Analyst: Historical agreement with EU

“No one is asking Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence."

- really ???

Wordsworth (UK ambassador to Serbia);
"He said that Serbia could be headed back to isolation if it continues to ignore the EU and “does what it wants,”

"everyone who is not prepared should not apply for memebership should not apply""
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=09&dd=07&nav_id=69539

Hague UK FM;
"B92: So the Serbian president is wrong to believe that Serbia will be allowed not to ever recognize Kosovo?

Hague: I haven’t come here to discuss that today, I’m saying I’m not expecting him to be able to turn around today and say ‘We’re going to recognize Kosovo’"
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/in_focus.php?id=91&start=15&nav_id=69473
i.e. - lets pretend for now its not being asked and yes it will be the case!

Especially given the viewpoint of Westerwelle Germany's FM;
"“A day will come for representatives of Belgrade and Priština to sit at the same table and speak about the EU. It’s maybe a utopia for you, but it can be achieved. Reconciliation can succeed if you face reality. Independent Kosovo is a reality and the opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has uniquely confirmed it,” the German FM pointed out."

i.e. do as we demand and accept our reality of what is and isn't Serbian sovreignity.

There is no hiding behind the facts of the indecent proposal that has been put forth irrespective of it needing to be answered now or shortly!

Roll on elections - the sooner the better!!!

Put some more sugar on the "hard pill" ....

This is no hard pill for Belgrade, Luigi. After all, Pristina is being forced back to the table. The EU realized it was stuck on Kosovo and, unlike the US, finally realized it needed to do something to resolve the status question given that the hold outs on recognition are refusing to budge - as are Russia, China, India, Brazil and a whole host of other major non-western international actors.

Let's just hope the KAs show some sense and cut a proper deal with Belgrade. There is still a chance everyone walks away winners. Kosovo gets its statehood formally recognised, Serbia keeps the north and gets arrangements for the church areas and the Serbs in the rest of Kosovo - and at long last gets rid of what has always been an economic, financial, political and social black hole.

Of course, Pristina may refuse to play ball, but it is going to quickly lose favour with the EU if it is seen to be masterminding it's own continued isolation on the world stage by refusing to cut a deal that would overcome the Russian and Chinese veto at the UN.

Seriously, this resolution poses a real risk for Pristina if it continues to be as intransigent as it has been up until now. And don't rely on the US to get you off the hook this time! This is now a European problem and it is clear that they want this solved once and for all. They won't allow anti-Serb hardliners in Washington to manipulate the situation as they did during the status farce in 2005-2007.

I have to admit that I have, up until now, openly admired Tadic's handling of what is a very difficult and emotional subject. I am saddened to read this story because, if accurate, it would appear that he is turning his back on Kosovo in all but rhetoric. I dont understand how he has allowed the EU to remove the two things from the resolution that seemed to be the most important, those being Serbia's insistance that secsession is not the way to resolve the issue and the need for both sides to be "allowed" to sit down and discuss all issues openly. Serbia can discuss anything unless its the real issue? So Pristina can make demands and set limitations to the potential dialogue without anyone saying a word but if Serbia request open and honest discussions they are met with blackmail and threats from all sides? Tadic appears to have accepted this with the rewrite of the resolution. And on the same day that Thaci and his team announce the potential formation of the Kosovo Army? The laughable thing is that all the EU noises about Balkan stability and security are directed towards Serbia's request for talks!!

(Vejvoda).... said that the worst thing that Serbia could do in a time of global economic crisis, when unemployment is rising and there are no new investments, is to enter a confrontation with the European Union.

No....I believe the WORST thing that you can do during an economic crisis is to "attach" yourself to a sinking economic ship like the EU. Where is the logic there??? And it is no secret what desperate condition the EU is in, both economically and politically. I was beginning to believe that Tadic and Jeremic were actually on the right path defending Kosovo- peacefully and diplomatically....but I was wrong....they are nothing more than puppets for the West- all to the detriment of Serbia.

This is part of the softening up process.We had 1244 .Then we went to the ICJ.Then we were submitting our own resolution.Now that has changed.We have been betrayed by this spineless traitor regime which has failed to insist on its own principles.It has betrayed the Serbs in Kosovo.It has betrayed its constituents.It is an immoral spineless regime which now exists as a quasi state.It is there to be told what to do.It is every inch a quisling state like Vichy,Hungary,Rumania, Bulgaria were in WW2.
Do not lie to the people.We have capitulated.That is the only real word here.Principles? Courage? honesty? self respect? There isn't any.Don't worry there will be the EU lots of jobs and easy money they say.Don't bank on it.The ruling elite will be benefit.There will be meetings, intergovernmental conferences etc.Serbs why do you put up with this spineless regime?

Now it's time for the spin to begin. I think many of us were expecting the sell-out sooner or later. Lets hope Russia and China don't get too upset.

