“Serbia can join EU only with Kosovo”

Once again I read a Balkan politician framing the EU debate in terms of the EU wanting their country as a member and having to meet their demands. Nikolic seems to think that somehow Serbia is in a position to insist of certain things ahead of its prospective membership. As an EU citizen I can tell you that it matters little to me either way whether Serbia joins and I would guess that millions of others across the EU feel the same way. If the country meets the necessary criteria and is prepared to make the economic sacrifices that come with joining (if you doubt this ask the Romanians)then they will be welcomed. If they do not wish to do so then that is their democratic choice. What the people should not think is that they somehow have a strong negotiating hand, whether over Kosovo or any other issue.

This guy doesn't live in the real world. Who gives a damn about comstitutoon.of Serbia when it comes to Kosovo? What would stop him and other Serbian polititians to write/rewiew Serbian constitution and say Yugoslavia exist.........?

"Serbia can join EU only with Kosovo"

Of course, the EU isn't stupid enough to let Serbia join before Kosovo; as Serbia would just veto Kosovo's membership and vice-versa. Kosovo and Serbia will join the EU at the same time as two separate member states. This is the only way both of them will join the EU.

But for now Serbia is just following the EU's carrot on a stick.

Give me a break SNS. Even Vuk Jeremic stopped saying this.

Tomislav Nikolić: )“If the EU wants Serbia as its member state, it will not set the conditions that the country cannot meet,” he said.

The EU can do nothing when member states regard basic facts differently. 22 states recognizes Kosovo's independence. You seriously believe that they will ignore that "tiny, little fact" and grant your country entry to the EU. Seriously, are you really that stupid or just shamelessly lying? Even the dumbest must see that this won't happen.

Finally, your attempt to project your obligation to the EU with the sentence "if the EU wants us..." you can put where the sun does not shine. You want to join the EU, so you will have to fulfill the criteria, not the other way around. So better start this now or change your direction away from EU.

I have to wonder why none of the Serbian diehards here ask the question. If this is true, why have NONE of the negotiations to date with the EU included Kosovo?
To include Kosovo you have to start from the beginning which means another 2 years to get to where you are today, if that were possible, which I am sure you are aware IS NOT.

answer to ned taylor:

my dear "EU-citizen", it is also your democratic right to have no clue in regard to geopolitical issues. what I want to make clear is, that it doesn´t matter at all, what you as a "citizen" or "millions of others" inside the EU think, ...nevertheless you are terribly wrong on this one, my dear.

and aside of the fact that Mr. Nikolić is not standing for serbian national interests, since he has become a western puppet, there is something to it. Serbia is quite important for the EU, not only because it is a blind spot on the EU-map, but also because the socalled western-balkans are of geostrategic importance, not only for the EU but also the US and the Russians, and not to forget the Chinese.

you may seem to see yourself as an sovereign and educated "EU-Citizen", ...and that is your good right, but don´t fool yourself with thoughts like these, Ned.

there IS an alternative to join EU, even though EU and western lobbyists are not getting tired to claim the opposite. and Serbia is no such helpless situation as you have portrayed it.

so, if you are not just another ( or just the same one and only ) Albanian who tries to play down Serbia´s options, I can only give you the advice to let those illusions go, they are teaching you "EU-citizens" over there in your oh so free and glorious "European Union" ...

but then again: it´s not you or any millions inside the EU who are aware of the strategic implications of getting Serbia on board, there are certain circles that know very well how important Serbia is for them, and they are the ones who have to know that Serbia won´t give away its southern province.

and you can be sure of that: these circles do not even care about what YOU as an individual or "millions of EU-citizens" think about it...

