Resolution 1244 “is from another time”

Mr. Mas
First you massacred 1 million Serbs in WWII then you helped Croatia to expel half a million Serbs from Croatia and then 400 000 Serbs from Kosovo. I thought you stopped your holocaust with the death of your Adolf? But apparently another Nazi representative is in Belgrade.
You must be proud to be a German....

Oh, ok, so I guess all UNSC resolutions that precede 1244 are from "another time", so we should just forget about them and move on. Is that how it works now Germany? Pathetic.

What a direct speech. serbian politicians often changed the words of Foreign diplomats but on this on they have no grip what so ever. Its interesting to hear for serbs that resolution is not something Serbia made but UN at that time, its exactly what we been saying to serbia all this time. I think the way is going Kosovo will join EU before Serbia, well deserved.

The Fourth Reich is alive and well, and Serbia is once again a bone in their throat. One thing is for certain, if ze Germans don't like UN Resolution 1244, then it must be good. It confirms that Kosovo is Serbia, which again, confirms that the NATO war criminals, with all their firepower, didn't win the war.
Cheers!!

Resolution 1244 “is from another time” same with Dayton that criminally rewarded genocidal war aggression thrust "Srpska" aka greater Serbia on peaceful unarmed country of Bosnia. The totally unjust Dayton rewarded war criminals ,mass murderers ,rapist ,thieves ,destroyers of families ,homes ,neighbours ,communities and cities. Still going on by subterfuge and openly to this day to destroy the country of Bosnia by Serbia and by its proxy the minority Serbs of Bosnia.

Brilliant comments here yet again, most of you still seem to think you're dealing with Nazi German! Amazing, you haven't moved on from WW2

Mr. Mass! we dont care for your opinion. Kosovo is Serbian Land. Period
(PRO-SERBIA, 26 January 2012 12:19)

No Kosova is not serbian land. It's Albanian land! Period!!

The Fourth Reich is alive and well, and Serbia is once again a bone in their throat.
(Dragan, 26 January 2012 13:55)

Don't you just by chance overestimate Serbia a bit? Do you think that Germany really cares if Dragan dislikes it?

It confirms that Kosovo is Serbia, which again, confirms that the NATO war criminals, with all their firepower, didn't win the war.
Cheers!!
(Dragan, 26 January 2012 13:55)

So Serbia has actually won the war? Inform the media immediately!

1) Concerning usefulness of entering the EU:

Some Bulgarians say that since Bulgaria entered the EU there have been changes, but rather minor and gradual, so it is hard to understand if those changes are the result of entering the EU or they just go by themselves.

2) The whole country Croatia could be called a justification of ethnic cleansing, yet they are invited into EU even without demand to organize safe return of Serbian refugees from Krajina.

(PRO-SERBIA, 26 January 2012 12:19)

If Kosovo is serbia's land come and take it then. You can't even feed your own mouth with food ( Russia have to do it ) let alone taking over kosovo.

I realized that I should have said that it is very important that the words Serbia’s Territory, and not Serbian Territory is used, because Serbia is a Country, and Serbian is a Race, and so there must be no Racism implied in the name.

There are People who think that a good way to allow the Majority Albanian Areas in South Kosovo to be represented in regional forums, is under the name of Serbia’s Territory Of South Kosovo, or STOSK, and that a United Nations Security Council Resolution be made for this after both Parties agree.

Germany does not want Referendums in Europe, because Hitler never did believe in Referendums for the Humans of Europe, and the People of North Kosovo can print the forms using A4 computer paper, with the Question, and the YES or NO answer, unless the Kumanovo Agreement, and STOSK are agreed to, along with 1,999 Serbian police and soldiers to enter any part of Kosovo to see to it that a Referendum in Northern Kosovo can be delayed for a while.

The terms Serbia and Serbia’s need to be defined several times as the English way of saying the recognized United Nations Country with Belgrade as its Capital, and Kosovo as its Province as United Nation Security Council Resolution 1244 says.

Serbs were the greatest victims in the last century and you are talking about Serbia paying compensation.
(Peggy, 26 January 2012 13:43)

Because you were once victims you have now a license to victimize everybody else for free? I hope you aren't serious, but am afraid you are...

Another typical comment by bbbzzz. It's true that Germany paid compensation to Israel, but it would have been juster that Germany's territory is taken for Israel, not Arab territory.
(aaayyy, 26 January 2012 13:46)

How much land would Russia have to give to its former East European colonies to compensate them for their sufferings? Wouldn't be much of Russia left...

Brilliant comments here yet again, most of you still seem to think you're dealing with Nazi German! Amazing, you haven't moved on from WW2
(Nikolle, 26 January 2012 10:44)

It's a big question who hasn't moved on from WW2. Nowaday's Germany design for the Balkan map is about the same as it was back then... with the same bloody result...

Maas, When Germany gives Bavaria to the Jewish believers for the genocide they caused, than talk to Serbia.
(Robert1899, 26 January 2012 13:03)

Are you aware how much compensation Germany has paid to Israel and is still paying? Once you start compensating the victims of your Greater Serbia nightmare, you may critizise Germany...

Resolution 1244 is about Yugoslavia and Kosova.

Serbia is successor of Yugoslavia as much as Turkey is successor of Ottoman Empire.
When you Srbs hear that Turkey is going after Ottomans territory then you might think the same for Yug. territory.

So far you Srbs have as much right to Yugosllavia, or successor as you like to call it, as much as Albanian,Bosnian,Croat, Macedonians ,Monte Negro or Slovens.Srbs did not have any more rights than the above mentioned nationalities.No where is Srbia mentioned in Res.1244,only Yuguslavia.Srbja was no Yugosllavia ,sorry.

Mr. Mass! we dont care for your opinion. Kosovo is Serbian Land. Period

Dear maas, these laws, resolutions, drafts, agreements exist for a reason and whether you like it pt not they brought peace to the region. If we were to follow your suggestions we would get no where in this world. These resolutions were reached with mutual agreement and understanding and they are bound by law, international law, not by your political goals. grow up maas

Germany is only saying what it thinks instead of saying what it will do. Germany can't give up on Res1244 either.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 26 January 2012 13:55)

After having read all the comments about the "mighty 4th Reich" there is only one possible answer from all their Quisling states minions: To hear is to obey!

Or you simply admit that this "4th Reich" propaganda is pure nonsense...

Great news the Germans feel that way. Now Serbia can rest assure when it retakes it's territory they won't bring up 1244.

Pss,
Seems like the Russians and Chinese are being mislead as well. No matter how articulated, manipulated or tailored an opinion can be, 1244 means Kosovo is Serbia, a pre-amble sets that tune, Annex 1 confirms it. That is why it is important to deceive for some and not others. But better luck next time.

Koso,
Whats a Chapter 7 resolution? is it binding?

Hey Lenard!

Where did you find all of those words?

Things need to be looked at in a context. The Resolution was passed in 1999 and time has not been standing still since then.


The Copenhagen criteria were determined back in the 90s, and they say what is expected from a country that wants to join the EU,” he explained.

Does this idiot think that we Serbs are that stupid. What a moron. In one sentence he explains how 1990 UN resolution shouldn’t be valid any more and how time has not been standing still.. In the next he explains how 1990 Copenhagen criteria is still valid but time apparently has stood by for it. So what I can gather out of this idiots nonsense is, what EU decides is still good but what UN which is the world body does not. What’s with these people lately. Don’t they have any shame?

All this nonsense which is spread here makes me shake my head. Fact is that nobody in Kosovo wants to be under Serbian rule. Serbia can only achieve it's sick dream if it starts another war..... Is that what you want????

I think the way is going Kosovo will join EU before Serbia, well deserved.
(Dardany, 26 January 2012, 09:50)

Do you mean that Serbia doesn't have good relationship with "Kosovo", so Serbia isn't to be admitted into the EU, but "Kosovo" has good relationship with Serbia, so "Kosovo" is to be admitted into the EU?

Maas, When Germany gives Bavaria to the Jewish believers for the genocide they caused, than talk to Serbia.

Are you aware how much compensation Germany has paid to Israel and is still paying? Once you start compensating the victims of your Greater Serbia nightmare, you may critizise Germany...
(bbbzzz, 26 January 2012 13:25)
=================================

How about Croatia and Bosnia pay compensation to Serbs for Jasenovac?
Then Operation Storm and so much more.
Serbs were the greatest victims in the last century and you are talking about Serbia paying compensation.

So how about it? How much would Jasenovac alone cost?

They say if you want to join EU - you are to fulfill their conditions, but it's interesting what EU conditions could be theoretically? Could EU ask some country to break international law? I guess yes, that's what EU is doing now...

German ambassador's speech is exactly the same as that of Pristina. How curious, isn´t it?

It is interesting that Germany wants to become a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, but if it did it would have like minded Countries like Britain, America, and France to tell them that they are also above the Law, because they are the Law.

We know that since 1945, that time has been moving forward, and that was after the Third German Reich.

We know that there was a Third German Reich, and so there must have been a First German Reich, then a Second German Reich, because time was moving forward, and Scholarly Mathematicians can tell what number come after 3, and we know that time has been moving forward.

There are Scholars and Historians who will tell you that History has a habit of repeating itself, and that one Ingredient for this is that time moves forward.

The German Ambassador said that there is no risk that the Belgrade Puppets will face new Decrees if they fulfil what is Ordered now, just like Germany said that they would not dominate Europe if West Germany and East Germany united.

There are Countries in Europe who currently have German Traditional Land, like the Sudetenland, and Poland has much German Traditional Land, and Scientists tell us that time keeps on moving, moving, into the future.

Not to mention that Serbia's constitution is not in line with UNSCR 1244 and violates it.

So this is their way of saying that they no longer give a damn about UN resolutions and that these Germans can do what they like. These people still dictate to Europe just as they did in Hitler's time, and Tadic is a piece of filth for cooperating with these occupators.