I agree with Luigi. It is a hard pill for the EU to swallow. Serbia didn't lose anything but the EU is having to roll over for Serbia and the five EU countries that don't recognize Kosovo to keep the peace. Tadic and Jeremic are very smart people.

Jim is exactly right here. Now that some "historic agreement" has been reached between Belgrade and Brussels, the burden of compliance now lies with Pristina to go along. London and Berlin can now turn to Thaci et al and say "we gave you what you wanted - negotiations without status, now we expect you to provide a number of concessions on your own".

Why are all these "secret" meetings we keep hearing about taking place? Methinks pressure was already being put on Belgrade and Pristina to relinquish unobtainable and unsustainable claims: Belgrade keeps status off the table, and now Pristina will be forced to grant a number of additional concessions to Serbian interests in Kosovo. If they stonewall, those supporters they relied on in the past will be less likely to support them now.

This entire event to me really seems focused on the EU wanting stability and consensus; not any particular "victory" for Kosovo over Serbia.

All the recognitions in the world won't be able to stop an independent Kosovo from being internally divided.

No wonder Pristina suddenly wants an army.

What is the purpose of serbian resolution,when it is going to be voted by USA,EU and albanians?
Why Jeremic was lobbing up and down?

Of course it's a historical moment, mr. Vojvoda can say that Serbija is not recognising Kosovo's independence - they are just asking the world do accept that ICJ's decission is the only right one, that Kosovo's government has done the right thing and that they are glad that EU is helping them in new talk's with the Kosovo government about technical issues and not status related issues. It looks like recognition, it smells like recognition, it feels like recognition, we just don't call it recognition. Congratulation to both country's, I really hope that there will be peace and cooperation from now, serbs and albanians have lost to mutch in the past they deserve better.

The question is if the Serbian public opinion will accept the change of Tadic attidute made under EU and US pressure as a successful story. I am sure that the nationalistic feeling part of Serbian DNA will create still problems for Serbia in the future. Any integration or similiar discussion of Serbia will be always linked to the Kosovo question. There will be always a nightmare for EU and Serbia if Kosovo is not considered by Serbia as independent country. It is an ilusion that the time is on the side of Serbia. The "compromise" Serbia made on the UN Resolution is only an aspirin for EU heads. Headaches will start again.

It is a step forward. Soon we are going to hear what format the negotiations will be. Will each party desplay flags during the negotiation which I doubt. That will satisfy Serbia because it will say "we are talking to our province". Any agreement between Kosovo and Serbia will have international endorsements. On the other side the political battle will be concentrated on further international recognitions for Kosovo and the oposite stand from Serbia. In these circumstances, the issue of Serbia's sovereignity and territorial integrity over Kosovo is OUT of any agenda. And that was all about on Serbia's stance. Good luck in peace talks to both Kosovo and Serbia!

Amer - ha! No nice try about it! Serbia has been calling for talks for ages, but Pristina, backed by the US and key EU powers, steadfastly refused. Now you have a report from the ICG, which we all know carries weight and reflects the views of many western decision makers, calling for open talks on all items between the two sides and a UN GA resolution to confirm the need for new talks. Seriously, I think I know who has just been sucker punched. Yes, Belgrade didn't get the tough resolution it wanted, but the KAs have just found themselves bounced into talks that will cover status and territory (trading one for the other).

Again, no nice try about it! Just stop for a moment and think about it. You might then understand what has just happened!

It is too early to say. On the face of it, it looks like a climb down but we don't know exactly what 'Brussels' has promised.

1: What are these promises 'exactly' (officially and unofficially) and will they be held to verifiable account. We know that the west regularly 'reinterprets' agreements or tries to change those in place by hook or by crook (i.e. Dayton) or in this case Brussels may just say that from their interpretation it is an acceptance by Belgrade of the Ahtisaari plan for example;

2: Whether such and action by Tadic leads to recognitions by states that would not have done so if he had not agreed with Brussels on this issue;

3: Whether this is in fact a successful break from the cycle of the Serbs doing the right thing yet paying a massive price (siding against the austrians in WWI, siding with the Allies in WWII whilst their neighbors did the opposite) which ultimately benefited their neighboring enemies.

4: Whether Belgrade is expected (in return) to give up the blocking of Pristina in all sorts of international fora etc.

I'll actually believe the wording of the resolution when it is actually introduced and wouldn't trust 'Brussels' for a second when in reality it is the governments of UK, De & Fr who are the real upholders of such an agreement. Brussels is often the convenient fig leaf used for PR purposes.

"Now it's time for the spin to begin. I think many of us were expecting the sell-out sooner or later. Lets hope Russia and China don't get too upset.
(Zoran, 9 September 2010 11:14)"

Russia and China are probably delighted with the move. You don't honestly think they spend time trying to think up ways to antagonize major trading partners, do you? (Well, China, anyway.) A headline from yesterday: "China wants to improve US relations." (No, I didn't read it - we pay people good money to keep track of the backs-and-forths of the US-China relationship so I don't have to.) The Russian ambassador may rub it it a bit, seeking a psychological advantage, but Rada Trajkovic said years ago that both ambassadors were pushing Serbia to make some kind of deal. Tadic has just taken a job off their to-do lists, without it blowing up in their faces. Whether they are gracious enough to thank Serbia for it is another question.