I have to wonder why none of the Serbian diehards here ask the question. If this is true, why have NONE of the negotiations to date with the EU included Kosovo?
To include Kosovo you have to start from the beginning which means another 2 years to get to where you are today, if that were possible, which I am sure you are aware IS NOT.
(pss, 3 May 2012 11:47)

Because Kosovo is disputed territory. Some in the west see it as a backdoor way of breaking away Kosovo from Belgrade. However, whichever way you look at it this is the 21 century and communism is dead; even the Chinese realize this fact. In this new world order of dog eat dog you have to stand on your own two feet and not be a burden on anyone. This is now more so than in the past as Europe has learnt a hard lesson of easy money by borrowing today and repenting next year with EU members either bankrupt or on the edge.
The EU is bankrupt in more ways than one. Anyone joining the EU now or in the next couple of years (if its still around) will feel the full brunt – there will be no benefits at all and living standards will not improve either regardless of how much statistics comes out of Brussels to the contrary. Watch closely the US, all good news and stock exchange going up and up then yesterday “the emperor is told that he has no cloths” in that employment has not gone up as expected.
Cold fact is the EU will never allow Kosovo to join up with Albania for fear of a large Islamic state in Europe; much the same why Turkey is on the outer. From an economic viewpoint it would be detrimental for Kosovo to join Albania as Albania does not have the resources for that union – problems are similar to east and West Germany reuniting, but West Germany had the money and despite billions being spent on East Germany it is still behind the rest even today. This is a lesson not lost on Brussels or Berlin in particular.
What will happen? Like water moving on the ground finance takes the easiest route and there is only one way to go and that is with Belgrade. There are no other options.

What will happen? Like water moving on the ground finance takes the easiest route and there is only one way to go and that is with Belgrade. There are no other options.
(sj, 3 May 2012 13:30)
For someone with a degree in finance you do not seem to use what you have been taught.
Serbia is struggling, living on loans and donations primarily from the western states. What they receive from China and Russia comes at enormous expense or like the recent loan from China which had stipulations they had to use Chinese companies to do the work which is more benficial to the lender than the recipient.
The only place Serbia could get the funds to rebuild infrastructure in Kosovo is from the same people that are funding it now. The only difference is the usual pockets that have to be greased increases as the money transits through Belgrade, which only increases the costs for the EU and the US.
I agree with the money crunch some things will have to change. I think that will be more with slowing down the process of allowing sponges to join the EU. They need countries that will contribute right now not soak up every available drop like Serbia would. So why would they make a move that would increase their costs.
While you claim Communism is dead and even China knows it, I am not so sure that transition is anywhere in the future. I forsee a rebound in attempts to return assets to the state. Why do you think that the successful Chinese businessmen are trying to funnel as much money into foreign trusts.
You are right that the west will not allow Kosovo to join Albania (at least not in the next few decades. But it also is not going to allow Serbia to overtake Kosovo again. Even if the EU disintegrates or restructures or creates a new smaller union of the principle players. Because the main players and the successful partners in Europe all support an independent Kosovo.
You and others seem to misinterpret the intentions of the EU. Serbia's acceleration for joining the EU is not because the EU is desperate to get Serbia in to solve their financial crisis. It is a way of easing the loss of Kosovo, nothing more nothing less. The only reason that there is any desire to move Serbia inside is to keep a Russia islet from appearing in the midst of Europe. Of course that is not a major concern in that with Serbia being landlocked and completely surrounded by EU or soon to be EU countries they have the ability to sever any transit routes between Russia and Serbia.

"but then again: it´s not you or any millions inside the EU who are aware of the strategic implications of getting Serbia on board, there are certain circles that know very well how important Serbia is for them, and they are the ones who have to know that Serbia won´t give away its southern province. "
(Jovan, 3 May 2012 12:25)

And because Serbia is so important for everyone, especially the EU, it didn't become a EU member state - unlike many other countries in the Balkans which are members for several years now :)

"If the EU wants Serbia as its member state" ahahahaha you are so special.

Yes you are right. Serbia can join with Kosovo only in EU. I know that you mean this. But the same mean Tadic with it's policie "both Kosova and EU".
See you at EU.

i bow my hat to sj, as usual you see things that mere mortals don't. you know what, at the risk of upsetting you, there is ZERO doubt that a political union between Kosova & Albania will happen. it most likely will not be in my lifetime, but it will occur. the same thing will take place between Republika Srbska and Serbia of course. the will of the people is such and there's not much the EU can do about it. it can postpone the date, sure, but it won't stop it happening

“Serbia can join EU only with Kosovo”

Looks like one last ditch effort to appeal to the most right wing of the electorate before elections finish. I so hope an ultra nationalist gets elected. Serbia's future in Europe will be all but lost then! More years of international isolation and Russian "help".

