Daily: Belgrade-Priština negotiations soon

The only things that need negotiating is when kosovo returns to Serbia OR how it is partitioned. Also when the kalbo leaders turn themselves in for war crime trials. This british diplomat is another ahtassari. I predict no results from this "negotiation" unless the us forces the kalbos to give it up.

There will be no Belgrade-Prishtina negotiations until Serbs have their elections.
(ivan, 5 February 2011 16:26)
====================

Then what? What do you think will happen when Tadic is kicked out?
People are sick of American puppets. It's becoming obvious all around the world.

I'm glad to see that the technical negotiations are soon to begin. This will sort out many issues. If Serbia dares to bring up status, it will be immediately rejected and ignored.
(Ian, UK, 5 February 2011 16:02)

An albo posing as british? Or a brit not in tune with his own propaganda (read the failed multiculturalism article). If status is not discussed, there is no negotiation. The tide of history is turning against american propped-up regimes (see Egypt).

“Success of negotiation to a large degree depends on Kosovo Albanian’s constructivism. Otherwise, I think that the negotiations would not have a bright future,” he pointed out. ''


What about serbian constructivism ?? We albanians will talk about everything but nothing that touches the independence of Kosovo or it's sovreign integrety and it's defined borders. As we all can figure out by now the dialoug will not touch the status of Kosovo in no matter and let's see how constructive Serbia can be at the talks or the talks will not have a bright future!

He pointed out that the "Serbian team needed to negotiate within the constitutional framework and the framework which had been determined by the Serbian parliament and the government". What does that mean in "simple words?

That Kosovo team should refer to Kosovo Constitution? We understand that now...Thanks!

“Success of negotiation to a large degree depends on Kosovo Albanian’s constructivism." How it comes? It will be a two way talk I hope especially when referring to two constitutions...))

Otherwise, I think that the negotiations would not have a bright future,” he pointed out.

Who is asked for negotiations in the UN by the way....?

I'm glad to see that the technical negotiations are soon to begin. This will sort out many issues. If Serbia dares to bring up status, it will be immediately rejected and ignored.

(Demi, 5 February 2011 14:10)
Tell me what are you going to live off? The EU’s resources are finite and its that organization which is pushing for these talks to allow, in theory, the Albanians to seek work in Serbia proper. You talk as if Kosovo was on the same footing as Germany. It’s an impoverished region that has no resources.
(EA, 5 February 2011 14:46)
It’s called the early days of reintegration. Initially, I thought that it was only Serbia seeking these negotiations, but that was not the case. The EU has been fighting with the US for the same course of action – you see the US is against any form of negations except short and swift talks which ended in recognition, but the US has no more money and the EU is running out quickly. You can join the dotted lines yourself.
(Ian, UK, 5 February 2011 16:02)
You start out with the easy issues first then you deal with the more difficult ones later. But status is definitely on the agenda – the Albanians have nothing to trade with. What does Kosovo have? Nothing but 2 million mouths to feed.
Perhaps you might read up on UK’s Prime Minister’s speech on multicultism – “a failure in the UK; Muslims have to integrate………….” The times are a changing!
Look at what is happening in Egypt. The best way to describe it is the Alimo stand for the US. It is losing its grip on everything.

"We albanians will talk about everything but nothing that touches the independence of Kosovo or it's sovreign integrety and it's defined borders." (Demi)

-- Then you're not being constructive. You can't explain your flexibility by providing a list of non-negotiable items only. What are you willing to compromise on? Pristina seems to be less in a position to make demands now than it did three years ago.

" If Serbia dares to bring up status, it will be immediately rejected and ignored." (Ian, UK)

-- Who needs to talk about status when you can gut its sovereignty and internally partition a la Bosnia? That's what it's most likely going to look like. You put far too much faith in the international community's commitment to Kosovo's sustainability. They'd be more than happy to weaken it further if it means keeping it on the map.

