SNS leader favors "Kosovo referendum"

Seeing how we were told that Kosovo issue is a matter of constitution we must therefore have a referendum in order to decide Kosovo of EU.
Let the people decide and whatever the decision is so beit.
Kosovo is far too important to leave it to ANY political party to decide.

In this case, having a referrendum would be a waste of time and money when we already know Serbians would overwhelmingly (75%+) reject joining the EU.

It's fairly clear, no NATO, no recognition and soon it will be no EU as the carrot begins to rot.

No Nikolic, a referendum is not needed since it is written in the Serbian Constitution that Kosovo is Serbia, end of story.
If Tadic and his team want to change the constitution, let them try, and show everyone their true colours and who they work for.

But why will Serbia eventually recognise the 'cradle of their civilisation' as independent? So they can join some stupid club.
(Sam, UK, 21 September 2010 13:15)


If craddle of civilisation is your northern Mitro, so is Preseva valley for Kosovars.
I am all for it to make a swap right now.Everybody will be happy. But,if you mean whole of Kosova/o you are dead wrong since all your politicians in Belgrade are not concerned anymore. They only want north Mitro with its surroundings.Ask Jeremic about it. ops, I forgot he is no longer your FM.

sooner or later, you will have to accept it.

because Serbia will prevail.
(Jovan, 21 September 2010 13:20

But if it is to prevail in Year 5125...I don't think it may content you...LOL

... but if you read the comments posted on the site in Serbian language, you pretty much see that they know that Kosovo is lost and want to move on.

However, on the english language site, the nationalism is brutal - most likely from Serbs in diaspora, who do not deal with the everyday issues that Serbs in Serbia deal with. They are not in touch with the reality on the ground.

Kosovo is already lost Peggy; that is not the issue here. But hope the Serbs make a good choice and join EU sooner rather than later. That would be better for everyone, exept Mlladic who is to this day protected by the Serbian government. My advise to this regard is; thinking that you are fooling the West is fooling yourself.

@Tony Blerte:

are you just one of these childish k-albanian teenies writing down their wishful thinking here?

Kosovo is not lost.

for many albanian extremists, who think they have "won" it may be perhaps as if they have made it...

but, they are far too optimistic.

We won´t let you go with our land. never.

it´s that simple. your little temporary illusion you are calling "kosovaah" is a stillborn freak-creation that will not last.

sooner or later, you will have to accept it.

because Serbia will prevail.

Let the people decide and whatever the decision is so beit.
Kosovo is far too important to leave it to ANY political party to decide.
(Peggy, 21 September 2010 11:15)

Not a bad idea, but who gets to participate? Do all, or none, of the Kosovo residents get to participate? Or would you have the referendum only outside of Kosovo. Some years ago that idea was suggested. I'm not sure why it never happened.

As long as Kosovo is not recognized by Serbia as an independent country it will legaly belong to Serbia. One day when this world faces chaos and war Serbs will be prepared and ready to return the land that has been taken from us.

Got to say coming from a country that's not even that botherede about being in the EU I find it astonishing the lengths Serbia is willing to go to to enter it. Truly embarassing.

The only case that's anything like this where a country has recognised a secession is Pakistan and Bangladesh, and that was because Pakistan needed to save 100,000 of their POWs who were kept in appalling conditions. Even Nedic played along with invaders because he at least thought he could save some Serb lives. But why will Serbia eventually recognise the 'cradle of their civilisation' as independent? So they can join some stupid club.

"However, on the english language site, the nationalism is brutal - most likely from Serbs in diaspora, who do not deal with the everyday issues that Serbs in Serbia deal with. They are not in touch with the reality on the ground."
(Ray, 21 September 2010 15:14)

Ray, I think you'll find that the Diaspora Serbs are far more in touch with things than you give them credit for.

Had Serbia listened to its Diaspora that foresaw precisely what was going to happen with Yugoslavia in the 1990's instead of castigating it as an "enemy of the state" then things would be very different.

Furthermore, as a member of the Diaspora and a citizen of the EU, who regularly visits Serbia I am more than aware of what the EU entails, how it works and what is waiting for Serbia should it join as well as local conditions on the ground in Serbia. Now as I see it, I have experienced both sides of the coin. So who is out of touch? Someone who has experienced both or someone who thinks the EU is the land of gold and honey and worth sacrificing everything for?!

JohnnyC, all Serbian citizens would get to participate in the referendum, including Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity. Serbia is a democratic society, don't forget.

KosovaUSA, can you ever make a comment without being sarcastic, and infantile? How old are you anyway? Anyway, can you name any historic battles, or struggles that the Albanians have had in Kosovo, that would support their claims to that land? Just by saying our ancestors were there first is not good enough. The cradle of civilization is Africa, does that mean that the Africans have claim to the earth? Put your childish sarcasm aside for a moment, and think about it.

That would be better for everyone, exept Mlladic who is to this day protected by the Serbian government. My advise to this regard is; thinking that you are fooling the West is fooling yourself.
(Tony Blerte, 21 September 2010 12:25)
===========

If you are going to try to smear the reputation of the Serbian government then please do so with something you actually have some evidence of.

... but if you read the comments posted on the site in Serbian language, you pretty much see that they know that Kosovo is lost and want to move on.
(Ray, 21 September 2010 15:14)
--
More false propaganda. I had a quick read and yes, there are some but with names like "Prizren" they are obviously ethnic Albanians. Yes, they are also fluent in the Serbian language so I wouldn't assume what is written there is by Serbians only.