"He pledged to wage a war against poverty and crime, and added that all poor people who ended behind the bars because they were forced to steal will be granted a pardon and only criminals will be in prison. "

This is the funniest thing I ever heard.
Mr. SNS is sidestepping the courts even before being elected.

Do you even know what an Islamic state means? I love this: RS has reservoirs of wealth, Albania and Kosova have nothing. You know, we're not really that different, Serbs and Albanians. How could we be, we've been neighbors for centuries and share, more or less similar history. we both have delusions of grandeur, as you've just shown yourself. there are Albanians who think like you, Kosova is this big strategic place, without which the whole world would falter. Funnily enough you think the same about Serbia. Make up your mind, either Kosova is this piss poor place, or, according to that famed Serb in London, Marko Gasic, is has 500 years of resources, which is apparently why the US is there. btw, i am glad you have softened in your stance, i remember before you wrote the way to solve this is to kick out the Albanians!

the same thing will take place between Republika Srbska and Serbia of course.
(Nikolle, 3 May 2012 14:17)

rs will never unite with serbia. the rs is a part of bosnia and it will remain so forever.

"but Kosovo has nothing and Albania has just a little more of nothing. ...

(sj, 3 May 2012 15:44) "

You haven't thought about this enough. Albania has chromite, commercial ports, rapidly improving infrastructure, an expanding school system, a steadily improving business climate, and good demographics. Kosovo has lead+zinc, world-class lignite reserves, ready access to a seaport, constantly improving infrastructure, investments in education and agriculture, legislation being written in accordance with EU requirements, and good demographics. They're both starting off low bases, but Communism will do that to a country - but they're growing. Serbia is waiting to be rewarded for being Serbia, as far as I can tell.

"From an economic viewpoint it would be detrimental for Kosovo to join Albania as Albania does not have the resources for that union – problems are similar to east and West Germany reuniting, but West Germany had the money and despite billions being spent on East Germany it is still behind the rest even today. This is a lesson not lost on Brussels or Berlin in particular. "
(sj, 3 May 2012 13:30)

You cannot compare these things. Unifying Kosovo and Albania would be not such a big problem, because living standards are similar low in both parts, no resources needed to equalize the living standards, and there's no fear of all people moving to core Albania just because there's no economy in Kosovo and the situation is desperate. It would be a way of getting rid of the corrupt criminals in the Kosovo government - though they would only be replaced with corrupt genuine Albanians ;-)

I think their maybe a Dodik 2.0 in Nikolic

"Of course, the EU isn't stupid enough to let Serbia join before Kosovo; as Serbia would just veto Kosovo's membership and vice-versa. Kosovo and Serbia will join the EU at the same time as two separate member states. This is the only way both of them will join the EU. "
(Ian, UK, 3 May 2012 09:57)

That's unlikely, because Kosovo is miles away from any European and EU standards. It will take them some decades to qualify as a EU member, if there's a political will at all in this so called 'Kosovo government' to changes their criminal behavior and adapt to EU standards.

I expect some special conditions for Serbia when entering the EU in a few years that prohibits the veto for Kosovo as a new member in some decades.

(Nikolle, 3 May 2012 14:17)

If you live 10 lifetimes it is not going to happen. The EU will not allow the establishment of a large Islamic state within Europe. Why do you think that Turkey is on the outer still waiting to join the EU after 25 years.
What you fail to see is that this world runs on money and money alone no matter how often people in power deny it. The will of the people are the last that is taken into account – look at all the wars the US has been involved in and all the lives they have lost and the protests.
If Kosovo can survive on its own there maybe some chance, but Kosovo has nothing and Albania has just a little more of nothing. Any union would drain what little Tirahana has in reserves and leave both destitute.
The will of the people is a myth that has been peddled by the same people that control them.
Republika Srpska is something different as it has water, energy, timber, arable land and timber resources. Its union would not be a burden on Serbia. I have said many times that the Serbs have carved out the best of Yugoslavia.
Personally, I would divide Kosovo and leave it at that, but Kosovo cannot survive on its own and the EU is running out of money and Albania does not have enough for itself so what is the alternative?