"There will be no Belgrade-Prishtina negotiations until Serbs have their elections." (ivan)

-- This at best is another delaying tactic, unless of course you actually believe Nikolic is going to topple the current government as a non-coalition member. If there's a rupture within the governing coalition, early elections might result. If the opposition is unhappy, like all parliamentary states, they need to wait until the next scheduled elections. And what then? You expect Nikolic will be any more accomodating that Tadic?

There will be no Belgrade-Prishtina negotiations until Serbs have their elections.

What negotiations??? DIALOGUE it's called

"f) Pozdravlja spremnost Evropske unije da olakša proces dijaloga između strana. f) Welcomes the EU's readiness to facilitate the dialogue between the parties.

Proces dijaloga bi sam po sebi bio faktor mira, bezbednosti i stabilnosti u regionu.

The process of dialogue would in itself be a factor for peace, security and stability in the region.

Ovaj dijalog bi imao za cilj da unapredi saradnju, ostvari napredak na putu ka Evropskoj uniji i poboljša živote ljudi".

This dialogue would aim to improve cooperation, make progress towards the European Union and improve people's lives. " "

"If Serbia tries to bring up status it will just be ignored, rejected and put a side. If Kosovo doesn't want to discuss status it doesn't have to... Period! Serbia is in no position to force Kosovo to discuss status." (Ian)

-- Ian, you seem to give far too much barganing power to Pristina. Status in the way you see it may not be an issue, but you still overlook the high possibility that in exchange for leaving status off the table, the international powers significantly pressures Pristina to let go of its untenable search for controlling all of Kosovo - which they do not at present, have not in the past, and will not be able to in the future. Pristina makes aggressive statements of expanding where its not wanted all the time. When was the last time you heard Belgrade make any statements about reintegrating Prizren?

As I said before, who cares about status when you can divide from the inside. And this is something that may happen in exchange for mollifying Belgrade's acceptance of keeping status off the table. Further, it's more strategic: why try to lay claim to vast swaths of territory populated by what would only be unruly people who will clearly reject your authority? I'm not even talking about partition. We know that's not going to happen. I'm talking about significant cases of decentralization, which is already planned, but augmented by Belgrade either retaining de jure or de facto control/influence over the Serb enclaves north and south of the Ibar.

Look at Bosnia. That's Kosovo's future. To the West, "status" is a fait accompli externally, but it comes at the expense of making internal unity all but impossible. Considering the public relations disaster that resulted not only from Dick Marty's report, but the childish reactions coming from Albanian officials and the knowledge that Western leaders will distance themselves from Thaci et al, I'm curious to know where you see "each day that passes Kosovo becomes more and more accepted in the international community."

(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)
(JohnBoy, 5 February 2011 20:14)
(Mike, 5 February 2011 18:34)

Who is going to force Kosovo to negotiate on status? No-one! Kosovo's status is a done deal, Kosovo doesn't have to and won't negotiate on issues it isn't concerned with. Kosovo's status is normalising, the international community is accepting this more and more. Each day that passes Kosovo becomes more and more accepted in the international community. Serbia will de fact accept Kosovo without recognising Kosovo. More like a one way version of the East and West Germany situation.

But status is definitely on the agenda – the Albanians have nothing to trade with.
(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)

And what does Serbia have to trade ? More-then-autonomy-less-then-independence ? Kosovo has that already and more.



What does Kosovo have? Nothing but 2 million mouths to feed.
(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)

So, what's Serbia's benefit to get Kosovo back ? To feed an additional 2 million people when it can't even manage to feed the 7.3 million it already has ?

But status is definitely on the agenda – the Albanians have nothing to trade with. What does Kosovo have? Nothing but 2 million mouths to feed.
(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)

What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either.

Serbia is in no position to call the shots. Serbia has a declining economy; there is mass discontent across the country, with up to 70,000 people attending anti-Government protests. What makes you think that Serbia can cope with an extra "2 million mouths to feed" as you put it? Serbia can barely feed it's current 7.3 million people.