Also remember this is B92 so you get a select type of people reading it and lots of ethnic Albanians (and I mean lots).

Now, based on the last survey we had about 75%+ people against joining the EU if it meant losing Kosovo. In that case there is no point having a referendum.

Kosovo is already lost Peggy; that is not the issue here. But hope the Serbs make a good choice and join EU sooner rather than later. That would be better for everyone, exept Mlladic who is to this day protected by the Serbian government. My advise to this regard is; thinking that you are fooling the West is fooling yourself.
(Tony Blerte, 21 September 2010 12:25)

Kosovo is Serbia, that is not the issue here; Hope the Serbs realize that the EU is the bad choice economically, financially and further endangers the sovereignty of Serbia.

Don't worry about Mladic, he is under full protection of the Kremlin.

Not a bad idea, but who gets to participate? Do all, or none, of the Kosovo residents get to participate? Or would you have the referendum only outside of Kosovo. Some years ago that idea was suggested. I'm not sure why it never happened.
(JohnnyC, 21 September 2010 14:14)
====================
ALL, yes, this includes the whole of Kosovo. First you must be able to prove you are a citizen of Serbia i.e. you must prove you are not illegal from Albania.

I have no doubt that even when K-Albanians are included the result would still be NO to EU if giving up Kosovo is the price.

I hope I am very clear to you this time. I see you have trouble grasping a simple statement so it all has to be spelled out to you.

"And barely 5% of the population of kosovo is serbian and still serbs claim that kosovo belongs to them."
Mark

Well Mark look back just 50-60 years and you will find out that the majority in Kosovo were Serbs. Go back even further and you will find a even greater number being Serb. Just because albanians have 8-12 children per family doesn't entitle them to a territory that wasn't theirs to begin with. Why don't you look at the facts: Hundreds upon hundreds of churches and monasteries in Kosovo and barely no, if any, mosques that dates back to the 13th century. All history books( except albanian ones ) will tell you this is Serbian land. Albanians have to cling to an unknown ancient culture to claim ownership of Kosovo. I guess if albanians have droves of children and one day become a majority in Sweden you will proclaim independence due to a majority population. The West is to blame for the Kosovo problems since they are the ones who fell for the albanian scheme. Who would say no to free terriory? Certainly not the albanians in Kosovo.

It's sad to think that people would give up European integration for something that they obviously lost control over. Serbia is fighting a losing battle and sacrificing the EU in the process. I feel sorry for the rational Serbians.

Peggy once again fallaciously states:

"ALL, yes, this includes the whole of Kosovo. First you must be able to prove you are a citizen of Serbia i.e. you must prove you are not illegal from Albania."
______________________

The birth records of all the citizens in Kosovo (including mine) regardless of nationality, are in Serbia - in posession of the Serb authorities. They were transported from Kosovo in 1999. No one was issued documents of Kosova by UN mission in Kosova, unless they were able to prove their citizenship. I had to obtain a copy of my birth certificate from the city of Nis, so I could have gotten my Kosova passport.
However, I know in Serbia, you can buy a Serbian (not Kosovar) citizenship for 3000 EUR if you bribe the right officials. You cannot do that in Kosovo, thanks to the Eulex oversight, and I am glad that is the case.
Or better, even if you are a Serb and live in the States, you can assault a person and leave them in a comatose state, and the Serbian consulate will give you a Serb passport so you can leave the country.
This is the exact reason why they did not want to include Kosovo voters in the "Constitution Referendum" (when Kosovo was made "an unalienable part of Serbia") a few years ago, because they knew that there is no such thing as "illegal immigrants from Albania", and their referendum would have failed.
Peggy - some facts would be nice next time you post something. Attempting to insult does not work. You've lost all the credibility, so I do not know why you still continue to post nonsense.

I agree that referendum would be a waste of time,because the final result is obvious.Let`s take things straight,on one hand you have EU integration(future),and on the other hand you have Kosovo(Past),what would you choose? Lost of Kosovo is very emotional thing for Serbs who are thinking that thay are loosers in this particular issue,so EU must give some strong benefits in favour of Serbia if it wants to calm dawn that bitterness.
Reason and pragmatism must prevail,we must exclude every spark of violence explotion in Kosovo and every arrangment that will be concluded between Serbs and Albanians must be in some very important form of treaty,like Dayton or something like that.

JohnnyC, all Serbian citizens would get to participate in the referendum, including Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity. Serbia is a democratic society, don't forget.
(winston, 21 September 2010 15:53)


You mean democratic like if you're an Albanian from Kosova then you're denied the right to vote for the Serb constitution while the Serb state claims you as its subject. Now that is perverse even for someone like Ahmadinajad let alone for someone living at the heart of Europe.


As for the referendum; sure hold it. After holding it then question yourself about the value of it since 95% of those who actually live there don't want anything to do with you. But maybe that's fine; you can force them through the democracy winston proposes.

If you are going to try to smear the reputation of the Serbian government then please do so with something you actually have some evidence of.
(Peggy, 21 September 2010 22:56)

The fact that Mladic has not been arested is enough evidance, he was supposed to be cough last december accoring to the serb gov,

Mladic is a coward, he should take note of Haradinaj volutarily going to the hague and facing his past.

Mladic needs pay hes debt to society for crimes agaisnt Humanity.

I feel sorry for the rational Serbians.
(Valon, 21 September 2010 23:19)
--
Please don't feell sorry for us. We want to keep Kosovo and we don't want EU membership.