“The question whether Serbia should give up on the Resolution is not being raised, because it was passed by the Security Council and it is not in Serbia’s power to decide on it,” the ambassador stressed.

So therefore there's no problem. Germany is only saying what it thinks instead of saying what it will do. Germany can't give up on Res1244 either.

For a minute there it seems a number of Albanian nationalists must have gotten excited :)

Serbia and by its proxy the minority Serbs of Bosnia.
(Lenard, 26 January 2012 12:43)

Constitutive ethnic group to you.

It's a big question who hasn't moved on from WW2. Nowaday's Germany design for the Balkan map is about the same as it was back then... with the same bloody result...
(aaayyy, 26 January 2012 11:18)

Another typical aaayyy-comment

Does this idiot think that we Serbs are that stupid. What a moron. In one sentence he explains how 1990 UN resolution shouldn’t be valid any more and how time has not been standing still.. In the next he explains how 1990 Copenhagen criteria is still valid but time apparently has stood by for it. So what I can gather out of this idiots nonsense is, what EU decides is still good but what UN which is the world body does not. What’s with these people lately. Don’t they have any shame?
(usaSERB, 26 January 2012 10:44)
I don't think he thinks Serbs are stupid but apparently most have never really read UNSC1244 and just blindly follow what some nationalistic politcians say it means. It is a working document it was never meant for time to stand still in Kosovo(which is what Serbia wants) it is a map for the development of Kosovo.
The important part of the interview is where your politicians are telling you daily that Serbia is being pressured to renounce 1244, he is stating that UNSC 1244 is a UNSC document, Serbia was not asked to agree to its development and Serbia has no say as to when or if it is ever repealed.
It amazes me that people still claim shock over the EU's attitude toward Serbia and Kosovo. They have been upfront about their recognition of Kosovo as a state (the 22). You were only fooling yourselves all this time to think that they are going to admit Serbia with it advocating so strongly the opposite.

Maas-german foreign policy in the Balkans is from another time unfortunately.

understanding and they are bound by law, international law, not by your political goals. grow up maas - Goran

RESPONSE:

A United Nations resolution (UN resolution) is a formal text adopted by a United Nations (UN) body. Although any UN body can issue resolutions, in practice most resolutions are issued by the Security Council or the General Assembly.

Articles 10 and 14 of the UN Charter refer to General Assembly as "recommendations"; the recommendatory nature of General Assembly resolutions has repeatedly been stressed by the International Court of Justice.

TL;DR
UN resolutions are non-binding and definitely are not "international laws"

Sincerely,

Maas, When Germany gives Bavaria to the Jewish believers for the genocide they caused, than talk to Serbia.
(Robert1899, 26 January 2012 13:03)

Are you aware how much compensation Germany has paid to Israel and is still paying? Once you start compensating the victims of your Greater Serbia nightmare, you may critizise Germany...
(bbbzzz, 26 January 2012 13:25)

Another typical comment by bbbzzz. It's true that Germany paid compensation to Israel, but it would have been juster that Germany's territory is taken for Israel, not Arab territory.

You are comparing frogs to grandmothers.

Thank you for giving me a lesson. I feel so much smarter now. I sure hope your grandmother doesn’t read your nonsense. Because your knowledge is as good as of a frog. I might be giving you to much credit. lol…

Marko K and others - you are wrong. UN resolutions remain in force under they lapse or are replaced. Resolution 1244 is unusual as, unlike resolutions that create most other peacekeeping forces, which need to be renewed on a regular basis, it remains in force until the Security Council decides otherwise. This is the whole problem for Germany, US and others.

Kosovo Albanians may say it is unimportant, but that is far from the case. If countries can start picking and choosing when resolutions become obsolete, a truly dangerous situation will emerge in international politics. Also, does Germany now accept that northern Cyprus can be independent? After all Resolution 541 was passed almost thirty years ago. A lot of things have changed since then, not least of all the Turkish Cypriots supported a UN reunification plan that was rejected by the Greek Cypriots. Berlin seems to believe in that case that the resolution remains valid in perpetuity.

All this is not only doing damage to the EU claim that it respects international law and multilateral institutions, it is exposing Germany for the bully that many had hoped it no longer was. Very bad decision making in Berlin, and very stupid presentation by the German representative in Belgrade.

You are practicing very arrogant power politics, Mr. Maas,

You demand annulling UN SC Resolution 1244 from year 1999 based on "time has not been standing still since then". But you protect the Copenhagen criteria from 1993, no matter that "time has not been standing still since then".

You should be straight and say you want to annul the Resolution 1244 because you don't like it. That's what you mean by saying "we have always stood by the fact that rules must be respected to a certain extent". The extent you mean is your liking of the rules.

Another ugly point in your thinking is pointed to by "the question whether Serbia should give up on the Resolution is not being raised, because it was passed by the Security Council and it is not in Serbia’s power to decide on it”. Practically you demand that Serbia must continue to follow the restrictions laid down in the resolution although the others are freed from respecting the resolution.

Is this the most naked view to the politics of big powers? Shall we just wait and see other small countries treated the same way?

I do not suggest Serbia to lay down to the feet of Russia. There's nothing different to expect from Russia.

Things need to be looked at in a context. The Resolution was passed in 1999 and time has not been standing still since then.


The Copenhagen criteria were determined back in the 90s, and they say what is expected from a country that wants to join the EU,” he explained.

Does this idiot think that we Serbs are that stupid. What a moron. In one sentence he explains how 1990 UN resolution shouldn’t be valid any more and how time has not been standing still.. In the next he explains how 1990 Copenhagen criteria is still valid but time apparently has stood by for it. So what I can gather out of this idiots nonsense is, what EU decides is still good but what UN which is the world body does not. What’s with these people lately. Don’t they have any shame?
(usaSERB, 26 January 2012 10:44)

USAserb,
The UN is a governing political organization, whereas, the EU is an economic one.

You are comparing frogs to grandmothers. Resolutions are made for a particular period to address a particular situation, therefore, may become obsolete when the situation no longer exists. Criteria, on the other hand, are conditions that must be met in order to join, gain membership or be accepted to a group, organization,etc. Criteria may be changed by a governing body, but do not necessarily become obsolete. I do hope this clears up the difference for you.

Ian, you repeat this point about the Serbian constitution being in violation of 1244. Can you please explain, in precise legal terms, why this the case? I really don't understand this line of thinking. It cannot be a violation of the resolution. Where does it state in the document that Serbia can longer claim sovereignty over Kosovo?

Moreover, if Kosovo Albanians claim that they can have independence because this not specifically barred by 1244, then surely the absence of any demand that Serbia renounces its claim to Kosovo means that the constitutional claim to the territory is also perfectly valid.

So, either way, and according to any reading of 1244 you so choose, can you please explain the reasoning behind this constantly repeated claim that Serbia's constitution is a violation if 1244 - because if it is then the UDI is as well. (And please do not say this is different, 'because Serbia did it first'. This is not a reasonable defence under the law. You can't justify illegal activities because someone else did it first.)

Really, it is so irritating having to clear up these issues time after time with people who evidently have no understanding of international law.

Mas is right. People of Kosovo decide the fate of Kosovo. Not some Serbs from Belgrade. Those times are gone.

@ KM,

Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter is: (straight from WP) the prohibition of member states of the UN attacking other UN member states is central to the purpose for which the UN was founded in the wake of the destruction of World War II: to prevent war.

AGAIN non-binding... As I've already stated most resolutions are "recommendations" rather than laws. Even the ICJ (part of UN) for example typically gives out non-binding rulings on inter-state cases.



Sincerely,

Of course UN1244 resolution is from another time - but it's still in force and still valid, and can only be annulled by the UNSC, which is unlikely to happen. Until then, Kosovo's status is still not final and unsolved, whatever some politicians claim.

People of Kosovo decide the fate of Kosovo. Not some Serbs from Belgrade. Those times are gone.
(Avni, 26 January 2012 19:55)

The people of Kosovo have never decided the fate of Kosovo. Not in the past, not now, and not in the future. You going to tell me Hashim Thaci decides the fate? He does what he's told if he wants to maintain his diplomatic immunity :)

Pss,
Seems like the Russians and Chinese are being mislead as well. No matter how articulated, manipulated or tailored an opinion can be, 1244 means Kosovo is Serbia, a pre-amble sets that tune, Annex 1 confirms it. That is why it is important to deceive for some and not others. But better luck next time.


(KM is Serbia, 26 January 2012 15:02)
Yours is a personal opinion that at least 86 countries disagree with. Actually more but the others have not made it official.


"Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);"
Sounds pretty convincing that the future status (in 1999) of Kosovo was not guaranteed to be anything. Also no where does it say that 1244 must end when status is settled or that status cannot be settled while 1244 is in force.

The difference is you can take that on face value and not change anything unlike your claims:
"Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia"
Where you have to say if you change Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to mean Serbia, and change Reaffirming the commitment to mean guarantees, and the interject that the rest of 1244 is meaningless.
Then you can come to the conclusion that Kosovo will always be a part of Serbia.

Maybe we should all forget about Nazi's ambitious appetite and all post ww2 treaties and allow Germany to develop nuclear weapons and a huge military force. While we are at it the US can give back the land to the Mexicans and the Native Americans and do away with her constitution. Why? Because by this fool's evil-trouble-making-false-hope-giving-logic is that it was all signed a while back and time doesn't stand still.
Well I have some brotherly Jesus advice for this delusional fool, and that is that it's time for him and his superiors to stop their evil trouble making, because it could lead to more blood shedding and more human suffering.
Like I've said many times before on this forum--nothing has changed throughout our human history but the forms--and this thing is a living proof to that fact!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ynbn2EdbSM

Fact is that nobody in Kosovo wants to be under Serbian rule. Serbia can only achieve it's sick dream if it starts another war..... Is that what you want????
(Willi Pfaff, 26 January 2012 19:23)

Nobody in Northern Kosovo and Southern Serbian enclaves wants to be under Albanian rule. Nobody from RS wants to be under Bosniak rule.