If Serbia tries to bring up status it will just be ignored, rejected and put a side. If Kosovo doesn't want to discuss status it doesn't have to... Period! Serbia is in no position to force Kosovo to discuss status. Remember the EU-Serbia resolution in the UN called for technical negotiations only not status negotiations; the idea was to normalise the situation and solve technical issues not to discuss status. The EU made Serbia back down on it's more radical resolution, Serbia is defiantly in no position to call the shots.

Ian Serbia's economy is no more declining than any other country at the moment. In fact if you look at the figures Serbia is actually doing better than the average in the region. I really can't see any of these alleged food queues either. The basics are not the problem. Everything is getting more expensive but that is a global trend as is increased unemployment.

As far as what is discussed at talks that is a matter for those involved, although it sounds as if you are underestimating Serbia's position.

"What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either. "

A credible Government, Human rights, an end to much of Europe's herion trade, the coal mines can be used once again (which is unlikely to happen any time soon in an independent Kosovo), which would make the province a whole lot richer, entry into the EU, a much lower crime rate and of course; peace. Whatever way you look at it Serbia has far more to offer then an independent Kosovo ever will.

What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either.

Serbia is in no position to call the shots. Serbia has a declining economy; there is mass discontent across the country, with up to 70,000 people attending anti-Government protests. What makes you think that Serbia can cope with an extra "2 million mouths to feed" as you put it? Serbia can barely feed it's current 7.3 million people.

If Serbia tries to bring up status it will just be ignored, rejected and put a side. If Kosovo doesn't want to discuss status it doesn't have to... Period! Serbia is in no position to force Kosovo to discuss status. Remember the EU-Serbia resolution in the UN called for technical negotiations only not status negotiations; the idea was to normalise the situation and solve technical issues not to discuss status. The EU made Serbia back down on it's more radical resolution, Serbia is defiantly in no position to call the shots.
(Ian, UK, 6 February 2011 11:54)


I’m not sure where you get this business of Serbia can’t feed it people, but I’ll be happy for you to explain to me if you can outline how is Kosovo going to survive? And what are these “technical issues”? that need to be ironed out?

i do not think that march is a wise time for these kind of negociations.

I’m not sure where you get this business of Serbia can’t feed it people, but I’ll be happy for you to explain to me if you can outline how is Kosovo going to survive? And what are these “technical issues”? that need to be ironed out?
(sj, 6 February 2011 22:06)

Kosovo will struggle but will still be better than under Serbia.

Now that Serbia's flamethrower Dick Marty has run out of breath with no evidence for his lunatic accusations the reality sets in and real world decision makers go to work .This negotiations will end Serbia's "Dick Marty honeymoon".For those that underestimate the strength of Kosovars to take their destiny in their own hands just take a look at recent events in Tunisia Egypt. That's how it started in Kosovo a long time before Yugoslavia vanished, We started it in streets of Kosovo where injustice and prosecutions by Serbs was unbearable .Kosovo has a young and booming population that Europe craves for. The natural recourse are huge and diaspore brings in billions. We know where we are going, do you?

What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either.

(Ian, UK, 6 February 2011 11:54)

The more relavant question is why Serbia would want Kosovo back other than for cultural reasons. Kosovo is a third world region even since Tito took power in 1945.

Kosovo was taking handouts from the Yugoslav government, now it's taking handouts from Europe and the US. How long do you think that is going to last?

Kosovo is not a viable country and it will never be.

As far as trading, Serbia is still rich in Bauxite, Copper and other minerals and still has many coal deposits as well. It continues to have a strong educated population and a booming military export business. It may also become a regional centre for energy due to its favourable relationship with Russia which may open up even more future opportunities.

In fact, Serbia should never join the EU, the real economic benefits will be forged with the growing Russian economy, Brazil in South America, as well as China and India in the Pacific.

There are many reasons to grow in Serbia, not so many in destitute Kosovo.

