Serbs to decide on removal of barricades on Tuesday

"According to the agreement, KFOR will maintain control over the two administrative crossings until mid-September or longer if necessary."

I am sure, excuse will be found for it to be "necessary".

Serbs should learn how to co exist with albanians in that area. They should learn from Albanians in Presevo Valley that co exist with serbs there. Stop been bully. Serbia can not bully Albania anymore. Time has changed and now we live in the 21 century.

These blogs are turning into a Comedy relief.

Releasing personal emotions and other tensions resulting from tragic events interposed in the midst of serious and tragic elements should be taken seriously.

Both sides should take a long breath before posting any comments as they are just adding fuel to the existing fire.

Take a step back and rethink your thoughts before you post something.

Granted that both sides have valid complaints and arguments, and that unfortunately this 'disease' will not go away any time soon, but don't you all think that we should work on mending these wounds as oppose to the alternative that most people have chosen here??!!

What's saddens me, is the fact that these posts are coming from relatively well educated and smart people (with some exceptions obviously!) coming from both sides.

As most of you have observed, politicians from both sides are using vulnerable people to their advantage for their political and personal benefits.

I'm an Albanian-American who seldom reads these comments as I get disgusted every time I do.

Folks, it’s the 21st century, and if we managed to elect an African-American for a president, I don't see why a middle ground cannot be found here.

Blaming one another will not achieve anything; we've all been witnesses of that for the past 30-40 years. So let’s put our thinking caps on and light up that peace pipe. Didn't we learn by now this lesson from the Palestinian-Israeli conflict??!!

I have personal reasons to be just as radical and chauvinistic as most of the bloggers here, but I chose not to. Because I think that rational thinking and open mindedness should prevail.

I'm an Albanian indeed, but I was never fond of Thaçi's regime nor of any regime that came from Belgrade. This is all a mind game and people are falling for it unfortunately.

Think rationally not emotionally!!!!

These Serb would do well to remove those logs from the road and save them for winter before KFOR turns them into mulch. It will be an especially cold winter this year in Zvečan, Leposavić and Zubin Potok according to my almanac.

The Serbs had no choice but to remove the barricades, tout de suite!

Granted that both sides have valid complaints and arguments, and that unfortunately this 'disease' will not go away any time soon, but don't you all think that we should work on mending these wounds as oppose to the alternative that most people have chosen here??!!

What's saddens me, is the fact that these posts are coming from relatively well educated and smart people (with some exceptions obviously!) coming from both sides.

As most of you have observed, politicians from both sides are using vulnerable people to their advantage for their political and personal benefits.

I'm an Albanian-American who seldom reads these comments as I get disgusted every time I do.

(Think rationally not emotionally!!!!, 6 August 2011 19:22)

In most cases these comments are directed at a "virtual" enemy. I am very sure, seeing each other would shock the posters. The exceptions to that are people who know each other well enough - and hate each other well enough. Not a single such case here I am aware of is across the Serbian-Albanian line. At least that is good.

Regarding the Serbian-Albanian conflict: this is given, like the French-German conflict used to be for centuries. But unlike that, there was not a single political effort from the "internationals" to settle the conflict. Instead, these made the wounds deeper. I do not see the way it can continue further under such circumstances without ensuring an other catastrophe. We did see U.N. and E.U. doing the worst job.

Regarding politicians - foolish to trust anyone of them. Some are really sick puppies.

Think rationally not emotionally!!!!
(Think rationally not emotionally!!!!, 6 August 2011 19:22)
========================

Works very nicely in theory but not in reality. No need to give us any sermons here. I'm sure nobody wants any more deaths (well maybe a small minority here) but we are talking about real people who have suffered real tragedies. You cannot preach this sermon to them when new thinks keep happening which bring back all those horrible nightmares.

Like what happened at the administrative border. I call it the administrative border but just out of curiosity what would you call it. I can preach a sermon to you just as much as you attempt to preach one to me and appear to be the reasonable one while I may appear to be a hot head but you don't give us one clue as to what you support.
You say you don't support Thaci but do you support his idea of independent "Kosova"? If you do then you cannot possible preach to any Serb because you are firmly in the other camp.

If you support negotiations for resolution to how Kosovo is going to remain as part of Serbia but with assurances to the non Serbian, especially Albanian population's right then we can both look like moderates who wish to settle this peacefully.

We can all say how much we want this sorted out peacefully and I am sure most of us do, so no need for a sermon, but when provocations keep happening, Serbs are kept behind barbed wire and protected by NATO in some areas and Serbs are attacked when trying to return then your sermon belongs on "New Kosova Report" more than it does here.

BTW, did you attempt to post it there or is this just meant for our consumption?