Zoran,

I don't speak your language, I actually uses google translate to get the gist of serbian b92 and majority of comments(80-90%) are by non-Albanans.

Idk what you're talking about.

And apparently you have a lot of time on your hands as none of the issues you post about directly concern you. You've never even been here but are just full of things to say.
(JohnnyC, 22 September 2010 15:18)
====================

Please don't try to tell me what's my business.
Why are you so eager to silence me?
Is it because you can't argue with me with reason and have to pull that tired of rubbish like "you don't live here"?
Neither do most of the Albanian posters. So do we tell them to mind their own business as well?
If you have nothing better than that please just stop replying to me as I will to you. You know what they say, if you argue with a fool long enough nobody will be able to tell the difference. Now move on to someone else or something else.

KosovaUSA, can you ever make a comment without being sarcastic, and infantile? How old are you anyway? Anyway, can you name any historic battles, or struggles that the Albanians have had in Kosovo, that would support their claims to that land? Just by saying our ancestors were there first is not good enough. The cradle of civilization is Africa, does that mean that the Africans have claim to the earth? Put your childish sarcasm aside for a moment, and think about it.
InOhio

I find it ironic that you attack KosovaUSA's comment by stating that because his/her people have been in Kosovo longer than Serbs is not enough of a good reason to claim Kosovo, but at the same time it's reasonable for Serbs to claim Kosovo because of a battle they lost in 1389 (which they fought alongside Albanians and others).

These comments may be reasonable to you but to an ubiased mind they're far from that.

Kosovo is Serbia

(Vladimir Pukin, 21 September 2010 21:42)


Dude, I just got back to Canada from Kosova and I got a stamp in my Canadian passport saying Kosova. Serbs should stop fooling with themselves and understand once and for all that Kosova will never ever be under serbian rule.

I hope I am very clear to you this time. I see you have trouble grasping a simple statement so it all has to be spelled out to you.
(Peggy, 21 September 2010 22:54)

I asked a simple question and you insult me. Did I step on a nerve? It is a pertinent question that anyone that actually lives here would expect to be answered.

"Well Mark look back just 50-60 years and you will find out that the majority in Kosovo were Serbs. Go back even further and you will find a even greater number being Serb. Just because albanians have 8-12 children per family doesn't entitle them to a territory that wasn't theirs to begin with."


-- MikeC you know that is all fine and dandy except that it sounds very fishy. Here you're stating Serbs where an overwhelming majority in Kosova. We also know that the Serb state was well armed, controlled the army, police and any military units. We also know that Serbia had great allies such as the US, Russia, France the UK etc etc. Yet for some reason a small malnourished, unarmed, number of villagers ethnically cleansed the overwhelming vast majority of Serbs from Kosova? This is not through birth rates only. I have seen you write that 50-60 years ago it was the Albanians doing violent ethnic cleansing of the Serbs. How could they if they were a small minority while the vast and overwhelming majority, the Serbs, had the army, the police, and all the big powers behind them. This is fishy indeed. So either such ethnic cleansing didn't happen, or Albanian really weren't a minority but an overwhelming majority and ethnic cleansing did happen. Or they were the majority and ethnic cleansing was another conspiracy theory among the many that circulate in the Serb public. Your pick, but the way you describe things make no sense. It simply doesn't add up. That is true especially when you have in mind the thousands of Kosova Albanian coming up in the Fier region in Albania and the other many thousands being shoved to Turkey.




"Why don't you look at the facts: Hundreds upon hundreds of churches and monasteries in Kosovo and barely no, if any, mosques that dates back to the 13th century. All history books( except albanian ones ) will tell you this is Serbian land. Albanians have to cling to an unknown ancient culture to claim ownership of Kosovo. I guess if albanians have droves of children and one day become a majority in Sweden you will proclaim independence due to a majority population. The West is to blame for the Kosovo problems since they are the ones who fell for the albanian scheme. Who would say no to free terriory? Certainly not the albanians in Kosovo."

-- Even if what you state was to taken as true then still that wouldn't equate to Kosova is Serbia. If we were to judge simply based on the time factor Serbia's claims over Kosova's are inexistent. For example, for thousands of years the territory of Kosova was occupied by the Romans. So based on that time factor the Italians have far more credible claims over Kosova than Serbia does. Not only that but all those churches you mention are a result of exactly that Roman invasion; Serbs are Christian exactly because one Roman emperor made it the official religion of the empire. So even on religion and culture Serbia has no claims. You were pagans and the Romans made you Christians; hence Christianity is Roman heritage not a monopoly of the Serbs. Someone else made you Christians. Then you have the Ottomans occupying Kosova for hundreeds of years. So on the same time factor the Turks have much more credible claims over Kosova than the Serbs. Simply put Serbia's administration of Kosova is an ignorable fraction of time compared to those who have occupied it for thousands of years and many many centuries. So basing it on the time factor Serbia's claims are ridiculous at best.

Peggy - some facts would be nice next time you post something. Attempting to insult does not work. You've lost all the credibility, so I do not know why you still continue to post nonsense.
(Fluid, 22 September 2010 07:47)
==================
The reason I continue to post is that I have something to say. You may not like what I say but that is not a reason not to post here.
What sort of facts are you referring to when you say that it would be good to include them? I was answering a question. If you need something specific please do tell me.

As far as my credibility is concerned, I don't take notice of whether you think I have any. The only way for me to have credibility with you is to agree with you and peddle your rubbish.
Sorry, cannot do that.