By your logic, Signor, there is no point in making the treaties to begin with,
because just as soon as a situation presents itself to which the treaty might apply you'll claim it obsolete.
Interestingly, on a metaphysical level you are absolutely right.

KOSO - you are as bad as the others who come here and make bold pronouncements about international law and politics, but evidently know next to nothing about either.

Just to be clear: UN Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII - which includes Resolution 1244 (it is in the text of the resolution if you don't believe me) - are legally binding. (Article 25 of the Charter says that members agree to and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.) UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding. With a few limit exceptions relating to internal UN matters, they are recommendations.

Please, please, please could we improve the level of debate here by being informed about the issues under discussion!

" 'Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);''
Sounds pretty convincing that the future status (in 1999) of Kosovo was not guaranteed to be anything. Also no where does it say that 1244 must end when status is settled or that status cannot be settled while 1244 is in force.

'Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia...'
Then you can come to the conclusion that Kosovo will always be a part of Serbia."
(pss, 26 January 2012 18:11)

Not really. Kosovo is a part of Serbia until the final status is settled. Which will be the case when an agreement is reached and when the UNSC revokes UN1244. Of course UN member states should be commited to territorial integrity of other UN members (this is a general UN principle, btw.).

If a mutual agreement for a split-off of Kosovo is reached between Kosovo Albanians and Serbia, it means the territorial integrity is not violated. So my conclusion is: Only a mutual agreement allows a solution that fulfills UN1244.

Dear Sir (from Germany),

If that's your opinion then why not go to UNSC and ask 1244 to be deleted? At the moment 1244 is still valid.

The US tried to overrule 1244 about five times around 2007 but it did not even file a resolution. Let alone that is resolution was accepted.

So as it is now: 1244 is valid. Germany should accept this. And so do all of us!

If 1244 is now a question of relevance for M-ass and germany, then so should be the diplomatic immunity of the western states be. After all, they used to hang war criminals, not promote them.

The government established in Pristina per UNSCR 1244 tried and tried to discuss and negotiate the final status of Kosovo and Belgrade did not care at all and just ignored the government in Pristina.
(Ian)

Give the links please where Prishtina agreed to discuss anything short than independence from 1999 to 2008? Just ask Albanians, they will tell you that you are wrong if you think Prishtina did.

KOSO - you are as bad as the others who come here and make bold pronouncements about international law and politics, but evidently know next to nothing about either.

Just to be clear: UN Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII - which includes Resolution 1244 (it is in the text of the resolution if you don't believe me) - are legally binding. (Article 25 of the Charter says that members agree to and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.) UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding. With a few limit exceptions relating to internal UN matters, they are recommendations.

Please, please, please could we improve the level of debate here by being informed about the issues under discussion!
(Jim, 26 January 2012 23:04)


1. Go to www.wikipedia.org
2. search: UN Resolution 1244
3. search (CTRL F) the word "binding"
4. READ THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE:

"Although non-binding, it recalled the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and other states in the region, and reaffirmed its call for meaningful autonomy and self-administration for Kosovo.[4]"

Sincerely,

Do these germans think it is only them who decides what serbia should and should not do ?
China and Russia are in the security counsil and will never abolish 1244 resolution if serbian sticks to it !
The whole worls recognized Kosovo ?

Germany - along with the US - seem to be one of the main obstacles to achieving a compromise:

http://www.transconflict.com/2012/01/kosovo-an-opportunity-for-agreement-on-the-north-241/

Ian, you repeat this point about the Serbian constitution being in violation of 1244. Can you please explain, in precise legal terms, why this the case? I really don't understand this line of thinking. It cannot be a violation of the resolution. Where does it state in the document that Serbia can longer claim sovereignty over Kosovo?

Moreover, if Kosovo Albanians claim that they can have independence because this not specifically barred by 1244, then surely the absence of any demand that Serbia renounces its claim to Kosovo means that the constitutional claim to the territory is also perfectly valid.

So, either way, and according to any reading of 1244 you so choose, can you please explain the reasoning behind this constantly repeated claim that Serbia's constitution is a violation if 1244 - because if it is then the UDI is as well. (And please do not say this is different, 'because Serbia did it first'. This is not a reasonable defence under the law. You can't justify illegal activities because someone else did it first.)

Really, it is so irritating having to clear up these issues time after time with people who evidently have no understanding of international law.
(Jim, 26 January 2012 19:35)

A lot of this was argued at the ICJ contributing to Kosovo's success.
Because Serbia's constitution unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status.

Anyway UNSCR 1244 said that Kosovo's final status (as Kosovo according to UNSCR 1244 is only apart of FR-Yugoslavia for the indefinite future) must be mutually agreed by BOTH parties. The government established in Pristina per UNSCR 1244 tried and tried to discuss and negotiate the final status of Kosovo and Belgrade did not care at all and just ignored the government in Pristina. Belgrade did not want to discuss the final status of Kosovo and was just happy with the then status quo. Anyway along comes 8 November 2006 and the National Assembly of Serbia unveils the Constitution of Serbia. The Constitution of Serbia states that it "defines the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija as the integral part of Serbia", meaning that Serbia violated UNSCR 1244 in November 2006 as Belgrade unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status without giving anyone in Kosovo a say. The referendum on adopting the Serbian Constitution was not even carried out in Kosovo. The people of Kosovo and the authorities in Kosovo had no say over Kosovo's final status, it was not mutually agreed by both parties which UNSCR 1244 clearly states the case must be. As Serbia violated UNSCR 1244 in November 2006 with their constitution which unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status, this gave Kosovo no option but to declare independence. They had tried to negotiate the future of Kosovo's status, but Belgrade ignored them; Belgrade unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status without giving a single person in Kosovo a say. There was no mutual agreement by both parties. Serbia unilaterally changed Kosovo's status from being an indefinite (aka for at least the time being, not permanent) part of FR-Yugoslavia (which UNSCR 1244 states) to being an "integral" part of the Republic of Serbia.

I'm not saying that Kosovo's claim to independence is valid because it isn't barred by UNSCR 1244 (even though to a certain extent that is the case). I'm saying that because Serbia tried to unilaterally finalise Kosovo's status with their constitution without giving a single person in Kosovo a say (thus violating UNSCR 1244), it gave Kosovo no option but but independence as Serbia violated the resolution and weren't for negotiating with the authorities in Kosovo at all on Kosovo's future status.

I have no understanding of international law? I'm stating what was argued at the ICJ and who was won by again? Oh yeh it was Kosovo.

I have no understanding of international law? I'm stating what was argued at the ICJ and who was won by again? Oh yeh it was Kosovo.
(Ian, UK, 27 January 2012 13:22)

Kosovo has won nothing but a stagnation of the situation and will continue to do so and next summer will be very interesting as the pot in Kosovo boils over due to increased poverty.
The US did not want Kosovo pronounced as independent because it would have complicated the situation, but feel free to get the ICJ to declare your independence – go ahead don’t be shy LOL.
But closer to home I must tell you that one of your ministers visited Beijing late last week offering China the use of the UK as a financial hub. You see if the Chinese refuse the UK will keel over.
It was an amusing news item which was followed by a documentary on Chinese relations with the west in the last 150 years and it particularly spent a lot of time on the opium war and how Hong Kong was lost. I think this is a subtle signal on how the Chinese will view this request.
On an even worse scenario your treasury is now in full production of just printing money to pay its bills and the pound is sinking in value. The UK is already closing schools and looking at ways of cutting anything that is provided by the state, and is even in the process of means testing the poor who require cancer treatment and young people with disabilities.
There is much more to come, but you can scrape up a few pennies to go to the ICJ and get that final clearance.

Really, it is so irritating having to clear up these issues time after time with people who evidently have no understanding of international law.
(Jim, 26 January 2012 19:35)
=============================

Jim, get used to repeating yourself because they keep claiming what they want no matter how many times you explain it to them and no matter how many times you ask for evidence, you won't get any.

Germany has been very clear in that only Albanians opinions should matter never Serbs opinions. Time to factor in everyone not just Albanians. Albanians should not get to dictate Serb lives.

1.Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);"

Dear Pss,

It does not say that anywhere, it does not say that genocide cannot be committed or money laundering or using Kosovo as a warehouse for drugs even, but while 1244 is in effect Kosovo is Serbia. The whole document both Rambouillet and 1244 state quite firmly the framework will only be in that scope.

5.Framework
Article I: Principles

2. National communities and their members shall have additional rights specified in Chapter 1. Kosovo, Federal, and Republic authorities shall not interfere with the exercise of these additional rights. The national communities shall be legally equal as specified herein, and shall not use their additional rights to endanger the rights of other national communities or the rights of citizens, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, or the functioning of representative democratic government in Kosovo.

Article I: Principles of Democratic Self-Government in Kosovo

3. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has competence in Kosovo over the following areas, except as specified elsewhere in this Agreement: (a) territorial integrity, (b) maintaining a common market within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which power shall be exercised in a manner that does not discriminate against Kosovo, (c) monetary policy, (d) defense, (e) foreign policy, (f) customs services, (g) federal taxation, (h) federal elections, and (i) other areas specified in this Agreement.

Article VI: Security on International Borders

1. The Government of the FRY will maintain official border crossings on its international borders (Albania and FYROM).
2. Personnel from the organizations listed below may be present along Kosovo's international borders and at international border crossings, and may not act outside the scope of the authorities specified in this Chapter.
(a) Republic of Serbia Border Police
(i) The Border Police shall continue to exercise authority at Kosovo's international border crossings and in connection with the enforcement of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia immigration laws. The total number of border police shall be drawn down to 75 within 14 days of entry into force of this Agreement.

http://www.state.gov/www/regions/eur/ksvo_rambouillet_text.html

Enjoy my conclusion Pss. As I said better luck next time. And the time after that and that time after that and then again. Yawn. Seriously your cute though, what would life be for the Serbs without a few Albanian astronaughts

"Although non-binding, it recalled the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and other states in the region, and reaffirmed its call for meaningful autonomy and self-administration for Kosovo.[4]"

So autonomy for the albanians is non-binding too, let alone (in)dependence.