@the Albanian who in all seriousness dares to call himself "Analyst": you either haven´t read or understood what I wrote, my dear k-albanian friend.

@Amer: well, if all that is so great as you are describing it - why then Albania is not one of those "tiger-states" showing all of us how good they really are? =)

as far as it looks, Serbia is the economic motor of the region. like it or not. but by repeating those bloomy phantasies that you can read in downtown Priština´s yellow-press, you won´t feed your families mouths.

go get a life and take care of yourselves, so that western money is not longer wasted for you!

otherwise, ...sooner or later they will come to the conclusion that you are not worth it. ...not that I am convinced of that anyway, but I only tell you what reality is about.

(Amer, 3 May 2012 21:30)
You dig deep enough you will find minerals in every country. Albania was, is and will be in the future a poor country regardless of what you or someone else might think it should be. Kosovo had those minerals during Tito’s Yugoslavia and if it was that rich in deposits why didn’t Tito exploit it but had other parts of Yugo work extra hours and on Saturdays to dedicate their pay for the improvement of Kosovo.
The reality is that Serbia is the economy that will dominate that region.

(pss, 3 May 2012 16:40)
Publically the Chinese government is purely communists, but privately they admit that as their people grow richer they will have to change their political system to be more democratic and inclusive.
It is true that Serbia is struggling but its the only one in the region with the potential to become a powerhouse in the Balkans. Why are the Germans and others investing in Serbia proper and not in Kosovo or Albania?
When the US gives aid such as money to build a road in Pakistan the condition is that an American firm does the work. If they offer aid in the form of wheat you have to buy it from an American supplier etc. The Chinese are no different.
It matters little to the Russians if Serbia joins the EU because they will control the EU anyway simply because of their minerals and energy. Look at the way Germany is moving closer and closer to the Russians through trade because the Russians are more important to them. Kosovo is an unsustainable region – it cannot survive on its own and that is a fact and no amount of wishing will turn it around to be otherwise. The fact is that the EU has run out of gas trying to prop up member countries that have borrowed more than they can pay back and this has drained their reserves and there little left for Kosovo. The only reason Kosovo has been recognized as independent is because of the US. Now the US no longer has the money or the energy to keep a strong force in that region so Kosovo will be left out to hang dry and the EU will use the quickest and cheapest way of solving a problem. These same countries that “support Kosovo” will not be willing to continue to supply more and more money for Kosovo.
A small example is the recent call for extra troops to Kosovo. Only the Germans and Austrians answered the call while all other said they have no more money. These same countries will look for the simplest and cheapest solution to the Kosovo problem and they will sugar coat it to make it more palatable.
As you have said it, the EU does not need sponges, nor can they afford them any longer. It’s going to be the survival of the fittest.

This guy doesn't live in the real world. Who gives a damn about comstitutoon.of Serbia when it comes to Kosovo? What would stop him and other Serbian polititians to write/rewiew Serbian constitution and say Yugoslavia exist.........?

"Serbia can join EU only with Kosovo"

Of course, the EU isn't stupid enough to let Serbia join before Kosovo; as Serbia would just veto Kosovo's membership and vice-versa. Kosovo and Serbia will join the EU at the same time as two separate member states. This is the only way both of them will join the EU.

