Actually, Kosovo joined the CEFTA agreement as UNMIK/Kosovo. There has been no problem with that. Problems came up after some smart (or not so smart) people in Pristina came up with the great idea to place a self-created "Republic Kosovo" custom stamp on the products.
(Analyst, 21 July 2011 11:48)
No problem with whatsoever with that because UNMIK has repeatedly assured that Kosovo's Customs Stamps are in accordance with 1244 and in line with CEFTA provisions.
So they're not giving away 50% of their GDP for Serbian goods. Also just because Kosovo isn't importing goods from Serbia doesn't mean the Kosovar economy will suffer, they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods.
(Ian, UK, 22 July 2011 14:58)
Your bias must be really showing if you really think this is not going to affect the economy of Kosovo and they will recover from trading with FYROM or anyone else in the region. If you have not heard, a shortage of wheat among other agricultural products exists and Kosovo will be paying a much higher price to get those goods. Montenegro and FYROM are having the same problems. Serbia will have another record crop of wheat and corn in Vojvodina.
What Kosovo did is purely political at a great expense to it's economy. The effects on Serbia will be marginal compared to what Kosovo will feel.
'they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods'
Ian you aint no economist if you believe this. If they can import the same goods for cheaper they would already be buying them and there would be no need for any boycott. As for organisation, yes perhaps the organisation of 1 or 2 firms which are connected to ruling Kos Albanian parties.
You might also want to consider the fact that the reason why Serbia blocks goods from Kosovo since December 2008. It was then that Kos Alb authorities chose to replace the stamp of UNMIK with that of the Kosovo flag.
I'm not into these petty arguments of who did what first, but you are giving the impression that Serbia has been blocking Kosovo goods forever, and out of spite. If that were the case Serbia would never have allowed Kosovo goods in since UDI.
First of all,the goods Serbia is selling to Albanians is much less than 500 million,the whole Kosovo Albanian GDP is estimated at 1 billion dollars!
So now these Albanians who speak about giving a big blow to Serbias economy are just laughable!We will not feel it in the slightest way!
Kosovo Albanians are giving 50% of their entire GDP for Serbian goods?
Laughable!
Second of all,this is Balkans,there will be even more Serbian goods entering our occupied southern province because Serb and Albanian smugglers will be working 24/7!
Don`t kid yourself that it will be otherwise!
Third,this will give Serbia the excuse to abolish those concessions made to Albanians in those talks:no recognizing of degrees and so on...
One can only laugh about those Pristina clowns!
(CG, 22 July 2011 00:01)
According to the International Monetary Fund Kosovo has a GDP of $12.777 Billion (international dollars) for 2011 and is increasing rather fast each year. I suggest you get your facts right.
So they're not giving away 50% of their GDP for Serbian goods. Also just because Kosovo isn't importing goods from Serbia doesn't mean the Kosovar economy will suffer, they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods.
First of all,the goods Serbia is selling to Albanians is much less than 500 million,the whole Kosovo Albanian GDP is estimated at 1 billion dollars!
So now these Albanians who speak about giving a big blow to Serbias economy are just laughable!We will not feel it in the slightest way!
Kosovo Albanians are giving 50% of their entire GDP for Serbian goods?
Laughable!
Second of all,this is Balkans,there will be even more Serbian goods entering our occupied southern province because Serb and Albanian smugglers will be working 24/7!
Don`t kid yourself that it will be otherwise!
Third,this will give Serbia the excuse to abolish those concessions made to Albanians in those talks:no recognizing of degrees and so on...
As for finding job it would be better for you Albanians to deal with > 70% unemployment rate in Kosovo. We are very familiar with your national agenda about occupying Kosovo and believe me this is Balkans and when your masters finish with your compatriots they will throw you away just everyone else before you and Serbia will be here in this place you like it or not. We will get back our historical province earlier than you Albanians think. There are some other countries in the region that cannot stand your behaviour and they will take a advantage on the moment and solve so called Albanian question once for good.
(neko iz mase, 21 July 2011 19:10)
I bet my life that you personally will never see the day of your radical dream becoming a reality.
"so preemptiv congratulation to Pristina for further enriching the north."
What enriching the north? Do you think people are going to flock to the north to buy "Plazma Keks" past expiry date? Get over it, all Serbia sells in Kosova is junk, nothing you can't find in any bazaar from Skopje to Istanbul. Oh, did you hear that KP is asking from drivers that go to the north, for the receipts for the gas bought, otherwise is confiscating it.
Serbia will tell the eu that there will be no more negotiations until the albos give up their embargo while moving goods across the so-called "administrative line" to Serbs in northern kosovo. The eu will crush this albo move to get the talks going. A weak and pathetic move, let's see how long it lasts. We may even see an american state dept employee come to pristina to yell at them.
"The only one that will suffer the effects of this blockage will be Serbia, Kosova can buy similar or better products somewhere else.
We'll see in September is Serbia has learned the lesson." (Adrian Gashi)
-- (Un)Fortunately this was not put into place as a contingency movement before the decision to block goods, which might I add continue to travel through northern Kosovo, so preemptiv congratulation to Pristina for further enriching the north. Saying "we will find other and better products", as certain officials in Pristina are saying, in no way implies you have done so now but only suggests something might present itself to offset the deficit. Lots of luck to you, but I doubt Kosovo will be in a better position come September. Again, I really think the only people who think this is a good move are either people in Kosovo already in privileged posiitons (either elites in Pristina or smugglers in northern Kosovo) or those who don't live there and thus have the luxury to brag.
This is a correct short term decision, but in the long term unfortunately goes in the wrong direction. Instead of going towards Serbian government recognizing reality and cooperating with its neighbors we have Kosovo government de-recognizing Serbia's stamps. It was expected to happen sooner or later. Mr. Stefanovic has a big mouth when he says: "Priština has demonstrated its impatience". He represents a government that is doing all it can to put Pristina in a corner and he has the face to, at the same time, ask Pristina to be patient. The fact that this move came more than three years after Serbia started its embargo shows that Pristina has been very patient.
Finally, this move has been coordinated with EULEX and other countries, as Tadic is aware of. It did not come out of the blue and most likely Serbian government was told that it would happen. Tadic mentioning other countries is indirect proof of this. Today 4 trucks were blocked in the Merdare checkpoint in cooperation with EULEX. Yesterday many more were blocked.
As for finding job it would be better for you Albanians to deal with > 70% unemployment rate in Kosovo. We are very familiar with your national agenda about occupying Kosovo and believe me this is Balkans and when your masters finish with your compatriots they will throw you away just everyone else before you and Serbia will be here in this place you like it or not. We will get back our historical province earlier than you Albanians think. There are some other countries in the region that cannot stand your behaviour and they will take a advantage on the moment and solve so called Albanian question once for good.