Of course, Serbia had another "delayed detonation" with 1244. The only parts of 1244 that Serbia was respecting were the ones that were being enforced (the buffer line with Serbia). Everything else was ignored.

They ignored everything issued under 1244/UNMIK, and that included:
- UNMIK issued ID cards in Kosovo
- UNMIK issued passports
- UNMIK issued plates
- Serb institutions in Northern Kosovo never ceased to exist, even though this violated UN Res 1244
- Serbia did not, and still does not allow flights from/to Kosovo/UNMIK to fly over its airspace, including during flight emergency situations (A plane bound for Prishtina International Airport declared an emergency and asked for clearance to divert through Serbian airspace in order to land at the Sofia Airport, but was denied access on 8 May, 2008)
- Then, Serbia's Constitution attempted to ignore the UNRES1244 blueprint by pre-determining its status as a part of Serbia...

and so on...

So, now, after the Declaration of Kosovo's Independence, Res 1244 is Serbia's Gospel?

Judging from its delayed engagements, maybe if Kosovo holds a Referendum to join Albania, its Kosovo's Independence would be more acceptable to Serbia?

But again, 1244 was meant to be a blueprint to a solution, not a solution by itself. The result of this blueprint was Ahtisaari's proposal...

Eventually, UN will give in, just like they did when they had to recognize the People's Republic of China, 22 years after the communists came to power.

Next, we'll talk about Vuk's premature engagements, like the International Court of Justice initiative? Just kidding.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
That’s not possible dear. Vuk just said that Kosovo has so much cash to be in the position to bribe countries for recognizing its independence. I personally think you are correct because your economic and financial expertise is unparalleled. But still we also know how good Vuk is, too

Actually it was initially the US/EU but today the money is no longer there and the so called recognitions are just that – a myth – where the Albanian authorities are trying to divert attention from the chronic problems of massive unemployment and a lack of everything. But those lies have very short legs.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Not sure what you mean ? How would the situation be complicated ?! And then, the UDI was declared by Kosovo, not by the ICJ. The ICJ’s job was to declare its legality, as it did. But if you have doubts, by all means go ahead and ask the ICJ again.

Very simple. If the US allowed the ICJ to declare Kosovo independent then it would have opened Pandora’s box in that every little group which had an issue in a country could declare independence and it would be legal. Look at a diverse country like Indonesia which is comprised of various ethnic groups and a total of 1,000 islands.
The ICJ said the act of declaring was not illegal, but it stopped short of confirming that Kosovo was independent. You really need to ask someone with legal expertise as there is a huge difference. The US only wanted to have their decision to separate Kosovo legitimized and nothing else.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Nice, another proof that all that matters is the money not memories of 600-year-old battles :)

The Chinese remember the opium wars of the 1850s like it was yesterday and its only vagabonds that have no memories of where they have been nor where they are today.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Yes, it will view it as no opium will be allowed to be cultivated in China in the future.

Lets go back into history. The reason why Honk Kong was lost was because the British went to war with China because the Chinese refused to allow the Brits to sell anymore opium from Afghanistan because China had an enormous drug addiction problem. And so the Brits went to war and china lost and Hong Kong was a prize.
This is scared into Chinese memory and I can tell you that they have not forgotten about the British role
The current Chinese Government has already warned the Afghanistan not to try and sell their drugs in China. The consequences will be that China will go into Afghanistan, but they will not adopt the same tactics as the west or Russia. They will burnt everything and kill everyone, men women and children.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
That’s great. They are finally understanding that the state got involved a little bit too much. Leave it to the private sector. That’s why they elected a conservative government to do all the things you mentioned.

I have met some stupid people in my time but the Americans have to take the prize. What does private enterprise have to do with the poor getting cancer treatment? You guys have been totally brainwashed in this crap about private enterprise to the point where a universal health care system cannot be introduced in the US to look after the poor because its “socialism/communism”.
The reason for the huge problems in the UK stem from their involvement in wars and the wonderful bequest from the US called the GFC, which now the US is all blaming the EU. You can private enterprise all you like but the UK is heading one way and that is down the sink hole.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Absolutely, there is much more to come, but I’m not sure anybody has anything needing a clearance from ICJ. You appear to have something for which you need clearance from ICJ. What is that ?!

Let the ICJ declare that Kosovo is independent. No it not good enough to say that it’s not illegal to declare UDI – the words must be said.
As far as Kosovo is concerned there is no more to come. It’s dead. But a nice hot summer is a brewing and we will see how things fare in downtown Pristina with the onset of massive problems.

Actually it was initially the US/EU but today the money is no longer there and the so called recognitions are just that – a myth – where the Albanian authorities are trying to divert attention from the chronic problems of massive unemployment and a lack of everything. But those lies have very short legs.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

I know. That’s why I tend to believe you that Kosovo and its supporters are broke and not little Vuk who thinks they are full of cash.
----------

Very simple. If the US allowed the ICJ to declare Kosovo independent then it would have opened Pandora’s box in that every little group which had an issue in a country could declare independence and it would be legal. Look at a diverse country like Indonesia which is comprised of various ethnic groups and a total of 1,000 islands.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Ok, so after Kosovo declared impendence and ICJ deemed in legal (under international law) we did not see any box, much less the Pandora’s one, open :)
----------

The ICJ said the act of declaring was not illegal, but it stopped short of confirming that Kosovo was independent.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Of course, because nobody asked ICJ about that :)
----------

You really need to ask someone with legal expertise as there is a huge difference. The US only wanted to have their decision to separate Kosovo legitimized and nothing else.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Exactly and indeed they got the legitimization. Thanks for confirming.
----------

The Chinese remember the opium wars of the 1850s like it was yesterday and its only vagabonds that have no memories of where they have been nor where they are today.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Exactly, that’s why I was saying that the Chinese will not allow opium to be cultivated in China in the future.
----------

I have met some stupid people in my time but the Americans have to take the prize.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Of course the Americans take the prize for stupidity. That’s why they live better than most of the world.
----------

The reason for the huge problems in the UK stem from their involvement in wars and the wonderful bequest from the US called the GFC, which now the US is all blaming the EU. You can private enterprise all you like but the UK is heading one way and that is down the sink hole.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Sure, and that sink hole means living better than most of the world.
----------

Let the ICJ declare that Kosovo is independent. No it not good enough to say that it’s not illegal to declare UDI – the words must be said.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Sure, if you need those words, by all means go ahead and ask the ICJ.
----------

As far as Kosovo is concerned there is no more to come. It’s dead.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Ah, OK, I thought you said before there is more to come, but now there is no longer more to come. OK, so Kosovo is dead and the Republic of Kosovo is alive. I’m sure the Albanians in Kosovo appreciate even you confirming that.

hey bbbzzz, before you step down from your ivory tower ask youself which nation didn't make themselves on the deaths of their minorities, weaker colonies, slave labour or overall general killings?
find one for me oh please please.
and when you do find one, an insignificant one because it won't be a UNSC permanent member, nor will it be a g20 member, then we can discuss your opinions of compensation.

(Ian, UK, 27 January 2012 13:22)
while I agree with the logic of most of your post, the UDI is no different than the unilateral claim of Serbia, you are making a big mistake that the Serbs tend to make. UNSC1244 makes no mention that the final status of Kosovo must be agreed to by both parties. As a matter of fact it does not say that either party must agree. What it does say is the role of the international civilian presence-

"Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);"

Kosovo has won nothing but a stagnation of the situation and will continue to do so and next summer will be very interesting as the pot in Kosovo boils over due to increased poverty.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

That’s not possible dear. Vuk just said that Kosovo has so much cash to be in the position to bribe countries for recognizing its independence. I personally think you are correct because your economic and financial expertise is unparalleled. But still we also know how good Vuk is, too :)
----------

The US did not want Kosovo pronounced as independent because it would have complicated the situation, but feel free to get the ICJ to declare your independence – go ahead don’t be shy LOL.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Not sure what you mean ? How would the situation be complicated ?! And then, the UDI was declared by Kosovo, not by the ICJ. The ICJ’s job was to declare its legality, as it did. But if you have doubts, by all means go ahead and ask the ICJ again.
----------

But closer to home I must tell you that one of your ministers visited Beijing late last week offering China the use of the UK as a financial hub. You see if the Chinese refuse the UK will keel over.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Nice, another proof that all that matters is the money not memories of 600-year-old battles :)
----------

It was an amusing news item which was followed by a documentary on Chinese relations with the west in the last 150 years and it particularly spent a lot of time on the opium war and how Hong Kong was lost. I think this is a subtle signal on how the Chinese will view this request.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Yes, it will view it as no opium will be allowed to be cultivated in China in the future.
----------

On an even worse scenario your treasury is now in full production of just printing money to pay its bills and the pound is sinking in value. The UK is already closing schools and looking at ways of cutting anything that is provided by the state, and is even in the process of means testing the poor who require cancer treatment and young people with disabilities.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

That’s great. They are finally understanding that the state got involved a little bit too much. Leave it to the private sector. That’s why they elected a conservative government to do all the things you mentioned.
----------

There is much more to come, but you can scrape up a few pennies to go to the ICJ and get that final clearance.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Absolutely, there is much more to come, but I’m not sure anybody has anything needing a clearance from ICJ. You appear to have something for which you need clearance from ICJ. What is that ?!