But for now Serbia is just following the EU's carrot on a stick.

answer to ned taylor:

my dear "EU-citizen", it is also your democratic right to have no clue in regard to geopolitical issues. what I want to make clear is, that it doesn´t matter at all, what you as a "citizen" or "millions of others" inside the EU think, ...nevertheless you are terribly wrong on this one, my dear.

and aside of the fact that Mr. Nikolić is not standing for serbian national interests, since he has become a western puppet, there is something to it. Serbia is quite important for the EU, not only because it is a blind spot on the EU-map, but also because the socalled western-balkans are of geostrategic importance, not only for the EU but also the US and the Russians, and not to forget the Chinese.

you may seem to see yourself as an sovereign and educated "EU-Citizen", ...and that is your good right, but don´t fool yourself with thoughts like these, Ned.

there IS an alternative to join EU, even though EU and western lobbyists are not getting tired to claim the opposite. and Serbia is no such helpless situation as you have portrayed it.

so, if you are not just another ( or just the same one and only ) Albanian who tries to play down Serbia´s options, I can only give you the advice to let those illusions go, they are teaching you "EU-citizens" over there in your oh so free and glorious "European Union" ...

but then again: it´s not you or any millions inside the EU who are aware of the strategic implications of getting Serbia on board, there are certain circles that know very well how important Serbia is for them, and they are the ones who have to know that Serbia won´t give away its southern province.

and you can be sure of that: these circles do not even care about what YOU as an individual or "millions of EU-citizens" think about it...

"Of course, the EU isn't stupid enough to let Serbia join before Kosovo; as Serbia would just veto Kosovo's membership and vice-versa. Kosovo and Serbia will join the EU at the same time as two separate member states. This is the only way both of them will join the EU. "
(Ian, UK, 3 May 2012 09:57)

That's unlikely, because Kosovo is miles away from any European and EU standards. It will take them some decades to qualify as a EU member, if there's a political will at all in this so called 'Kosovo government' to changes their criminal behavior and adapt to EU standards.

I expect some special conditions for Serbia when entering the EU in a few years that prohibits the veto for Kosovo as a new member in some decades.

"but then again: it´s not you or any millions inside the EU who are aware of the strategic implications of getting Serbia on board, there are certain circles that know very well how important Serbia is for them, and they are the ones who have to know that Serbia won´t give away its southern province. "
(Jovan, 3 May 2012 12:25)

And because Serbia is so important for everyone, especially the EU, it didn't become a EU member state - unlike many other countries in the Balkans which are members for several years now :)

Yes you are right. Serbia can join with Kosovo only in EU. I know that you mean this. But the same mean Tadic with it's policie "both Kosova and EU".
See you at EU.

I have to wonder why none of the Serbian diehards here ask the question. If this is true, why have NONE of the negotiations to date with the EU included Kosovo?
To include Kosovo you have to start from the beginning which means another 2 years to get to where you are today, if that were possible, which I am sure you are aware IS NOT.

Tomislav Nikolić: )“If the EU wants Serbia as its member state, it will not set the conditions that the country cannot meet,” he said.

The EU can do nothing when member states regard basic facts differently. 22 states recognizes Kosovo's independence. You seriously believe that they will ignore that "tiny, little fact" and grant your country entry to the EU. Seriously, are you really that stupid or just shamelessly lying? Even the dumbest must see that this won't happen.

Finally, your attempt to project your obligation to the EU with the sentence "if the EU wants us..." you can put where the sun does not shine. You want to join the EU, so you will have to fulfill the criteria, not the other way around. So better start this now or change your direction away from EU.

I have to wonder why none of the Serbian diehards here ask the question. If this is true, why have NONE of the negotiations to date with the EU included Kosovo?
To include Kosovo you have to start from the beginning which means another 2 years to get to where you are today, if that were possible, which I am sure you are aware IS NOT.
(pss, 3 May 2012 11:47)

