"Decentralization priority for Kosovo government"

The North seems to be doing a good job of decentralising itself, fortunately.

Well as I said before if you hold out long enough you do get what you want. Now it’s “decentralisation” of power in Kosovo. It does certainly look like the beginning of reintegration with Serbia. It looks like the talks are right on schedule.

The greatest misstake was to recognize Kosovo without any negotiations between Serbs and Albanians. Supporting only one side from the get go created this mess to begin with. The Americans and its alies should accept the divisions in Kosovo and move on to another country and create another dissaster.

Well as I said before if you hold out long enough you do get what you want. Now it’s “decentralisation” of power in Kosovo. It does certainly look like the beginning of reintegration with Serbia. It looks like the talks are right on schedule.
(sj, 24 March 2011 12:44)

In a world where People get up and ask for freedom like in Egypt, Tunisia ...Etc why would people of Kosovo want to go under Serbia and Be 2nd class citizens?

But hey maybe people of Kosovo have short memory of Arkan and paramilitary.

In a world where People get up and ask for freedom like in Egypt, Tunisia ...Etc why would people of Kosovo want to go under Serbia and Be 2nd class citizens?
(Bilbao, 24 March 2011 13:53)

Correct. No reason why. Kosovo will never be back in Serbia. But for the same reasons, Serbs don't wanna be 2nd class citizens under Kosovo Pristina corrupt government. The solution: A split!

The south cannot decentralize as they are all related in one way or another. If not by family, then by clan or 'biznes' ties.

By the way Peter the Thief, how's Kosovo's Ombudsman doing since Marek Anton Nowicki was kicked out (and unfortunately killed in the plane crash at Katyn). It was the only organ trusted by both albanians and serbs but since it has been run by albanians, the silence is deafening.

In a world where People get up and ask for freedom like in Egypt, Tunisia ...Etc why would people of Kosovo want to go under Serbia and Be 2nd class citizens?

But hey maybe people of Kosovo have short memory of Arkan and paramilitary.
(Bilbao, 24 March 2011 13:53)

It matters not what the Albos think or like but whether they can be self sufficient. For a group that adores the western style of life and doing business you forget that capitalism means either standing on your own two feet or you’re gone. No one is going to prop you up for year after year without getting something back and Kosovo was and always will be a financial black hole – the EU is only now begging to understand this fact.
Technically, there is no return on the money you have to keep on spending. What are the Albos going to do? When you depend on handouts, you do as you are told otherwise you starve.
In regard to Tunisia etc, the situation is completely different despite western media putting on a brave face of fighting for freedom and democracy. The uprising in these countries occurred because of western-friendly governments that were totally corrupt dictatorships where the people had little to no chance of improving their lives. You had university graduates unable to find work except selling trinkets to tourists. Egypt was the best example of this fact. But it’s amusing how the US ignores the methods used by the governments of Bahrain and Yemen in trying to quell these disturbances with bullets, but point a finger at Quaddafi. Where are the human rights groups?????????? Not a peep out of them, lol!

Correct. No reason why. Kosovo will never be back in Serbia. But for the same reasons, Serbs don't wanna be 2nd class citizens under Kosovo Pristina corrupt government. The solution: A split!
(Top, 24 March 2011 22:17)

I agree with 100% and many K-Albanians do the same I think the ones I have met do not care about the North its the nationalists that push this agendas in both camps i think.

I think the end game will be some special status for both sides but the issue is also the minerals in Trepca the British/French/Americns have their teeth so deep and sharp for those minerals. Look at exploration its being done by Canadians American firm its all about oil, gold silver not about people be it West or Russia China East.

So they will push force feed to live under some special status like in Bosnia and in 30 years or 50 some compensation will happen and they will split.

I think K-Albanians will get more by giving up north and not have to deal with internal issue like this Serbia recognizes Kosovo and they share mineral wealth in that region 50/50 for say next 100 years and thats it. Same some special status for south sbia areas with majority albanins and i think we have a solution and Serbs and Albanians can start healing from the past.

What do you think?

