President: Serbia wants compromise over Kosovo

Tadic is desperate...snookered himself with this EU & Kosovo policy...The reality is clear No EU AND No Kosovo....what a disaster !

-"We do not have large international support, which is the consequence of the wrong policy conducted in the 1990's, but we need to make alliances with the countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence as well," Tadić pointed out.-

That's just a real nice way of saying that serbia committed genocide and atrocities throughout the 90's, but we're gonna pretend it's all in the distant past, we had nothing to do with it, and continue the same policies, but without the use of arms (supposedly.)

You can't build your "peace, peace, peace!!" on lies and suppression. you think you can cover up all of the crimes of your past, and the world will pretend it all never happened. it was just one bad man, one bad couple, a few bad actors... all sides did bad things, bla bla bla. let's just move on, and continue fighting for greater serbia, serbo-slavia, and call it "compromise."

the Balkans will see no peace, until the past is dealt with, openly and honestly. these people have learned nothing from former wars there. they think the way to deal with war crimes, is continuing layers of war crimes, more war crimes, more cover-ups, more threats.

the intl community needs to force the issue. until the ugly past is addressed, the patterns will continue.

roberto frisco

Tadic = coward

Milan 'The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal' I have to ask you where did you get that figure, as I've heard people say it before?

In the 2002 census in Belgrade 1,492 people declared themselves as Albanian. Now the second most numerous people (after Serbs) declared themselves as Jugoslavs 22.161. I suppose its possible that some who declare themselves Jugoslavs are Albanians and some might not be on the census. But 1,492 to 100,000, I just don't know how people just guess like that.

And although I don't blame you because you didn't do it on purpose, but shouldn't you check before repeating something you read? After all, we have too many people repeating something they heard or read without evidence...

Lets collect the nowadays statements from Serbian officials:

Bogdanovic: EULEX intimidating Serbs

Cvetkovic: EULEX not pressuring Serbs

Dacic: EULEX should also arrest killers of Serbs

Stefanovic: Only “status neutral" customs solution acceptable

And finally...

Tadic: Serbia wants compromise over Kosovo

So much talk, even contradicting talk, but all just circling around one and single topic. I call this a completely locked policy. How long do you intend to be in that nowhere? Another decade?

"We do not have large international support, which is the consequence of the wrong policy conducted in the 1990's, but we need to make alliances with the countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence as well," Tadić pointed out.


Well, I must say that Boris couldn't make any clearer the obvious. Expect an announcement any day now that Serbia officially recognizes Kosova.

He commented on the statement of Hashim Thaci, who today said that the "parallel" institutions in northern Kosovo were connected to "terrorism and backed by the Republic of Serbia".

The president said this constitutes an announcement of violence and preparation for new violence.


It does Mr. Tadic? I think you have a very short memory. You guys don't miss a chance to call Albanians terrorists.

"Blast in south classic act of terrorism"

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=07&dd=14&nav_id=60475

It would be fun to see tadic lose the elections, and kostunica and other radicals take power, our job would be easier...at the meantime haradinaj will not be back any soon, well, he fought for his country, but seriously, he is not cut for being a politican, thaci is best at the moment, despite the alleged shady connenctions, which mostly are beograd rumors, he is a smart and cunning sob, he made a risky move on north by gambling his career, personally i don't think any other politican would have made such a move, only thaci had the courage...now the entire international community supports us, not because they think serbia is more powerful and could jeopardise the statehood of kosovo which they helped create, but , because, thaci finally showed that the albanians can strugle, and that albanians will always strugle against a more powerful state ... kfor is not planning to stay forever there afterall, before the hooligans and serbian paramilitaries and policemen masked as hooligans burned the border post, kfor was planning to leave only 2.5k troops in kosovo, now they still have 5k, and they will probably stay this much for two more years..

That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.
(Ataman, 31 August 2011 19:59)

Ataman,
I do not understand why you and other posters keep implying that the rules are changing midstream. It was clear to everyone, at least to those outside Serbia, several years ago that Serbia would ultimately have to establish normal neighborly relations with Kosovo (i.e. as a separate country, otherwise they would not be a neighbor), in order to join the EU. In fact, the EU has said it again and again over the past few years.

I have seen nothing to indicate there is a policy shift. It is just that the reality is not and never has been what Tadic has been constantly proclaiming, that Serbia was pursuing a policy of Kosovo and the EU. Just because Tadic says it does not make it so. In fact, the EU decides who will join the EU, and only they set the conditions.

Other than not wanting the Balkans explode into violence again, the EU really doesn't care if Serbia or Kosovo ever are part of the EU, since they both bring absolutely nothing to the party, other than historical problems and poor economies. Membership is only for the benefit of the countries that are joining, so the EU makes all the conditions.

Coincidently, I am curious about how people see it working if Serbia did get its wish and kept Kosovo and also joined the EU. Obviously Kosovo is not yet ready to be part of the EU, but it is also impossible that the EU would accept a member country and exclude a significant portion of its territory. That would be even more destabilizing, and really all the EU wants is stability.

"...illegal oil and sugar trade in the north of Kosovo" - Serbian President Tadiq

Even your president acknowledges the criminality, how did Serbia aim to curb it? By throwing EUR 500.000.000,00 each year at it. Shame! Our government in tight cooperation with KFOR and EULEX will put an end to the criminal black-hole known as the northern part of Kosovo.




Thanks,

Well, I must say that Boris couldn't make any clearer the obvious. Expect an announcement any day now that Serbia officially recognizes Kosova.
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 18:52)

That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.

