

If it is confirmed it's a positive development for Kosovo because there had been a "big hole " in the recognition process by the Muslim World...

It was bound to happen. The CCASG countries are mega rich and thus can ignore Russia's pressure and "promises". For example Qatar has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $83,840, whereas Serbia has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $10,897. These are rather decent recognitions I must say.

Since I last heard that 70 nations recognize Kosovo's status as a sovereign nation. Qatar's recognition makes it now the 71st nation to recognize Kosovo's independence.Therefore my message for pro-independence Kosovars is to keep up the good work in receiving recognitions.

#2 - Niall O'Doherty

And the Venezuela, Iran and Russia coalition that is supporting Serbia is of course far better in democracy, right? Mate, Qatar as one of the richest and quite influential countries in the Persian gulf increases the quantitative recognition of Kosova's independence. Kosoval already have The qualitative recognition (USA, 22 of 27 EU members, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea etc.) for the most democratic countries in the world but now it needs the quantitative one and every state counts...

Ok so Kosovo will never be UN member (never is a big word).

Being in UN is not like is any benefit for a small country like Kosovo swiss were not either and so what.

Look at Taiwan doing great without UN.

So just Relax kosovo has long road to develop many other things other than worry about UN.

But Serbia becoming Isolated that is a big issue and if you aid and grants from EU are stoped lets see if Russia will pick the slack.

Good Luck to Kosovo people 71 is good progress.

For example Qatar has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $83,840, whereas Serbia has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $10,897. These are rather decent recognitions I must say.
(Ian, UK, 7 September 2010 11:57) When the oil gas runs out they will have a GDP of what sand and a camel is worth not much, not very productive peoples of the Arab Gulf. I guess the Brits will be trading their goods with them until the oil runs out giving them in the mean time blank moral checks until then.

It seems like all the Serbian side can say is Russia will do this, Russia will not allow this, Russia will block this, etc.
Kind of like the bully on the school yard saying if you don't my big brother will beat you up.

PR China has only used it's veto 3 times, all of which were directly related to the Taiwan dispute. PR China prefers to abstain when it disagrees to an issue which it is not directly involved with. Also it is not in China's interests to have a disputed Kosovo, they know there is no going back. They would not veto Kosovo's membership to the UN, they'd abstain instead.

(Ian, UK, 7 September 2010 17:42)

"Kosova" is not a "sue generis" case as some would like to point out and sets a precedent for Taiwan to seek UN recognition that has been denied to them for close to a century.

On the contrary, China may indeed use its UN Security council veto as this issue does impact them directly.

Why is it not in China interest to have a disputed Kosovo?

Qatar is # 71, and counting. isn't it amazing, after everything that's come down,all of the pressures, all of the threats, the nasty jokes... it seems as though the last laugh is on someone else...

we have kept the faith, never given up, never weakened, doubted. i never would have chosen such an acrimonious route, but given it, we've persevered.

there's plenty of progressive changes that need to be implemented -- no one pretends that everything in Kosova is perfect. it isn't. but we're on the right path. democracy is a process, inclusivity must be worked towards, corruption must be battled. human rights fully addressed, the traumas from the wars seriously addressed. right of return honored... the mass graves exhumed, wherever they lie.

anyway, 71 countries and counting. and one day, 100 recognitions. we're right on track.

I am totally in support of negotiating, of talking. we're sure that it has been happening, sub-rosa, as it is. but to sit down w serbian govt politicians, it is as equals. that, or nada. my opinion, of course.

ciao! and congratualtions.

robert-0

Wait a minute someone compare the KosovA so called state with Taiwan let alone Switzerland. For real! I cannot stop laughing out loud.
For KosovO UN chair is important but they won't become member of it until they come back to Serbia. Just like they keep saying they won't be part of Serbia ever again I would ask them what will happen when the Americans go home. Americans are too far away but Kosovo is surrounded in greater extent by Serbia. In situation when only one side is satisfied progress won't be made. Think of it!

What? You mean qatar has not recognized until now? That country is one big, US military base. Nobody had to bribe them; just park a tank in front of the emir's palace.

"When the oil gas runs out they will have a GDP of what sand and a camel is worth not much, not very productive peoples of the Arab Gulf. I guess the Brits will be trading their goods with them until the oil runs out giving them in the mean time blank moral checks until then.
(Lenard, 7 September 2010 18:13)"

They have enough gas and oil to last them 500 years at the current output. This recognition is worthy, at least for the next couple of hundred years.