Not a bad idea, but who gets to participate? Do all, or none, of the Kosovo residents get to participate?
(JohnnyC, 21 September 2010 14:14)
--
Only those citizens who are loyal to Serbia (i.e. call themselves Serbian citizens). If you're not happy with that we can have another referendum on "Kosova independence" - this time including all of Serbia's citizens. Deal?

JohnnyC, all Serbian citizens would get to participate in the referendum, including Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity. Serbia is a democratic society, don't forget.
(winston, 21 September 2010 15:53)

Thanks. This was a good answer. For some reason an answer like this is beyond Peggy. Must be something in her diet.

Pure populism, pure nonsense. A poor try to manipulate the voters. Well, you don't need to make a referendum on Kosova, you have it already in your Constitution that Kosova is an integral part of the Serbia. So far, so good. Now, if the accesion to EU is conditioned with recognizing Kosova, as it is indeed, you (Nikolic & Co.) go to the next elections by proclaiming that you don't want Serbia to join EU because in this way you will lose Kosova for good. For this you have to wait until the next elections. But if you want to make a referendum just to have an argument that the will of the people has changed recentley and this justifies early elections, than give it a try, very propably you'll win. But for sure this will help only you to become rich by missusing the power, not the Serbian population.

"sooner or later, you will have to accept it.

because Serbia will prevail.
(Jovan, 21 September 2010 13:20

But if it is to prevail in Year 5125...I don't think it may content you...LOL
(Hans, 21 September 2010 14:16) "

well my dear k-albanian friend, ...with Albanians who are hiding behind german nick-names, ...we will have an easy job with.

and, ...it won´t last until the year you mentioned...

don´t you remember the saying, "who laughs last..."

I think the Serbs will laugh last. and you will be frustrated.

"The reason I continue to post is that I have something to say."

And apparently you have a lot of time on your hands as none of the issues you post about directly concern you. You've never even been here but are just full of things to say.

Kosovo, offer the North to Serbia! Serbia, offer the recognition of Kosovo!

There is no need for a new Palastine!!
(robby, 22 September 2010 20:15)

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.
(Jason, 23 September 2010 10:19)

You know Jason, I'm getting the exact same kind of feedback in the circles I travel in. I find that pretty interesting as I suspect we travel in mostly different circles.
(JohnnyC, 23 September 2010 12:22)

I suspect that the majority that would agree is a silent albeit important one. Add in the ability for both to have visa-free travel as part of the compromise and I suspect even more people may be inclined towards a resolution such as this.

Please don't try to tell me what's my business.
Why are you so eager to silence me?
Is it because you can't argue with me with reason and have to pull that tired of rubbish like "you don't live here"?
Neither do most of the Albanian posters. So do we tell them to mind their own business as well?
If you have nothing better than that please just stop replying to me as I will to you. You know what they say, if you argue with a fool long enough nobody will be able to tell the difference. Now move on to someone else or something else.
(Peggy, 22 September 2010 23:19)

So now I am a fool. I have the same opinon of all posters who post utterly opinionated uninformed tripe when they have never been here. You are just particularly irritating because of your strident insults of anyone that disagrees with you, particularly when you argue with people who do live here and can at least argue from an "on the ground perspective". Take Jason. I rarely agree with him, but he is here and argues from an opinion formed while here, so I at least give him the respect of having taken the time to actually know what he's talking about.

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.
(Jason, 23 September 2010 10:19)

You know Jason, I'm getting the exact same kind of feedback in the circles I travel in. I find that pretty interesting as I suspect we travel in mostly different circles.

Stupid guys on Balkan:

Kosovo, offer the North to Serbia! Serbia, offer the recognition of Kosovo!

There is no need for a new Palastine!!

Kosovo, offer the North to Serbia! Serbia, offer the recognition of Kosovo!

There is no need for a new Palastine!!
(robby, 22 September 2010 20:15)

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.
(Jason, 23 September 2010 10:19)

Yea both of you come back when the current Serb constitution is no longer in power. Until then what both of you advocate are simply pipe dreams. Anyone one who would even hints that in Serbia according to its constitution is prosecutable for treason.

What else new!!!??? God knows what...

Yea both of you come back when the current Serb constitution is no longer in power. Until then what both of you advocate are simply pipe dreams. Anyone one who would even hints that in Serbia according to its constitution is prosecutable for treason.

(johny, 23 September 2010 17:31)
Recommend (0)Poor comment (0)What's this

Is it even possible for a non-citizen to be charged with treason? I thought a foreigner was guilty of sedition or espionage.

Take Jason. I rarely agree with him, but he is here and argues from an opinion formed while here, so I at least give him the respect of having taken the time to actually know what he's talking about.
(JohnnyC, 23 September 2010 12:05)
===================

Interesting. Again with the same rubbish of you have to live here to have an opinion.
I was right to reply the way I did.

a "kosovo referendum" is what should of happened years ago !

5 years ago serbia could have had almost anything it wanted for its recognition of kosovo...we couldnt of played the game this poorly could we have??? last minute heroics in your bag of tricks boris?...WE'RE WAITING!!

BTW - "i fought the good fight" or "I tried" wont cut it !

GET SOMETHING FOR IT MORE THEN "WE MAY BE IN THE EU IN 11 YEARS INSTEAD OF 12"

Interesting. Again with the same rubbish of you have to live here to have an opinion.
I was right to reply the way I did.
(Peggy, 23 September 2010 23:10)

No, just to have an informed one. Everyone has an opinion. And like the other thing everyone has, most of them stink.