It matters not what the Albos think or like but whether they can be self sufficient. For a group that adores the western style of life and doing business you forget that capitalism means either standing on your own two feet or you’re gone. No one is going to prop you up for year after year without getting something back and Kosovo was and always will be a financial black hole – the EU is only now begging to understand this fact.
Technically, there is no return on the money you have to keep on spending. What are the Albos going to do? When you depend on handouts, you do as you are told otherwise you starve.
In regard to Tunisia etc, the situation is completely different despite western media putting on a brave face of fighting for freedom and democracy. The uprising in these countries occurred because of western-friendly governments that were totally corrupt dictatorships where the people had little to no chance of improving their lives. You had university graduates unable to find work except selling trinkets to tourists. Egypt was the best example of this fact. But it’s amusing how the US ignores the methods used by the governments of Bahrain and Yemen in trying to quell these disturbances with bullets, but point a finger at Quaddafi. Where are the human rights groups?????????? Not a peep out of them, lol!
(sj, 24 March 2011 21:42)

Ok as we know Kosovo is newly independent and same hand outs happened for France, Germany, greece etc with Marshall plan. As a Westerner I know all to well about Capitalism and the benefits as well as the the bad things it brings (it seems Scandinavians have found the best system ). Serbia as well has many donations, Loans and its selling NIS, Telephone company etc.


In my opinion as Kosovo population is more than 90% Albanian i would say it matters what they say since they are inhabitants of that land today.

I know all to well the history from both sides has many different interpretations but in solving todays issues I would concentrate in whats on the ground today ( otherwise we will be in a circle chasing our tail).

Its not possible for K-Albaninas to trust Serbs from history as well Serbs to trust them so be it maybe future generations will learn how to live together in Europe.

Again I am not living neither in Serbia nor Kosovo I do visit often since we do business in the region and with our church we do many charity donation in both Kosovo and Serbia ( and I know first hand difficult situations in both countries that people face each day) however I have met many poor Albanians who would rather die than live under Serbian rule which to me shows the big issue there of trust its like glass been broken it will never be put together.

Serbia has played a very very good diplomatic game but unless World is prepared for 2million refugees I dont see how they will be accepting to go under Serbia ( I hope as a intellectual you would not want that,just like no one in EU would want that)

Think without emotions and you will know the answer.

(Bilbao, 25 March 2011 03:37)
Please don’t misunderstand me, but there is no “Marshall Plan” nor is it going to happen – I wish there was a plan. There is no better system than capitalism, but it has to be regulated otherwise you have the mess we are dealing with in the US. Yes, Serbia has many, many problems and it has taken out too many loans and to deny it is outright stupidity.
The difference is that Serbia can repay its loans, but Kosovo is not capable of standing on its own two feet and it matters little that 90% of the population is Albanian. In the 21 century if you cannot pay for the essentials to keep a government in power then you have nothing. I earn money if we have more “democracy” in the world, but I have grandchildren and a sense of obligation to point out that the west does not have the same philosophy as in the past – we are not dealing with the same people, compared to policy makers of the 1970s or 1980s. Unfortunately, these people today are lunatics - look at what they are doing to Libya. The people I knew from the 1970 and 1980s era would never have started this mess; they were skilled at their trade and as long as the end result was achieved who cares who was in control.
I have no problems with Albanians mistrusting Serbs, but you cannot have on one hand “we don’t trust Serbs because they have done terrible things to Albanians” while in the same breath not one Albanian can give me a guarantee that their people will not go to Serbia proper to look for work.
Look there are many good people from the Albanians side that are trying to make a living and if you ask me the Serbs have made mistakes in their approach to the Albanians in the 1990s, but the EU will not accept any more refugees from Kosovo. I appreciate what you’re saying, but looking at it from what I have to deal with every day it always comes down to money. I wish that we could come up with a happier solution to meet everyone’s expectations – really I do. But I am too old and cynical to believe that it will happen.
All this banter we have between us is just that. I don’t hate Albanians and I would like them to live in peace with the Serbs, but I know what the west will do and that is the quickest and less costly answer to a problematic solution.
If they do that then I expect from my fellow Serbs to be realistic and even handed and not seek revenge on anyone. Too much blood has been shed in the Balkans and we do not need more as every life is precious to all.