(Jim, 9 September 2010 12:06) -

Good try!

Why are all these "secret" meetings we keep hearing about taking place? Methinks pressure was already being put on Belgrade and Pristina to relinquish unobtainable and unsustainable claims: Belgrade keeps status off the table, and now Pristina will be forced to grant a number of additional concessions to Serbian interests in Kosovo. If they stonewall, those supporters they relied on in the past will be less likely to support them now.

This entire event to me really seems focused on the EU wanting stability and consensus; not any particular "victory" for Kosovo over Serbia.

All the recognitions in the world won't be able to stop an independent Kosovo from being internally divided.

No wonder Pristina suddenly wants an army.
(Mike, 9 September 2010 16:03)

No problem we will provide Belgrade some concessions that do not touch K-Status, or territorial integrity of Kosova. For example we will build court houses in K-North made of both ethnicites, will build a police force in the North compounded by both ethnicities, we will allow special connections of Serbian orthodox church in K. to Serbian orthodox church in Serbia under the juridisction of K-ministry of "culture and religion" (We will create one if needed). We will also talk about the special status of Albanians in Presevo. We will talk, let negotiation get started about all practical issues directed to improve the lives of our people.
If feels great to talk again.
Just don't push!

It is actually surprising to see that Serbia freely gives in to surrender it's last mean to counter Kosovo independence on international basis. Of course, there was little hope for Serbia to succeed, but the very fact that they surrendered speaks volumes. The ICJ ruling was already very clear, but with the voting in the UNGA, the opinion gets meaning and here the European stance finally succeeded (along the ICJ opinion anyway).

I don't think that the pressure from outside was the only reason why but the reality that more and more countries made their stance as clear as possible. We reached a point where Serbia's obstruction was primarly self hurting. I expected in the long run that Serbia couln't outlast that, but it is still astonishing to see how fast surrender came.

Russia and China are probably delighted with the move.
(Amer, 9 September 2010 16:53)
--
On the surface Amer, I think you are correct. Jim in a large part is also correct as this has sprung up the unavoidable negotiations that Belgrade has been insisting on. The way in which it was achieved is questionable with pro and anti government supporters, however, what we end up achieving in the next few weeks/months will be the icing on the cake.

It should be fairly obvious by now that Kosovo cannot achieve international legitimacy (reason Russia and China). Even though we are weak at the EU level, Kosovo cannot achieve legitimacy there either (reason, in order - Cyprus (main one will never allow it), Spain, Romania, Greece and Slovakia).

You see, we only ever had two options. One is to negotiate and the other is to accept a frozen conflict. That's why all parties, China, Russia and Serbia have always pushed for the inevitable negotiations - and I can assure it, it will include status because it is practically unavoidable. Our guardian angles have guaranteed it.

Now, lets see what negotiations achieve. What do you think? Who will look like the uncompromising ones there?

"we gave you what you wanted - negotiations without status, now we expect you to provide a number of concessions on your own". -- Mike

Try reading about the compromise.

http://www.kushtetutakosoves.info/repository/docs/Kushtetuta.e.Republikes.se.Kosoves.pdf

Mike,

"...we expect you to provide a number of concessions on your own".

Serbia did not make any concession but had no choice. Either EU prospect or isolation. It is as simple as that. Serbs in Kosovo should have the same rights enjoyed by Albanians living in Presevo, Bujanovc and Medvegja. There is a lot to talk about that and that is just as a guidance.

Ok, so who is this 'analyst' Ivan Vejvoda? Let's have a look, he is the Executive Director of the Balkan Trust for Democracy.
http://www.gmfus.org/balkantrust
This is basically an organization funded by the NATO countries to spread lies and propoganda. Just follow the money people, and put two and two together.

What is my point here? If Ivan Vejvoda likes this 'compromise' and is promoting it, this is a catastrophe for Serbia. This guy is in the same camp as the Ceda Jovanovic team.
All I can say is, 'Pomozi Boze!'. We have been betrayed by the sell outs.
Time for new elections, and I smell a revolution!!

Guys stop blaming the West or the US for serbia's territorial problems. You are in this situation because you chose to be. Serbs should be thankful to Tadic for what he is doing. He has understood that Serbia is to small to play against the powers that feed her. Serbia has a lot of weak points and should be careful in not creating more ethnic conflicts. Look as soon as Dodik asks for RS independence you have Sanzak rising asking autonomy.