"What in the world does the average Albanian care about "reciprocity" when nearly 70% of goods are "imported" from the rest of Serbia?"
Wrong Mike, imports from Serbia constitute only 12% of overall imports. Macedonia is even bigger importer than Serbia with 15%, by far the biggest importer is EU (35%).
The only one that will suffer the effects of this blockage will be Serbia, Kosova can buy similar or better products somewhere else.
We'll see in September is Serbia has learned the lesson.
The decision of Kosova's gonverment is the right one and I applaud it.If your neighbour thinks that you don't exist or try to block and make your life difficult, why should I respect him?
(Mirel from Albania, 21 July 2011)
They're getting a taste of their own medicine, and apparently they don't like it. Good and correct decision by Pristina. Touche!
Mate you're the last person to give me lessons on history or spelling English word for that matter. The bottom line is, this is a conflict between us and our archenemy so of course I do know (Mr Sherlock) that those financial reports are 'biased' to you but are not be 'biased' to me becasue they're part of our national agenda! So get over it and don't lose any sleep; find a job and find something better to do for your own good.
"Was Kosova the first to put the embargo to Serbian goods,or Serbia and Bonsia to put embargo to Kosovar goods? "
(Mirel from Albania, 21 July 2011 15:28)
No, not on Kosovar goods, only on goods that were decorated with a self-invented custom stamps instead of the official UNMIK-Kosovo one.
I would appreciate if kosovo Albanians tell what are those Kosovan goods that you actually distribute to the rest of the Serbia except the narcotics and GMO meat from South America. Thanks in advance!
Btw. this is not a first time so called Kosovo government to impose embargo to goods from the rest of the Serbia. You tried it earlier and it usually lasted for couple of days or less.
This is a foolish move by Pristina. For what? "Reciprocity"? What in the world does the average Albanian care about "reciprocity" when nearly 70% of goods are "imported" from the rest of Serbia? The only consequence this will create is the significant rise in profits among the Serb and Albanian smuggling groups that operate (quite cooperatively) between the Ibar preventing Pristina to tax its goods. Since Pristina has no control over northern Kosovo, goods will still come in but the prices will now increase and money will accummulate in the north's already vibrant gray economy. If Pristina wanted to flex the muscles it believes it has, a wiser move would have been to wait for the completion of all those highways its building towards Albania and Macedonia. At least then, a redirection of economic trade could not only offset the cost of effectively shutting the door to central Serbia, but could have helped pay for the highway construction costs that's slowly depleting Kosovo's fragile economy. The only people that could think this is a great idea are those who live outside Kosovo.
Since Serbia used to export goods in the value of 500 million dollars to Kosovo each year, this is a big blow to Serbian economy which is not so good anyway.
Now the Serbian workers, who will lose their jobs, will pay the price for their irresponsible leaders.
When will Serbia come to its senses and stop this madness over Kosovo?
Bravo Daja Thaci!!!! This decision has been long overdue, it's time we match an embargo an embargo. I'm sick and tired of seeing Serbian products past expiration date come to local stores....that's just poisoning to your health.
Looking forward to buying 'Thaci', 'Limaj' counterfit brands at twice the price or the real stuff for less from the west but far more than from the Serbs. Tick tock tick tock goes the innumerate Pristina clock.
The so called Kosovo government has so far a rather shameful track record of abusing it's international support to blackmail its will into policy. ... Not to say that Serbia is a saint, but Kosovo is definitely pushing their luck. ...Kosovo might learn a lessen that is being repeated time and time again by history and that is that if you don't want to work with your adversaries to solve your problems, but instead try to abuse power and influence to get it your way, you will always lose in the end. (nl@ns, 21 July 2011 12:38)
@nl@ns!
One question.
Was Kosova the first to put the embargo to Serbian goods,or Serbia and Bonsia to put embargo to Kosovar goods?
As far as I remember was Serbia and Bosnia to put the embargo first.
So why they were right and Kosova not?
I think Kosova waited a long time and gave Balgrade a lot of chances to improve the relationship Kosova-Serbia.Belgrade postponed the dialogue,not Kosova.
The decision of Kosova's gonverment is the right one and I applaud it.If you neighbour thinks that you don't exist or try to block and make your life difficult, why should I respect him?
I must say I was not been impressed with the Kosovan government's track record at all until now. They've finally hit Serbia where it hurts the most and what this Serbian-Albanian conflict is really all about: Money and Economic Exploitation!
With fewer exports and an unnatural over-reliance on foreign lending from Greek and Italian banks (who as you all should know by now are pretty close to defaulting on their debts) Serbia's economic stability will be... less stable (to put it very mildly). This embargo (which I also think will not last for too long) should be a wake-up call for the clowns in Belgrade and recognize that Kosova has never been theirs and will never ever be!
Strange, i hope the albanians can pay the price off goods from EU? There is no neighbor... Montenegro mecedoine albania who has enough to feed the K Albanians !
What we have here is Kosovo reciprocating the Serbian trade blockade and as a consequence Belgrade is crying out about it playing the victim once again; Belgrade started the trade blockade, they deserve all they get. A taste of their own medicine so to speak.
"It is a unilateral attempt by Priština to prejudge the outcome of the dialogue we are engaged in."
Well Serbia has the upper hand in these negotiations regarding the movement of goods if Serbia is blocking Kosovar goods, however Kosovo has equalled itself by blocking Serbian goods. This way both Belgrade and Pristina have something to work towards instead of only Pristina begging to have it's goods accepted into Serbia. Serbia no longer has the upper hand now that Serbian goods are being blocked into Kosovo. They both have to work towards having one another's goods being accepted. Seems only fair to me.
"By this move, Priština violated the CEFTA agreement and put itself in the unpleasant situation in the international community because the move will not be met with sympathy," Stefanović said."
How Can Kosovo's Government violate the CEFTA agreement when the 'Republic of Kosovo' is not a signatory of the agreement? How can you violate something you're not apart of? or something you've not agreed to? UNMIK is the signatory, UNMIK only exists on paper these days and that's to appease Moscow. Also by crying out and complaining about having Serbian goods being blocked into Kosovo aka playing the victim, Belgrade is blatantly looking for sympathy.
"By this irrational move, the Kosovo government deprives the dialogue of meaning while at the same time contributing to creation of greater mistrust among Serbs and (ethnic) Albanians," the Ministry for Kosovo-Metohija quoted Bogdanović as saying."
What and Belgrade hasn't deprived the dialogue of meaning either? Lets just look at all these preconditions Belgrade has set for negotiations and that everything must be verbally agreed, nothing in writing ect. This just gives the negotiations no credibility whatsoever and this is exactly what Belgrade wants. Also Belgrade contributed towards the mistrust amongst Serbs and Albanians by blocking Kosovar goods.
As I said, Belgrade is having a taste of their own medicine. Not nice is it, you don't like it!