What a direct speech. serbian politicians often changed the words of Foreign diplomats but on this on they have no grip what so ever. Its interesting to hear for serbs that resolution is not something Serbia made but UN at that time, its exactly what we been saying to serbia all this time. I think the way is going Kosovo will join EU before Serbia, well deserved.

Mr. Mas
First you massacred 1 million Serbs in WWII then you helped Croatia to expel half a million Serbs from Croatia and then 400 000 Serbs from Kosovo. I thought you stopped your holocaust with the death of your Adolf? But apparently another Nazi representative is in Belgrade.
You must be proud to be a German....

Oh, ok, so I guess all UNSC resolutions that precede 1244 are from "another time", so we should just forget about them and move on. Is that how it works now Germany? Pathetic.

Brilliant comments here yet again, most of you still seem to think you're dealing with Nazi German! Amazing, you haven't moved on from WW2

I realized that I should have said that it is very important that the words Serbia’s Territory, and not Serbian Territory is used, because Serbia is a Country, and Serbian is a Race, and so there must be no Racism implied in the name.

There are People who think that a good way to allow the Majority Albanian Areas in South Kosovo to be represented in regional forums, is under the name of Serbia’s Territory Of South Kosovo, or STOSK, and that a United Nations Security Council Resolution be made for this after both Parties agree.

Germany does not want Referendums in Europe, because Hitler never did believe in Referendums for the Humans of Europe, and the People of North Kosovo can print the forms using A4 computer paper, with the Question, and the YES or NO answer, unless the Kumanovo Agreement, and STOSK are agreed to, along with 1,999 Serbian police and soldiers to enter any part of Kosovo to see to it that a Referendum in Northern Kosovo can be delayed for a while.

The terms Serbia and Serbia’s need to be defined several times as the English way of saying the recognized United Nations Country with Belgrade as its Capital, and Kosovo as its Province as United Nation Security Council Resolution 1244 says.

Resolution 1244 “is from another time” same with Dayton that criminally rewarded genocidal war aggression thrust "Srpska" aka greater Serbia on peaceful unarmed country of Bosnia. The totally unjust Dayton rewarded war criminals ,mass murderers ,rapist ,thieves ,destroyers of families ,homes ,neighbours ,communities and cities. Still going on by subterfuge and openly to this day to destroy the country of Bosnia by Serbia and by its proxy the minority Serbs of Bosnia.

The Fourth Reich is alive and well, and Serbia is once again a bone in their throat. One thing is for certain, if ze Germans don't like UN Resolution 1244, then it must be good. It confirms that Kosovo is Serbia, which again, confirms that the NATO war criminals, with all their firepower, didn't win the war.
Cheers!!

Mr. Mass! we dont care for your opinion. Kosovo is Serbian Land. Period

Mr. Mass! we dont care for your opinion. Kosovo is Serbian Land. Period
(PRO-SERBIA, 26 January 2012 12:19)

No Kosova is not serbian land. It's Albanian land! Period!!

It confirms that Kosovo is Serbia, which again, confirms that the NATO war criminals, with all their firepower, didn't win the war.
Cheers!!
(Dragan, 26 January 2012 13:55)

So Serbia has actually won the war? Inform the media immediately!

Maas, When Germany gives Bavaria to the Jewish believers for the genocide they caused, than talk to Serbia.
(Robert1899, 26 January 2012 13:03)

Are you aware how much compensation Germany has paid to Israel and is still paying? Once you start compensating the victims of your Greater Serbia nightmare, you may critizise Germany...

Are you aware how much compensation Germany has paid to Israel and is still paying? Once you start compensating the victims of your Greater Serbia nightmare, you may critizise Germany...
(bbbzzz, 26 January 2012 13:25)
=================================

How about Croatia and Bosnia pay compensation to Serbs for Jasenovac?
Then Operation Storm and so much more.
Serbs were the greatest victims in the last century and you are talking about Serbia paying compensation.

So how about it? How much would Jasenovac alone cost?

Dear maas, these laws, resolutions, drafts, agreements exist for a reason and whether you like it pt not they brought peace to the region. If we were to follow your suggestions we would get no where in this world. These resolutions were reached with mutual agreement and understanding and they are bound by law, international law, not by your political goals. grow up maas

The Fourth Reich is alive and well, and Serbia is once again a bone in their throat.
(Dragan, 26 January 2012 13:55)

Don't you just by chance overestimate Serbia a bit? Do you think that Germany really cares if Dragan dislikes it?

Does this idiot think that we Serbs are that stupid. What a moron. In one sentence he explains how 1990 UN resolution shouldn’t be valid any more and how time has not been standing still.. In the next he explains how 1990 Copenhagen criteria is still valid but time apparently has stood by for it. So what I can gather out of this idiots nonsense is, what EU decides is still good but what UN which is the world body does not. What’s with these people lately. Don’t they have any shame?
(usaSERB, 26 January 2012 10:44)
I don't think he thinks Serbs are stupid but apparently most have never really read UNSC1244 and just blindly follow what some nationalistic politcians say it means. It is a working document it was never meant for time to stand still in Kosovo(which is what Serbia wants) it is a map for the development of Kosovo.
The important part of the interview is where your politicians are telling you daily that Serbia is being pressured to renounce 1244, he is stating that UNSC 1244 is a UNSC document, Serbia was not asked to agree to its development and Serbia has no say as to when or if it is ever repealed.
It amazes me that people still claim shock over the EU's attitude toward Serbia and Kosovo. They have been upfront about their recognition of Kosovo as a state (the 22). You were only fooling yourselves all this time to think that they are going to admit Serbia with it advocating so strongly the opposite.

1) Concerning usefulness of entering the EU:

Some Bulgarians say that since Bulgaria entered the EU there have been changes, but rather minor and gradual, so it is hard to understand if those changes are the result of entering the EU or they just go by themselves.

2) The whole country Croatia could be called a justification of ethnic cleansing, yet they are invited into EU even without demand to organize safe return of Serbian refugees from Krajina.

German ambassador's speech is exactly the same as that of Pristina. How curious, isn´t it?

It's a big question who hasn't moved on from WW2. Nowaday's Germany design for the Balkan map is about the same as it was back then... with the same bloody result...
(aaayyy, 26 January 2012 11:18)

Another typical aaayyy-comment

Serbs were the greatest victims in the last century and you are talking about Serbia paying compensation.
(Peggy, 26 January 2012 13:43)

Because you were once victims you have now a license to victimize everybody else for free? I hope you aren't serious, but am afraid you are...

Great news the Germans feel that way. Now Serbia can rest assure when it retakes it's territory they won't bring up 1244.

Pss,
Seems like the Russians and Chinese are being mislead as well. No matter how articulated, manipulated or tailored an opinion can be, 1244 means Kosovo is Serbia, a pre-amble sets that tune, Annex 1 confirms it. That is why it is important to deceive for some and not others. But better luck next time.

Koso,
Whats a Chapter 7 resolution? is it binding?

Things need to be looked at in a context. The Resolution was passed in 1999 and time has not been standing still since then.


The Copenhagen criteria were determined back in the 90s, and they say what is expected from a country that wants to join the EU,” he explained.

Does this idiot think that we Serbs are that stupid. What a moron. In one sentence he explains how 1990 UN resolution shouldn’t be valid any more and how time has not been standing still.. In the next he explains how 1990 Copenhagen criteria is still valid but time apparently has stood by for it. So what I can gather out of this idiots nonsense is, what EU decides is still good but what UN which is the world body does not. What’s with these people lately. Don’t they have any shame?

Brilliant comments here yet again, most of you still seem to think you're dealing with Nazi German! Amazing, you haven't moved on from WW2
(Nikolle, 26 January 2012 10:44)

It's a big question who hasn't moved on from WW2. Nowaday's Germany design for the Balkan map is about the same as it was back then... with the same bloody result...

So this is their way of saying that they no longer give a damn about UN resolutions and that these Germans can do what they like. These people still dictate to Europe just as they did in Hitler's time, and Tadic is a piece of filth for cooperating with these occupators.

Maas, When Germany gives Bavaria to the Jewish believers for the genocide they caused, than talk to Serbia.

Maas, When Germany gives Bavaria to the Jewish believers for the genocide they caused, than talk to Serbia.
(Robert1899, 26 January 2012 13:03)

Are you aware how much compensation Germany has paid to Israel and is still paying? Once you start compensating the victims of your Greater Serbia nightmare, you may critizise Germany...
(bbbzzz, 26 January 2012 13:25)

Another typical comment by bbbzzz. It's true that Germany paid compensation to Israel, but it would have been juster that Germany's territory is taken for Israel, not Arab territory.

Hey Lenard!

Where did you find all of those words?

You are practicing very arrogant power politics, Mr. Maas,

You demand annulling UN SC Resolution 1244 from year 1999 based on "time has not been standing still since then". But you protect the Copenhagen criteria from 1993, no matter that "time has not been standing still since then".

You should be straight and say you want to annul the Resolution 1244 because you don't like it. That's what you mean by saying "we have always stood by the fact that rules must be respected to a certain extent". The extent you mean is your liking of the rules.

Another ugly point in your thinking is pointed to by "the question whether Serbia should give up on the Resolution is not being raised, because it was passed by the Security Council and it is not in Serbia’s power to decide on it”. Practically you demand that Serbia must continue to follow the restrictions laid down in the resolution although the others are freed from respecting the resolution.

Is this the most naked view to the politics of big powers? Shall we just wait and see other small countries treated the same way?

I do not suggest Serbia to lay down to the feet of Russia. There's nothing different to expect from Russia.

Maas-german foreign policy in the Balkans is from another time unfortunately.

I think the way is going Kosovo will join EU before Serbia, well deserved.
(Dardany, 26 January 2012, 09:50)

Do you mean that Serbia doesn't have good relationship with "Kosovo", so Serbia isn't to be admitted into the EU, but "Kosovo" has good relationship with Serbia, so "Kosovo" is to be admitted into the EU?