The Serbs had no choice but to remove the barricades, tout de suite!
(The Count of Kosova, 6 August 2011 21:19)
Are you sure? NATO made threats but nothing has come of their threats so far. Go ahead NATO, remove the barricades by force. Well, what are you waiting for? You see Albanians, your BS is false. You have control over absolutely nothing. That's why Serbs are negotiating with KFOR, NATO, EULEX, and the UN, not you. You are powerless drones. Accept your fate.

Come on Serbs!
A passage from "Ode alla Nazione Serba" By Gabriele D'Annunzio
Tronco s’ebbe Lazaro il capo
nel piano di Còssovo, e perso
fu il regno, fu spenta la gloria.
Da Scòplia il Bulgaro nero
al piano di Còssovo sfanga
fiutando l’ontosa vittoria.
Tieni duro, Serbo! Odi il rugghio
di Vèlico che si rappicca
e possa rifà. Tieni duro!
Se pane non hai, odio mangia;
se vino non hai, odio bevi;
se odio sol hai, va sicuro.
Non erbe coglie nel monte
la Vila, non radiche pesta,
per le piaghe a te medicare.
Non a ferita combatti,
a morte sì, per l’altare
combatti e pel focolare.
Se caschi in ginocchio, ti levi;
se piombi riverso, e ti levi;
se prono, e ti levi a lottare.”

Dont lower you gard !.

Arn.Sweden.

Serbs should learn how to co exist with albanians in that area. They should learn from Albanians in Presevo Valley that co exist with serbs there. Stop been bully. Serbia can not bully Albania anymore. Time has changed and now we live in the 21 century.
(uli, 6 August 2011 16:52)

Where have you been all this time?
It the way around you should learn to coexist with other people (non albanians)
you threaten assault, and beat up non Albanians, wherever you live, that's the problem.
that is also why many Serbs, and others left Kosovo or Albania or became albanian!

What co exist in presevo valley, in 1960: 6000 Serbs lived there now some 100, and presevo valley was 50-60% Albanian in 1960 and now 95%,
the same happened in Kosovo...
another example Mitrovica was 60% Serbian in 1960, now what 10% Serbian?

Serbs can easily cross the administrative line (or border) with Kosovo, so i dont see problem. Goods can also go to Kosovo from Serbia if Serbia acepts Kosovo stamps.

Leave your hate aside and try to think rationally, that’s if you can…..until then cheers…..
(Trying, but no cigar!, 7 August 2011 14:35)
======================

Big A for effort in trying to sound like a reasonable person.

You don't answer the important question. Are you pro "Kosova" or not?
If you are then we are very far apart in what we think is the right thing here.
Sure, try to make me look like the unreasonable one but it is you who is hiding behind all this false sentiment.
Words are cheap and you sure use a lot of them.

Bottom line, you are pro independent Kosovo. You haven't condemned one single act like 2004 frenzy.
You expect people to just forget and go on. This is not a way to reconcile.
You don't forget. You admit guilt and punish the guilty. You work hard at trying to keep justice.
Only by acknowledging crimes committed and working toward rectifying some of it can we move forward. Your solution is to forget about the past and keep pressing with the future.

What makes you think I don't have relatives who were affected by the war?
What makes you think I haven't spoken to refugees here in Australia?

Unless you have justice you will never have peace and the only road to justice is to remember and deal with it before you can move on.

Call me racist, hateful or whatever you want but you won't silence me by trying to intimidate me into some sort of guilt of being hateful or racist. I know I am not.

Are you sure? NATO made threats but nothing has come of their threats so far. Go ahead NATO, remove the barricades by force. Well, what are you waiting for? You see Albanians, your BS is false. You have control over absolutely nothing. That's why Serbs are negotiating with KFOR, NATO, EULEX, and the UN, not you. You are powerless drones. Accept your fate.
(Daniel, 6 August 2011 23:46)

I think Albanians are fine with the current state of affairs and have accepted it already. They are not asking to go back to where they were 10 or 20 years ago. If Serbs are fine, too, than not sure what the argument is about. Everybody must be happy :)

Like what happened at the administrative border. I call it the administrative border but just out of curiosity what would you call it.(Peggy, 7 August 2011 02:08)

Just "border", as 1244 does... no need to invent names such as "administrative border" that are written nowhere

Think rationally not emotionally wrote:

I'm an Albanian-American who seldom reads these comments as I get disgusted every time I do.

Folks, it’s the 21st century, and if we managed to elect an African-American for a president, I don't see why a middle ground cannot be found here.


Hello,

Although I agree with most of what you have written, I wish you would clarify what you mean by " finding middle ground". Do you have anything specific in mind.

BTW, I'm sure you are aware, our President is only half Black and his father was not American.

I await your response.