“It has never been about that for the EU. It has however always been about the best and easiest way to manage the situation. […]This has always been about manageability rather than about choosing who will be victorious.” (johny)

I’ll agree to that, and in the context you placed it in regarding Kosovo and numbers, it's certainly logical. Particularly since Belgrade hasn’t offered any concrete ideas on how to integrate nearly 2 million Albanians. In fact, they benefit from cutting loose 2 million Albanians that they wouldn’t know what to do with. But on the same token, Pristina should take similar note on the difficulty if not near impossibility of integrating 100,000 Serbs, particularly the 40K Serbs up north. Yes, it’s a far smaller number but they’ve proven quite effective in stymieing efforts at socio-political unity (then again, Pristina trips over itself everytime it tries "integrate" them. Seriously, at times I think even Milosevic was more graceful). If the EU is all interested in manageability as you say, my arguments that suggest a number of possible solutions for solving the Kosovo issue are not that far-fetched. If Europe as a whole is equally indifferent to both Serbs and Albanians but wants everyone to be quiet and not screw with each other, then it is certainly not improbable that in return for letting go of Kosovo’s status, Serbia and K-Serbs are going to get a number of goodies in return – again more so to shut them up and manage the whole situation. Now the burden is on Pristina to accept it.

“Serbia did not make any concession but had no choice.” (EA)

“Compromise” is what was reported, not “capitulation”, EA. I’d really be curious to see what in the last 48 – 72 hours made Belgrade amenable to a compromise, and I reckon the nature of Kosovo’s negotiations will reveal the ratio of carrots to sticks. If Jeremić was all ready to go to diplomatic war in the UN over Kosovo, what did Ashton offer as a consolation gift? It had to have been something other than threats of isolation. I agree that whatever is agreed on should in some way be reflected to Presevo, but remember that Kosovo is a “special case” and therefore shouldn’t have that much bearing on other potential trouble-spots. If Serbia has to reconcile itself with a number of Serbs living in Kosovo, Kosovo has to reconcile itself with Albanians living in Serb-controlled Presevo.

“For example we will build court houses in K-North made of both ethnicites, will build a police force in the North compounded by both ethnicities, we will allow special connections of Serbian orthodox church in K. to Serbian orthodox church in Serbia under the juridisction of K-ministry of "culture and religion" (We will create one if needed).” (miri)

You’re funny miri. Notice the absence of Kosovo officials in this Serbia-EU “compromise”? They constantly have been left on the sidelines. It’s never a good thing to allow others to speak on behalf of your interests. Just look at poor little Bosnia. You keep talking about what “you’ll” do, but “you” were never consulted in this latest bout of constructive ambiguity. Just like you weren’t consulted on the 6-point plan with EULEX. Good luck having any say in northern Kosovo after today. Even better luck trying to control the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Spot on, Mike! The EU obviously wants this issue closed and has realised that for it to work Serbia has to be given some pretty major things.

The fact that this was a joint EU-Serbia resolution, incorporating the 5 EU states that refuse to recognise Kosovo, means this this is not just some reflection of the will of the bigger members.

If the EU wants compromise amongst its members you can be sure that this will mean that Pristina and Belgrade will now have to compromise. Let's see how the KAs respond to this concept. My bet is that they won't like it at all. But I also have a feeling that EU patience with them is now at its limits. I think we are at the start of a new phase in this problem that should allow everyone to walk away with something.

Some people here are under the impression that Kosovo was “forced” to negotiations with Serbia. In fact Kosovo has made it clear in several occasions that they (Albanians) are ready to talk with Serbia about everything, but the “status”.
It looks like Serbia was “forced” to change its resolution and accept talks without mentioning the “status”. It is clear for everyone that “negotiations about the status” will never be held. In a way Serbia just “recognized” Kosovo by giving up the question of the “status”.

For sure the agreement is "historical". In order to evaluate how much balanced it is, we should also know its not published content (such sort of agreements have always a non published content). In other words: was Boris George Clooney able to get some guarantees for the North of Kosovo or the religious sites or whatever or not? Who will live will see.

"This entire event to me really seems focused on the EU wanting stability and consensus; not any particular "victory" for Kosovo over Serbia."


-- Particular victories of Kosova over Serbia or vice versa are only Balkanian attitudes (Serb and Albanian in this case). It has never been about that for the EU. It has however always been about the best and easiest way to manage the situation. Of course it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that the best and most efficient way to manage the situation is to let two million people be in charge of themselves with a few Serbs here and there, rather than have 2 million people be governed or tied in any way to 7 million Serbs while they see Serbia as their enemy. It is easier for the EU and US to manage a smaller number of Serbs within a population of two million that you have on your side and are grateful for your intervention, than manage 2 million people inside a 7 million people country that hate each other's guts. This has always been about manageability rather than about choosing who will be victorious.

Serbia will sadly just be in name one day. What's left of it now, Vojvodina to become independent, Sandzak to gain autonomy and then what's left? Maybe the torlaks in the south should seek autonomy. This is what pride and arrogance of the past has led my fellow brothers come to; the complete amputation of all Serb lands.