Because Kosovo is disputed territory. Some in the west see it as a backdoor way of breaking away Kosovo from Belgrade. However, whichever way you look at it this is the 21 century and communism is dead; even the Chinese realize this fact. In this new world order of dog eat dog you have to stand on your own two feet and not be a burden on anyone. This is now more so than in the past as Europe has learnt a hard lesson of easy money by borrowing today and repenting next year with EU members either bankrupt or on the edge.
The EU is bankrupt in more ways than one. Anyone joining the EU now or in the next couple of years (if its still around) will feel the full brunt – there will be no benefits at all and living standards will not improve either regardless of how much statistics comes out of Brussels to the contrary. Watch closely the US, all good news and stock exchange going up and up then yesterday “the emperor is told that he has no cloths” in that employment has not gone up as expected.
Cold fact is the EU will never allow Kosovo to join up with Albania for fear of a large Islamic state in Europe; much the same why Turkey is on the outer. From an economic viewpoint it would be detrimental for Kosovo to join Albania as Albania does not have the resources for that union – problems are similar to east and West Germany reuniting, but West Germany had the money and despite billions being spent on East Germany it is still behind the rest even today. This is a lesson not lost on Brussels or Berlin in particular.
What will happen? Like water moving on the ground finance takes the easiest route and there is only one way to go and that is with Belgrade. There are no other options.

Once again I read a Balkan politician framing the EU debate in terms of the EU wanting their country as a member and having to meet their demands. Nikolic seems to think that somehow Serbia is in a position to insist of certain things ahead of its prospective membership. As an EU citizen I can tell you that it matters little to me either way whether Serbia joins and I would guess that millions of others across the EU feel the same way. If the country meets the necessary criteria and is prepared to make the economic sacrifices that come with joining (if you doubt this ask the Romanians)then they will be welcomed. If they do not wish to do so then that is their democratic choice. What the people should not think is that they somehow have a strong negotiating hand, whether over Kosovo or any other issue.

i bow my hat to sj, as usual you see things that mere mortals don't. you know what, at the risk of upsetting you, there is ZERO doubt that a political union between Kosova & Albania will happen. it most likely will not be in my lifetime, but it will occur. the same thing will take place between Republika Srbska and Serbia of course. the will of the people is such and there's not much the EU can do about it. it can postpone the date, sure, but it won't stop it happening

the same thing will take place between Republika Srbska and Serbia of course.
(Nikolle, 3 May 2012 14:17)

rs will never unite with serbia. the rs is a part of bosnia and it will remain so forever.

(Nikolle, 3 May 2012 14:17)

If you live 10 lifetimes it is not going to happen. The EU will not allow the establishment of a large Islamic state within Europe. Why do you think that Turkey is on the outer still waiting to join the EU after 25 years.
What you fail to see is that this world runs on money and money alone no matter how often people in power deny it. The will of the people are the last that is taken into account – look at all the wars the US has been involved in and all the lives they have lost and the protests.
If Kosovo can survive on its own there maybe some chance, but Kosovo has nothing and Albania has just a little more of nothing. Any union would drain what little Tirahana has in reserves and leave both destitute.
The will of the people is a myth that has been peddled by the same people that control them.
Republika Srpska is something different as it has water, energy, timber, arable land and timber resources. Its union would not be a burden on Serbia. I have said many times that the Serbs have carved out the best of Yugoslavia.
Personally, I would divide Kosovo and leave it at that, but Kosovo cannot survive on its own and the EU is running out of money and Albania does not have enough for itself so what is the alternative?

What will happen? Like water moving on the ground finance takes the easiest route and there is only one way to go and that is with Belgrade. There are no other options.
(sj, 3 May 2012 13:30)
For someone with a degree in finance you do not seem to use what you have been taught.
Serbia is struggling, living on loans and donations primarily from the western states. What they receive from China and Russia comes at enormous expense or like the recent loan from China which had stipulations they had to use Chinese companies to do the work which is more benficial to the lender than the recipient.
The only place Serbia could get the funds to rebuild infrastructure in Kosovo is from the same people that are funding it now. The only difference is the usual pockets that have to be greased increases as the money transits through Belgrade, which only increases the costs for the EU and the US.
I agree with the money crunch some things will have to change. I think that will be more with slowing down the process of allowing sponges to join the EU. They need countries that will contribute right now not soak up every available drop like Serbia would. So why would they make a move that would increase their costs.
While you claim Communism is dead and even China knows it, I am not so sure that transition is anywhere in the future. I forsee a rebound in attempts to return assets to the state. Why do you think that the successful Chinese businessmen are trying to funnel as much money into foreign trusts.
You are right that the west will not allow Kosovo to join Albania (at least not in the next few decades. But it also is not going to allow Serbia to overtake Kosovo again. Even if the EU disintegrates or restructures or creates a new smaller union of the principle players. Because the main players and the successful partners in Europe all support an independent Kosovo.
You and others seem to misinterpret the intentions of the EU. Serbia's acceleration for joining the EU is not because the EU is desperate to get Serbia in to solve their financial crisis. It is a way of easing the loss of Kosovo, nothing more nothing less. The only reason that there is any desire to move Serbia inside is to keep a Russia islet from appearing in the midst of Europe. Of course that is not a major concern in that with Serbia being landlocked and completely surrounded by EU or soon to be EU countries they have the ability to sever any transit routes between Russia and Serbia.