Another Albanian-American says:
Hello,

Although I agree with most of what you have written, I wish you would clarify what you mean by "finding middle ground". Do you have anything specific in mind?

Answer:
Definition of ‘middle ground’ see below (not that you could not have Google-d it and found out yourself), but I do understand where you’re coming from.
‘A standpoint or area midway between extreme or opposing positions.’
A clear definition of how Balkans has been and is right now.
Both sides have plenty of reasons not to like one another (thanks to our “genius” political minds), but its hard to comprehend that we cannot find a way to mend all the wounds!!!
It’s not easy and I do understand that, but this stalemate does not benefit either side.
Peggy (the lady who’s been commenting on my posts) has her own claims/thoughts (right or wrong), and the Albanian side got their own, understood! But unless we find a moderate way to resolve this issue we’re all doomed.
Peggy keeps mentioning 2004 (dreadful day indeed), but I can bring up a century of time period where Albanians were prosecuted and persecuted by Serbs and others. How can anyone even dare and compare what happened in 2004 in Kosova with 1999?! Not even the events in Srebernica top this. Over 1 million people chased out of their homes, over 10,000 people killed and massacred and every personal position stolen or burned to the ground. They are still finding mass graves!!! Come on!!! Need I say more?!
I’m neither a politician nor a historian, but I’m someone who’s well educated, well informed, who’s trying to make a bit of a sense here (my thinking at least).
By ‘middle ground’, I mean, find a solution that will be acceptable by both sides. Neither side can have it all, obviously, but they both have to let go of their stubbornness and come up with a resolution to this chaos.
- Serbs in the northern part of Kosova should enjoy all possible rights, governance and personal protection. I know that it’s hard for Serbs to agree to that, but that the reality on the ground.
- Belgrade and Prishtina should refrain from injecting nationalistic venom to their people for their political and personal benefits (I think the latter is more of the reason).
- Same rights should have Albanians in northern Serbia as well.
- Other options like changing the borders, will just open up a new can of worms (my thinking at least).
Your thoughts?
Another Albanian-American says:
BTW, I'm sure you are aware, our President is only half Black and his father was not American.

I’m awaiting your response.
Answer:
His father was of an African decent but married to a white American lady, which by default makes him American. He is a product of a mixed marriage indeed, but I have never heard him say that he’s black or white. So lets just leave it at that. Black or White, Albanian or Serb, it really should not matter at the end of the day. We are all humans and we all deserve to live peacefully and enjoy whatever is left of our lives.

Give peace a chance.

Peggy says: Big A for effort in trying to sound like a reasonable person.
Answer: I pride myself on that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: You don't answer the important question. Are you pro "Kosova" or not?
Answer: A big YES.


Peggy says: If you are then we are very far apart in what we think is the right thing here.
Answer: this is the simple mindedness that I keep referring to. How can one have a dialog with you then, when you’re shutting the door before even starting?! You’re starting to sound like a 2 year old child, me, me, me, me…….


Peggy says: Sure, try to make me look like the unreasonable one but it is you who is hiding behind all this false sentiment. Words are cheap and you sure use a lot of them.
Answer: Hmmm, false sentiment!!?? A manifestation of the higher or more refined feelings. Ouch!!! There’s nothing false about me Peggy, perhaps you should check yourself, there’s a lot of anger coming out of you!! I don’t suppose that weather is bad in Australia or is it that time of the month?!
BTW, I was in Australia and New Zealand in February, man what beautiful counties. Too bad I didn’t know of you before my trip, as I would love to have this discussion face-to-face.
I’m sure you’d look at all these events from different prospective, or perhaps not. But at least you and I are willing to discuss things, while these ‘ding-dongs’ back home are not.


Peggy says: Bottom line, you are pro independent Kosovo.
Answer: YES INDEED – And by the way is KOSOVA not KOSOVO as you like to put it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peggy says: You haven't condemned one single act like 2004 frenzy.
You expect people to just forget and go on. This is not a way to reconcile.
You don't forget. You admit guilt and punish the guilty. You work hard at trying to keep justice.
Only by acknowledging crimes committed and working toward rectifying some of it can we move forward. Your solution is to forget about the past and keep pressing with the future.
Answer: I most certainly do condemn those acts, and I was the first one to post that in Albanian newspaper and this site’s blog. But on the other hand, hmmm, I don’t recall you condemning what Serbs have done to Albanians in Kosova since WW1 and culminating in 1999?! The arrogance!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peggy says: What makes you think I don't have relatives who were affected by the war?
Answer: I never claimed that.

Peggy says: What makes you think I haven't spoken to refugees here in Australia?
Answer: I’ll take your word for it. But I do not think that you have witnessed what I have, seeing plane loads of Albanian refugees (over 10,000) landing in JFK (NY), with family members missing, lost identities, lost properties and no ideas to what’s awaiting for them. I would be sad if I saw the same thing happen to Serbs or any other nation, but you, I truly doubt so.