--------------------------

" "Kosova" is not a "sue generis" case as some would like to point out and sets a precedent for Taiwan to seek UN recognition that has been denied to them for close to a century. On the contrary, China may indeed use its UN Security council veto as this issue does impact them directly. Why is it not in China interest to have a disputed Kosovo?
(Jugoslavija, 7 September 2010 23:41)"

I think you will find that Kosovo is a sui generis case. Please name another situation where a territory which had it's autonomy illegally dissolved? which lead to it wanting independence in the 1990s and turned into a war, which led to NATO intervening before it got out of hand. This resulted in Kosovo being under UN temporary administration/ self governance for nine years where it waited to have to have it's final status resolved; which Serbia unilaterally finalised without asking Kosovo in 2006 with it's constitution and thus Serbia violated UNSCR 1244 as there wasn't a joint agreement and Kosovo had no say in it's final status. This left Kosovo no option but to declared independence, which was contested by Serbia in the ICJ and it ruled in Kosovo's favour. Please name a similar situation/ case to Kosovo? You can't because Kosovo's case is unique and sui generis. Nowhere else in the world has been in a similar situation to Kosovo.

Yes in theory China could use it's veto, but in reality it won't. Capitalist PR China won't benefit from a disputed Kosovo nor will their economic partners in Europe and that is all that China cares about; making money. To date, China hasn't even whispered the word "veto", however many Serbs have put the words "veto" and "China" together when talking about Kosovo unlike China itself.

"Well lads I guess that put a bit of a spanner into the Qadaffi, Castro, Chavez, North Korea, Ahmedinijad jibes you lot usually throw at Team Serbia."
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 11:31)

Com on, be fair, Qatar is for sure an improvement, compared to the last recognitions (Kingdom of Swaziland and Somalia, the multiethnic and multiconfessional dream state in Africa)

Let me spell this to you in as clear and a direct manner as I possibly can.

1. No EU for 'Kosova' (ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP)

2. No NATO for 'Kosova' (see above)

3. No UN for 'Kosova' (RUS & CHN)

and most importantly

4. No legal independence for 'Kosova' (need bilateral agreement from Belgrade)

so in essence you are still in the same position where you started off in = limbo, and I dont mean this kind either [link]

Until then my dears, suck it up.
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 14:48)

You seem very convinced about how the future is going to unfold. Apparently history has not tought you anything. You can spell your "NO"s as clearly as you want, in fact you have done so for decades. We are now used to your "NO"s but this didn't stop us from fighting for our rights and freedom. Your "NO"s fly right over our head and into the garbage.

For over 100 yrs you have said only "NO" to us, and look where we are now. In the most naive way, you keep underestimating the Albanian resolve in this matter and look at the results. 71 recognizions and counting, yet you prefer to ignore this reality. Fine by me.

"When the oil gas runs out they will have a GDP of what sand and a camel is worth not much, not very productive peoples of the Arab Gulf. I guess the Brits will be trading their goods with them until the oil runs out giving them in the mean time blank moral checks until then.
(Lenard, 7 September 2010 18:13) "

The current emir knows all about the finite nature of hydrocarbon resources, and is investing heavily in education and research. A number of foreign universities have opened branches in Doha - these guys intend to be ready for the end of gas.

Because UNSC member Russia will not accept "KOSOVA".
(dht, 7 September 2010 14:50)

And if Kosovo is never a member of the UN, exactly what does that mean? After all Taiwan isn't a member and they seem to be doing pretty well. In fact, if Kosovo ever achieved the economic status of Taiwan, it would considered a great success.

Fortunately Russia and China will veto Kosovo from UN!

I am not a fan of Russia or China. But they are right on this one: no unilateral declaration of independence!
(Ron, 7 September 2010 16:19)

PR China has only used it's veto 3 times, all of which were directly related to the Taiwan dispute. PR China prefers to abstain when it disagrees to an issue which it is not directly involved with. Also it is not in China's interests to have a disputed Kosovo, they know there is no going back. They would not veto Kosovo's membership to the UN, they'd abstain instead.

Russia would veto Kosovo's membership, however they will want some things passing through the UNSC at some point which the UK, US and France are not too bothered about; if they continue to veto Kosovo's membership ,the UK, US and France will veto things which Russia wants passing through the UNSC. How long will Russia withstand this? If Russia is to veto things which the UK, US and France want passing through the UNSC, then the UK, US and France will retaliate by vetoing things which Russia wants passing through the UNSC. Remember Serbia isn't all that to Russia, they have bigger things to worry about. It isn't practicable for Russia to veto Kosovo forever, it isn't worth it for Russia due to the consequences.

It seems like all the Serbian side can say is Russia will do this, Russia will not allow this, Russia will block this, etc.
Kind of like the bully on the school yard saying if you don't my big brother will beat you up.
(doodah, 7 September 2010 20:24)
====================

Hahaha, you're talking about yourselves here and don't even see it.

You guys are the ones hiding behind NATO. You are the last people on earth to say something like you just did.
I would be too embarrassed to come up with such a ridiculous statement if I was as dependent on the US and NATO as much as you guys are.

(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 11:31)
However, none of those issues were important as long as it was perceived that Qatar was in Serbia's corner?
Unfortunately the UN is made up of all mixtures of governments, Serbia is courting countries irregardless of their "democratic" worthiness, that does not change if they support Kosovo.
Now, do you believe Serbia will not revel in the support from Iran, Libya, North Korea if it is given at the UNGA.