Zub,

I wonder if politicians will think of this solution. Personally I would be in favor of this even though it breaks my heart and our ancestors will turn into their graves. Some land swaps might be part of the deal and of course a way has to be found that all Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries will have to be moved away from anything Albanian. The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal even though they do not seem to have a problem living in Serbia and they behave well. There are a few problems: Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.

slipt kosovo in 2. let the albanian side join Albania and serbian serbian side remains as the region of Kosovo . Serbia gets to keep the name Kosovo. Kovoso is Serbian. the serbian side becomes the new kosovo borders. albanians are albanians and not kosovars. usa gets to keep camp bondsteel in Albania. everybody wins. if we need to do a population shift let us do it. whatever the cost is just do it. It's a small price to pay for peace.

As usual Roberto makes a brilliant observation, kudos! The Serbs greatest weakness is their ability to overestimate themselves and underestimate others. Well, as they say "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it".

1. Zub,

I wonder if politicians will think of this solution. Personally I would be in favor of this even though it breaks my heart and our ancestors will turn into their graves. Some land swaps might be part of the deal and of course a way has to be found that all Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries will have to be moved away from anything Albanian. The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal even though they do not seem to have a problem living in Serbia and they behave well. There are a few problems: Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.
(Milan, 31 August 2011 21:10)

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2. That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.
(Ataman, 31 August 2011 19:59)

Ataman,
I do not understand why you and other posters keep implying that the rules are changing midstream. It was clear to everyone, at least to those outside Serbia, several years ago that Serbia would ultimately have to establish normal neighborly relations with Kosovo (i.e. as a separate country, otherwise they would not be a neighbor), in order to join the EU. In fact, the EU has said it again and again over the past few years.

I have seen nothing to indicate there is a policy shift. It is just that the reality is not and never has been what Tadic has been constantly proclaiming, that Serbia was pursuing a policy of Kosovo and the EU. Just because Tadic says it does not make it so. In fact, the EU decides who will join the EU, and only they set the conditions.

Other than not wanting the Balkans explode into violence again, the EU really doesn't care if Serbia or Kosovo ever are part of the EU, since they both bring absolutely nothing to the party, other than historical problems and poor economies. Membership is only for the benefit of the countries that are joining, so the EU makes all the conditions.

Coincidently, I am curious about how people see it working if Serbia did get its wish and kept Kosovo and also joined the EU. Obviously Kosovo is not yet ready to be part of the EU, but it is also impossible that the EU would accept a member country and exclude a significant portion of its territory. That would be even more destabilizing, and really all the EU wants is stability.
(Glenn, 31 August 2011 20:59)

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3. It would be fun to see tadic lose the elections, and kostunica and other radicals take power, our job would be easier...at the meantime haradinaj will not be back any soon, well, he fought for his country, but seriously, he is not cut for being a politican, thaci is best at the moment, despite the alleged shady connenctions, which mostly are beograd rumors, he is a smart and cunning sob, he made a risky move on north by gambling his career, personally i don't think any other politican would have made such a move, only thaci had the courage...now the entire international community supports us, not because they think serbia is more powerful and could jeopardise the statehood of kosovo which they helped create, but , because, thaci finally showed that the albanians can strugle, and that albanians will always strugle against a more powerful state ... kfor is not planning to stay forever there afterall, before the hooligans and serbian paramilitaries and policemen masked as hooligans burned the border post, kfor was planning to leave only 2.5k troops in kosovo, now they still have 5k, and they will probably stay this much for two more years..
(iliri, 31 August 2011 20:59)

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4. He commented on the statement of Hashim Thaci, who today said that the "parallel" institutions in northern Kosovo were connected to "terrorism and backed by the Republic of Serbia".

The president said this constitutes an announcement of violence and preparation for new violence.


It does Mr. Tadic? I think you have a very short memory. You guys don't miss a chance to call Albanians terrorists.

"Blast in south classic act of terrorism"

[link]
(Mark, 31 August 2011 20:16)

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5. Well, I must say that Boris couldn't make any clearer the obvious. Expect an announcement any day now that Serbia officially recognizes Kosova.
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 18:52)

That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.
(Ataman, 31 August 2011 19:59)

Ataman,

As usual, you are being redundant, recognizing Kosova, obviously, assumes there will be no parallel structures controlled by Serbia.

p.s. A proof of the Riemann Hypothesis is close at hand. A solution to Hilbert's 8th Problem is key to the R.H.

Zub, splitting Kosovo between Serbia and Albania was mentioned just a month or so ago as the great compromise (by Tadic, was it?), and everybody (except maybe Kurti) said, no way. After nearly 100 years of separate history, there are important differences between Albania and Kosovo. As it is, they get two sets of top offices, two votes at the UN, and really no hindrance to uniting economically. Besides, splitting along the Ibar would leave most of the Serb population of Kosovo in Albania, along with the churches and monasteries. Now, if this proposal had been offered back in 1999, it would almost certainly have been a winner, at least in Kosovo.

Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.
(Milan, 31 August 2011 21:10)
You really have no grasp of the situation if you think the Kosovo Albanians would view that as some type of victory false or not!
But it is good to see you realize the need for a compromise on the Serbian side.

As usual Roberto makes a brilliant observation, kudos! The Serbs greatest weakness is their ability to overestimate themselves and underestimate others. Well, as they say "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it".
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 23:28)

I just noticed what you wrote, was looking at the long writing and the ζ.
I do not see Roberto observing anything what you wrote, however I wrote almost the same thing what you say - that was precisely the dolphins and the ζ.