How hypocrite. All of a sudden Serbs are concerned about Albanians welfare!
I believe this is the toughest and wisest decision of the Kosovo Gov. since its creation.
This decision shall encourage albanian producers replace serbian products which is a great chance to grow their profit.
Kosovo has absolutely no interest in giving away hundreds of euros in cash, to a country that does not even recognize its existence.
All what the Serbian Gov. can now do, is to find way and smuggle their products, do some lobbying at the EU headquarters to pressure Kosovo to back off from this decision, and play pretending as you people are not affected from this decision.
Well done Kosovo! Bravo!
@ adrian kola, 21 July 2011 11:01
Taking into account the rather big chance that this news article is highly biased considering it's political source. Furthermore agreeing that Serbia has quite a had track record of being bureaucratic and stubborn state, not very willing to cooperate with others when they don't have to (although this might have improved during the last couple of years).
You say that numerous reports from the Ministry of Finance in Prishtina prove something. Do you seriously think that any report from any ministry can be considered objective and prove of anything? Have you never learned that reports from any government are always self serving and biased? I would not believe what the Serbian government says unless it is corroborated by both independent and international research, but the same should be said about anything coming from the so called Kosovo government.
As far as Serbian product being carcinogenic (because cancerogenous is not even a word), do you seriously think that products from Albanian, Croatian, Macedonian and Greek are less carcinogenic? The problem with health threatening products is way more global (and way more corrupt) than the Serbia-Kosovo problem.
The so called Kosovo government has so far a rather shameful track record of abusing it's international support to blackmail its will into policy. Maybe not such a surprise though, when know the background of some Kosovo politicians. Not to say that Serbia is a saint, but Kosovo is definitely pushing their luck.
Kosovo might learn a lessen that is being repeated time and time again by history and that is that if you don't want to work with your adversaries to solve your problems, but instead try to abuse power and influence to get it your way, you will always lose in the end. Either because you lose your support over the abuse of it, or because with abuse you always create people that will be out for your blood. Read some history books, you will find the pattern everywhere.
Well big hurrah for less competition and higher prices for the people of Kosovo!
I expect that alongside life becoming a little more expensive that there will be an increase in illegal smuggling of certain goods that will be available through informal channels. This will mainly be found in the north.
As a result one would estimate that money will be lost from taxes which won't be paid on these goods and additionally Kosovo Albanians who will have less access to these smuggled goods from Serbia and Bosnia will suffer more from the latest move.
But guys, really some of you mystify me in celebrating more difficult life for people in Kosovo.
"Well actually Serbia and Bosnia violated the CEFTA agreement first back in 2007 when they decided to ban Kosovar products after Kosova declared its independence from Serbia. So the Serbs and their 'brothers' in Republika Srpska should have seen this coming anyway. "
(adrian kola, 21 July 2011 11:01)
Actually, Kosovo joined the CEFTA agreement as UNMIK/Kosovo. There has been no problem with that. Problems came up after some smart (or not so smart) people in Pristina came up with the great idea to place a self-created "Republic Kosovo" custom stamp on the products.
Someone is going to lose, most likely those who produce. Anything product can be replaced by locals or regional states. Serbian unemployment as from today is going to increase, and Serbia hasn't got the EU backing on this issue either.
I dont know who is playing wise cards?!
On the other hand this is first powerful act of Kosovo since the declaration of independence in 2008.
Well actually Serbia and Bosnia violated the CEFTA agreement first back in 2007 when they decided to ban Kosovar products after Kosova declared its independence from Serbia. So the Serbs and their 'brothers' in Republika Srpska should have seen this coming anyway.
I think Serbian and Bosnian products can easily be replaced by Albanian, Croatian, Macedonian and Greek products. This was also proven by numerous research papers conducted by the Ministry of Finance in Prishtina. Moreover, this decision should boost local production in Kosova and boost the consumption of local produce... etc etc. Finally as we've seen in Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia, Serbian products leave much to be desired with their cancerogenous poison and all!
That's the most dopey decission for an economy laying down.
I'll bet my socks they'll revind this decission within 6 Weeks.
For gods sake, what do Albanians teach their economy students? How to paint their toenails?
"It is a unilateral attempt by Priština to prejudge the outcome of the dialogue we are engaged in. By this move, Priština violated the CEFTA agreement and put itself in the unpleasant situation in the international community because the move will not be met with sympathy," Stefanović said.
Strange to read this, bearing in mind that CEFTA is one of the few international/regional 'clubs' Kosovo was allowed to participate in.
Well actually Serbia and Bosnia violated the CEFTA agreement first back in 2007 when they decided to ban Kosovar products after Kosova declared its independence from Serbia. So the Serbs and their 'brothers' in Republika Srpska should have seen this coming anyway.
I think Serbian and Bosnian products can easily be replaced by Albanian, Croatian, Macedonian and Greek products. This was also proven by numerous research papers conducted by the Ministry of Finance in Prishtina. Moreover, this decision should boost local production in Kosova and boost the consumption of local produce... etc etc. Finally as we've seen in Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia, Serbian products leave much to be desired with their cancerogenous poison and all!
How hypocrite. All of a sudden Serbs are concerned about Albanians welfare!
I believe this is the toughest and wisest decision of the Kosovo Gov. since its creation.
This decision shall encourage albanian producers replace serbian products which is a great chance to grow their profit.
Kosovo has absolutely no interest in giving away hundreds of euros in cash, to a country that does not even recognize its existence.
All what the Serbian Gov. can now do, is to find way and smuggle their products, do some lobbying at the EU headquarters to pressure Kosovo to back off from this decision, and play pretending as you people are not affected from this decision.
Well done Kosovo! Bravo!
Someone is going to lose, most likely those who produce. Anything product can be replaced by locals or regional states. Serbian unemployment as from today is going to increase, and Serbia hasn't got the EU backing on this issue either.
I dont know who is playing wise cards?!
On the other hand this is first powerful act of Kosovo since the declaration of independence in 2008.
That's the most dopey decission for an economy laying down.
I'll bet my socks they'll revind this decission within 6 Weeks.
For gods sake, what do Albanians teach their economy students? How to paint their toenails?
"Well actually Serbia and Bosnia violated the CEFTA agreement first back in 2007 when they decided to ban Kosovar products after Kosova declared its independence from Serbia. So the Serbs and their 'brothers' in Republika Srpska should have seen this coming anyway. "
(adrian kola, 21 July 2011 11:01)
Actually, Kosovo joined the CEFTA agreement as UNMIK/Kosovo. There has been no problem with that. Problems came up after some smart (or not so smart) people in Pristina came up with the great idea to place a self-created "Republic Kosovo" custom stamp on the products.
What we have here is Kosovo reciprocating the Serbian trade blockade and as a consequence Belgrade is crying out about it playing the victim once again; Belgrade started the trade blockade, they deserve all they get. A taste of their own medicine so to speak.