Those grapes must be getting very sour!

PR China has only used it's veto 3 times, all of which were directly related to the Taiwan dispute. PR China prefers to abstain when it disagrees to an issue which it is not directly involved with. Also it is not in China's interests to have a disputed Kosovo, they know there is no going back. They would not veto Kosovo's membership to the UN, they'd abstain instead.

(Ian, UK, 7 September 2010 17:42)

Sorry to disappoint but the Chinese leadership has said it would veto any membership claims by Kosovo in the UN. It sees Kosovo as a direct threat to its territory of Taiwan plus it does not want give any hope for Tibet.


The current emir knows all about the finite nature of hydrocarbon resources, and is investing heavily in education and research. A number of foreign universities have opened branches in Doha - these guys intend to be ready for the end of gas.
(Amer, 7 September 2010 23:41)

In general most of these middle-eastern oil producing countries are up to their necks in debt and that’s the way the US likes it. A foreign university means little and some of their degrees are not worth the paper that are printed on – remember that you can’t be too strict with the marks otherwise no students.

All the industry you have mentioned is superficial – while the big bucks are around they are there but as soon as it becomes tough they fly away. Once the oil and gas runs out, there will only be tourism left.

Yes in theory China could use it's veto, but in reality it won't. Capitalist PR China won't benefit from a disputed Kosovo nor will their economic partners in Europe and that is all that China cares about; making money. To date, China hasn't even whispered the word "veto", however many Serbs have put the words "veto" and "China" together when talking about Kosovo unlike China itself.
(Ian, UK, 8 September 2010 09:51

I don’t know where you get this from but China is extremely concerned about the Kosovo issue. Perhaps living in the Uk has distorted your views of Asia. In fact five years before the handover of Hong Kong the Uk established what it called “a democratic system” or in plain English, a half-baked system of electing a government so as to destabilise Chinese authority over the island. But during the past 95 years of British rule there was nothing – it was governed under an autocratic system.

Just because the Times does not write about it does not mean it will not happen. I suggest that you learn to read Mandarin and buy some Chinese newspapers. China is greatly concerned over Taiwan and Tibet. Plus the recent announcement that southern Sudan will hold a referendum to break away from Sudan has China even more concerned.

“Capitalist PR China won't benefit from a disputed Kosovo nor will their economic partners in Europe and that is all that China cares about; making money”

You have to be kidding! Where do you get this one from? Kosovo stopping trade between China and the EU!!!!. I think you believe this nonsense a little too much. Like the US, the EU will trade with Satan if its profitable.

For your information China and South Korea are in the process of opening up factories in Serbia right now, but I have not read or heard one Corporation, country or individual that will do the same in this so called independent Kosovo and it has been recognised by most of the western countries.

1. No EU for 'Kosova' (ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP)
2. No NATO for 'Kosova' (see above)
3. No UN for 'Kosova' (RUS & CHN)
and most importantly
4. No legal independence for 'Kosova' (need bilateral agreement from Belgrade)
(Niall O'Doherty, 7 September 2010 14:48)

1. ESP, SVK, ROM, GRE, CYP have never said that they will veto Kosovo’s admission to the EU. You can admit an entity to the EU without recognizing it as a country.
2. See above
3. Who cares; Kosovo is in Europe, not in Africa. They are independent regardless of UN membership. If they agreed to be an autonomous province of Serbia, Kosovo would not be a UN member anyway.
4. Who cares that Kosovo’s independence is illegal under Serbia’s constitution. Sue them in a Serbian court if you want. I’m sure everybody will have good laugh.

Yet more recognitions for the Albanians to add to their ever growing list.

Is it necessary! We all know and the ICJ has confirmed it - declaring yourself independent is not illegal!

Is this what these recognitions are recognising? What an irrelevance! Their recognitions to my mind are becomming a joke.

Presumably these countries recognise Serbia. In which case they have already recognised that Kosovo is a part of Serbia! Until Serbia says otherwise Kosovo will always be Serbian.

"In general most of these middle-eastern oil producing countries are up to their necks in debt and that’s the way the US likes it. "

We're talking a specific country here - where are your figures on Qatar's indebtedness?

"A foreign university means little and some of their degrees are not worth the paper that are printed on – remember that you can’t be too strict with the marks otherwise no students."

Which ones aren't worth the paper?

"All the industry you have mentioned is superficial – while the big bucks are around they are there but as soon as it becomes tough they fly away."

Which industries that I mentioned are superficial? The Qatar government is concentrating on developing its own. With a highly-educated populace, they can continue to be a mini-economic powerhouse, like Singapore.

"Once the oil and gas runs out, there will only be tourism left.
(sj, 8 September 2010 05:28)"

That's not how they're planning it, obviously. In the meantime, they're in talks with Kosovo officials about investments there, which is probably more relevant here than guesses about the timing of peak oil and gas.