"Almost" is because what I wrote I applied to the Serbian government in Belgrade, not "Serbs" in general like you did.

Regarding what you wrote about Roberto - I tried to be a good boy and did re-read Roberto's writing a few times but ultimately gave up, it's just the usual running in circles: good start, ending in the middle of nowhere and successfully p***ing off pretty much everyone who could be his potential ally. That seem to be his curse.

Anonymous,

I think your framework for redrawing borders would have been a good starting point in 1990s negotiations, but sadly for Serbs, that window of opportunity has likely passed -- unless there'd be a yet-to-be released cable out there revealing a willingness on the part of the EU and US to consider partition, or a desire on the part of Russia and/or China to force the issue.

An interesting irony for Serbs is that their best bet might just be a Dayton-style arrangement in which Kosovo would get sovereignty and recognition and Serbs virtual independence in the areas where they form a majority. So in other words, a formal settlement of the current reality on the ground. Freedom of movement between separate regions would be crucial.

Anyway, it is obviously in the interest of the average citizen of Serbia and Kosovo to put thIs matter to rest once and for all. Compromise is needed and no outcome will be anything close to satisfactory for either side. Serious global problems are close at hand (economic and environmental) and the sooner politicians turn their attention to these matters, the better.

"After all, we have too many people repeating something they heard or read without evidence..." - bganon.

In my mind, this is the plight of the Balkans: warring nations short on facts, long on myths. Good luck sorting out this Kosovo nightmare. I wonder what problems are being neglected while enormous amounts of political capital are devoted to reaching some kind of impossible "solution" that doesn't entail partition.

Kosovo has been a frozen conflict for the past 3 years, and has only been hurting Albanians and Serbs alike. There can be no economic and social prosperity in Kosovo until a compromise is reached that is suitable for both sides. Kosovo is a frozen conflict because Kosovo is most certainly not a sovereign state, and it is certainly not under the control of Belgrade. Both sides are losing as of now. Serbia doesn't control 80% of Kosovo (The Albanian populated areas) and the Albanians have most certainly not succeeded in establishing a legitimate sovereign state due to Serbia's fierce opposition. Kosovo is in limbo. It is neither controlled by Belgrade and is not a State as Albanians would wish it to be. The only solution to solving the Kosovo Question would be partition. The partition however should not be limited to Northern Kosovo but should also include the Serbian enclaves south of the Ibar River and the Albanian population areas of the Presevo Valley. I will present here a plan for partition.

PLAN FOR PARTITION

I believe Serbia should keep 5 Serbian enclaves in Kosovo as sovereign integral parts of Serbia and let the rest of Kosovo either become independent or a part of Albania. These enclaves would be areas where Serbs made a majority before the war so that the Serbian refugees who are still in IDP camps would be able to return to these areas. These 5 enclaves that would remain a part of Serbia would be:

1. NORTHERN KOSOVO - (Leposavic,Zvecan,Zubin Potok,Northern Mitrovica, and Northern Istok)

2. SAR PLANINA - (Strpce, the South Eastern part of the Prizren Municipality, and the Serbian Quarter of the city of Prizren)

3. GRACANICA - (Gracanica, Laplje Selo, Caglavica, Gazimestan, area north of the town of Ljipljan)

4. NOVO BRDO - (Novo Brdo, Ranilug, Northern part of the Gnjilane municipality, and south western part of the Kamenica municipality)

5. METOHIJA - ( Area south and west of the city of Pec, Gorzadevac, Northern Decani municipality, and the area west of the town of Decani)

The Serbs would keep all of their major enclaves and cultural/religious sites such as the Pec Patriarchate, Gracanica Monastery, Decani Monastery,The Gazimestan Battlefield, Bogordica Ljeviska,The Archangels Monastery, and Prizren Kaljaja.

The Albanians would keep all of the major cities in Kosovo, except for Northern Mitrovica and the Serbian Quarter of Prizren. The Albanians would also keep the Trepca mining complex and any other major natural resources. Serbia would also give the Albanians the Presevo Municipality, half of the Bujanovac Municipality, and 25% of Medvedja Municipality. There would be complete freedom of movement between Serbia and the Serbian Enclaves and Kosovo. Serbia would also apologize for crimes committed during the war and Albanians would apologize for the burning of 150 Monasteries. Serbia would recognize Kosovo as completely independent and not interefere whatsoever in its internal and international issues.

wonder if politicians will think of this solution. Personally I would be in favor of this even though it breaks my heart and our ancestors will turn into their graves. Some land swaps might be part of the deal and of course a way has to be found that all Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries will have to be moved away from anything Albanian. The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal even though they do not seem to have a problem living in Serbia and they behave well. There are a few problems: Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.
(Milan, 31 August 2011 21:10)

Never heard or knew that 100,000 Albanians are living in Belgrade, but for the sake of argument lets say is true. Threfore , I urge thos Albanians to claim big portion of Belgrade as an Albanian country.

Ataman,

As usual, you are being redundant, recognizing Kosova, obviously, assumes there will be no parallel structures controlled by Serbia.

p.s. A proof of the Riemann Hypothesis is close at hand. A solution to Hilbert's 8th Problem is key to the R.H.
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 23:16)

CoK,

There are numerous examples of parallel structures between neighbor countries world-wide. If the countries involved are strong enough, they deal with each other. If they are weak - they deal with EULEX.

Probably my sentence with dolphins and ζ(x) wasn't clear and by intent I do not want to mention here any moral, ethic and ethnic concern, only geo-strategic one. Let me re-word.