"It is a unilateral attempt by Priština to prejudge the outcome of the dialogue we are engaged in."
Well Serbia has the upper hand in these negotiations regarding the movement of goods if Serbia is blocking Kosovar goods, however Kosovo has equalled itself by blocking Serbian goods. This way both Belgrade and Pristina have something to work towards instead of only Pristina begging to have it's goods accepted into Serbia. Serbia no longer has the upper hand now that Serbian goods are being blocked into Kosovo. They both have to work towards having one another's goods being accepted. Seems only fair to me.
"By this move, Priština violated the CEFTA agreement and put itself in the unpleasant situation in the international community because the move will not be met with sympathy," Stefanović said."
How Can Kosovo's Government violate the CEFTA agreement when the 'Republic of Kosovo' is not a signatory of the agreement? How can you violate something you're not apart of? or something you've not agreed to? UNMIK is the signatory, UNMIK only exists on paper these days and that's to appease Moscow. Also by crying out and complaining about having Serbian goods being blocked into Kosovo aka playing the victim, Belgrade is blatantly looking for sympathy.
"By this irrational move, the Kosovo government deprives the dialogue of meaning while at the same time contributing to creation of greater mistrust among Serbs and (ethnic) Albanians," the Ministry for Kosovo-Metohija quoted Bogdanović as saying."
What and Belgrade hasn't deprived the dialogue of meaning either? Lets just look at all these preconditions Belgrade has set for negotiations and that everything must be verbally agreed, nothing in writing ect. This just gives the negotiations no credibility whatsoever and this is exactly what Belgrade wants. Also Belgrade contributed towards the mistrust amongst Serbs and Albanians by blocking Kosovar goods.
As I said, Belgrade is having a taste of their own medicine. Not nice is it, you don't like it!
Well big hurrah for less competition and higher prices for the people of Kosovo!
I expect that alongside life becoming a little more expensive that there will be an increase in illegal smuggling of certain goods that will be available through informal channels. This will mainly be found in the north.
As a result one would estimate that money will be lost from taxes which won't be paid on these goods and additionally Kosovo Albanians who will have less access to these smuggled goods from Serbia and Bosnia will suffer more from the latest move.
But guys, really some of you mystify me in celebrating more difficult life for people in Kosovo.
@ adrian kola, 21 July 2011 11:01
Taking into account the rather big chance that this news article is highly biased considering it's political source. Furthermore agreeing that Serbia has quite a had track record of being bureaucratic and stubborn state, not very willing to cooperate with others when they don't have to (although this might have improved during the last couple of years).
You say that numerous reports from the Ministry of Finance in Prishtina prove something. Do you seriously think that any report from any ministry can be considered objective and prove of anything? Have you never learned that reports from any government are always self serving and biased? I would not believe what the Serbian government says unless it is corroborated by both independent and international research, but the same should be said about anything coming from the so called Kosovo government.
As far as Serbian product being carcinogenic (because cancerogenous is not even a word), do you seriously think that products from Albanian, Croatian, Macedonian and Greek are less carcinogenic? The problem with health threatening products is way more global (and way more corrupt) than the Serbia-Kosovo problem.
The so called Kosovo government has so far a rather shameful track record of abusing it's international support to blackmail its will into policy. Maybe not such a surprise though, when know the background of some Kosovo politicians. Not to say that Serbia is a saint, but Kosovo is definitely pushing their luck.
Kosovo might learn a lessen that is being repeated time and time again by history and that is that if you don't want to work with your adversaries to solve your problems, but instead try to abuse power and influence to get it your way, you will always lose in the end. Either because you lose your support over the abuse of it, or because with abuse you always create people that will be out for your blood. Read some history books, you will find the pattern everywhere.
I must say I was not been impressed with the Kosovan government's track record at all until now. They've finally hit Serbia where it hurts the most and what this Serbian-Albanian conflict is really all about: Money and Economic Exploitation!
With fewer exports and an unnatural over-reliance on foreign lending from Greek and Italian banks (who as you all should know by now are pretty close to defaulting on their debts) Serbia's economic stability will be... less stable (to put it very mildly). This embargo (which I also think will not last for too long) should be a wake-up call for the clowns in Belgrade and recognize that Kosova has never been theirs and will never ever be!
"It is a unilateral attempt by Priština to prejudge the outcome of the dialogue we are engaged in. By this move, Priština violated the CEFTA agreement and put itself in the unpleasant situation in the international community because the move will not be met with sympathy," Stefanović said.
Strange to read this, bearing in mind that CEFTA is one of the few international/regional 'clubs' Kosovo was allowed to participate in.
Strange, i hope the albanians can pay the price off goods from EU? There is no neighbor... Montenegro mecedoine albania who has enough to feed the K Albanians !
The so called Kosovo government has so far a rather shameful track record of abusing it's international support to blackmail its will into policy. ... Not to say that Serbia is a saint, but Kosovo is definitely pushing their luck. ...Kosovo might learn a lessen that is being repeated time and time again by history and that is that if you don't want to work with your adversaries to solve your problems, but instead try to abuse power and influence to get it your way, you will always lose in the end. (nl@ns, 21 July 2011 12:38)
@nl@ns!
One question.
Was Kosova the first to put the embargo to Serbian goods,or Serbia and Bonsia to put embargo to Kosovar goods?
As far as I remember was Serbia and Bosnia to put the embargo first.
So why they were right and Kosova not?
I think Kosova waited a long time and gave Balgrade a lot of chances to improve the relationship Kosova-Serbia.Belgrade postponed the dialogue,not Kosova.
The decision of Kosova's gonverment is the right one and I applaud it.If you neighbour thinks that you don't exist or try to block and make your life difficult, why should I respect him?
"Was Kosova the first to put the embargo to Serbian goods,or Serbia and Bonsia to put embargo to Kosovar goods? "
(Mirel from Albania, 21 July 2011 15:28)
No, not on Kosovar goods, only on goods that were decorated with a self-invented custom stamps instead of the official UNMIK-Kosovo one.
Looking forward to buying 'Thaci', 'Limaj' counterfit brands at twice the price or the real stuff for less from the west but far more than from the Serbs. Tick tock tick tock goes the innumerate Pristina clock.
This is a foolish move by Pristina. For what? "Reciprocity"? What in the world does the average Albanian care about "reciprocity" when nearly 70% of goods are "imported" from the rest of Serbia? The only consequence this will create is the significant rise in profits among the Serb and Albanian smuggling groups that operate (quite cooperatively) between the Ibar preventing Pristina to tax its goods. Since Pristina has no control over northern Kosovo, goods will still come in but the prices will now increase and money will accummulate in the north's already vibrant gray economy. If Pristina wanted to flex the muscles it believes it has, a wiser move would have been to wait for the completion of all those highways its building towards Albania and Macedonia. At least then, a redirection of economic trade could not only offset the cost of effectively shutting the door to central Serbia, but could have helped pay for the highway construction costs that's slowly depleting Kosovo's fragile economy. The only people that could think this is a great idea are those who live outside Kosovo.