(PRO-SERBIA, 26 January 2012 12:19)

If Kosovo is serbia's land come and take it then. You can't even feed your own mouth with food ( Russia have to do it ) let alone taking over kosovo.

Pss,
Seems like the Russians and Chinese are being mislead as well. No matter how articulated, manipulated or tailored an opinion can be, 1244 means Kosovo is Serbia, a pre-amble sets that tune, Annex 1 confirms it. That is why it is important to deceive for some and not others. But better luck next time.


(KM is Serbia, 26 January 2012 15:02)
Yours is a personal opinion that at least 86 countries disagree with. Actually more but the others have not made it official.


"Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);"
Sounds pretty convincing that the future status (in 1999) of Kosovo was not guaranteed to be anything. Also no where does it say that 1244 must end when status is settled or that status cannot be settled while 1244 is in force.

The difference is you can take that on face value and not change anything unlike your claims:
"Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia"
Where you have to say if you change Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to mean Serbia, and change Reaffirming the commitment to mean guarantees, and the interject that the rest of 1244 is meaningless.
Then you can come to the conclusion that Kosovo will always be a part of Serbia.

It is interesting that Germany wants to become a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, but if it did it would have like minded Countries like Britain, America, and France to tell them that they are also above the Law, because they are the Law.

We know that since 1945, that time has been moving forward, and that was after the Third German Reich.

We know that there was a Third German Reich, and so there must have been a First German Reich, then a Second German Reich, because time was moving forward, and Scholarly Mathematicians can tell what number come after 3, and we know that time has been moving forward.

There are Scholars and Historians who will tell you that History has a habit of repeating itself, and that one Ingredient for this is that time moves forward.

The German Ambassador said that there is no risk that the Belgrade Puppets will face new Decrees if they fulfil what is Ordered now, just like Germany said that they would not dominate Europe if West Germany and East Germany united.

There are Countries in Europe who currently have German Traditional Land, like the Sudetenland, and Poland has much German Traditional Land, and Scientists tell us that time keeps on moving, moving, into the future.

You are comparing frogs to grandmothers.

Thank you for giving me a lesson. I feel so much smarter now. I sure hope your grandmother doesn’t read your nonsense. Because your knowledge is as good as of a frog. I might be giving you to much credit. lol…

“The question whether Serbia should give up on the Resolution is not being raised, because it was passed by the Security Council and it is not in Serbia’s power to decide on it,” the ambassador stressed.

So therefore there's no problem. Germany is only saying what it thinks instead of saying what it will do. Germany can't give up on Res1244 either.

For a minute there it seems a number of Albanian nationalists must have gotten excited :)

Another typical comment by bbbzzz. It's true that Germany paid compensation to Israel, but it would have been juster that Germany's territory is taken for Israel, not Arab territory.
(aaayyy, 26 January 2012 13:46)

How much land would Russia have to give to its former East European colonies to compensate them for their sufferings? Wouldn't be much of Russia left...

Serbia and by its proxy the minority Serbs of Bosnia.
(Lenard, 26 January 2012 12:43)

Constitutive ethnic group to you.

Resolution 1244 is about Yugoslavia and Kosova.

Serbia is successor of Yugoslavia as much as Turkey is successor of Ottoman Empire.
When you Srbs hear that Turkey is going after Ottomans territory then you might think the same for Yug. territory.

So far you Srbs have as much right to Yugosllavia, or successor as you like to call it, as much as Albanian,Bosnian,Croat, Macedonians ,Monte Negro or Slovens.Srbs did not have any more rights than the above mentioned nationalities.No where is Srbia mentioned in Res.1244,only Yuguslavia.Srbja was no Yugosllavia ,sorry.

Not to mention that Serbia's constitution is not in line with UNSCR 1244 and violates it.

All this nonsense which is spread here makes me shake my head. Fact is that nobody in Kosovo wants to be under Serbian rule. Serbia can only achieve it's sick dream if it starts another war..... Is that what you want????

Things need to be looked at in a context. The Resolution was passed in 1999 and time has not been standing still since then.


The Copenhagen criteria were determined back in the 90s, and they say what is expected from a country that wants to join the EU,” he explained.

Does this idiot think that we Serbs are that stupid. What a moron. In one sentence he explains how 1990 UN resolution shouldn’t be valid any more and how time has not been standing still.. In the next he explains how 1990 Copenhagen criteria is still valid but time apparently has stood by for it. So what I can gather out of this idiots nonsense is, what EU decides is still good but what UN which is the world body does not. What’s with these people lately. Don’t they have any shame?
(usaSERB, 26 January 2012 10:44)

USAserb,
The UN is a governing political organization, whereas, the EU is an economic one.

You are comparing frogs to grandmothers. Resolutions are made for a particular period to address a particular situation, therefore, may become obsolete when the situation no longer exists. Criteria, on the other hand, are conditions that must be met in order to join, gain membership or be accepted to a group, organization,etc. Criteria may be changed by a governing body, but do not necessarily become obsolete. I do hope this clears up the difference for you.

Of course UN1244 resolution is from another time - but it's still in force and still valid, and can only be annulled by the UNSC, which is unlikely to happen. Until then, Kosovo's status is still not final and unsolved, whatever some politicians claim.

They say if you want to join EU - you are to fulfill their conditions, but it's interesting what EU conditions could be theoretically? Could EU ask some country to break international law? I guess yes, that's what EU is doing now...

understanding and they are bound by law, international law, not by your political goals. grow up maas - Goran

RESPONSE:

A United Nations resolution (UN resolution) is a formal text adopted by a United Nations (UN) body. Although any UN body can issue resolutions, in practice most resolutions are issued by the Security Council or the General Assembly.

Articles 10 and 14 of the UN Charter refer to General Assembly as "recommendations"; the recommendatory nature of General Assembly resolutions has repeatedly been stressed by the International Court of Justice.

TL;DR
UN resolutions are non-binding and definitely are not "international laws"

Sincerely,

Marko K and others - you are wrong. UN resolutions remain in force under they lapse or are replaced. Resolution 1244 is unusual as, unlike resolutions that create most other peacekeeping forces, which need to be renewed on a regular basis, it remains in force until the Security Council decides otherwise. This is the whole problem for Germany, US and others.

Kosovo Albanians may say it is unimportant, but that is far from the case. If countries can start picking and choosing when resolutions become obsolete, a truly dangerous situation will emerge in international politics. Also, does Germany now accept that northern Cyprus can be independent? After all Resolution 541 was passed almost thirty years ago. A lot of things have changed since then, not least of all the Turkish Cypriots supported a UN reunification plan that was rejected by the Greek Cypriots. Berlin seems to believe in that case that the resolution remains valid in perpetuity.

All this is not only doing damage to the EU claim that it respects international law and multilateral institutions, it is exposing Germany for the bully that many had hoped it no longer was. Very bad decision making in Berlin, and very stupid presentation by the German representative in Belgrade.

Mas is right. People of Kosovo decide the fate of Kosovo. Not some Serbs from Belgrade. Those times are gone.

Fact is that nobody in Kosovo wants to be under Serbian rule. Serbia can only achieve it's sick dream if it starts another war..... Is that what you want????
(Willi Pfaff, 26 January 2012 19:23)

Nobody in Northern Kosovo and Southern Serbian enclaves wants to be under Albanian rule. Nobody from RS wants to be under Bosniak rule.

Germany - along with the US - seem to be one of the main obstacles to achieving a compromise:

http://www.transconflict.com/2012/01/kosovo-an-opportunity-for-agreement-on-the-north-241/

People of Kosovo decide the fate of Kosovo. Not some Serbs from Belgrade. Those times are gone.
(Avni, 26 January 2012 19:55)

The people of Kosovo have never decided the fate of Kosovo. Not in the past, not now, and not in the future. You going to tell me Hashim Thaci decides the fate? He does what he's told if he wants to maintain his diplomatic immunity :)

Germany is only saying what it thinks instead of saying what it will do. Germany can't give up on Res1244 either.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 26 January 2012 13:55)

After having read all the comments about the "mighty 4th Reich" there is only one possible answer from all their Quisling states minions: To hear is to obey!

Or you simply admit that this "4th Reich" propaganda is pure nonsense...

KOSO - you are as bad as the others who come here and make bold pronouncements about international law and politics, but evidently know next to nothing about either.

Just to be clear: UN Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII - which includes Resolution 1244 (it is in the text of the resolution if you don't believe me) - are legally binding. (Article 25 of the Charter says that members agree to and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.) UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding. With a few limit exceptions relating to internal UN matters, they are recommendations.

Please, please, please could we improve the level of debate here by being informed about the issues under discussion!

Ian, you repeat this point about the Serbian constitution being in violation of 1244. Can you please explain, in precise legal terms, why this the case? I really don't understand this line of thinking. It cannot be a violation of the resolution. Where does it state in the document that Serbia can longer claim sovereignty over Kosovo?

Moreover, if Kosovo Albanians claim that they can have independence because this not specifically barred by 1244, then surely the absence of any demand that Serbia renounces its claim to Kosovo means that the constitutional claim to the territory is also perfectly valid.

So, either way, and according to any reading of 1244 you so choose, can you please explain the reasoning behind this constantly repeated claim that Serbia's constitution is a violation if 1244 - because if it is then the UDI is as well. (And please do not say this is different, 'because Serbia did it first'. This is not a reasonable defence under the law. You can't justify illegal activities because someone else did it first.)

Really, it is so irritating having to clear up these issues time after time with people who evidently have no understanding of international law.

Really, it is so irritating having to clear up these issues time after time with people who evidently have no understanding of international law.
(Jim, 26 January 2012 19:35)
=============================

Jim, get used to repeating yourself because they keep claiming what they want no matter how many times you explain it to them and no matter how many times you ask for evidence, you won't get any.