Kosovo is just an excuse. E.U. / U.S. does see Serbia as a potential Russian ally and they think strictly in that term. Being a Russian ally per se is not a sin even for Dick Cheney. The sin is to be a WEAK ally who zig-zags. Such governments are excellent whipping boys and in the prices of time they will allow to make room for more and more demands.

----

P.S. Do you have any link regarding the zeroes of ζ(x) as you said?

Albania want the whole of Kosovo and will grab it by förce !.

The same holds true of the Albanians in Kosovo !.

If the Albanians would have wanted only the part of land inhabited by Albanians,
they would have split Kosovo a long time ago and left the Serbian population to itself in peace,

Arn.Sweden,

The average American doesn't like Albania or Kosovo and really *wants* to be on the Serbian side of this conflict. The trouble is that the Serbs keep being unreasonable and, by doing so, prevent the Americans from being able to back them.

Make some peace with the Kosovoans and move on. Officially recognize their little corner of hell as independent, even if it *is* just a puppet province of Albania.

If you do it right, you *might* get some territory back in the negotiations, but it really seems like you missed your opportunity for even that. If you had compromised earlier, you could have had a more profitable peace. As it is, you may have to compromise for nothing but peace and closure. Even that is preferable to the current stagnation.

people.

yugoslavia is dead, slobo is dead, serbia has no legal authority of any kind in or over kosovo. Serbia alone refuses to further legally challenge kosovo.

todays republic of serbia, younger than the paper un1244 is written on, never having held kosovo at all... has nothing to lose. It Will NEVER succeed in negotiating a theft where force and violence have already failed.

Thats reality. I say it again. Serbia will never, ever be able to negotiate.

If you still find it inconceivable that serbia will end up moving on without kosovo.

roll back a few years ago... How many of you same people, would have found it just as inconceivable that not only would you seriously consider partition...but actually be the ones to start insisting on it?

Kosovo is freed...its already happened. the bar gets lower and lower, nationalists scrabble for less and less wanting something...anything for all their "trouble"

Don't believe what he and the EU say the proof is in the US Embassy. Thanks Wikileaks and I suggest all of you read these yourself.

EO 12958 DECL: 2020/01/12
TAGS PGOV, PREL, KV, SR
SUBJECT: Post ICJ Opinion: Serbia to Continue Obstructing Kosovo
Independence
CLASSIFIED BY: Bradford J. Bell, Acting Economics Chief, US Department of State, Economics Section; REASON: 1.4(B), (D)
Summary
-------
¶1. (C) We expect Serbia will continue to obstruct and undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty in the lead up to and following the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, which most believe will be ambiguous. Regardless of the position taken by the ICJ, Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty are irrefutable. Serbia’s government is unified in its refusal to accept that fact but is internally divided regarding how to push its claim to Kosovo after the ICJ issues its opinion in spring 2010. President Boris Tadic and his office appear willing to follow our and the EU’s advice and to quietly accept any outcome while moving Serbia toward EU integration, but are lacking a coordinated plan to do so. In contrast, Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic, driven by personal interest in self promotion and a misperception of the domestic political landscape, is planning a new diplomatic offensive on Kosovo on the heels of any ICJ opinion. Absent an alternative approach by Tadic, we expect Jeremic’s more confrontational plan will win out. To temper Serbia’s post ICJ strategy and to limit its duration and impact, we will need to be well coordinated with our EU allies and encourage the EU to wisely use its significant remaining carrots and sticks with Serbia to elicit the cooperative resolution of this issue, while assuring Kosovo’s territorial integrity. We must also be prepared to fight Serbia in the UNGA if necessary. End Summary.

EU sources in Belgrade confirm that during his December 15 meeting with Tadic EU Director General for Foreign Affairs Robert Cooper encouraged Serbia to think carefully about how it would handle Kosovo issues after the ICJ opinion. According to our EU sources, Tadic and his foreign policy advisor Jovan Ratkovic told Cooper that Serbia was currently analyzing four possible post ICJ scenarios, but had yet to “draw any firm conclusions.” Specifically Tadic mentioned consideration of the China-Taiwan model and the “two Germanies” scenario, recognizing that any outcome would need to be tailored to Kosovo’s “special situation.” Tadic reportedly told Cooper that after the ICJ advisory opinion Belgrade would be more than ready to talk to Pristina

While Serbia’s goal would be to reopen talks, it would not be in any hurry to conclude them and instead would try to drag out any talks for years. The ruling Democratic Party (DS) would likely want to postpone any result until after parliamentary elections scheduled at the latest for May 2012.

While no EU state expects Serbia to recognize Kosovo, Serbia’s EU path will remain muddled without recognizable and accepted borders between Serbia and Kosovo. The EU must lead the charge in making this clear to Serbia. The EU must be willing to offer Serbia carrots and sticks until there is a clearly accepted understanding of where Serbia ends and Kosovo begins, while maintaining Kosovo’s current territorial integrity. Levers at the EU’s disposal include determining when to unblock the SAA with Serbia, the disbursement of IPA funds, and the speed with which the EU will consider Serbia’s recently submitted application for EU candidacy.


They admit to treating us like dummies. Carrot and stick....ha ha ha...Thanks America.

Nice sentiments.

Too bad they're 13 years too late.

"We do not have large international support, which is the consequence of the wrong policy conducted in the 1990's, but we need to make alliances with the countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence as well," Tadić pointed out.


Well, I must say that Boris couldn't make any clearer the obvious. Expect an announcement any day now that Serbia officially recognizes Kosova.