I would appreciate if kosovo Albanians tell what are those Kosovan goods that you actually distribute to the rest of the Serbia except the narcotics and GMO meat from South America. Thanks in advance!
Btw. this is not a first time so called Kosovo government to impose embargo to goods from the rest of the Serbia. You tried it earlier and it usually lasted for couple of days or less.
As for finding job it would be better for you Albanians to deal with > 70% unemployment rate in Kosovo. We are very familiar with your national agenda about occupying Kosovo and believe me this is Balkans and when your masters finish with your compatriots they will throw you away just everyone else before you and Serbia will be here in this place you like it or not. We will get back our historical province earlier than you Albanians think. There are some other countries in the region that cannot stand your behaviour and they will take a advantage on the moment and solve so called Albanian question once for good.
Since Serbia used to export goods in the value of 500 million dollars to Kosovo each year, this is a big blow to Serbian economy which is not so good anyway.
Now the Serbian workers, who will lose their jobs, will pay the price for their irresponsible leaders.
When will Serbia come to its senses and stop this madness over Kosovo?
"The only one that will suffer the effects of this blockage will be Serbia, Kosova can buy similar or better products somewhere else.
We'll see in September is Serbia has learned the lesson." (Adrian Gashi)
-- (Un)Fortunately this was not put into place as a contingency movement before the decision to block goods, which might I add continue to travel through northern Kosovo, so preemptiv congratulation to Pristina for further enriching the north. Saying "we will find other and better products", as certain officials in Pristina are saying, in no way implies you have done so now but only suggests something might present itself to offset the deficit. Lots of luck to you, but I doubt Kosovo will be in a better position come September. Again, I really think the only people who think this is a good move are either people in Kosovo already in privileged posiitons (either elites in Pristina or smugglers in northern Kosovo) or those who don't live there and thus have the luxury to brag.
Serbia will tell the eu that there will be no more negotiations until the albos give up their embargo while moving goods across the so-called "administrative line" to Serbs in northern kosovo. The eu will crush this albo move to get the talks going. A weak and pathetic move, let's see how long it lasts. We may even see an american state dept employee come to pristina to yell at them.
Bravo Daja Thaci!!!! This decision has been long overdue, it's time we match an embargo an embargo. I'm sick and tired of seeing Serbian products past expiration date come to local stores....that's just poisoning to your health.
As for finding job it would be better for you Albanians to deal with > 70% unemployment rate in Kosovo. We are very familiar with your national agenda about occupying Kosovo and believe me this is Balkans and when your masters finish with your compatriots they will throw you away just everyone else before you and Serbia will be here in this place you like it or not. We will get back our historical province earlier than you Albanians think. There are some other countries in the region that cannot stand your behaviour and they will take a advantage on the moment and solve so called Albanian question once for good.
(neko iz mase, 21 July 2011 19:10)
I bet my life that you personally will never see the day of your radical dream becoming a reality.
The decision of Kosova's gonverment is the right one and I applaud it.If your neighbour thinks that you don't exist or try to block and make your life difficult, why should I respect him?
(Mirel from Albania, 21 July 2011)
They're getting a taste of their own medicine, and apparently they don't like it. Good and correct decision by Pristina. Touche!
This is a correct short term decision, but in the long term unfortunately goes in the wrong direction. Instead of going towards Serbian government recognizing reality and cooperating with its neighbors we have Kosovo government de-recognizing Serbia's stamps. It was expected to happen sooner or later. Mr. Stefanovic has a big mouth when he says: "Priština has demonstrated its impatience". He represents a government that is doing all it can to put Pristina in a corner and he has the face to, at the same time, ask Pristina to be patient. The fact that this move came more than three years after Serbia started its embargo shows that Pristina has been very patient.
Finally, this move has been coordinated with EULEX and other countries, as Tadic is aware of. It did not come out of the blue and most likely Serbian government was told that it would happen. Tadic mentioning other countries is indirect proof of this. Today 4 trucks were blocked in the Merdare checkpoint in cooperation with EULEX. Yesterday many more were blocked.
'they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods'
Ian you aint no economist if you believe this. If they can import the same goods for cheaper they would already be buying them and there would be no need for any boycott. As for organisation, yes perhaps the organisation of 1 or 2 firms which are connected to ruling Kos Albanian parties.
You might also want to consider the fact that the reason why Serbia blocks goods from Kosovo since December 2008. It was then that Kos Alb authorities chose to replace the stamp of UNMIK with that of the Kosovo flag.
I'm not into these petty arguments of who did what first, but you are giving the impression that Serbia has been blocking Kosovo goods forever, and out of spite. If that were the case Serbia would never have allowed Kosovo goods in since UDI.
"What in the world does the average Albanian care about "reciprocity" when nearly 70% of goods are "imported" from the rest of Serbia?"
Wrong Mike, imports from Serbia constitute only 12% of overall imports. Macedonia is even bigger importer than Serbia with 15%, by far the biggest importer is EU (35%).
The only one that will suffer the effects of this blockage will be Serbia, Kosova can buy similar or better products somewhere else.
We'll see in September is Serbia has learned the lesson.
"so preemptiv congratulation to Pristina for further enriching the north."
What enriching the north? Do you think people are going to flock to the north to buy "Plazma Keks" past expiry date? Get over it, all Serbia sells in Kosova is junk, nothing you can't find in any bazaar from Skopje to Istanbul. Oh, did you hear that KP is asking from drivers that go to the north, for the receipts for the gas bought, otherwise is confiscating it.
Mate you're the last person to give me lessons on history or spelling English word for that matter. The bottom line is, this is a conflict between us and our archenemy so of course I do know (Mr Sherlock) that those financial reports are 'biased' to you but are not be 'biased' to me becasue they're part of our national agenda! So get over it and don't lose any sleep; find a job and find something better to do for your own good.
So they're not giving away 50% of their GDP for Serbian goods. Also just because Kosovo isn't importing goods from Serbia doesn't mean the Kosovar economy will suffer, they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods.
(Ian, UK, 22 July 2011 14:58)
Your bias must be really showing if you really think this is not going to affect the economy of Kosovo and they will recover from trading with FYROM or anyone else in the region. If you have not heard, a shortage of wheat among other agricultural products exists and Kosovo will be paying a much higher price to get those goods. Montenegro and FYROM are having the same problems. Serbia will have another record crop of wheat and corn in Vojvodina.
What Kosovo did is purely political at a great expense to it's economy. The effects on Serbia will be marginal compared to what Kosovo will feel.