Peggy says: Unless you have justice you will never have peace and the only road to justice is to remember and deal with it before you can move on.

Answer: LOL!!! I know this is not your doing, but just go back and read a bit about the Milosevic era and come back to me.
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Peggy says: Call me racist, hateful or whatever you want but you won't silence me by trying to intimidate me into some sort of guilt of being hateful or racist. I know I am not.
Answer: No one is trying to silence you Peggy, nor did I call you a racist; as a matter of fact, I find this discussion to be very helpful and educational.
Do I think you’re a racist, NO; do I think you’re hateful NO;
What I think is, that you’re misinformed and you have a lot of anger in you. Not sure what is the source of that?
If anyone has a reason to be hateful and racist (as you put it), is Albanians toward Serbs (I won’t even bring up other nationalities, as that will lead to a different discussion). I will not vouch for others, but at least I’m trying. If I cannot have an intellectual dialog (not monolog!) with an educated lady like you regarding this, then what’s the point of wasting my time blogging?

Give peace a chance, is all I say.

Yep, Serbia political are turning into quite the farce and brings shame to the rest of Serbia yet again. Throw the bums out, SRS zauvek. Serbia needs a November 17th movement.

Peggy says: Works very nicely in theory but not in reality. No need to give us any sermons here. I'm sure nobody wants any more deaths (well maybe a small minority here) but we are talking about real people who have suffered real tragedies. You cannot preach this sermon to them when new thinks keep happening which bring back all those horrible nightmares.
Answer: My point exactly!! What I’m stating is far from preaching, that’s if you’ve understood my comments correctly (I’d suggest you focus on my comments for a moment!). Both sides have suffered and are suffering, hence my comments. Try to leave aside your inner hatred at start thinking rationally for a second.
What’s done, it’s done!!! Lets forget who the culprits are for a second and at least have an intellectual conversation.
Tragedies have been felt on both sides, no arguments there, but should we dwell on that forever? It sounds to me that you are and you will.
I’ve lost very close family members during the war, which is something you either do not or don’t care to comprehend. But then again I’ll leave that up to you. My so called “sermons” as you put it, are not to raise more tension, while your “sermons” are doing just that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: Like what happened at the administrative border. I call it the administrative border but just out of curiosity what would you call it. I can preach a sermon to you just as much as you attempt to preach one to me and appear to be the reasonable one while I may appear to be a hot head but you don't give us one clue as to what you support.
Answer: I call them borders.
If you’re asking me to take sides, by reading and hopefully understanding my comments……..well, draw your own conclusion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peggy says: You say you don't support Thaci but do you support his idea of independent "Kosova"? If you do then you cannot possible preach to any Serb because you are firmly in the other camp.
Answer: Other camp?! Well, you are one side of the camp obviously, while I’m trying to bring the “camps” together. But if an intellectual lady like you, who seems to be well spoken and smart, slams the door on someone who’s trying to have an open conversation and make some kind of logic out of this mess, then, what’s the point?!
BTW: I do support Thaci more then I support Tadic and his goons (all sad individuals), but that does not make me a fan of his. I didn’t like him from day one and I don’t think that I ever will, but aside from his many flaws, he does support my own.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: If you support negotiations for resolution to how Kosovo is going to remain as part of Serbia but with assurances to the non Serbian, especially Albanian population's right then we can both look like moderates who wish to settle this peacefully.
Answer: You are starting to sound like your “big old daddy” Milosevic, Peggy!!! Please say it ain’t so?! Flash backs…….
It’s pretty obvious who is more moderate here; I’m trying, but you’re not open for discussion. You have to go pass your close mindedness and face the reality. Kosova is independent whether one likes it or not. Do you actually think that any Kosovar would go back to the dark days as oppose to what they have now?!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: We can all say how much we want this sorted out peacefully and I am sure most of us do, so no need for a sermon, but when provocations keep happening, Serbs are kept behind barbed wire and protected by NATO in some areas and Serbs are attacked when trying to return then your sermon belongs on "New Kosova Report" more than it does here.
Answer: I’m saddened to read all this hate that you are spewing; you’re not helping this cause what so ever. If you and I cannot have an intellectual and somewhat progressive discussion here, then what do you expect from the folk on the ground?!
‘Sermon’ must be your favorite word.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: BTW, did you attempt to post it there or is this just meant for our consumption.
Answer: Send me the link, I will cut and paste it if it makes you happy.
Trying hard but failing!!! What a surprise…………
Leave your hate aside and try to think rationally, that’s if you can…..until then cheers…..