Well as I said before if you hold out long enough you do get what you want. Now it’s “decentralisation” of power in Kosovo. It does certainly look like the beginning of reintegration with Serbia. It looks like the talks are right on schedule.
(sj, 24 March 2011 12:44)

In a world where People get up and ask for freedom like in Egypt, Tunisia ...Etc why would people of Kosovo want to go under Serbia and Be 2nd class citizens?

But hey maybe people of Kosovo have short memory of Arkan and paramilitary.

Well as I said before if you hold out long enough you do get what you want. Now it’s “decentralisation” of power in Kosovo. It does certainly look like the beginning of reintegration with Serbia. It looks like the talks are right on schedule.

In a world where People get up and ask for freedom like in Egypt, Tunisia ...Etc why would people of Kosovo want to go under Serbia and Be 2nd class citizens?

But hey maybe people of Kosovo have short memory of Arkan and paramilitary.
(Bilbao, 24 March 2011 13:53)

It matters not what the Albos think or like but whether they can be self sufficient. For a group that adores the western style of life and doing business you forget that capitalism means either standing on your own two feet or you’re gone. No one is going to prop you up for year after year without getting something back and Kosovo was and always will be a financial black hole – the EU is only now begging to understand this fact.
Technically, there is no return on the money you have to keep on spending. What are the Albos going to do? When you depend on handouts, you do as you are told otherwise you starve.
In regard to Tunisia etc, the situation is completely different despite western media putting on a brave face of fighting for freedom and democracy. The uprising in these countries occurred because of western-friendly governments that were totally corrupt dictatorships where the people had little to no chance of improving their lives. You had university graduates unable to find work except selling trinkets to tourists. Egypt was the best example of this fact. But it’s amusing how the US ignores the methods used by the governments of Bahrain and Yemen in trying to quell these disturbances with bullets, but point a finger at Quaddafi. Where are the human rights groups?????????? Not a peep out of them, lol!

In a world where People get up and ask for freedom like in Egypt, Tunisia ...Etc why would people of Kosovo want to go under Serbia and Be 2nd class citizens?
(Bilbao, 24 March 2011 13:53)

Correct. No reason why. Kosovo will never be back in Serbia. But for the same reasons, Serbs don't wanna be 2nd class citizens under Kosovo Pristina corrupt government. The solution: A split!

The North seems to be doing a good job of decentralising itself, fortunately.

The greatest misstake was to recognize Kosovo without any negotiations between Serbs and Albanians. Supporting only one side from the get go created this mess to begin with. The Americans and its alies should accept the divisions in Kosovo and move on to another country and create another dissaster.

The south cannot decentralize as they are all related in one way or another. If not by family, then by clan or 'biznes' ties.

By the way Peter the Thief, how's Kosovo's Ombudsman doing since Marek Anton Nowicki was kicked out (and unfortunately killed in the plane crash at Katyn). It was the only organ trusted by both albanians and serbs but since it has been run by albanians, the silence is deafening.

Correct. No reason why. Kosovo will never be back in Serbia. But for the same reasons, Serbs don't wanna be 2nd class citizens under Kosovo Pristina corrupt government. The solution: A split!
(Top, 24 March 2011 22:17)

I agree with 100% and many K-Albanians do the same I think the ones I have met do not care about the North its the nationalists that push this agendas in both camps i think.

I think the end game will be some special status for both sides but the issue is also the minerals in Trepca the British/French/Americns have their teeth so deep and sharp for those minerals. Look at exploration its being done by Canadians American firm its all about oil, gold silver not about people be it West or Russia China East.

So they will push force feed to live under some special status like in Bosnia and in 30 years or 50 some compensation will happen and they will split.

I think K-Albanians will get more by giving up north and not have to deal with internal issue like this Serbia recognizes Kosovo and they share mineral wealth in that region 50/50 for say next 100 years and thats it. Same some special status for south sbia areas with majority albanins and i think we have a solution and Serbs and Albanians can start healing from the past.

What do you think?