First of all,the goods Serbia is selling to Albanians is much less than 500 million,the whole Kosovo Albanian GDP is estimated at 1 billion dollars!
So now these Albanians who speak about giving a big blow to Serbias economy are just laughable!We will not feel it in the slightest way!
Kosovo Albanians are giving 50% of their entire GDP for Serbian goods?
Laughable!
Second of all,this is Balkans,there will be even more Serbian goods entering our occupied southern province because Serb and Albanian smugglers will be working 24/7!
Don`t kid yourself that it will be otherwise!
Third,this will give Serbia the excuse to abolish those concessions made to Albanians in those talks:no recognizing of degrees and so on...
First of all,the goods Serbia is selling to Albanians is much less than 500 million,the whole Kosovo Albanian GDP is estimated at 1 billion dollars!
So now these Albanians who speak about giving a big blow to Serbias economy are just laughable!We will not feel it in the slightest way!
Kosovo Albanians are giving 50% of their entire GDP for Serbian goods?
Laughable!
Second of all,this is Balkans,there will be even more Serbian goods entering our occupied southern province because Serb and Albanian smugglers will be working 24/7!
Don`t kid yourself that it will be otherwise!
Third,this will give Serbia the excuse to abolish those concessions made to Albanians in those talks:no recognizing of degrees and so on...
One can only laugh about those Pristina clowns!
(CG, 22 July 2011 00:01)
According to the International Monetary Fund Kosovo has a GDP of $12.777 Billion (international dollars) for 2011 and is increasing rather fast each year. I suggest you get your facts right.
So they're not giving away 50% of their GDP for Serbian goods. Also just because Kosovo isn't importing goods from Serbia doesn't mean the Kosovar economy will suffer, they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods.
Actually, Kosovo joined the CEFTA agreement as UNMIK/Kosovo. There has been no problem with that. Problems came up after some smart (or not so smart) people in Pristina came up with the great idea to place a self-created "Republic Kosovo" custom stamp on the products.
(Analyst, 21 July 2011 11:48)
No problem with whatsoever with that because UNMIK has repeatedly assured that Kosovo's Customs Stamps are in accordance with 1244 and in line with CEFTA provisions.
"Well actually Serbia and Bosnia violated the CEFTA agreement first back in 2007 when they decided to ban Kosovar products after Kosova declared its independence from Serbia. So the Serbs and their 'brothers' in Republika Srpska should have seen this coming anyway. "
(adrian kola, 21 July 2011 11:01)
Actually, Kosovo joined the CEFTA agreement as UNMIK/Kosovo. There has been no problem with that. Problems came up after some smart (or not so smart) people in Pristina came up with the great idea to place a self-created "Republic Kosovo" custom stamp on the products.
That's the most dopey decission for an economy laying down.
I'll bet my socks they'll revind this decission within 6 Weeks.
For gods sake, what do Albanians teach their economy students? How to paint their toenails?
Well actually Serbia and Bosnia violated the CEFTA agreement first back in 2007 when they decided to ban Kosovar products after Kosova declared its independence from Serbia. So the Serbs and their 'brothers' in Republika Srpska should have seen this coming anyway.
I think Serbian and Bosnian products can easily be replaced by Albanian, Croatian, Macedonian and Greek products. This was also proven by numerous research papers conducted by the Ministry of Finance in Prishtina. Moreover, this decision should boost local production in Kosova and boost the consumption of local produce... etc etc. Finally as we've seen in Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia, Serbian products leave much to be desired with their cancerogenous poison and all!
"It is a unilateral attempt by Priština to prejudge the outcome of the dialogue we are engaged in. By this move, Priština violated the CEFTA agreement and put itself in the unpleasant situation in the international community because the move will not be met with sympathy," Stefanović said.
Strange to read this, bearing in mind that CEFTA is one of the few international/regional 'clubs' Kosovo was allowed to participate in.
Strange, i hope the albanians can pay the price off goods from EU? There is no neighbor... Montenegro mecedoine albania who has enough to feed the K Albanians !
I must say I was not been impressed with the Kosovan government's track record at all until now. They've finally hit Serbia where it hurts the most and what this Serbian-Albanian conflict is really all about: Money and Economic Exploitation!
With fewer exports and an unnatural over-reliance on foreign lending from Greek and Italian banks (who as you all should know by now are pretty close to defaulting on their debts) Serbia's economic stability will be... less stable (to put it very mildly). This embargo (which I also think will not last for too long) should be a wake-up call for the clowns in Belgrade and recognize that Kosova has never been theirs and will never ever be!
What we have here is Kosovo reciprocating the Serbian trade blockade and as a consequence Belgrade is crying out about it playing the victim once again; Belgrade started the trade blockade, they deserve all they get. A taste of their own medicine so to speak.
"It is a unilateral attempt by Priština to prejudge the outcome of the dialogue we are engaged in."
Well Serbia has the upper hand in these negotiations regarding the movement of goods if Serbia is blocking Kosovar goods, however Kosovo has equalled itself by blocking Serbian goods. This way both Belgrade and Pristina have something to work towards instead of only Pristina begging to have it's goods accepted into Serbia. Serbia no longer has the upper hand now that Serbian goods are being blocked into Kosovo. They both have to work towards having one another's goods being accepted. Seems only fair to me.
"By this move, Priština violated the CEFTA agreement and put itself in the unpleasant situation in the international community because the move will not be met with sympathy," Stefanović said."
How Can Kosovo's Government violate the CEFTA agreement when the 'Republic of Kosovo' is not a signatory of the agreement? How can you violate something you're not apart of? or something you've not agreed to? UNMIK is the signatory, UNMIK only exists on paper these days and that's to appease Moscow. Also by crying out and complaining about having Serbian goods being blocked into Kosovo aka playing the victim, Belgrade is blatantly looking for sympathy.
"By this irrational move, the Kosovo government deprives the dialogue of meaning while at the same time contributing to creation of greater mistrust among Serbs and (ethnic) Albanians," the Ministry for Kosovo-Metohija quoted Bogdanović as saying."
What and Belgrade hasn't deprived the dialogue of meaning either? Lets just look at all these preconditions Belgrade has set for negotiations and that everything must be verbally agreed, nothing in writing ect. This just gives the negotiations no credibility whatsoever and this is exactly what Belgrade wants. Also Belgrade contributed towards the mistrust amongst Serbs and Albanians by blocking Kosovar goods.
As I said, Belgrade is having a taste of their own medicine. Not nice is it, you don't like it!
How hypocrite. All of a sudden Serbs are concerned about Albanians welfare!
I believe this is the toughest and wisest decision of the Kosovo Gov. since its creation.
This decision shall encourage albanian producers replace serbian products which is a great chance to grow their profit.