Serbs should learn how to co exist with albanians in that area. They should learn from Albanians in Presevo Valley that co exist with serbs there. Stop been bully. Serbia can not bully Albania anymore. Time has changed and now we live in the 21 century.

These Serb would do well to remove those logs from the road and save them for winter before KFOR turns them into mulch. It will be an especially cold winter this year in Zvečan, Leposavić and Zubin Potok according to my almanac.

The Serbs had no choice but to remove the barricades, tout de suite!

"According to the agreement, KFOR will maintain control over the two administrative crossings until mid-September or longer if necessary."

I am sure, excuse will be found for it to be "necessary".

These blogs are turning into a Comedy relief.

Releasing personal emotions and other tensions resulting from tragic events interposed in the midst of serious and tragic elements should be taken seriously.

Both sides should take a long breath before posting any comments as they are just adding fuel to the existing fire.

Take a step back and rethink your thoughts before you post something.

Granted that both sides have valid complaints and arguments, and that unfortunately this 'disease' will not go away any time soon, but don't you all think that we should work on mending these wounds as oppose to the alternative that most people have chosen here??!!

What's saddens me, is the fact that these posts are coming from relatively well educated and smart people (with some exceptions obviously!) coming from both sides.

As most of you have observed, politicians from both sides are using vulnerable people to their advantage for their political and personal benefits.

I'm an Albanian-American who seldom reads these comments as I get disgusted every time I do.

Folks, it’s the 21st century, and if we managed to elect an African-American for a president, I don't see why a middle ground cannot be found here.

Blaming one another will not achieve anything; we've all been witnesses of that for the past 30-40 years. So let’s put our thinking caps on and light up that peace pipe. Didn't we learn by now this lesson from the Palestinian-Israeli conflict??!!

I have personal reasons to be just as radical and chauvinistic as most of the bloggers here, but I chose not to. Because I think that rational thinking and open mindedness should prevail.

I'm an Albanian indeed, but I was never fond of Thaçi's regime nor of any regime that came from Belgrade. This is all a mind game and people are falling for it unfortunately.

Think rationally not emotionally!!!!

Think rationally not emotionally!!!!
(Think rationally not emotionally!!!!, 6 August 2011 19:22)
========================

Works very nicely in theory but not in reality. No need to give us any sermons here. I'm sure nobody wants any more deaths (well maybe a small minority here) but we are talking about real people who have suffered real tragedies. You cannot preach this sermon to them when new thinks keep happening which bring back all those horrible nightmares.

Like what happened at the administrative border. I call it the administrative border but just out of curiosity what would you call it. I can preach a sermon to you just as much as you attempt to preach one to me and appear to be the reasonable one while I may appear to be a hot head but you don't give us one clue as to what you support.
You say you don't support Thaci but do you support his idea of independent "Kosova"? If you do then you cannot possible preach to any Serb because you are firmly in the other camp.

If you support negotiations for resolution to how Kosovo is going to remain as part of Serbia but with assurances to the non Serbian, especially Albanian population's right then we can both look like moderates who wish to settle this peacefully.

We can all say how much we want this sorted out peacefully and I am sure most of us do, so no need for a sermon, but when provocations keep happening, Serbs are kept behind barbed wire and protected by NATO in some areas and Serbs are attacked when trying to return then your sermon belongs on "New Kosova Report" more than it does here.

BTW, did you attempt to post it there or is this just meant for our consumption?

Serbs can easily cross the administrative line (or border) with Kosovo, so i dont see problem. Goods can also go to Kosovo from Serbia if Serbia acepts Kosovo stamps.

Dont lower you gard !.

Arn.Sweden.

Granted that both sides have valid complaints and arguments, and that unfortunately this 'disease' will not go away any time soon, but don't you all think that we should work on mending these wounds as oppose to the alternative that most people have chosen here??!!

What's saddens me, is the fact that these posts are coming from relatively well educated and smart people (with some exceptions obviously!) coming from both sides.

As most of you have observed, politicians from both sides are using vulnerable people to their advantage for their political and personal benefits.

I'm an Albanian-American who seldom reads these comments as I get disgusted every time I do.

(Think rationally not emotionally!!!!, 6 August 2011 19:22)

In most cases these comments are directed at a "virtual" enemy. I am very sure, seeing each other would shock the posters. The exceptions to that are people who know each other well enough - and hate each other well enough. Not a single such case here I am aware of is across the Serbian-Albanian line. At least that is good.

Regarding the Serbian-Albanian conflict: this is given, like the French-German conflict used to be for centuries. But unlike that, there was not a single political effort from the "internationals" to settle the conflict. Instead, these made the wounds deeper. I do not see the way it can continue further under such circumstances without ensuring an other catastrophe. We did see U.N. and E.U. doing the worst job.