Put some more sugar on the "hard pill" ....

Of course it's a historical moment, mr. Vojvoda can say that Serbija is not recognising Kosovo's independence - they are just asking the world do accept that ICJ's decission is the only right one, that Kosovo's government has done the right thing and that they are glad that EU is helping them in new talk's with the Kosovo government about technical issues and not status related issues. It looks like recognition, it smells like recognition, it feels like recognition, we just don't call it recognition. Congratulation to both country's, I really hope that there will be peace and cooperation from now, serbs and albanians have lost to mutch in the past they deserve better.

It is a step forward. Soon we are going to hear what format the negotiations will be. Will each party desplay flags during the negotiation which I doubt. That will satisfy Serbia because it will say "we are talking to our province". Any agreement between Kosovo and Serbia will have international endorsements. On the other side the political battle will be concentrated on further international recognitions for Kosovo and the oposite stand from Serbia. In these circumstances, the issue of Serbia's sovereignity and territorial integrity over Kosovo is OUT of any agenda. And that was all about on Serbia's stance. Good luck in peace talks to both Kosovo and Serbia!

This is no hard pill for Belgrade, Luigi. After all, Pristina is being forced back to the table. The EU realized it was stuck on Kosovo and, unlike the US, finally realized it needed to do something to resolve the status question given that the hold outs on recognition are refusing to budge - as are Russia, China, India, Brazil and a whole host of other major non-western international actors.

Let's just hope the KAs show some sense and cut a proper deal with Belgrade. There is still a chance everyone walks away winners. Kosovo gets its statehood formally recognised, Serbia keeps the north and gets arrangements for the church areas and the Serbs in the rest of Kosovo - and at long last gets rid of what has always been an economic, financial, political and social black hole.

Of course, Pristina may refuse to play ball, but it is going to quickly lose favour with the EU if it is seen to be masterminding it's own continued isolation on the world stage by refusing to cut a deal that would overcome the Russian and Chinese veto at the UN.

Seriously, this resolution poses a real risk for Pristina if it continues to be as intransigent as it has been up until now. And don't rely on the US to get you off the hook this time! This is now a European problem and it is clear that they want this solved once and for all. They won't allow anti-Serb hardliners in Washington to manipulate the situation as they did during the status farce in 2005-2007.

I have to admit that I have, up until now, openly admired Tadic's handling of what is a very difficult and emotional subject. I am saddened to read this story because, if accurate, it would appear that he is turning his back on Kosovo in all but rhetoric. I dont understand how he has allowed the EU to remove the two things from the resolution that seemed to be the most important, those being Serbia's insistance that secsession is not the way to resolve the issue and the need for both sides to be "allowed" to sit down and discuss all issues openly. Serbia can discuss anything unless its the real issue? So Pristina can make demands and set limitations to the potential dialogue without anyone saying a word but if Serbia request open and honest discussions they are met with blackmail and threats from all sides? Tadic appears to have accepted this with the rewrite of the resolution. And on the same day that Thaci and his team announce the potential formation of the Kosovo Army? The laughable thing is that all the EU noises about Balkan stability and security are directed towards Serbia's request for talks!!

It is actually surprising to see that Serbia freely gives in to surrender it's last mean to counter Kosovo independence on international basis. Of course, there was little hope for Serbia to succeed, but the very fact that they surrendered speaks volumes. The ICJ ruling was already very clear, but with the voting in the UNGA, the opinion gets meaning and here the European stance finally succeeded (along the ICJ opinion anyway).

I don't think that the pressure from outside was the only reason why but the reality that more and more countries made their stance as clear as possible. We reached a point where Serbia's obstruction was primarly self hurting. I expected in the long run that Serbia couln't outlast that, but it is still astonishing to see how fast surrender came.

(Jim, 9 September 2010 12:06) -

Good try!

I agree with Luigi. It is a hard pill for the EU to swallow. Serbia didn't lose anything but the EU is having to roll over for Serbia and the five EU countries that don't recognize Kosovo to keep the peace. Tadic and Jeremic are very smart people.

Now it's time for the spin to begin. I think many of us were expecting the sell-out sooner or later. Lets hope Russia and China don't get too upset.

This is part of the softening up process.We had 1244 .Then we went to the ICJ.Then we were submitting our own resolution.Now that has changed.We have been betrayed by this spineless traitor regime which has failed to insist on its own principles.It has betrayed the Serbs in Kosovo.It has betrayed its constituents.It is an immoral spineless regime which now exists as a quasi state.It is there to be told what to do.It is every inch a quisling state like Vichy,Hungary,Rumania, Bulgaria were in WW2.
Do not lie to the people.We have capitulated.That is the only real word here.Principles? Courage? honesty? self respect? There isn't any.Don't worry there will be the EU lots of jobs and easy money they say.Don't bank on it.The ruling elite will be benefit.There will be meetings, intergovernmental conferences etc.Serbs why do you put up with this spineless regime?