Kosovo has absolutely no interest in giving away hundreds of euros in cash, to a country that does not even recognize its existence.
All what the Serbian Gov. can now do, is to find way and smuggle their products, do some lobbying at the EU headquarters to pressure Kosovo to back off from this decision, and play pretending as you people are not affected from this decision.
Well done Kosovo! Bravo!
Well big hurrah for less competition and higher prices for the people of Kosovo!
I expect that alongside life becoming a little more expensive that there will be an increase in illegal smuggling of certain goods that will be available through informal channels. This will mainly be found in the north.
As a result one would estimate that money will be lost from taxes which won't be paid on these goods and additionally Kosovo Albanians who will have less access to these smuggled goods from Serbia and Bosnia will suffer more from the latest move.
But guys, really some of you mystify me in celebrating more difficult life for people in Kosovo.
Someone is going to lose, most likely those who produce. Anything product can be replaced by locals or regional states. Serbian unemployment as from today is going to increase, and Serbia hasn't got the EU backing on this issue either.
I dont know who is playing wise cards?!
On the other hand this is first powerful act of Kosovo since the declaration of independence in 2008.
@ adrian kola, 21 July 2011 11:01
Taking into account the rather big chance that this news article is highly biased considering it's political source. Furthermore agreeing that Serbia has quite a had track record of being bureaucratic and stubborn state, not very willing to cooperate with others when they don't have to (although this might have improved during the last couple of years).
You say that numerous reports from the Ministry of Finance in Prishtina prove something. Do you seriously think that any report from any ministry can be considered objective and prove of anything? Have you never learned that reports from any government are always self serving and biased? I would not believe what the Serbian government says unless it is corroborated by both independent and international research, but the same should be said about anything coming from the so called Kosovo government.
As far as Serbian product being carcinogenic (because cancerogenous is not even a word), do you seriously think that products from Albanian, Croatian, Macedonian and Greek are less carcinogenic? The problem with health threatening products is way more global (and way more corrupt) than the Serbia-Kosovo problem.
The so called Kosovo government has so far a rather shameful track record of abusing it's international support to blackmail its will into policy. Maybe not such a surprise though, when know the background of some Kosovo politicians. Not to say that Serbia is a saint, but Kosovo is definitely pushing their luck.
Kosovo might learn a lessen that is being repeated time and time again by history and that is that if you don't want to work with your adversaries to solve your problems, but instead try to abuse power and influence to get it your way, you will always lose in the end. Either because you lose your support over the abuse of it, or because with abuse you always create people that will be out for your blood. Read some history books, you will find the pattern everywhere.
Looking forward to buying 'Thaci', 'Limaj' counterfit brands at twice the price or the real stuff for less from the west but far more than from the Serbs. Tick tock tick tock goes the innumerate Pristina clock.
"Was Kosova the first to put the embargo to Serbian goods,or Serbia and Bonsia to put embargo to Kosovar goods? "
(Mirel from Albania, 21 July 2011 15:28)
No, not on Kosovar goods, only on goods that were decorated with a self-invented custom stamps instead of the official UNMIK-Kosovo one.
The decision of Kosova's gonverment is the right one and I applaud it.If your neighbour thinks that you don't exist or try to block and make your life difficult, why should I respect him?
(Mirel from Albania, 21 July 2011)
They're getting a taste of their own medicine, and apparently they don't like it. Good and correct decision by Pristina. Touche!
Mate you're the last person to give me lessons on history or spelling English word for that matter. The bottom line is, this is a conflict between us and our archenemy so of course I do know (Mr Sherlock) that those financial reports are 'biased' to you but are not be 'biased' to me becasue they're part of our national agenda! So get over it and don't lose any sleep; find a job and find something better to do for your own good.
The so called Kosovo government has so far a rather shameful track record of abusing it's international support to blackmail its will into policy. ... Not to say that Serbia is a saint, but Kosovo is definitely pushing their luck. ...Kosovo might learn a lessen that is being repeated time and time again by history and that is that if you don't want to work with your adversaries to solve your problems, but instead try to abuse power and influence to get it your way, you will always lose in the end. (nl@ns, 21 July 2011 12:38)
@nl@ns!
One question.
Was Kosova the first to put the embargo to Serbian goods,or Serbia and Bonsia to put embargo to Kosovar goods?
As far as I remember was Serbia and Bosnia to put the embargo first.
So why they were right and Kosova not?
I think Kosova waited a long time and gave Balgrade a lot of chances to improve the relationship Kosova-Serbia.Belgrade postponed the dialogue,not Kosova.
The decision of Kosova's gonverment is the right one and I applaud it.If you neighbour thinks that you don't exist or try to block and make your life difficult, why should I respect him?
Bravo Daja Thaci!!!! This decision has been long overdue, it's time we match an embargo an embargo. I'm sick and tired of seeing Serbian products past expiration date come to local stores....that's just poisoning to your health.
Since Serbia used to export goods in the value of 500 million dollars to Kosovo each year, this is a big blow to Serbian economy which is not so good anyway.
Now the Serbian workers, who will lose their jobs, will pay the price for their irresponsible leaders.
When will Serbia come to its senses and stop this madness over Kosovo?
As for finding job it would be better for you Albanians to deal with > 70% unemployment rate in Kosovo. We are very familiar with your national agenda about occupying Kosovo and believe me this is Balkans and when your masters finish with your compatriots they will throw you away just everyone else before you and Serbia will be here in this place you like it or not. We will get back our historical province earlier than you Albanians think. There are some other countries in the region that cannot stand your behaviour and they will take a advantage on the moment and solve so called Albanian question once for good.
(neko iz mase, 21 July 2011 19:10)
I bet my life that you personally will never see the day of your radical dream becoming a reality.
This is a foolish move by Pristina. For what? "Reciprocity"? What in the world does the average Albanian care about "reciprocity" when nearly 70% of goods are "imported" from the rest of Serbia? The only consequence this will create is the significant rise in profits among the Serb and Albanian smuggling groups that operate (quite cooperatively) between the Ibar preventing Pristina to tax its goods. Since Pristina has no control over northern Kosovo, goods will still come in but the prices will now increase and money will accummulate in the north's already vibrant gray economy. If Pristina wanted to flex the muscles it believes it has, a wiser move would have been to wait for the completion of all those highways its building towards Albania and Macedonia. At least then, a redirection of economic trade could not only offset the cost of effectively shutting the door to central Serbia, but could have helped pay for the highway construction costs that's slowly depleting Kosovo's fragile economy. The only people that could think this is a great idea are those who live outside Kosovo.
I would appreciate if kosovo Albanians tell what are those Kosovan goods that you actually distribute to the rest of the Serbia except the narcotics and GMO meat from South America. Thanks in advance!
Btw. this is not a first time so called Kosovo government to impose embargo to goods from the rest of the Serbia. You tried it earlier and it usually lasted for couple of days or less.