Regarding politicians - foolish to trust anyone of them. Some are really sick puppies.

Peggy says: Works very nicely in theory but not in reality. No need to give us any sermons here. I'm sure nobody wants any more deaths (well maybe a small minority here) but we are talking about real people who have suffered real tragedies. You cannot preach this sermon to them when new thinks keep happening which bring back all those horrible nightmares.
Answer: My point exactly!! What I’m stating is far from preaching, that’s if you’ve understood my comments correctly (I’d suggest you focus on my comments for a moment!). Both sides have suffered and are suffering, hence my comments. Try to leave aside your inner hatred at start thinking rationally for a second.
What’s done, it’s done!!! Lets forget who the culprits are for a second and at least have an intellectual conversation.
Tragedies have been felt on both sides, no arguments there, but should we dwell on that forever? It sounds to me that you are and you will.
I’ve lost very close family members during the war, which is something you either do not or don’t care to comprehend. But then again I’ll leave that up to you. My so called “sermons” as you put it, are not to raise more tension, while your “sermons” are doing just that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: Like what happened at the administrative border. I call it the administrative border but just out of curiosity what would you call it. I can preach a sermon to you just as much as you attempt to preach one to me and appear to be the reasonable one while I may appear to be a hot head but you don't give us one clue as to what you support.
Answer: I call them borders.
If you’re asking me to take sides, by reading and hopefully understanding my comments……..well, draw your own conclusion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peggy says: You say you don't support Thaci but do you support his idea of independent "Kosova"? If you do then you cannot possible preach to any Serb because you are firmly in the other camp.
Answer: Other camp?! Well, you are one side of the camp obviously, while I’m trying to bring the “camps” together. But if an intellectual lady like you, who seems to be well spoken and smart, slams the door on someone who’s trying to have an open conversation and make some kind of logic out of this mess, then, what’s the point?!
BTW: I do support Thaci more then I support Tadic and his goons (all sad individuals), but that does not make me a fan of his. I didn’t like him from day one and I don’t think that I ever will, but aside from his many flaws, he does support my own.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: If you support negotiations for resolution to how Kosovo is going to remain as part of Serbia but with assurances to the non Serbian, especially Albanian population's right then we can both look like moderates who wish to settle this peacefully.
Answer: You are starting to sound like your “big old daddy” Milosevic, Peggy!!! Please say it ain’t so?! Flash backs…….
It’s pretty obvious who is more moderate here; I’m trying, but you’re not open for discussion. You have to go pass your close mindedness and face the reality. Kosova is independent whether one likes it or not. Do you actually think that any Kosovar would go back to the dark days as oppose to what they have now?!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: We can all say how much we want this sorted out peacefully and I am sure most of us do, so no need for a sermon, but when provocations keep happening, Serbs are kept behind barbed wire and protected by NATO in some areas and Serbs are attacked when trying to return then your sermon belongs on "New Kosova Report" more than it does here.
Answer: I’m saddened to read all this hate that you are spewing; you’re not helping this cause what so ever. If you and I cannot have an intellectual and somewhat progressive discussion here, then what do you expect from the folk on the ground?!
‘Sermon’ must be your favorite word.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peggy says: BTW, did you attempt to post it there or is this just meant for our consumption.
Answer: Send me the link, I will cut and paste it if it makes you happy.
Trying hard but failing!!! What a surprise…………
Leave your hate aside and try to think rationally, that’s if you can…..until then cheers…..

Are you sure? NATO made threats but nothing has come of their threats so far. Go ahead NATO, remove the barricades by force. Well, what are you waiting for? You see Albanians, your BS is false. You have control over absolutely nothing. That's why Serbs are negotiating with KFOR, NATO, EULEX, and the UN, not you. You are powerless drones. Accept your fate.
(Daniel, 6 August 2011 23:46)

I think Albanians are fine with the current state of affairs and have accepted it already. They are not asking to go back to where they were 10 or 20 years ago. If Serbs are fine, too, than not sure what the argument is about. Everybody must be happy :)

Like what happened at the administrative border. I call it the administrative border but just out of curiosity what would you call it.(Peggy, 7 August 2011 02:08)

Just "border", as 1244 does... no need to invent names such as "administrative border" that are written nowhere

Come on Serbs!
A passage from "Ode alla Nazione Serba" By Gabriele D'Annunzio
Tronco s’ebbe Lazaro il capo
nel piano di Còssovo, e perso
fu il regno, fu spenta la gloria.
Da Scòplia il Bulgaro nero
al piano di Còssovo sfanga
fiutando l’ontosa vittoria.
Tieni duro, Serbo! Odi il rugghio
di Vèlico che si rappicca
e possa rifà. Tieni duro!
Se pane non hai, odio mangia;
se vino non hai, odio bevi;
se odio sol hai, va sicuro.
Non erbe coglie nel monte
la Vila, non radiche pesta,
per le piaghe a te medicare.
Non a ferita combatti,
a morte sì, per l’altare
combatti e pel focolare.
Se caschi in ginocchio, ti levi;
se piombi riverso, e ti levi;
se prono, e ti levi a lottare.”