"...illegal oil and sugar trade in the north of Kosovo" - Serbian President Tadiq

Even your president acknowledges the criminality, how did Serbia aim to curb it? By throwing EUR 500.000.000,00 each year at it. Shame! Our government in tight cooperation with KFOR and EULEX will put an end to the criminal black-hole known as the northern part of Kosovo.




Thanks,

-"We do not have large international support, which is the consequence of the wrong policy conducted in the 1990's, but we need to make alliances with the countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence as well," Tadić pointed out.-

That's just a real nice way of saying that serbia committed genocide and atrocities throughout the 90's, but we're gonna pretend it's all in the distant past, we had nothing to do with it, and continue the same policies, but without the use of arms (supposedly.)

You can't build your "peace, peace, peace!!" on lies and suppression. you think you can cover up all of the crimes of your past, and the world will pretend it all never happened. it was just one bad man, one bad couple, a few bad actors... all sides did bad things, bla bla bla. let's just move on, and continue fighting for greater serbia, serbo-slavia, and call it "compromise."

the Balkans will see no peace, until the past is dealt with, openly and honestly. these people have learned nothing from former wars there. they think the way to deal with war crimes, is continuing layers of war crimes, more war crimes, more cover-ups, more threats.

the intl community needs to force the issue. until the ugly past is addressed, the patterns will continue.

roberto frisco

slipt kosovo in 2. let the albanian side join Albania and serbian serbian side remains as the region of Kosovo . Serbia gets to keep the name Kosovo. Kovoso is Serbian. the serbian side becomes the new kosovo borders. albanians are albanians and not kosovars. usa gets to keep camp bondsteel in Albania. everybody wins. if we need to do a population shift let us do it. whatever the cost is just do it. It's a small price to pay for peace.

He commented on the statement of Hashim Thaci, who today said that the "parallel" institutions in northern Kosovo were connected to "terrorism and backed by the Republic of Serbia".

The president said this constitutes an announcement of violence and preparation for new violence.


It does Mr. Tadic? I think you have a very short memory. You guys don't miss a chance to call Albanians terrorists.

"Blast in south classic act of terrorism"

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=07&dd=14&nav_id=60475

Zub,

I wonder if politicians will think of this solution. Personally I would be in favor of this even though it breaks my heart and our ancestors will turn into their graves. Some land swaps might be part of the deal and of course a way has to be found that all Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries will have to be moved away from anything Albanian. The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal even though they do not seem to have a problem living in Serbia and they behave well. There are a few problems: Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.

Kosovo has been a frozen conflict for the past 3 years, and has only been hurting Albanians and Serbs alike. There can be no economic and social prosperity in Kosovo until a compromise is reached that is suitable for both sides. Kosovo is a frozen conflict because Kosovo is most certainly not a sovereign state, and it is certainly not under the control of Belgrade. Both sides are losing as of now. Serbia doesn't control 80% of Kosovo (The Albanian populated areas) and the Albanians have most certainly not succeeded in establishing a legitimate sovereign state due to Serbia's fierce opposition. Kosovo is in limbo. It is neither controlled by Belgrade and is not a State as Albanians would wish it to be. The only solution to solving the Kosovo Question would be partition. The partition however should not be limited to Northern Kosovo but should also include the Serbian enclaves south of the Ibar River and the Albanian population areas of the Presevo Valley. I will present here a plan for partition.

PLAN FOR PARTITION

I believe Serbia should keep 5 Serbian enclaves in Kosovo as sovereign integral parts of Serbia and let the rest of Kosovo either become independent or a part of Albania. These enclaves would be areas where Serbs made a majority before the war so that the Serbian refugees who are still in IDP camps would be able to return to these areas. These 5 enclaves that would remain a part of Serbia would be:

1. NORTHERN KOSOVO - (Leposavic,Zvecan,Zubin Potok,Northern Mitrovica, and Northern Istok)

2. SAR PLANINA - (Strpce, the South Eastern part of the Prizren Municipality, and the Serbian Quarter of the city of Prizren)

3. GRACANICA - (Gracanica, Laplje Selo, Caglavica, Gazimestan, area north of the town of Ljipljan)

4. NOVO BRDO - (Novo Brdo, Ranilug, Northern part of the Gnjilane municipality, and south western part of the Kamenica municipality)

5. METOHIJA - ( Area south and west of the city of Pec, Gorzadevac, Northern Decani municipality, and the area west of the town of Decani)

The Serbs would keep all of their major enclaves and cultural/religious sites such as the Pec Patriarchate, Gracanica Monastery, Decani Monastery,The Gazimestan Battlefield, Bogordica Ljeviska,The Archangels Monastery, and Prizren Kaljaja.

The Albanians would keep all of the major cities in Kosovo, except for Northern Mitrovica and the Serbian Quarter of Prizren. The Albanians would also keep the Trepca mining complex and any other major natural resources. Serbia would also give the Albanians the Presevo Municipality, half of the Bujanovac Municipality, and 25% of Medvedja Municipality. There would be complete freedom of movement between Serbia and the Serbian Enclaves and Kosovo. Serbia would also apologize for crimes committed during the war and Albanians would apologize for the burning of 150 Monasteries. Serbia would recognize Kosovo as completely independent and not interefere whatsoever in its internal and international issues.

Tadic is desperate...snookered himself with this EU & Kosovo policy...The reality is clear No EU AND No Kosovo....what a disaster !