"What in the world does the average Albanian care about "reciprocity" when nearly 70% of goods are "imported" from the rest of Serbia?"
Wrong Mike, imports from Serbia constitute only 12% of overall imports. Macedonia is even bigger importer than Serbia with 15%, by far the biggest importer is EU (35%).
The only one that will suffer the effects of this blockage will be Serbia, Kosova can buy similar or better products somewhere else.
We'll see in September is Serbia has learned the lesson.
As for finding job it would be better for you Albanians to deal with > 70% unemployment rate in Kosovo. We are very familiar with your national agenda about occupying Kosovo and believe me this is Balkans and when your masters finish with your compatriots they will throw you away just everyone else before you and Serbia will be here in this place you like it or not. We will get back our historical province earlier than you Albanians think. There are some other countries in the region that cannot stand your behaviour and they will take a advantage on the moment and solve so called Albanian question once for good.
"so preemptiv congratulation to Pristina for further enriching the north."
What enriching the north? Do you think people are going to flock to the north to buy "Plazma Keks" past expiry date? Get over it, all Serbia sells in Kosova is junk, nothing you can't find in any bazaar from Skopje to Istanbul. Oh, did you hear that KP is asking from drivers that go to the north, for the receipts for the gas bought, otherwise is confiscating it.
Serbia will tell the eu that there will be no more negotiations until the albos give up their embargo while moving goods across the so-called "administrative line" to Serbs in northern kosovo. The eu will crush this albo move to get the talks going. A weak and pathetic move, let's see how long it lasts. We may even see an american state dept employee come to pristina to yell at them.
"The only one that will suffer the effects of this blockage will be Serbia, Kosova can buy similar or better products somewhere else.
We'll see in September is Serbia has learned the lesson." (Adrian Gashi)
-- (Un)Fortunately this was not put into place as a contingency movement before the decision to block goods, which might I add continue to travel through northern Kosovo, so preemptiv congratulation to Pristina for further enriching the north. Saying "we will find other and better products", as certain officials in Pristina are saying, in no way implies you have done so now but only suggests something might present itself to offset the deficit. Lots of luck to you, but I doubt Kosovo will be in a better position come September. Again, I really think the only people who think this is a good move are either people in Kosovo already in privileged posiitons (either elites in Pristina or smugglers in northern Kosovo) or those who don't live there and thus have the luxury to brag.
This is a correct short term decision, but in the long term unfortunately goes in the wrong direction. Instead of going towards Serbian government recognizing reality and cooperating with its neighbors we have Kosovo government de-recognizing Serbia's stamps. It was expected to happen sooner or later. Mr. Stefanovic has a big mouth when he says: "Priština has demonstrated its impatience". He represents a government that is doing all it can to put Pristina in a corner and he has the face to, at the same time, ask Pristina to be patient. The fact that this move came more than three years after Serbia started its embargo shows that Pristina has been very patient.
Finally, this move has been coordinated with EULEX and other countries, as Tadic is aware of. It did not come out of the blue and most likely Serbian government was told that it would happen. Tadic mentioning other countries is indirect proof of this. Today 4 trucks were blocked in the Merdare checkpoint in cooperation with EULEX. Yesterday many more were blocked.
First of all,the goods Serbia is selling to Albanians is much less than 500 million,the whole Kosovo Albanian GDP is estimated at 1 billion dollars!
So now these Albanians who speak about giving a big blow to Serbias economy are just laughable!We will not feel it in the slightest way!
Kosovo Albanians are giving 50% of their entire GDP for Serbian goods?
Laughable!
Second of all,this is Balkans,there will be even more Serbian goods entering our occupied southern province because Serb and Albanian smugglers will be working 24/7!
Don`t kid yourself that it will be otherwise!
Third,this will give Serbia the excuse to abolish those concessions made to Albanians in those talks:no recognizing of degrees and so on...
First of all,the goods Serbia is selling to Albanians is much less than 500 million,the whole Kosovo Albanian GDP is estimated at 1 billion dollars!
So now these Albanians who speak about giving a big blow to Serbias economy are just laughable!We will not feel it in the slightest way!
Kosovo Albanians are giving 50% of their entire GDP for Serbian goods?
Laughable!
Second of all,this is Balkans,there will be even more Serbian goods entering our occupied southern province because Serb and Albanian smugglers will be working 24/7!
Don`t kid yourself that it will be otherwise!
Third,this will give Serbia the excuse to abolish those concessions made to Albanians in those talks:no recognizing of degrees and so on...
One can only laugh about those Pristina clowns!
(CG, 22 July 2011 00:01)
According to the International Monetary Fund Kosovo has a GDP of $12.777 Billion (international dollars) for 2011 and is increasing rather fast each year. I suggest you get your facts right.
So they're not giving away 50% of their GDP for Serbian goods. Also just because Kosovo isn't importing goods from Serbia doesn't mean the Kosovar economy will suffer, they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods.
Actually, Kosovo joined the CEFTA agreement as UNMIK/Kosovo. There has been no problem with that. Problems came up after some smart (or not so smart) people in Pristina came up with the great idea to place a self-created "Republic Kosovo" custom stamp on the products.
(Analyst, 21 July 2011 11:48)
No problem with whatsoever with that because UNMIK has repeatedly assured that Kosovo's Customs Stamps are in accordance with 1244 and in line with CEFTA provisions.
'they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods'
Ian you aint no economist if you believe this. If they can import the same goods for cheaper they would already be buying them and there would be no need for any boycott. As for organisation, yes perhaps the organisation of 1 or 2 firms which are connected to ruling Kos Albanian parties.
You might also want to consider the fact that the reason why Serbia blocks goods from Kosovo since December 2008. It was then that Kos Alb authorities chose to replace the stamp of UNMIK with that of the Kosovo flag.
I'm not into these petty arguments of who did what first, but you are giving the impression that Serbia has been blocking Kosovo goods forever, and out of spite. If that were the case Serbia would never have allowed Kosovo goods in since UDI.
So they're not giving away 50% of their GDP for Serbian goods. Also just because Kosovo isn't importing goods from Serbia doesn't mean the Kosovar economy will suffer, they can probably import the same goods from Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania for cheaper. I dare say they will have organised and arranged this before introducing the blockade on Serbian goods.
(Ian, UK, 22 July 2011 14:58)
Your bias must be really showing if you really think this is not going to affect the economy of Kosovo and they will recover from trading with FYROM or anyone else in the region. If you have not heard, a shortage of wheat among other agricultural products exists and Kosovo will be paying a much higher price to get those goods. Montenegro and FYROM are having the same problems. Serbia will have another record crop of wheat and corn in Vojvodina.
What Kosovo did is purely political at a great expense to it's economy. The effects on Serbia will be marginal compared to what Kosovo will feel.
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