The only things that need negotiating is when kosovo returns to Serbia OR how it is partitioned. Also when the kalbo leaders turn themselves in for war crime trials. This british diplomat is another ahtassari. I predict no results from this "negotiation" unless the us forces the kalbos to give it up.

I'm glad to see that the technical negotiations are soon to begin. This will sort out many issues. If Serbia dares to bring up status, it will be immediately rejected and ignored.

“Success of negotiation to a large degree depends on Kosovo Albanian’s constructivism. Otherwise, I think that the negotiations would not have a bright future,” he pointed out. ''


What about serbian constructivism ?? We albanians will talk about everything but nothing that touches the independence of Kosovo or it's sovreign integrety and it's defined borders. As we all can figure out by now the dialoug will not touch the status of Kosovo in no matter and let's see how constructive Serbia can be at the talks or the talks will not have a bright future!

There will be no Belgrade-Prishtina negotiations until Serbs have their elections.

(Demi, 5 February 2011 14:10)
Tell me what are you going to live off? The EU’s resources are finite and its that organization which is pushing for these talks to allow, in theory, the Albanians to seek work in Serbia proper. You talk as if Kosovo was on the same footing as Germany. It’s an impoverished region that has no resources.
(EA, 5 February 2011 14:46)
It’s called the early days of reintegration. Initially, I thought that it was only Serbia seeking these negotiations, but that was not the case. The EU has been fighting with the US for the same course of action – you see the US is against any form of negations except short and swift talks which ended in recognition, but the US has no more money and the EU is running out quickly. You can join the dotted lines yourself.
(Ian, UK, 5 February 2011 16:02)
You start out with the easy issues first then you deal with the more difficult ones later. But status is definitely on the agenda – the Albanians have nothing to trade with. What does Kosovo have? Nothing but 2 million mouths to feed.
Perhaps you might read up on UK’s Prime Minister’s speech on multicultism – “a failure in the UK; Muslims have to integrate………….” The times are a changing!
Look at what is happening in Egypt. The best way to describe it is the Alimo stand for the US. It is losing its grip on everything.

I'm glad to see that the technical negotiations are soon to begin. This will sort out many issues. If Serbia dares to bring up status, it will be immediately rejected and ignored.
(Ian, UK, 5 February 2011 16:02)

An albo posing as british? Or a brit not in tune with his own propaganda (read the failed multiculturalism article). If status is not discussed, there is no negotiation. The tide of history is turning against american propped-up regimes (see Egypt).

He pointed out that the "Serbian team needed to negotiate within the constitutional framework and the framework which had been determined by the Serbian parliament and the government". What does that mean in "simple words?

That Kosovo team should refer to Kosovo Constitution? We understand that now...Thanks!

“Success of negotiation to a large degree depends on Kosovo Albanian’s constructivism." How it comes? It will be a two way talk I hope especially when referring to two constitutions...))

Otherwise, I think that the negotiations would not have a bright future,” he pointed out.

Who is asked for negotiations in the UN by the way....?

But status is definitely on the agenda – the Albanians have nothing to trade with.
(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)

And what does Serbia have to trade ? More-then-autonomy-less-then-independence ? Kosovo has that already and more.



What does Kosovo have? Nothing but 2 million mouths to feed.
(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)

So, what's Serbia's benefit to get Kosovo back ? To feed an additional 2 million people when it can't even manage to feed the 7.3 million it already has ?

"We albanians will talk about everything but nothing that touches the independence of Kosovo or it's sovreign integrety and it's defined borders." (Demi)

-- Then you're not being constructive. You can't explain your flexibility by providing a list of non-negotiable items only. What are you willing to compromise on? Pristina seems to be less in a position to make demands now than it did three years ago.

" If Serbia dares to bring up status, it will be immediately rejected and ignored." (Ian, UK)

-- Who needs to talk about status when you can gut its sovereignty and internally partition a la Bosnia? That's what it's most likely going to look like. You put far too much faith in the international community's commitment to Kosovo's sustainability. They'd be more than happy to weaken it further if it means keeping it on the map.