Kosovo is already lost Peggy; that is not the issue here. But hope the Serbs make a good choice and join EU sooner rather than later. That would be better for everyone, exept Mlladic who is to this day protected by the Serbian government. My advise to this regard is; thinking that you are fooling the West is fooling yourself.

But why will Serbia eventually recognise the 'cradle of their civilisation' as independent? So they can join some stupid club.
(Sam, UK, 21 September 2010 13:15)


If craddle of civilisation is your northern Mitro, so is Preseva valley for Kosovars.
I am all for it to make a swap right now.Everybody will be happy. But,if you mean whole of Kosova/o you are dead wrong since all your politicians in Belgrade are not concerned anymore. They only want north Mitro with its surroundings.Ask Jeremic about it. ops, I forgot he is no longer your FM.

JohnnyC, all Serbian citizens would get to participate in the referendum, including Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity. Serbia is a democratic society, don't forget.

As long as Kosovo is not recognized by Serbia as an independent country it will legaly belong to Serbia. One day when this world faces chaos and war Serbs will be prepared and ready to return the land that has been taken from us.

@Tony Blerte:

are you just one of these childish k-albanian teenies writing down their wishful thinking here?

Kosovo is not lost.

for many albanian extremists, who think they have "won" it may be perhaps as if they have made it...

but, they are far too optimistic.

We won´t let you go with our land. never.

it´s that simple. your little temporary illusion you are calling "kosovaah" is a stillborn freak-creation that will not last.

sooner or later, you will have to accept it.

because Serbia will prevail.

KosovaUSA, can you ever make a comment without being sarcastic, and infantile? How old are you anyway? Anyway, can you name any historic battles, or struggles that the Albanians have had in Kosovo, that would support their claims to that land? Just by saying our ancestors were there first is not good enough. The cradle of civilization is Africa, does that mean that the Africans have claim to the earth? Put your childish sarcasm aside for a moment, and think about it.

No Nikolic, a referendum is not needed since it is written in the Serbian Constitution that Kosovo is Serbia, end of story.
If Tadic and his team want to change the constitution, let them try, and show everyone their true colours and who they work for.

Seeing how we were told that Kosovo issue is a matter of constitution we must therefore have a referendum in order to decide Kosovo of EU.
Let the people decide and whatever the decision is so beit.
Kosovo is far too important to leave it to ANY political party to decide.

sooner or later, you will have to accept it.

because Serbia will prevail.
(Jovan, 21 September 2010 13:20

But if it is to prevail in Year 5125...I don't think it may content you...LOL

"However, on the english language site, the nationalism is brutal - most likely from Serbs in diaspora, who do not deal with the everyday issues that Serbs in Serbia deal with. They are not in touch with the reality on the ground."
(Ray, 21 September 2010 15:14)

Ray, I think you'll find that the Diaspora Serbs are far more in touch with things than you give them credit for.

Had Serbia listened to its Diaspora that foresaw precisely what was going to happen with Yugoslavia in the 1990's instead of castigating it as an "enemy of the state" then things would be very different.

Furthermore, as a member of the Diaspora and a citizen of the EU, who regularly visits Serbia I am more than aware of what the EU entails, how it works and what is waiting for Serbia should it join as well as local conditions on the ground in Serbia. Now as I see it, I have experienced both sides of the coin. So who is out of touch? Someone who has experienced both or someone who thinks the EU is the land of gold and honey and worth sacrificing everything for?!

It's sad to think that people would give up European integration for something that they obviously lost control over. Serbia is fighting a losing battle and sacrificing the EU in the process. I feel sorry for the rational Serbians.

Got to say coming from a country that's not even that botherede about being in the EU I find it astonishing the lengths Serbia is willing to go to to enter it. Truly embarassing.

The only case that's anything like this where a country has recognised a secession is Pakistan and Bangladesh, and that was because Pakistan needed to save 100,000 of their POWs who were kept in appalling conditions. Even Nedic played along with invaders because he at least thought he could save some Serb lives. But why will Serbia eventually recognise the 'cradle of their civilisation' as independent? So they can join some stupid club.

In this case, having a referrendum would be a waste of time and money when we already know Serbians would overwhelmingly (75%+) reject joining the EU.

It's fairly clear, no NATO, no recognition and soon it will be no EU as the carrot begins to rot.

... but if you read the comments posted on the site in Serbian language, you pretty much see that they know that Kosovo is lost and want to move on.

However, on the english language site, the nationalism is brutal - most likely from Serbs in diaspora, who do not deal with the everyday issues that Serbs in Serbia deal with. They are not in touch with the reality on the ground.

I agree that referendum would be a waste of time,because the final result is obvious.Let`s take things straight,on one hand you have EU integration(future),and on the other hand you have Kosovo(Past),what would you choose? Lost of Kosovo is very emotional thing for Serbs who are thinking that thay are loosers in this particular issue,so EU must give some strong benefits in favour of Serbia if it wants to calm dawn that bitterness.
Reason and pragmatism must prevail,we must exclude every spark of violence explotion in Kosovo and every arrangment that will be concluded between Serbs and Albanians must be in some very important form of treaty,like Dayton or something like that.