Jim is exactly right here. Now that some "historic agreement" has been reached between Belgrade and Brussels, the burden of compliance now lies with Pristina to go along. London and Berlin can now turn to Thaci et al and say "we gave you what you wanted - negotiations without status, now we expect you to provide a number of concessions on your own".

Why are all these "secret" meetings we keep hearing about taking place? Methinks pressure was already being put on Belgrade and Pristina to relinquish unobtainable and unsustainable claims: Belgrade keeps status off the table, and now Pristina will be forced to grant a number of additional concessions to Serbian interests in Kosovo. If they stonewall, those supporters they relied on in the past will be less likely to support them now.

This entire event to me really seems focused on the EU wanting stability and consensus; not any particular "victory" for Kosovo over Serbia.

All the recognitions in the world won't be able to stop an independent Kosovo from being internally divided.

No wonder Pristina suddenly wants an army.

Mike,

"...we expect you to provide a number of concessions on your own".

Serbia did not make any concession but had no choice. Either EU prospect or isolation. It is as simple as that. Serbs in Kosovo should have the same rights enjoyed by Albanians living in Presevo, Bujanovc and Medvegja. There is a lot to talk about that and that is just as a guidance.

Amer - ha! No nice try about it! Serbia has been calling for talks for ages, but Pristina, backed by the US and key EU powers, steadfastly refused. Now you have a report from the ICG, which we all know carries weight and reflects the views of many western decision makers, calling for open talks on all items between the two sides and a UN GA resolution to confirm the need for new talks. Seriously, I think I know who has just been sucker punched. Yes, Belgrade didn't get the tough resolution it wanted, but the KAs have just found themselves bounced into talks that will cover status and territory (trading one for the other).

Again, no nice try about it! Just stop for a moment and think about it. You might then understand what has just happened!

Why are all these "secret" meetings we keep hearing about taking place? Methinks pressure was already being put on Belgrade and Pristina to relinquish unobtainable and unsustainable claims: Belgrade keeps status off the table, and now Pristina will be forced to grant a number of additional concessions to Serbian interests in Kosovo. If they stonewall, those supporters they relied on in the past will be less likely to support them now.

This entire event to me really seems focused on the EU wanting stability and consensus; not any particular "victory" for Kosovo over Serbia.

All the recognitions in the world won't be able to stop an independent Kosovo from being internally divided.

No wonder Pristina suddenly wants an army.
(Mike, 9 September 2010 16:03)

No problem we will provide Belgrade some concessions that do not touch K-Status, or territorial integrity of Kosova. For example we will build court houses in K-North made of both ethnicites, will build a police force in the North compounded by both ethnicities, we will allow special connections of Serbian orthodox church in K. to Serbian orthodox church in Serbia under the juridisction of K-ministry of "culture and religion" (We will create one if needed). We will also talk about the special status of Albanians in Presevo. We will talk, let negotiation get started about all practical issues directed to improve the lives of our people.
If feels great to talk again.
Just don't push!

The question is if the Serbian public opinion will accept the change of Tadic attidute made under EU and US pressure as a successful story. I am sure that the nationalistic feeling part of Serbian DNA will create still problems for Serbia in the future. Any integration or similiar discussion of Serbia will be always linked to the Kosovo question. There will be always a nightmare for EU and Serbia if Kosovo is not considered by Serbia as independent country. It is an ilusion that the time is on the side of Serbia. The "compromise" Serbia made on the UN Resolution is only an aspirin for EU heads. Headaches will start again.

What is the purpose of serbian resolution,when it is going to be voted by USA,EU and albanians?
Why Jeremic was lobbing up and down?

"Now it's time for the spin to begin. I think many of us were expecting the sell-out sooner or later. Lets hope Russia and China don't get too upset.
(Zoran, 9 September 2010 11:14)"

Russia and China are probably delighted with the move. You don't honestly think they spend time trying to think up ways to antagonize major trading partners, do you? (Well, China, anyway.) A headline from yesterday: "China wants to improve US relations." (No, I didn't read it - we pay people good money to keep track of the backs-and-forths of the US-China relationship so I don't have to.) The Russian ambassador may rub it it a bit, seeking a psychological advantage, but Rada Trajkovic said years ago that both ambassadors were pushing Serbia to make some kind of deal. Tadic has just taken a job off their to-do lists, without it blowing up in their faces. Whether they are gracious enough to thank Serbia for it is another question.

Guys stop blaming the West or the US for serbia's territorial problems. You are in this situation because you chose to be. Serbs should be thankful to Tadic for what he is doing. He has understood that Serbia is to small to play against the powers that feed her. Serbia has a lot of weak points and should be careful in not creating more ethnic conflicts. Look as soon as Dodik asks for RS independence you have Sanzak rising asking autonomy.

(Vejvoda).... said that the worst thing that Serbia could do in a time of global economic crisis, when unemployment is rising and there are no new investments, is to enter a confrontation with the European Union.