"There will be no Belgrade-Prishtina negotiations until Serbs have their elections." (ivan)

-- This at best is another delaying tactic, unless of course you actually believe Nikolic is going to topple the current government as a non-coalition member. If there's a rupture within the governing coalition, early elections might result. If the opposition is unhappy, like all parliamentary states, they need to wait until the next scheduled elections. And what then? You expect Nikolic will be any more accomodating that Tadic?

But status is definitely on the agenda – the Albanians have nothing to trade with. What does Kosovo have? Nothing but 2 million mouths to feed.
(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)

What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either.

Serbia is in no position to call the shots. Serbia has a declining economy; there is mass discontent across the country, with up to 70,000 people attending anti-Government protests. What makes you think that Serbia can cope with an extra "2 million mouths to feed" as you put it? Serbia can barely feed it's current 7.3 million people.

If Serbia tries to bring up status it will just be ignored, rejected and put a side. If Kosovo doesn't want to discuss status it doesn't have to... Period! Serbia is in no position to force Kosovo to discuss status. Remember the EU-Serbia resolution in the UN called for technical negotiations only not status negotiations; the idea was to normalise the situation and solve technical issues not to discuss status. The EU made Serbia back down on it's more radical resolution, Serbia is defiantly in no position to call the shots.

Ian Serbia's economy is no more declining than any other country at the moment. In fact if you look at the figures Serbia is actually doing better than the average in the region. I really can't see any of these alleged food queues either. The basics are not the problem. Everything is getting more expensive but that is a global trend as is increased unemployment.

As far as what is discussed at talks that is a matter for those involved, although it sounds as if you are underestimating Serbia's position.

"If Serbia tries to bring up status it will just be ignored, rejected and put a side. If Kosovo doesn't want to discuss status it doesn't have to... Period! Serbia is in no position to force Kosovo to discuss status." (Ian)

-- Ian, you seem to give far too much barganing power to Pristina. Status in the way you see it may not be an issue, but you still overlook the high possibility that in exchange for leaving status off the table, the international powers significantly pressures Pristina to let go of its untenable search for controlling all of Kosovo - which they do not at present, have not in the past, and will not be able to in the future. Pristina makes aggressive statements of expanding where its not wanted all the time. When was the last time you heard Belgrade make any statements about reintegrating Prizren?

As I said before, who cares about status when you can divide from the inside. And this is something that may happen in exchange for mollifying Belgrade's acceptance of keeping status off the table. Further, it's more strategic: why try to lay claim to vast swaths of territory populated by what would only be unruly people who will clearly reject your authority? I'm not even talking about partition. We know that's not going to happen. I'm talking about significant cases of decentralization, which is already planned, but augmented by Belgrade either retaining de jure or de facto control/influence over the Serb enclaves north and south of the Ibar.

Look at Bosnia. That's Kosovo's future. To the West, "status" is a fait accompli externally, but it comes at the expense of making internal unity all but impossible. Considering the public relations disaster that resulted not only from Dick Marty's report, but the childish reactions coming from Albanian officials and the knowledge that Western leaders will distance themselves from Thaci et al, I'm curious to know where you see "each day that passes Kosovo becomes more and more accepted in the international community."

Now that Serbia's flamethrower Dick Marty has run out of breath with no evidence for his lunatic accusations the reality sets in and real world decision makers go to work .This negotiations will end Serbia's "Dick Marty honeymoon".For those that underestimate the strength of Kosovars to take their destiny in their own hands just take a look at recent events in Tunisia Egypt. That's how it started in Kosovo a long time before Yugoslavia vanished, We started it in streets of Kosovo where injustice and prosecutions by Serbs was unbearable .Kosovo has a young and booming population that Europe craves for. The natural recourse are huge and diaspore brings in billions. We know where we are going, do you?