"And barely 5% of the population of kosovo is serbian and still serbs claim that kosovo belongs to them."
Mark

Well Mark look back just 50-60 years and you will find out that the majority in Kosovo were Serbs. Go back even further and you will find a even greater number being Serb. Just because albanians have 8-12 children per family doesn't entitle them to a territory that wasn't theirs to begin with. Why don't you look at the facts: Hundreds upon hundreds of churches and monasteries in Kosovo and barely no, if any, mosques that dates back to the 13th century. All history books( except albanian ones ) will tell you this is Serbian land. Albanians have to cling to an unknown ancient culture to claim ownership of Kosovo. I guess if albanians have droves of children and one day become a majority in Sweden you will proclaim independence due to a majority population. The West is to blame for the Kosovo problems since they are the ones who fell for the albanian scheme. Who would say no to free terriory? Certainly not the albanians in Kosovo.

... but if you read the comments posted on the site in Serbian language, you pretty much see that they know that Kosovo is lost and want to move on.
(Ray, 21 September 2010 15:14)
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More false propaganda. I had a quick read and yes, there are some but with names like "Prizren" they are obviously ethnic Albanians. Yes, they are also fluent in the Serbian language so I wouldn't assume what is written there is by Serbians only.

Also remember this is B92 so you get a select type of people reading it and lots of ethnic Albanians (and I mean lots).

Now, based on the last survey we had about 75%+ people against joining the EU if it meant losing Kosovo. In that case there is no point having a referendum.

Let the people decide and whatever the decision is so beit.
Kosovo is far too important to leave it to ANY political party to decide.
(Peggy, 21 September 2010 11:15)

Not a bad idea, but who gets to participate? Do all, or none, of the Kosovo residents get to participate? Or would you have the referendum only outside of Kosovo. Some years ago that idea was suggested. I'm not sure why it never happened.

Kosovo is already lost Peggy; that is not the issue here. But hope the Serbs make a good choice and join EU sooner rather than later. That would be better for everyone, exept Mlladic who is to this day protected by the Serbian government. My advise to this regard is; thinking that you are fooling the West is fooling yourself.
(Tony Blerte, 21 September 2010 12:25)

Kosovo is Serbia, that is not the issue here; Hope the Serbs realize that the EU is the bad choice economically, financially and further endangers the sovereignty of Serbia.

Don't worry about Mladic, he is under full protection of the Kremlin.

Not a bad idea, but who gets to participate? Do all, or none, of the Kosovo residents get to participate? Or would you have the referendum only outside of Kosovo. Some years ago that idea was suggested. I'm not sure why it never happened.
(JohnnyC, 21 September 2010 14:14)
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ALL, yes, this includes the whole of Kosovo. First you must be able to prove you are a citizen of Serbia i.e. you must prove you are not illegal from Albania.

I have no doubt that even when K-Albanians are included the result would still be NO to EU if giving up Kosovo is the price.

I hope I am very clear to you this time. I see you have trouble grasping a simple statement so it all has to be spelled out to you.

Kosovo is Serbia

(Vladimir Pukin, 21 September 2010 21:42)


Dude, I just got back to Canada from Kosova and I got a stamp in my Canadian passport saying Kosova. Serbs should stop fooling with themselves and understand once and for all that Kosova will never ever be under serbian rule.

Peggy once again fallaciously states:

"ALL, yes, this includes the whole of Kosovo. First you must be able to prove you are a citizen of Serbia i.e. you must prove you are not illegal from Albania."
______________________

The birth records of all the citizens in Kosovo (including mine) regardless of nationality, are in Serbia - in posession of the Serb authorities. They were transported from Kosovo in 1999. No one was issued documents of Kosova by UN mission in Kosova, unless they were able to prove their citizenship. I had to obtain a copy of my birth certificate from the city of Nis, so I could have gotten my Kosova passport.
However, I know in Serbia, you can buy a Serbian (not Kosovar) citizenship for 3000 EUR if you bribe the right officials. You cannot do that in Kosovo, thanks to the Eulex oversight, and I am glad that is the case.
Or better, even if you are a Serb and live in the States, you can assault a person and leave them in a comatose state, and the Serbian consulate will give you a Serb passport so you can leave the country.
This is the exact reason why they did not want to include Kosovo voters in the "Constitution Referendum" (when Kosovo was made "an unalienable part of Serbia") a few years ago, because they knew that there is no such thing as "illegal immigrants from Albania", and their referendum would have failed.
Peggy - some facts would be nice next time you post something. Attempting to insult does not work. You've lost all the credibility, so I do not know why you still continue to post nonsense.

That would be better for everyone, exept Mlladic who is to this day protected by the Serbian government. My advise to this regard is; thinking that you are fooling the West is fooling yourself.
(Tony Blerte, 21 September 2010 12:25)
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If you are going to try to smear the reputation of the Serbian government then please do so with something you actually have some evidence of.

Pure populism, pure nonsense. A poor try to manipulate the voters. Well, you don't need to make a referendum on Kosova, you have it already in your Constitution that Kosova is an integral part of the Serbia. So far, so good. Now, if the accesion to EU is conditioned with recognizing Kosova, as it is indeed, you (Nikolic & Co.) go to the next elections by proclaiming that you don't want Serbia to join EU because in this way you will lose Kosova for good. For this you have to wait until the next elections. But if you want to make a referendum just to have an argument that the will of the people has changed recentley and this justifies early elections, than give it a try, very propably you'll win. But for sure this will help only you to become rich by missusing the power, not the Serbian population.

"Well Mark look back just 50-60 years and you will find out that the majority in Kosovo were Serbs. Go back even further and you will find a even greater number being Serb. Just because albanians have 8-12 children per family doesn't entitle them to a territory that wasn't theirs to begin with."