No....I believe the WORST thing that you can do during an economic crisis is to "attach" yourself to a sinking economic ship like the EU. Where is the logic there??? And it is no secret what desperate condition the EU is in, both economically and politically. I was beginning to believe that Tadic and Jeremic were actually on the right path defending Kosovo- peacefully and diplomatically....but I was wrong....they are nothing more than puppets for the West- all to the detriment of Serbia.

"we gave you what you wanted - negotiations without status, now we expect you to provide a number of concessions on your own". -- Mike

Try reading about the compromise.

http://www.kushtetutakosoves.info/repository/docs/Kushtetuta.e.Republikes.se.Kosoves.pdf

It is too early to say. On the face of it, it looks like a climb down but we don't know exactly what 'Brussels' has promised.

1: What are these promises 'exactly' (officially and unofficially) and will they be held to verifiable account. We know that the west regularly 'reinterprets' agreements or tries to change those in place by hook or by crook (i.e. Dayton) or in this case Brussels may just say that from their interpretation it is an acceptance by Belgrade of the Ahtisaari plan for example;

2: Whether such and action by Tadic leads to recognitions by states that would not have done so if he had not agreed with Brussels on this issue;

3: Whether this is in fact a successful break from the cycle of the Serbs doing the right thing yet paying a massive price (siding against the austrians in WWI, siding with the Allies in WWII whilst their neighbors did the opposite) which ultimately benefited their neighboring enemies.

4: Whether Belgrade is expected (in return) to give up the blocking of Pristina in all sorts of international fora etc.

I'll actually believe the wording of the resolution when it is actually introduced and wouldn't trust 'Brussels' for a second when in reality it is the governments of UK, De & Fr who are the real upholders of such an agreement. Brussels is often the convenient fig leaf used for PR purposes.

“No one is asking Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence."

- really ???

Wordsworth (UK ambassador to Serbia);
"He said that Serbia could be headed back to isolation if it continues to ignore the EU and “does what it wants,”

"everyone who is not prepared should not apply for memebership should not apply""
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=09&dd=07&nav_id=69539

Hague UK FM;
"B92: So the Serbian president is wrong to believe that Serbia will be allowed not to ever recognize Kosovo?

Hague: I haven’t come here to discuss that today, I’m saying I’m not expecting him to be able to turn around today and say ‘We’re going to recognize Kosovo’"
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/in_focus.php?id=91&start=15&nav_id=69473
i.e. - lets pretend for now its not being asked and yes it will be the case!

Especially given the viewpoint of Westerwelle Germany's FM;
"“A day will come for representatives of Belgrade and Priština to sit at the same table and speak about the EU. It’s maybe a utopia for you, but it can be achieved. Reconciliation can succeed if you face reality. Independent Kosovo is a reality and the opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has uniquely confirmed it,” the German FM pointed out."

i.e. do as we demand and accept our reality of what is and isn't Serbian sovreignity.

There is no hiding behind the facts of the indecent proposal that has been put forth irrespective of it needing to be answered now or shortly!

Roll on elections - the sooner the better!!!

Russia and China are probably delighted with the move.
(Amer, 9 September 2010 16:53)
--
On the surface Amer, I think you are correct. Jim in a large part is also correct as this has sprung up the unavoidable negotiations that Belgrade has been insisting on. The way in which it was achieved is questionable with pro and anti government supporters, however, what we end up achieving in the next few weeks/months will be the icing on the cake.

It should be fairly obvious by now that Kosovo cannot achieve international legitimacy (reason Russia and China). Even though we are weak at the EU level, Kosovo cannot achieve legitimacy there either (reason, in order - Cyprus (main one will never allow it), Spain, Romania, Greece and Slovakia).

You see, we only ever had two options. One is to negotiate and the other is to accept a frozen conflict. That's why all parties, China, Russia and Serbia have always pushed for the inevitable negotiations - and I can assure it, it will include status because it is practically unavoidable. Our guardian angles have guaranteed it.

Now, lets see what negotiations achieve. What do you think? Who will look like the uncompromising ones there?

"This entire event to me really seems focused on the EU wanting stability and consensus; not any particular "victory" for Kosovo over Serbia."


-- Particular victories of Kosova over Serbia or vice versa are only Balkanian attitudes (Serb and Albanian in this case). It has never been about that for the EU. It has however always been about the best and easiest way to manage the situation. Of course it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that the best and most efficient way to manage the situation is to let two million people be in charge of themselves with a few Serbs here and there, rather than have 2 million people be governed or tied in any way to 7 million Serbs while they see Serbia as their enemy. It is easier for the EU and US to manage a smaller number of Serbs within a population of two million that you have on your side and are grateful for your intervention, than manage 2 million people inside a 7 million people country that hate each other's guts. This has always been about manageability rather than about choosing who will be victorious.