The Serbs had no choice but to remove the barricades, tout de suite!
(The Count of Kosova, 6 August 2011 21:19)
Are you sure? NATO made threats but nothing has come of their threats so far. Go ahead NATO, remove the barricades by force. Well, what are you waiting for? You see Albanians, your BS is false. You have control over absolutely nothing. That's why Serbs are negotiating with KFOR, NATO, EULEX, and the UN, not you. You are powerless drones. Accept your fate.

Yep, Serbia political are turning into quite the farce and brings shame to the rest of Serbia yet again. Throw the bums out, SRS zauvek. Serbia needs a November 17th movement.

Leave your hate aside and try to think rationally, that’s if you can…..until then cheers…..
(Trying, but no cigar!, 7 August 2011 14:35)
======================

Big A for effort in trying to sound like a reasonable person.

You don't answer the important question. Are you pro "Kosova" or not?
If you are then we are very far apart in what we think is the right thing here.
Sure, try to make me look like the unreasonable one but it is you who is hiding behind all this false sentiment.
Words are cheap and you sure use a lot of them.

Bottom line, you are pro independent Kosovo. You haven't condemned one single act like 2004 frenzy.
You expect people to just forget and go on. This is not a way to reconcile.
You don't forget. You admit guilt and punish the guilty. You work hard at trying to keep justice.
Only by acknowledging crimes committed and working toward rectifying some of it can we move forward. Your solution is to forget about the past and keep pressing with the future.

What makes you think I don't have relatives who were affected by the war?
What makes you think I haven't spoken to refugees here in Australia?

Unless you have justice you will never have peace and the only road to justice is to remember and deal with it before you can move on.

Call me racist, hateful or whatever you want but you won't silence me by trying to intimidate me into some sort of guilt of being hateful or racist. I know I am not.

Serbs should learn how to co exist with albanians in that area. They should learn from Albanians in Presevo Valley that co exist with serbs there. Stop been bully. Serbia can not bully Albania anymore. Time has changed and now we live in the 21 century.
(uli, 6 August 2011 16:52)

Where have you been all this time?
It the way around you should learn to coexist with other people (non albanians)
you threaten assault, and beat up non Albanians, wherever you live, that's the problem.
that is also why many Serbs, and others left Kosovo or Albania or became albanian!

What co exist in presevo valley, in 1960: 6000 Serbs lived there now some 100, and presevo valley was 50-60% Albanian in 1960 and now 95%,
the same happened in Kosovo...
another example Mitrovica was 60% Serbian in 1960, now what 10% Serbian?

Another Albanian-American says:
Hello,

Although I agree with most of what you have written, I wish you would clarify what you mean by "finding middle ground". Do you have anything specific in mind?

Answer:
Definition of ‘middle ground’ see below (not that you could not have Google-d it and found out yourself), but I do understand where you’re coming from.
‘A standpoint or area midway between extreme or opposing positions.’
A clear definition of how Balkans has been and is right now.
Both sides have plenty of reasons not to like one another (thanks to our “genius” political minds), but its hard to comprehend that we cannot find a way to mend all the wounds!!!
It’s not easy and I do understand that, but this stalemate does not benefit either side.
Peggy (the lady who’s been commenting on my posts) has her own claims/thoughts (right or wrong), and the Albanian side got their own, understood! But unless we find a moderate way to resolve this issue we’re all doomed.
Peggy keeps mentioning 2004 (dreadful day indeed), but I can bring up a century of time period where Albanians were prosecuted and persecuted by Serbs and others. How can anyone even dare and compare what happened in 2004 in Kosova with 1999?! Not even the events in Srebernica top this. Over 1 million people chased out of their homes, over 10,000 people killed and massacred and every personal position stolen or burned to the ground. They are still finding mass graves!!! Come on!!! Need I say more?!
I’m neither a politician nor a historian, but I’m someone who’s well educated, well informed, who’s trying to make a bit of a sense here (my thinking at least).
By ‘middle ground’, I mean, find a solution that will be acceptable by both sides. Neither side can have it all, obviously, but they both have to let go of their stubbornness and come up with a resolution to this chaos.
- Serbs in the northern part of Kosova should enjoy all possible rights, governance and personal protection. I know that it’s hard for Serbs to agree to that, but that the reality on the ground.
- Belgrade and Prishtina should refrain from injecting nationalistic venom to their people for their political and personal benefits (I think the latter is more of the reason).
- Same rights should have Albanians in northern Serbia as well.
- Other options like changing the borders, will just open up a new can of worms (my thinking at least).
Your thoughts?
Another Albanian-American says:
BTW, I'm sure you are aware, our President is only half Black and his father was not American.