Tadic = coward

Well, I must say that Boris couldn't make any clearer the obvious. Expect an announcement any day now that Serbia officially recognizes Kosova.
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 18:52)

That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.

As usual Roberto makes a brilliant observation, kudos! The Serbs greatest weakness is their ability to overestimate themselves and underestimate others. Well, as they say "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it".

The average American doesn't like Albania or Kosovo and really *wants* to be on the Serbian side of this conflict. The trouble is that the Serbs keep being unreasonable and, by doing so, prevent the Americans from being able to back them.

Make some peace with the Kosovoans and move on. Officially recognize their little corner of hell as independent, even if it *is* just a puppet province of Albania.

If you do it right, you *might* get some territory back in the negotiations, but it really seems like you missed your opportunity for even that. If you had compromised earlier, you could have had a more profitable peace. As it is, you may have to compromise for nothing but peace and closure. Even that is preferable to the current stagnation.

It would be fun to see tadic lose the elections, and kostunica and other radicals take power, our job would be easier...at the meantime haradinaj will not be back any soon, well, he fought for his country, but seriously, he is not cut for being a politican, thaci is best at the moment, despite the alleged shady connenctions, which mostly are beograd rumors, he is a smart and cunning sob, he made a risky move on north by gambling his career, personally i don't think any other politican would have made such a move, only thaci had the courage...now the entire international community supports us, not because they think serbia is more powerful and could jeopardise the statehood of kosovo which they helped create, but , because, thaci finally showed that the albanians can strugle, and that albanians will always strugle against a more powerful state ... kfor is not planning to stay forever there afterall, before the hooligans and serbian paramilitaries and policemen masked as hooligans burned the border post, kfor was planning to leave only 2.5k troops in kosovo, now they still have 5k, and they will probably stay this much for two more years..

That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.
(Ataman, 31 August 2011 19:59)

Ataman,
I do not understand why you and other posters keep implying that the rules are changing midstream. It was clear to everyone, at least to those outside Serbia, several years ago that Serbia would ultimately have to establish normal neighborly relations with Kosovo (i.e. as a separate country, otherwise they would not be a neighbor), in order to join the EU. In fact, the EU has said it again and again over the past few years.

I have seen nothing to indicate there is a policy shift. It is just that the reality is not and never has been what Tadic has been constantly proclaiming, that Serbia was pursuing a policy of Kosovo and the EU. Just because Tadic says it does not make it so. In fact, the EU decides who will join the EU, and only they set the conditions.

Other than not wanting the Balkans explode into violence again, the EU really doesn't care if Serbia or Kosovo ever are part of the EU, since they both bring absolutely nothing to the party, other than historical problems and poor economies. Membership is only for the benefit of the countries that are joining, so the EU makes all the conditions.

Coincidently, I am curious about how people see it working if Serbia did get its wish and kept Kosovo and also joined the EU. Obviously Kosovo is not yet ready to be part of the EU, but it is also impossible that the EU would accept a member country and exclude a significant portion of its territory. That would be even more destabilizing, and really all the EU wants is stability.

Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.
(Milan, 31 August 2011 21:10)
You really have no grasp of the situation if you think the Kosovo Albanians would view that as some type of victory false or not!
But it is good to see you realize the need for a compromise on the Serbian side.

1. Zub,

I wonder if politicians will think of this solution. Personally I would be in favor of this even though it breaks my heart and our ancestors will turn into their graves. Some land swaps might be part of the deal and of course a way has to be found that all Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries will have to be moved away from anything Albanian. The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal even though they do not seem to have a problem living in Serbia and they behave well. There are a few problems: Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.
(Milan, 31 August 2011 21:10)

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2. That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.
(Ataman, 31 August 2011 19:59)

Ataman,
I do not understand why you and other posters keep implying that the rules are changing midstream. It was clear to everyone, at least to those outside Serbia, several years ago that Serbia would ultimately have to establish normal neighborly relations with Kosovo (i.e. as a separate country, otherwise they would not be a neighbor), in order to join the EU. In fact, the EU has said it again and again over the past few years.

I have seen nothing to indicate there is a policy shift. It is just that the reality is not and never has been what Tadic has been constantly proclaiming, that Serbia was pursuing a policy of Kosovo and the EU. Just because Tadic says it does not make it so. In fact, the EU decides who will join the EU, and only they set the conditions.

Other than not wanting the Balkans explode into violence again, the EU really doesn't care if Serbia or Kosovo ever are part of the EU, since they both bring absolutely nothing to the party, other than historical problems and poor economies. Membership is only for the benefit of the countries that are joining, so the EU makes all the conditions.

Coincidently, I am curious about how people see it working if Serbia did get its wish and kept Kosovo and also joined the EU. Obviously Kosovo is not yet ready to be part of the EU, but it is also impossible that the EU would accept a member country and exclude a significant portion of its territory. That would be even more destabilizing, and really all the EU wants is stability.
(Glenn, 31 August 2011 20:59)

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3. It would be fun to see tadic lose the elections, and kostunica and other radicals take power, our job would be easier...at the meantime haradinaj will not be back any soon, well, he fought for his country, but seriously, he is not cut for being a politican, thaci is best at the moment, despite the alleged shady connenctions, which mostly are beograd rumors, he is a smart and cunning sob, he made a risky move on north by gambling his career, personally i don't think any other politican would have made such a move, only thaci had the courage...now the entire international community supports us, not because they think serbia is more powerful and could jeopardise the statehood of kosovo which they helped create, but , because, thaci finally showed that the albanians can strugle, and that albanians will always strugle against a more powerful state ... kfor is not planning to stay forever there afterall, before the hooligans and serbian paramilitaries and policemen masked as hooligans burned the border post, kfor was planning to leave only 2.5k troops in kosovo, now they still have 5k, and they will probably stay this much for two more years..
(iliri, 31 August 2011 20:59)

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4. He commented on the statement of Hashim Thaci, who today said that the "parallel" institutions in northern Kosovo were connected to "terrorism and backed by the Republic of Serbia".