Serbia will sadly just be in name one day. What's left of it now, Vojvodina to become independent, Sandzak to gain autonomy and then what's left? Maybe the torlaks in the south should seek autonomy. This is what pride and arrogance of the past has led my fellow brothers come to; the complete amputation of all Serb lands.

Some people here are under the impression that Kosovo was “forced” to negotiations with Serbia. In fact Kosovo has made it clear in several occasions that they (Albanians) are ready to talk with Serbia about everything, but the “status”.
It looks like Serbia was “forced” to change its resolution and accept talks without mentioning the “status”. It is clear for everyone that “negotiations about the status” will never be held. In a way Serbia just “recognized” Kosovo by giving up the question of the “status”.

Ok, so who is this 'analyst' Ivan Vejvoda? Let's have a look, he is the Executive Director of the Balkan Trust for Democracy.
http://www.gmfus.org/balkantrust
This is basically an organization funded by the NATO countries to spread lies and propoganda. Just follow the money people, and put two and two together.

What is my point here? If Ivan Vejvoda likes this 'compromise' and is promoting it, this is a catastrophe for Serbia. This guy is in the same camp as the Ceda Jovanovic team.
All I can say is, 'Pomozi Boze!'. We have been betrayed by the sell outs.
Time for new elections, and I smell a revolution!!

“It has never been about that for the EU. It has however always been about the best and easiest way to manage the situation. […]This has always been about manageability rather than about choosing who will be victorious.” (johny)

I’ll agree to that, and in the context you placed it in regarding Kosovo and numbers, it's certainly logical. Particularly since Belgrade hasn’t offered any concrete ideas on how to integrate nearly 2 million Albanians. In fact, they benefit from cutting loose 2 million Albanians that they wouldn’t know what to do with. But on the same token, Pristina should take similar note on the difficulty if not near impossibility of integrating 100,000 Serbs, particularly the 40K Serbs up north. Yes, it’s a far smaller number but they’ve proven quite effective in stymieing efforts at socio-political unity (then again, Pristina trips over itself everytime it tries "integrate" them. Seriously, at times I think even Milosevic was more graceful). If the EU is all interested in manageability as you say, my arguments that suggest a number of possible solutions for solving the Kosovo issue are not that far-fetched. If Europe as a whole is equally indifferent to both Serbs and Albanians but wants everyone to be quiet and not screw with each other, then it is certainly not improbable that in return for letting go of Kosovo’s status, Serbia and K-Serbs are going to get a number of goodies in return – again more so to shut them up and manage the whole situation. Now the burden is on Pristina to accept it.

“Serbia did not make any concession but had no choice.” (EA)

“Compromise” is what was reported, not “capitulation”, EA. I’d really be curious to see what in the last 48 – 72 hours made Belgrade amenable to a compromise, and I reckon the nature of Kosovo’s negotiations will reveal the ratio of carrots to sticks. If Jeremić was all ready to go to diplomatic war in the UN over Kosovo, what did Ashton offer as a consolation gift? It had to have been something other than threats of isolation. I agree that whatever is agreed on should in some way be reflected to Presevo, but remember that Kosovo is a “special case” and therefore shouldn’t have that much bearing on other potential trouble-spots. If Serbia has to reconcile itself with a number of Serbs living in Kosovo, Kosovo has to reconcile itself with Albanians living in Serb-controlled Presevo.

“For example we will build court houses in K-North made of both ethnicites, will build a police force in the North compounded by both ethnicities, we will allow special connections of Serbian orthodox church in K. to Serbian orthodox church in Serbia under the juridisction of K-ministry of "culture and religion" (We will create one if needed).” (miri)

You’re funny miri. Notice the absence of Kosovo officials in this Serbia-EU “compromise”? They constantly have been left on the sidelines. It’s never a good thing to allow others to speak on behalf of your interests. Just look at poor little Bosnia. You keep talking about what “you’ll” do, but “you” were never consulted in this latest bout of constructive ambiguity. Just like you weren’t consulted on the 6-point plan with EULEX. Good luck having any say in northern Kosovo after today. Even better luck trying to control the Serbian Orthodox Church.

For sure the agreement is "historical". In order to evaluate how much balanced it is, we should also know its not published content (such sort of agreements have always a non published content). In other words: was Boris George Clooney able to get some guarantees for the North of Kosovo or the religious sites or whatever or not? Who will live will see.

Spot on, Mike! The EU obviously wants this issue closed and has realised that for it to work Serbia has to be given some pretty major things.

The fact that this was a joint EU-Serbia resolution, incorporating the 5 EU states that refuse to recognise Kosovo, means this this is not just some reflection of the will of the bigger members.

If the EU wants compromise amongst its members you can be sure that this will mean that Pristina and Belgrade will now have to compromise. Let's see how the KAs respond to this concept. My bet is that they won't like it at all. But I also have a feeling that EU patience with them is now at its limits. I think we are at the start of a new phase in this problem that should allow everyone to walk away with something.