Maybe we should all forget about Nazi's ambitious appetite and all post ww2 treaties and allow Germany to develop nuclear weapons and a huge military force. While we are at it the US can give back the land to the Mexicans and the Native Americans and do away with her constitution. Why? Because by this fool's evil-trouble-making-false-hope-giving-logic is that it was all signed a while back and time doesn't stand still.
Well I have some brotherly Jesus advice for this delusional fool, and that is that it's time for him and his superiors to stop their evil trouble making, because it could lead to more blood shedding and more human suffering.
Like I've said many times before on this forum--nothing has changed throughout our human history but the forms--and this thing is a living proof to that fact!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ynbn2EdbSM

By your logic, Signor, there is no point in making the treaties to begin with,
because just as soon as a situation presents itself to which the treaty might apply you'll claim it obsolete.
Interestingly, on a metaphysical level you are absolutely right.

@ KM,

Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter is: (straight from WP) the prohibition of member states of the UN attacking other UN member states is central to the purpose for which the UN was founded in the wake of the destruction of World War II: to prevent war.

AGAIN non-binding... As I've already stated most resolutions are "recommendations" rather than laws. Even the ICJ (part of UN) for example typically gives out non-binding rulings on inter-state cases.



Sincerely,

KOSO - you are as bad as the others who come here and make bold pronouncements about international law and politics, but evidently know next to nothing about either.

Just to be clear: UN Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII - which includes Resolution 1244 (it is in the text of the resolution if you don't believe me) - are legally binding. (Article 25 of the Charter says that members agree to and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.) UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding. With a few limit exceptions relating to internal UN matters, they are recommendations.

Please, please, please could we improve the level of debate here by being informed about the issues under discussion!
(Jim, 26 January 2012 23:04)


1. Go to www.wikipedia.org
2. search: UN Resolution 1244
3. search (CTRL F) the word "binding"
4. READ THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE:

"Although non-binding, it recalled the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and other states in the region, and reaffirmed its call for meaningful autonomy and self-administration for Kosovo.[4]"

Sincerely,

Of course, Serbia had another "delayed detonation" with 1244. The only parts of 1244 that Serbia was respecting were the ones that were being enforced (the buffer line with Serbia). Everything else was ignored.

They ignored everything issued under 1244/UNMIK, and that included:
- UNMIK issued ID cards in Kosovo
- UNMIK issued passports
- UNMIK issued plates
- Serb institutions in Northern Kosovo never ceased to exist, even though this violated UN Res 1244
- Serbia did not, and still does not allow flights from/to Kosovo/UNMIK to fly over its airspace, including during flight emergency situations (A plane bound for Prishtina International Airport declared an emergency and asked for clearance to divert through Serbian airspace in order to land at the Sofia Airport, but was denied access on 8 May, 2008)
- Then, Serbia's Constitution attempted to ignore the UNRES1244 blueprint by pre-determining its status as a part of Serbia...

and so on...

So, now, after the Declaration of Kosovo's Independence, Res 1244 is Serbia's Gospel?

Judging from its delayed engagements, maybe if Kosovo holds a Referendum to join Albania, its Kosovo's Independence would be more acceptable to Serbia?

But again, 1244 was meant to be a blueprint to a solution, not a solution by itself. The result of this blueprint was Ahtisaari's proposal...

Eventually, UN will give in, just like they did when they had to recognize the People's Republic of China, 22 years after the communists came to power.

Next, we'll talk about Vuk's premature engagements, like the International Court of Justice initiative? Just kidding.

Germany has been very clear in that only Albanians opinions should matter never Serbs opinions. Time to factor in everyone not just Albanians. Albanians should not get to dictate Serb lives.

The government established in Pristina per UNSCR 1244 tried and tried to discuss and negotiate the final status of Kosovo and Belgrade did not care at all and just ignored the government in Pristina.
(Ian)

Give the links please where Prishtina agreed to discuss anything short than independence from 1999 to 2008? Just ask Albanians, they will tell you that you are wrong if you think Prishtina did.

Ian, you repeat this point about the Serbian constitution being in violation of 1244. Can you please explain, in precise legal terms, why this the case? I really don't understand this line of thinking. It cannot be a violation of the resolution. Where does it state in the document that Serbia can longer claim sovereignty over Kosovo?

Moreover, if Kosovo Albanians claim that they can have independence because this not specifically barred by 1244, then surely the absence of any demand that Serbia renounces its claim to Kosovo means that the constitutional claim to the territory is also perfectly valid.

So, either way, and according to any reading of 1244 you so choose, can you please explain the reasoning behind this constantly repeated claim that Serbia's constitution is a violation if 1244 - because if it is then the UDI is as well. (And please do not say this is different, 'because Serbia did it first'. This is not a reasonable defence under the law. You can't justify illegal activities because someone else did it first.)

Really, it is so irritating having to clear up these issues time after time with people who evidently have no understanding of international law.
(Jim, 26 January 2012 19:35)

A lot of this was argued at the ICJ contributing to Kosovo's success.
Because Serbia's constitution unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status.

Anyway UNSCR 1244 said that Kosovo's final status (as Kosovo according to UNSCR 1244 is only apart of FR-Yugoslavia for the indefinite future) must be mutually agreed by BOTH parties. The government established in Pristina per UNSCR 1244 tried and tried to discuss and negotiate the final status of Kosovo and Belgrade did not care at all and just ignored the government in Pristina. Belgrade did not want to discuss the final status of Kosovo and was just happy with the then status quo. Anyway along comes 8 November 2006 and the National Assembly of Serbia unveils the Constitution of Serbia. The Constitution of Serbia states that it "defines the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija as the integral part of Serbia", meaning that Serbia violated UNSCR 1244 in November 2006 as Belgrade unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status without giving anyone in Kosovo a say. The referendum on adopting the Serbian Constitution was not even carried out in Kosovo. The people of Kosovo and the authorities in Kosovo had no say over Kosovo's final status, it was not mutually agreed by both parties which UNSCR 1244 clearly states the case must be. As Serbia violated UNSCR 1244 in November 2006 with their constitution which unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status, this gave Kosovo no option but to declare independence. They had tried to negotiate the future of Kosovo's status, but Belgrade ignored them; Belgrade unilaterally finalised Kosovo's status without giving a single person in Kosovo a say. There was no mutual agreement by both parties. Serbia unilaterally changed Kosovo's status from being an indefinite (aka for at least the time being, not permanent) part of FR-Yugoslavia (which UNSCR 1244 states) to being an "integral" part of the Republic of Serbia.

I'm not saying that Kosovo's claim to independence is valid because it isn't barred by UNSCR 1244 (even though to a certain extent that is the case). I'm saying that because Serbia tried to unilaterally finalise Kosovo's status with their constitution without giving a single person in Kosovo a say (thus violating UNSCR 1244), it gave Kosovo no option but but independence as Serbia violated the resolution and weren't for negotiating with the authorities in Kosovo at all on Kosovo's future status.

I have no understanding of international law? I'm stating what was argued at the ICJ and who was won by again? Oh yeh it was Kosovo.

Dear Sir (from Germany),

If that's your opinion then why not go to UNSC and ask 1244 to be deleted? At the moment 1244 is still valid.

The US tried to overrule 1244 about five times around 2007 but it did not even file a resolution. Let alone that is resolution was accepted.

So as it is now: 1244 is valid. Germany should accept this. And so do all of us!

I have no understanding of international law? I'm stating what was argued at the ICJ and who was won by again? Oh yeh it was Kosovo.
(Ian, UK, 27 January 2012 13:22)

Kosovo has won nothing but a stagnation of the situation and will continue to do so and next summer will be very interesting as the pot in Kosovo boils over due to increased poverty.
The US did not want Kosovo pronounced as independent because it would have complicated the situation, but feel free to get the ICJ to declare your independence – go ahead don’t be shy LOL.
But closer to home I must tell you that one of your ministers visited Beijing late last week offering China the use of the UK as a financial hub. You see if the Chinese refuse the UK will keel over.
It was an amusing news item which was followed by a documentary on Chinese relations with the west in the last 150 years and it particularly spent a lot of time on the opium war and how Hong Kong was lost. I think this is a subtle signal on how the Chinese will view this request.
On an even worse scenario your treasury is now in full production of just printing money to pay its bills and the pound is sinking in value. The UK is already closing schools and looking at ways of cutting anything that is provided by the state, and is even in the process of means testing the poor who require cancer treatment and young people with disabilities.
There is much more to come, but you can scrape up a few pennies to go to the ICJ and get that final clearance.

1.Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);"

Dear Pss,

It does not say that anywhere, it does not say that genocide cannot be committed or money laundering or using Kosovo as a warehouse for drugs even, but while 1244 is in effect Kosovo is Serbia. The whole document both Rambouillet and 1244 state quite firmly the framework will only be in that scope.

5.Framework
Article I: Principles

2. National communities and their members shall have additional rights specified in Chapter 1. Kosovo, Federal, and Republic authorities shall not interfere with the exercise of these additional rights. The national communities shall be legally equal as specified herein, and shall not use their additional rights to endanger the rights of other national communities or the rights of citizens, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, or the functioning of representative democratic government in Kosovo.

Article I: Principles of Democratic Self-Government in Kosovo

3. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has competence in Kosovo over the following areas, except as specified elsewhere in this Agreement: (a) territorial integrity, (b) maintaining a common market within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which power shall be exercised in a manner that does not discriminate against Kosovo, (c) monetary policy, (d) defense, (e) foreign policy, (f) customs services, (g) federal taxation, (h) federal elections, and (i) other areas specified in this Agreement.