-- MikeC you know that is all fine and dandy except that it sounds very fishy. Here you're stating Serbs where an overwhelming majority in Kosova. We also know that the Serb state was well armed, controlled the army, police and any military units. We also know that Serbia had great allies such as the US, Russia, France the UK etc etc. Yet for some reason a small malnourished, unarmed, number of villagers ethnically cleansed the overwhelming vast majority of Serbs from Kosova? This is not through birth rates only. I have seen you write that 50-60 years ago it was the Albanians doing violent ethnic cleansing of the Serbs. How could they if they were a small minority while the vast and overwhelming majority, the Serbs, had the army, the police, and all the big powers behind them. This is fishy indeed. So either such ethnic cleansing didn't happen, or Albanian really weren't a minority but an overwhelming majority and ethnic cleansing did happen. Or they were the majority and ethnic cleansing was another conspiracy theory among the many that circulate in the Serb public. Your pick, but the way you describe things make no sense. It simply doesn't add up. That is true especially when you have in mind the thousands of Kosova Albanian coming up in the Fier region in Albania and the other many thousands being shoved to Turkey.




"Why don't you look at the facts: Hundreds upon hundreds of churches and monasteries in Kosovo and barely no, if any, mosques that dates back to the 13th century. All history books( except albanian ones ) will tell you this is Serbian land. Albanians have to cling to an unknown ancient culture to claim ownership of Kosovo. I guess if albanians have droves of children and one day become a majority in Sweden you will proclaim independence due to a majority population. The West is to blame for the Kosovo problems since they are the ones who fell for the albanian scheme. Who would say no to free terriory? Certainly not the albanians in Kosovo."

-- Even if what you state was to taken as true then still that wouldn't equate to Kosova is Serbia. If we were to judge simply based on the time factor Serbia's claims over Kosova's are inexistent. For example, for thousands of years the territory of Kosova was occupied by the Romans. So based on that time factor the Italians have far more credible claims over Kosova than Serbia does. Not only that but all those churches you mention are a result of exactly that Roman invasion; Serbs are Christian exactly because one Roman emperor made it the official religion of the empire. So even on religion and culture Serbia has no claims. You were pagans and the Romans made you Christians; hence Christianity is Roman heritage not a monopoly of the Serbs. Someone else made you Christians. Then you have the Ottomans occupying Kosova for hundreeds of years. So on the same time factor the Turks have much more credible claims over Kosova than the Serbs. Simply put Serbia's administration of Kosova is an ignorable fraction of time compared to those who have occupied it for thousands of years and many many centuries. So basing it on the time factor Serbia's claims are ridiculous at best.

JohnnyC, all Serbian citizens would get to participate in the referendum, including Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity. Serbia is a democratic society, don't forget.
(winston, 21 September 2010 15:53)


You mean democratic like if you're an Albanian from Kosova then you're denied the right to vote for the Serb constitution while the Serb state claims you as its subject. Now that is perverse even for someone like Ahmadinajad let alone for someone living at the heart of Europe.


As for the referendum; sure hold it. After holding it then question yourself about the value of it since 95% of those who actually live there don't want anything to do with you. But maybe that's fine; you can force them through the democracy winston proposes.

If you are going to try to smear the reputation of the Serbian government then please do so with something you actually have some evidence of.
(Peggy, 21 September 2010 22:56)

The fact that Mladic has not been arested is enough evidance, he was supposed to be cough last december accoring to the serb gov,

Mladic is a coward, he should take note of Haradinaj volutarily going to the hague and facing his past.

Mladic needs pay hes debt to society for crimes agaisnt Humanity.

Peggy - some facts would be nice next time you post something. Attempting to insult does not work. You've lost all the credibility, so I do not know why you still continue to post nonsense.
(Fluid, 22 September 2010 07:47)
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The reason I continue to post is that I have something to say. You may not like what I say but that is not a reason not to post here.
What sort of facts are you referring to when you say that it would be good to include them? I was answering a question. If you need something specific please do tell me.

As far as my credibility is concerned, I don't take notice of whether you think I have any. The only way for me to have credibility with you is to agree with you and peddle your rubbish.
Sorry, cannot do that.

"The reason I continue to post is that I have something to say."

And apparently you have a lot of time on your hands as none of the issues you post about directly concern you. You've never even been here but are just full of things to say.

I feel sorry for the rational Serbians.
(Valon, 21 September 2010 23:19)
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Please don't feell sorry for us. We want to keep Kosovo and we don't want EU membership.

Not a bad idea, but who gets to participate? Do all, or none, of the Kosovo residents get to participate?
(JohnnyC, 21 September 2010 14:14)
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Only those citizens who are loyal to Serbia (i.e. call themselves Serbian citizens). If you're not happy with that we can have another referendum on "Kosova independence" - this time including all of Serbia's citizens. Deal?

KosovaUSA, can you ever make a comment without being sarcastic, and infantile? How old are you anyway? Anyway, can you name any historic battles, or struggles that the Albanians have had in Kosovo, that would support their claims to that land? Just by saying our ancestors were there first is not good enough. The cradle of civilization is Africa, does that mean that the Africans have claim to the earth? Put your childish sarcasm aside for a moment, and think about it.
InOhio

I find it ironic that you attack KosovaUSA's comment by stating that because his/her people have been in Kosovo longer than Serbs is not enough of a good reason to claim Kosovo, but at the same time it's reasonable for Serbs to claim Kosovo because of a battle they lost in 1389 (which they fought alongside Albanians and others).

These comments may be reasonable to you but to an ubiased mind they're far from that.