The president said this constitutes an announcement of violence and preparation for new violence.


It does Mr. Tadic? I think you have a very short memory. You guys don't miss a chance to call Albanians terrorists.

"Blast in south classic act of terrorism"

[link]
(Mark, 31 August 2011 20:16)

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5. Well, I must say that Boris couldn't make any clearer the obvious. Expect an announcement any day now that Serbia officially recognizes Kosova.
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 18:52)

That won't be enough. They will be asked than to dismantle the parallel structures, too. And if they do that, they will be asked to swim like a dolphin while singing like a bird. And if they do that too - than it will turn out, they need to prove the Great Riemann Prime hypothesis.

No solution of Great Riemann Prime hypothesis = no E.U.
(Ataman, 31 August 2011 19:59)

Ataman,

As usual, you are being redundant, recognizing Kosova, obviously, assumes there will be no parallel structures controlled by Serbia.

p.s. A proof of the Riemann Hypothesis is close at hand. A solution to Hilbert's 8th Problem is key to the R.H.

Zub, splitting Kosovo between Serbia and Albania was mentioned just a month or so ago as the great compromise (by Tadic, was it?), and everybody (except maybe Kurti) said, no way. After nearly 100 years of separate history, there are important differences between Albania and Kosovo. As it is, they get two sets of top offices, two votes at the UN, and really no hindrance to uniting economically. Besides, splitting along the Ibar would leave most of the Serb population of Kosovo in Albania, along with the churches and monasteries. Now, if this proposal had been offered back in 1999, it would almost certainly have been a winner, at least in Kosovo.

Milan 'The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal' I have to ask you where did you get that figure, as I've heard people say it before?

In the 2002 census in Belgrade 1,492 people declared themselves as Albanian. Now the second most numerous people (after Serbs) declared themselves as Jugoslavs 22.161. I suppose its possible that some who declare themselves Jugoslavs are Albanians and some might not be on the census. But 1,492 to 100,000, I just don't know how people just guess like that.

And although I don't blame you because you didn't do it on purpose, but shouldn't you check before repeating something you read? After all, we have too many people repeating something they heard or read without evidence...

Albania want the whole of Kosovo and will grab it by förce !.

The same holds true of the Albanians in Kosovo !.

If the Albanians would have wanted only the part of land inhabited by Albanians,
they would have split Kosovo a long time ago and left the Serbian population to itself in peace,

Arn.Sweden,

wonder if politicians will think of this solution. Personally I would be in favor of this even though it breaks my heart and our ancestors will turn into their graves. Some land swaps might be part of the deal and of course a way has to be found that all Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries will have to be moved away from anything Albanian. The 100000 Albanians in the Belgrade area could be part of the deal even though they do not seem to have a problem living in Serbia and they behave well. There are a few problems: Kosovo Albanians will view this a (false of course) victory and they think they will be rewarded and their hunger for more other people's territory will grow once again.
(Milan, 31 August 2011 21:10)

Never heard or knew that 100,000 Albanians are living in Belgrade, but for the sake of argument lets say is true. Threfore , I urge thos Albanians to claim big portion of Belgrade as an Albanian country.

Don't believe what he and the EU say the proof is in the US Embassy. Thanks Wikileaks and I suggest all of you read these yourself.

EO 12958 DECL: 2020/01/12
TAGS PGOV, PREL, KV, SR
SUBJECT: Post ICJ Opinion: Serbia to Continue Obstructing Kosovo
Independence
CLASSIFIED BY: Bradford J. Bell, Acting Economics Chief, US Department of State, Economics Section; REASON: 1.4(B), (D)
Summary
-------
¶1. (C) We expect Serbia will continue to obstruct and undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty in the lead up to and following the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, which most believe will be ambiguous. Regardless of the position taken by the ICJ, Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty are irrefutable. Serbia’s government is unified in its refusal to accept that fact but is internally divided regarding how to push its claim to Kosovo after the ICJ issues its opinion in spring 2010. President Boris Tadic and his office appear willing to follow our and the EU’s advice and to quietly accept any outcome while moving Serbia toward EU integration, but are lacking a coordinated plan to do so. In contrast, Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic, driven by personal interest in self promotion and a misperception of the domestic political landscape, is planning a new diplomatic offensive on Kosovo on the heels of any ICJ opinion. Absent an alternative approach by Tadic, we expect Jeremic’s more confrontational plan will win out. To temper Serbia’s post ICJ strategy and to limit its duration and impact, we will need to be well coordinated with our EU allies and encourage the EU to wisely use its significant remaining carrots and sticks with Serbia to elicit the cooperative resolution of this issue, while assuring Kosovo’s territorial integrity. We must also be prepared to fight Serbia in the UNGA if necessary. End Summary.