Article VI: Security on International Borders

1. The Government of the FRY will maintain official border crossings on its international borders (Albania and FYROM).
2. Personnel from the organizations listed below may be present along Kosovo's international borders and at international border crossings, and may not act outside the scope of the authorities specified in this Chapter.
(a) Republic of Serbia Border Police
(i) The Border Police shall continue to exercise authority at Kosovo's international border crossings and in connection with the enforcement of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia immigration laws. The total number of border police shall be drawn down to 75 within 14 days of entry into force of this Agreement.

http://www.state.gov/www/regions/eur/ksvo_rambouillet_text.html

Enjoy my conclusion Pss. As I said better luck next time. And the time after that and that time after that and then again. Yawn. Seriously your cute though, what would life be for the Serbs without a few Albanian astronaughts

" 'Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);''
Sounds pretty convincing that the future status (in 1999) of Kosovo was not guaranteed to be anything. Also no where does it say that 1244 must end when status is settled or that status cannot be settled while 1244 is in force.

'Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia...'
Then you can come to the conclusion that Kosovo will always be a part of Serbia."
(pss, 26 January 2012 18:11)

Not really. Kosovo is a part of Serbia until the final status is settled. Which will be the case when an agreement is reached and when the UNSC revokes UN1244. Of course UN member states should be commited to territorial integrity of other UN members (this is a general UN principle, btw.).

If a mutual agreement for a split-off of Kosovo is reached between Kosovo Albanians and Serbia, it means the territorial integrity is not violated. So my conclusion is: Only a mutual agreement allows a solution that fulfills UN1244.

"Although non-binding, it recalled the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and other states in the region, and reaffirmed its call for meaningful autonomy and self-administration for Kosovo.[4]"

So autonomy for the albanians is non-binding too, let alone (in)dependence.

If 1244 is now a question of relevance for M-ass and germany, then so should be the diplomatic immunity of the western states be. After all, they used to hang war criminals, not promote them.

Actually it was initially the US/EU but today the money is no longer there and the so called recognitions are just that – a myth – where the Albanian authorities are trying to divert attention from the chronic problems of massive unemployment and a lack of everything. But those lies have very short legs.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

I know. That’s why I tend to believe you that Kosovo and its supporters are broke and not little Vuk who thinks they are full of cash.
----------

Very simple. If the US allowed the ICJ to declare Kosovo independent then it would have opened Pandora’s box in that every little group which had an issue in a country could declare independence and it would be legal. Look at a diverse country like Indonesia which is comprised of various ethnic groups and a total of 1,000 islands.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Ok, so after Kosovo declared impendence and ICJ deemed in legal (under international law) we did not see any box, much less the Pandora’s one, open :)
----------

The ICJ said the act of declaring was not illegal, but it stopped short of confirming that Kosovo was independent.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Of course, because nobody asked ICJ about that :)
----------

You really need to ask someone with legal expertise as there is a huge difference. The US only wanted to have their decision to separate Kosovo legitimized and nothing else.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Exactly and indeed they got the legitimization. Thanks for confirming.
----------

The Chinese remember the opium wars of the 1850s like it was yesterday and its only vagabonds that have no memories of where they have been nor where they are today.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Exactly, that’s why I was saying that the Chinese will not allow opium to be cultivated in China in the future.
----------

I have met some stupid people in my time but the Americans have to take the prize.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Of course the Americans take the prize for stupidity. That’s why they live better than most of the world.
----------

The reason for the huge problems in the UK stem from their involvement in wars and the wonderful bequest from the US called the GFC, which now the US is all blaming the EU. You can private enterprise all you like but the UK is heading one way and that is down the sink hole.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Sure, and that sink hole means living better than most of the world.
----------

Let the ICJ declare that Kosovo is independent. No it not good enough to say that it’s not illegal to declare UDI – the words must be said.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Sure, if you need those words, by all means go ahead and ask the ICJ.
----------

As far as Kosovo is concerned there is no more to come. It’s dead.
(sj, 28 January 2012 21:39)

Ah, OK, I thought you said before there is more to come, but now there is no longer more to come. OK, so Kosovo is dead and the Republic of Kosovo is alive. I’m sure the Albanians in Kosovo appreciate even you confirming that.

Kosovo has won nothing but a stagnation of the situation and will continue to do so and next summer will be very interesting as the pot in Kosovo boils over due to increased poverty.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

That’s not possible dear. Vuk just said that Kosovo has so much cash to be in the position to bribe countries for recognizing its independence. I personally think you are correct because your economic and financial expertise is unparalleled. But still we also know how good Vuk is, too :)
----------

The US did not want Kosovo pronounced as independent because it would have complicated the situation, but feel free to get the ICJ to declare your independence – go ahead don’t be shy LOL.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Not sure what you mean ? How would the situation be complicated ?! And then, the UDI was declared by Kosovo, not by the ICJ. The ICJ’s job was to declare its legality, as it did. But if you have doubts, by all means go ahead and ask the ICJ again.
----------

But closer to home I must tell you that one of your ministers visited Beijing late last week offering China the use of the UK as a financial hub. You see if the Chinese refuse the UK will keel over.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Nice, another proof that all that matters is the money not memories of 600-year-old battles :)
----------

It was an amusing news item which was followed by a documentary on Chinese relations with the west in the last 150 years and it particularly spent a lot of time on the opium war and how Hong Kong was lost. I think this is a subtle signal on how the Chinese will view this request.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Yes, it will view it as no opium will be allowed to be cultivated in China in the future.
----------

On an even worse scenario your treasury is now in full production of just printing money to pay its bills and the pound is sinking in value. The UK is already closing schools and looking at ways of cutting anything that is provided by the state, and is even in the process of means testing the poor who require cancer treatment and young people with disabilities.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

That’s great. They are finally understanding that the state got involved a little bit too much. Leave it to the private sector. That’s why they elected a conservative government to do all the things you mentioned.
----------

There is much more to come, but you can scrape up a few pennies to go to the ICJ and get that final clearance.
(sj, 28 January 2012 07:08)

Absolutely, there is much more to come, but I’m not sure anybody has anything needing a clearance from ICJ. You appear to have something for which you need clearance from ICJ. What is that ?!

Do these germans think it is only them who decides what serbia should and should not do ?
China and Russia are in the security counsil and will never abolish 1244 resolution if serbian sticks to it !
The whole worls recognized Kosovo ?

hey bbbzzz, before you step down from your ivory tower ask youself which nation didn't make themselves on the deaths of their minorities, weaker colonies, slave labour or overall general killings?
find one for me oh please please.
and when you do find one, an insignificant one because it won't be a UNSC permanent member, nor will it be a g20 member, then we can discuss your opinions of compensation.

(Ian, UK, 27 January 2012 13:22)
while I agree with the logic of most of your post, the UDI is no different than the unilateral claim of Serbia, you are making a big mistake that the Serbs tend to make. UNSC1244 makes no mention that the final status of Kosovo must be agreed to by both parties. As a matter of fact it does not say that either party must agree. What it does say is the role of the international civilian presence-

"Facilitating a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status, taking into account the Rambouillet accords (S/1999/648);"

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
That’s not possible dear. Vuk just said that Kosovo has so much cash to be in the position to bribe countries for recognizing its independence. I personally think you are correct because your economic and financial expertise is unparalleled. But still we also know how good Vuk is, too

Actually it was initially the US/EU but today the money is no longer there and the so called recognitions are just that – a myth – where the Albanian authorities are trying to divert attention from the chronic problems of massive unemployment and a lack of everything. But those lies have very short legs.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Not sure what you mean ? How would the situation be complicated ?! And then, the UDI was declared by Kosovo, not by the ICJ. The ICJ’s job was to declare its legality, as it did. But if you have doubts, by all means go ahead and ask the ICJ again.

Very simple. If the US allowed the ICJ to declare Kosovo independent then it would have opened Pandora’s box in that every little group which had an issue in a country could declare independence and it would be legal. Look at a diverse country like Indonesia which is comprised of various ethnic groups and a total of 1,000 islands.
The ICJ said the act of declaring was not illegal, but it stopped short of confirming that Kosovo was independent. You really need to ask someone with legal expertise as there is a huge difference. The US only wanted to have their decision to separate Kosovo legitimized and nothing else.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Nice, another proof that all that matters is the money not memories of 600-year-old battles :)

The Chinese remember the opium wars of the 1850s like it was yesterday and its only vagabonds that have no memories of where they have been nor where they are today.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Yes, it will view it as no opium will be allowed to be cultivated in China in the future.

Lets go back into history. The reason why Honk Kong was lost was because the British went to war with China because the Chinese refused to allow the Brits to sell anymore opium from Afghanistan because China had an enormous drug addiction problem. And so the Brits went to war and china lost and Hong Kong was a prize.
This is scared into Chinese memory and I can tell you that they have not forgotten about the British role
The current Chinese Government has already warned the Afghanistan not to try and sell their drugs in China. The consequences will be that China will go into Afghanistan, but they will not adopt the same tactics as the west or Russia. They will burnt everything and kill everyone, men women and children.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
That’s great. They are finally understanding that the state got involved a little bit too much. Leave it to the private sector. That’s why they elected a conservative government to do all the things you mentioned.

I have met some stupid people in my time but the Americans have to take the prize. What does private enterprise have to do with the poor getting cancer treatment? You guys have been totally brainwashed in this crap about private enterprise to the point where a universal health care system cannot be introduced in the US to look after the poor because its “socialism/communism”.
The reason for the huge problems in the UK stem from their involvement in wars and the wonderful bequest from the US called the GFC, which now the US is all blaming the EU. You can private enterprise all you like but the UK is heading one way and that is down the sink hole.

(icj1, 28 January 2012 16:12)
Absolutely, there is much more to come, but I’m not sure anybody has anything needing a clearance from ICJ. You appear to have something for which you need clearance from ICJ. What is that ?!

Let the ICJ declare that Kosovo is independent. No it not good enough to say that it’s not illegal to declare UDI – the words must be said.
As far as Kosovo is concerned there is no more to come. It’s dead. But a nice hot summer is a brewing and we will see how things fare in downtown Pristina with the onset of massive problems.