I hope I am very clear to you this time. I see you have trouble grasping a simple statement so it all has to be spelled out to you.
(Peggy, 21 September 2010 22:54)

I asked a simple question and you insult me. Did I step on a nerve? It is a pertinent question that anyone that actually lives here would expect to be answered.

Stupid guys on Balkan:

Kosovo, offer the North to Serbia! Serbia, offer the recognition of Kosovo!

There is no need for a new Palastine!!

Please don't try to tell me what's my business.
Why are you so eager to silence me?
Is it because you can't argue with me with reason and have to pull that tired of rubbish like "you don't live here"?
Neither do most of the Albanian posters. So do we tell them to mind their own business as well?
If you have nothing better than that please just stop replying to me as I will to you. You know what they say, if you argue with a fool long enough nobody will be able to tell the difference. Now move on to someone else or something else.
(Peggy, 22 September 2010 23:19)

So now I am a fool. I have the same opinon of all posters who post utterly opinionated uninformed tripe when they have never been here. You are just particularly irritating because of your strident insults of anyone that disagrees with you, particularly when you argue with people who do live here and can at least argue from an "on the ground perspective". Take Jason. I rarely agree with him, but he is here and argues from an opinion formed while here, so I at least give him the respect of having taken the time to actually know what he's talking about.

Kosovo, offer the North to Serbia! Serbia, offer the recognition of Kosovo!

There is no need for a new Palastine!!
(robby, 22 September 2010 20:15)

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.
(Jason, 23 September 2010 10:19)

Yea both of you come back when the current Serb constitution is no longer in power. Until then what both of you advocate are simply pipe dreams. Anyone one who would even hints that in Serbia according to its constitution is prosecutable for treason.

"sooner or later, you will have to accept it.

because Serbia will prevail.
(Jovan, 21 September 2010 13:20

But if it is to prevail in Year 5125...I don't think it may content you...LOL
(Hans, 21 September 2010 14:16) "

well my dear k-albanian friend, ...with Albanians who are hiding behind german nick-names, ...we will have an easy job with.

and, ...it won´t last until the year you mentioned...

don´t you remember the saying, "who laughs last..."

I think the Serbs will laugh last. and you will be frustrated.

And apparently you have a lot of time on your hands as none of the issues you post about directly concern you. You've never even been here but are just full of things to say.
(JohnnyC, 22 September 2010 15:18)
====================

Please don't try to tell me what's my business.
Why are you so eager to silence me?
Is it because you can't argue with me with reason and have to pull that tired of rubbish like "you don't live here"?
Neither do most of the Albanian posters. So do we tell them to mind their own business as well?
If you have nothing better than that please just stop replying to me as I will to you. You know what they say, if you argue with a fool long enough nobody will be able to tell the difference. Now move on to someone else or something else.

Zoran,

I don't speak your language, I actually uses google translate to get the gist of serbian b92 and majority of comments(80-90%) are by non-Albanans.

Idk what you're talking about.

JohnnyC, all Serbian citizens would get to participate in the referendum, including Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity. Serbia is a democratic society, don't forget.
(winston, 21 September 2010 15:53)

Thanks. This was a good answer. For some reason an answer like this is beyond Peggy. Must be something in her diet.

Kosovo, offer the North to Serbia! Serbia, offer the recognition of Kosovo!

There is no need for a new Palastine!!
(robby, 22 September 2010 20:15)

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.

What else new!!!??? God knows what...

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.
(Jason, 23 September 2010 10:19)

You know Jason, I'm getting the exact same kind of feedback in the circles I travel in. I find that pretty interesting as I suspect we travel in mostly different circles.

Although hardliners on both sides would not like this, I imagine this solution would win over a large majority of Serbs and Albanians both and could lead to a peaceful compromise.
(Jason, 23 September 2010 10:19)

You know Jason, I'm getting the exact same kind of feedback in the circles I travel in. I find that pretty interesting as I suspect we travel in mostly different circles.
(JohnnyC, 23 September 2010 12:22)

I suspect that the majority that would agree is a silent albeit important one. Add in the ability for both to have visa-free travel as part of the compromise and I suspect even more people may be inclined towards a resolution such as this.

Yea both of you come back when the current Serb constitution is no longer in power. Until then what both of you advocate are simply pipe dreams. Anyone one who would even hints that in Serbia according to its constitution is prosecutable for treason.

(johny, 23 September 2010 17:31)
Recommend (0)Poor comment (0)What's this

Is it even possible for a non-citizen to be charged with treason? I thought a foreigner was guilty of sedition or espionage.

Take Jason. I rarely agree with him, but he is here and argues from an opinion formed while here, so I at least give him the respect of having taken the time to actually know what he's talking about.
(JohnnyC, 23 September 2010 12:05)
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Interesting. Again with the same rubbish of you have to live here to have an opinion.
I was right to reply the way I did.

a "kosovo referendum" is what should of happened years ago !

5 years ago serbia could have had almost anything it wanted for its recognition of kosovo...we couldnt of played the game this poorly could we have??? last minute heroics in your bag of tricks boris?...WE'RE WAITING!!

BTW - "i fought the good fight" or "I tried" wont cut it !

GET SOMETHING FOR IT MORE THEN "WE MAY BE IN THE EU IN 11 YEARS INSTEAD OF 12"

Interesting. Again with the same rubbish of you have to live here to have an opinion.
I was right to reply the way I did.
(Peggy, 23 September 2010 23:10)

No, just to have an informed one. Everyone has an opinion. And like the other thing everyone has, most of them stink.