EU sources in Belgrade confirm that during his December 15 meeting with Tadic EU Director General for Foreign Affairs Robert Cooper encouraged Serbia to think carefully about how it would handle Kosovo issues after the ICJ opinion. According to our EU sources, Tadic and his foreign policy advisor Jovan Ratkovic told Cooper that Serbia was currently analyzing four possible post ICJ scenarios, but had yet to “draw any firm conclusions.” Specifically Tadic mentioned consideration of the China-Taiwan model and the “two Germanies” scenario, recognizing that any outcome would need to be tailored to Kosovo’s “special situation.” Tadic reportedly told Cooper that after the ICJ advisory opinion Belgrade would be more than ready to talk to Pristina

While Serbia’s goal would be to reopen talks, it would not be in any hurry to conclude them and instead would try to drag out any talks for years. The ruling Democratic Party (DS) would likely want to postpone any result until after parliamentary elections scheduled at the latest for May 2012.

While no EU state expects Serbia to recognize Kosovo, Serbia’s EU path will remain muddled without recognizable and accepted borders between Serbia and Kosovo. The EU must lead the charge in making this clear to Serbia. The EU must be willing to offer Serbia carrots and sticks until there is a clearly accepted understanding of where Serbia ends and Kosovo begins, while maintaining Kosovo’s current territorial integrity. Levers at the EU’s disposal include determining when to unblock the SAA with Serbia, the disbursement of IPA funds, and the speed with which the EU will consider Serbia’s recently submitted application for EU candidacy.


They admit to treating us like dummies. Carrot and stick....ha ha ha...Thanks America.

Ataman,

As usual, you are being redundant, recognizing Kosova, obviously, assumes there will be no parallel structures controlled by Serbia.

p.s. A proof of the Riemann Hypothesis is close at hand. A solution to Hilbert's 8th Problem is key to the R.H.
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 23:16)

CoK,

There are numerous examples of parallel structures between neighbor countries world-wide. If the countries involved are strong enough, they deal with each other. If they are weak - they deal with EULEX.

Probably my sentence with dolphins and ζ(x) wasn't clear and by intent I do not want to mention here any moral, ethic and ethnic concern, only geo-strategic one. Let me re-word.

Kosovo is just an excuse. E.U. / U.S. does see Serbia as a potential Russian ally and they think strictly in that term. Being a Russian ally per se is not a sin even for Dick Cheney. The sin is to be a WEAK ally who zig-zags. Such governments are excellent whipping boys and in the prices of time they will allow to make room for more and more demands.

----

P.S. Do you have any link regarding the zeroes of ζ(x) as you said?

As usual Roberto makes a brilliant observation, kudos! The Serbs greatest weakness is their ability to overestimate themselves and underestimate others. Well, as they say "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it".
(The Count of Kosova, 31 August 2011 23:28)

I just noticed what you wrote, was looking at the long writing and the ζ.
I do not see Roberto observing anything what you wrote, however I wrote almost the same thing what you say - that was precisely the dolphins and the ζ.

"Almost" is because what I wrote I applied to the Serbian government in Belgrade, not "Serbs" in general like you did.

Regarding what you wrote about Roberto - I tried to be a good boy and did re-read Roberto's writing a few times but ultimately gave up, it's just the usual running in circles: good start, ending in the middle of nowhere and successfully p***ing off pretty much everyone who could be his potential ally. That seem to be his curse.

Nice sentiments.

Too bad they're 13 years too late.

Lets collect the nowadays statements from Serbian officials:

Bogdanovic: EULEX intimidating Serbs

Cvetkovic: EULEX not pressuring Serbs

Dacic: EULEX should also arrest killers of Serbs

Stefanovic: Only “status neutral" customs solution acceptable

And finally...

Tadic: Serbia wants compromise over Kosovo

So much talk, even contradicting talk, but all just circling around one and single topic. I call this a completely locked policy. How long do you intend to be in that nowhere? Another decade?

"After all, we have too many people repeating something they heard or read without evidence..." - bganon.

In my mind, this is the plight of the Balkans: warring nations short on facts, long on myths. Good luck sorting out this Kosovo nightmare. I wonder what problems are being neglected while enormous amounts of political capital are devoted to reaching some kind of impossible "solution" that doesn't entail partition.

Anonymous,

I think your framework for redrawing borders would have been a good starting point in 1990s negotiations, but sadly for Serbs, that window of opportunity has likely passed -- unless there'd be a yet-to-be released cable out there revealing a willingness on the part of the EU and US to consider partition, or a desire on the part of Russia and/or China to force the issue.

An interesting irony for Serbs is that their best bet might just be a Dayton-style arrangement in which Kosovo would get sovereignty and recognition and Serbs virtual independence in the areas where they form a majority. So in other words, a formal settlement of the current reality on the ground. Freedom of movement between separate regions would be crucial.

Anyway, it is obviously in the interest of the average citizen of Serbia and Kosovo to put thIs matter to rest once and for all. Compromise is needed and no outcome will be anything close to satisfactory for either side. Serious global problems are close at hand (economic and environmental) and the sooner politicians turn their attention to these matters, the better.

people.

yugoslavia is dead, slobo is dead, serbia has no legal authority of any kind in or over kosovo. Serbia alone refuses to further legally challenge kosovo.

todays republic of serbia, younger than the paper un1244 is written on, never having held kosovo at all... has nothing to lose. It Will NEVER succeed in negotiating a theft where force and violence have already failed.

Thats reality. I say it again. Serbia will never, ever be able to negotiate.

If you still find it inconceivable that serbia will end up moving on without kosovo.

roll back a few years ago... How many of you same people, would have found it just as inconceivable that not only would you seriously consider partition...but actually be the ones to start insisting on it?

Kosovo is freed...its already happened. the bar gets lower and lower, nationalists scrabble for less and less wanting something...anything for all their "trouble"