I’m awaiting your response.
Answer:
His father was of an African decent but married to a white American lady, which by default makes him American. He is a product of a mixed marriage indeed, but I have never heard him say that he’s black or white. So lets just leave it at that. Black or White, Albanian or Serb, it really should not matter at the end of the day. We are all humans and we all deserve to live peacefully and enjoy whatever is left of our lives.

Give peace a chance.

Think rationally not emotionally wrote:

I'm an Albanian-American who seldom reads these comments as I get disgusted every time I do.

Folks, it’s the 21st century, and if we managed to elect an African-American for a president, I don't see why a middle ground cannot be found here.


Hello,

Although I agree with most of what you have written, I wish you would clarify what you mean by " finding middle ground". Do you have anything specific in mind.

BTW, I'm sure you are aware, our President is only half Black and his father was not American.

I await your response.

Peggy says: Big A for effort in trying to sound like a reasonable person.
Answer: I pride myself on that.
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Peggy says: You don't answer the important question. Are you pro "Kosova" or not?
Answer: A big YES.


Peggy says: If you are then we are very far apart in what we think is the right thing here.
Answer: this is the simple mindedness that I keep referring to. How can one have a dialog with you then, when you’re shutting the door before even starting?! You’re starting to sound like a 2 year old child, me, me, me, me…….


Peggy says: Sure, try to make me look like the unreasonable one but it is you who is hiding behind all this false sentiment. Words are cheap and you sure use a lot of them.
Answer: Hmmm, false sentiment!!?? A manifestation of the higher or more refined feelings. Ouch!!! There’s nothing false about me Peggy, perhaps you should check yourself, there’s a lot of anger coming out of you!! I don’t suppose that weather is bad in Australia or is it that time of the month?!
BTW, I was in Australia and New Zealand in February, man what beautiful counties. Too bad I didn’t know of you before my trip, as I would love to have this discussion face-to-face.
I’m sure you’d look at all these events from different prospective, or perhaps not. But at least you and I are willing to discuss things, while these ‘ding-dongs’ back home are not.


Peggy says: Bottom line, you are pro independent Kosovo.
Answer: YES INDEED – And by the way is KOSOVA not KOSOVO as you like to put it.
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Peggy says: You haven't condemned one single act like 2004 frenzy.
You expect people to just forget and go on. This is not a way to reconcile.
You don't forget. You admit guilt and punish the guilty. You work hard at trying to keep justice.
Only by acknowledging crimes committed and working toward rectifying some of it can we move forward. Your solution is to forget about the past and keep pressing with the future.
Answer: I most certainly do condemn those acts, and I was the first one to post that in Albanian newspaper and this site’s blog. But on the other hand, hmmm, I don’t recall you condemning what Serbs have done to Albanians in Kosova since WW1 and culminating in 1999?! The arrogance!!!

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Peggy says: What makes you think I don't have relatives who were affected by the war?
Answer: I never claimed that.

Peggy says: What makes you think I haven't spoken to refugees here in Australia?
Answer: I’ll take your word for it. But I do not think that you have witnessed what I have, seeing plane loads of Albanian refugees (over 10,000) landing in JFK (NY), with family members missing, lost identities, lost properties and no ideas to what’s awaiting for them. I would be sad if I saw the same thing happen to Serbs or any other nation, but you, I truly doubt so.


Peggy says: Unless you have justice you will never have peace and the only road to justice is to remember and deal with it before you can move on.

Answer: LOL!!! I know this is not your doing, but just go back and read a bit about the Milosevic era and come back to me.
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Peggy says: Call me racist, hateful or whatever you want but you won't silence me by trying to intimidate me into some sort of guilt of being hateful or racist. I know I am not.
Answer: No one is trying to silence you Peggy, nor did I call you a racist; as a matter of fact, I find this discussion to be very helpful and educational.
Do I think you’re a racist, NO; do I think you’re hateful NO;
What I think is, that you’re misinformed and you have a lot of anger in you. Not sure what is the source of that?
If anyone has a reason to be hateful and racist (as you put it), is Albanians toward Serbs (I won’t even bring up other nationalities, as that will lead to a different discussion). I will not vouch for others, but at least I’m trying. If I cannot have an intellectual dialog (not monolog!) with an educated lady like you regarding this, then what’s the point of wasting my time blogging?

Give peace a chance, is all I say.