It matters not what the Albos think or like but whether they can be self sufficient. For a group that adores the western style of life and doing business you forget that capitalism means either standing on your own two feet or you’re gone. No one is going to prop you up for year after year without getting something back and Kosovo was and always will be a financial black hole – the EU is only now begging to understand this fact.
Technically, there is no return on the money you have to keep on spending. What are the Albos going to do? When you depend on handouts, you do as you are told otherwise you starve.
In regard to Tunisia etc, the situation is completely different despite western media putting on a brave face of fighting for freedom and democracy. The uprising in these countries occurred because of western-friendly governments that were totally corrupt dictatorships where the people had little to no chance of improving their lives. You had university graduates unable to find work except selling trinkets to tourists. Egypt was the best example of this fact. But it’s amusing how the US ignores the methods used by the governments of Bahrain and Yemen in trying to quell these disturbances with bullets, but point a finger at Quaddafi. Where are the human rights groups?????????? Not a peep out of them, lol!
(sj, 24 March 2011 21:42)

Ok as we know Kosovo is newly independent and same hand outs happened for France, Germany, greece etc with Marshall plan. As a Westerner I know all to well about Capitalism and the benefits as well as the the bad things it brings (it seems Scandinavians have found the best system ). Serbia as well has many donations, Loans and its selling NIS, Telephone company etc.


In my opinion as Kosovo population is more than 90% Albanian i would say it matters what they say since they are inhabitants of that land today.

I know all to well the history from both sides has many different interpretations but in solving todays issues I would concentrate in whats on the ground today ( otherwise we will be in a circle chasing our tail).

Its not possible for K-Albaninas to trust Serbs from history as well Serbs to trust them so be it maybe future generations will learn how to live together in Europe.

Again I am not living neither in Serbia nor Kosovo I do visit often since we do business in the region and with our church we do many charity donation in both Kosovo and Serbia ( and I know first hand difficult situations in both countries that people face each day) however I have met many poor Albanians who would rather die than live under Serbian rule which to me shows the big issue there of trust its like glass been broken it will never be put together.

Serbia has played a very very good diplomatic game but unless World is prepared for 2million refugees I dont see how they will be accepting to go under Serbia ( I hope as a intellectual you would not want that,just like no one in EU would want that)

Think without emotions and you will know the answer.

(Bilbao, 25 March 2011 03:37)
Please don’t misunderstand me, but there is no “Marshall Plan” nor is it going to happen – I wish there was a plan. There is no better system than capitalism, but it has to be regulated otherwise you have the mess we are dealing with in the US. Yes, Serbia has many, many problems and it has taken out too many loans and to deny it is outright stupidity.
The difference is that Serbia can repay its loans, but Kosovo is not capable of standing on its own two feet and it matters little that 90% of the population is Albanian. In the 21 century if you cannot pay for the essentials to keep a government in power then you have nothing. I earn money if we have more “democracy” in the world, but I have grandchildren and a sense of obligation to point out that the west does not have the same philosophy as in the past – we are not dealing with the same people, compared to policy makers of the 1970s or 1980s. Unfortunately, these people today are lunatics - look at what they are doing to Libya. The people I knew from the 1970 and 1980s era would never have started this mess; they were skilled at their trade and as long as the end result was achieved who cares who was in control.
I have no problems with Albanians mistrusting Serbs, but you cannot have on one hand “we don’t trust Serbs because they have done terrible things to Albanians” while in the same breath not one Albanian can give me a guarantee that their people will not go to Serbia proper to look for work.
Look there are many good people from the Albanians side that are trying to make a living and if you ask me the Serbs have made mistakes in their approach to the Albanians in the 1990s, but the EU will not accept any more refugees from Kosovo. I appreciate what you’re saying, but looking at it from what I have to deal with every day it always comes down to money. I wish that we could come up with a happier solution to meet everyone’s expectations – really I do. But I am too old and cynical to believe that it will happen.
All this banter we have between us is just that. I don’t hate Albanians and I would like them to live in peace with the Serbs, but I know what the west will do and that is the quickest and less costly answer to a problematic solution.
If they do that then I expect from my fellow Serbs to be realistic and even handed and not seek revenge on anyone. Too much blood has been shed in the Balkans and we do not need more as every life is precious to all.