What negotiations??? DIALOGUE it's called

"f) Pozdravlja spremnost Evropske unije da olakša proces dijaloga između strana. f) Welcomes the EU's readiness to facilitate the dialogue between the parties.

Proces dijaloga bi sam po sebi bio faktor mira, bezbednosti i stabilnosti u regionu.

The process of dialogue would in itself be a factor for peace, security and stability in the region.

Ovaj dijalog bi imao za cilj da unapredi saradnju, ostvari napredak na putu ka Evropskoj uniji i poboljša živote ljudi".

This dialogue would aim to improve cooperation, make progress towards the European Union and improve people's lives. " "

There will be no Belgrade-Prishtina negotiations until Serbs have their elections.
(ivan, 5 February 2011 16:26)
====================

Then what? What do you think will happen when Tadic is kicked out?
People are sick of American puppets. It's becoming obvious all around the world.

What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either.

Serbia is in no position to call the shots. Serbia has a declining economy; there is mass discontent across the country, with up to 70,000 people attending anti-Government protests. What makes you think that Serbia can cope with an extra "2 million mouths to feed" as you put it? Serbia can barely feed it's current 7.3 million people.

If Serbia tries to bring up status it will just be ignored, rejected and put a side. If Kosovo doesn't want to discuss status it doesn't have to... Period! Serbia is in no position to force Kosovo to discuss status. Remember the EU-Serbia resolution in the UN called for technical negotiations only not status negotiations; the idea was to normalise the situation and solve technical issues not to discuss status. The EU made Serbia back down on it's more radical resolution, Serbia is defiantly in no position to call the shots.
(Ian, UK, 6 February 2011 11:54)


I’m not sure where you get this business of Serbia can’t feed it people, but I’ll be happy for you to explain to me if you can outline how is Kosovo going to survive? And what are these “technical issues”? that need to be ironed out?

I’m not sure where you get this business of Serbia can’t feed it people, but I’ll be happy for you to explain to me if you can outline how is Kosovo going to survive? And what are these “technical issues”? that need to be ironed out?
(sj, 6 February 2011 22:06)

Kosovo will struggle but will still be better than under Serbia.

(sj, 5 February 2011 21:36)
(JohnBoy, 5 February 2011 20:14)
(Mike, 5 February 2011 18:34)

Who is going to force Kosovo to negotiate on status? No-one! Kosovo's status is a done deal, Kosovo doesn't have to and won't negotiate on issues it isn't concerned with. Kosovo's status is normalising, the international community is accepting this more and more. Each day that passes Kosovo becomes more and more accepted in the international community. Serbia will de fact accept Kosovo without recognising Kosovo. More like a one way version of the East and West Germany situation.

"What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either. "

A credible Government, Human rights, an end to much of Europe's herion trade, the coal mines can be used once again (which is unlikely to happen any time soon in an independent Kosovo), which would make the province a whole lot richer, entry into the EU, a much lower crime rate and of course; peace. Whatever way you look at it Serbia has far more to offer then an independent Kosovo ever will.

i do not think that march is a wise time for these kind of negociations.

What has Serbia got that is so good that will make Kosovo give up it's independence? Nothing, Serbia has nothing to trade with either.

(Ian, UK, 6 February 2011 11:54)

The more relavant question is why Serbia would want Kosovo back other than for cultural reasons. Kosovo is a third world region even since Tito took power in 1945.

Kosovo was taking handouts from the Yugoslav government, now it's taking handouts from Europe and the US. How long do you think that is going to last?

Kosovo is not a viable country and it will never be.

As far as trading, Serbia is still rich in Bauxite, Copper and other minerals and still has many coal deposits as well. It continues to have a strong educated population and a booming military export business. It may also become a regional centre for energy due to its favourable relationship with Russia which may open up even more future opportunities.

In fact, Serbia should never join the EU, the real economic benefits will be forged with the growing Russian economy, Brazil in South America, as well as China and India in the Pacific.

There are many reasons to grow in Serbia, not so many in destitute Kosovo.