"If the EU wants Serbia as its member state" ahahahaha you are so special.

Give me a break SNS. Even Vuk Jeremic stopped saying this.

"From an economic viewpoint it would be detrimental for Kosovo to join Albania as Albania does not have the resources for that union – problems are similar to east and West Germany reuniting, but West Germany had the money and despite billions being spent on East Germany it is still behind the rest even today. This is a lesson not lost on Brussels or Berlin in particular. "
(sj, 3 May 2012 13:30)

You cannot compare these things. Unifying Kosovo and Albania would be not such a big problem, because living standards are similar low in both parts, no resources needed to equalize the living standards, and there's no fear of all people moving to core Albania just because there's no economy in Kosovo and the situation is desperate. It would be a way of getting rid of the corrupt criminals in the Kosovo government - though they would only be replaced with corrupt genuine Albanians ;-)

Do you even know what an Islamic state means? I love this: RS has reservoirs of wealth, Albania and Kosova have nothing. You know, we're not really that different, Serbs and Albanians. How could we be, we've been neighbors for centuries and share, more or less similar history. we both have delusions of grandeur, as you've just shown yourself. there are Albanians who think like you, Kosova is this big strategic place, without which the whole world would falter. Funnily enough you think the same about Serbia. Make up your mind, either Kosova is this piss poor place, or, according to that famed Serb in London, Marko Gasic, is has 500 years of resources, which is apparently why the US is there. btw, i am glad you have softened in your stance, i remember before you wrote the way to solve this is to kick out the Albanians!

I think their maybe a Dodik 2.0 in Nikolic

“Serbia can join EU only with Kosovo”

Looks like one last ditch effort to appeal to the most right wing of the electorate before elections finish. I so hope an ultra nationalist gets elected. Serbia's future in Europe will be all but lost then! More years of international isolation and Russian "help".

"He pledged to wage a war against poverty and crime, and added that all poor people who ended behind the bars because they were forced to steal will be granted a pardon and only criminals will be in prison. "

This is the funniest thing I ever heard.
Mr. SNS is sidestepping the courts even before being elected.

"but Kosovo has nothing and Albania has just a little more of nothing. ...

(sj, 3 May 2012 15:44) "

You haven't thought about this enough. Albania has chromite, commercial ports, rapidly improving infrastructure, an expanding school system, a steadily improving business climate, and good demographics. Kosovo has lead+zinc, world-class lignite reserves, ready access to a seaport, constantly improving infrastructure, investments in education and agriculture, legislation being written in accordance with EU requirements, and good demographics. They're both starting off low bases, but Communism will do that to a country - but they're growing. Serbia is waiting to be rewarded for being Serbia, as far as I can tell.

@the Albanian who in all seriousness dares to call himself "Analyst": you either haven´t read or understood what I wrote, my dear k-albanian friend.

@Amer: well, if all that is so great as you are describing it - why then Albania is not one of those "tiger-states" showing all of us how good they really are? =)

as far as it looks, Serbia is the economic motor of the region. like it or not. but by repeating those bloomy phantasies that you can read in downtown Priština´s yellow-press, you won´t feed your families mouths.

go get a life and take care of yourselves, so that western money is not longer wasted for you!

otherwise, ...sooner or later they will come to the conclusion that you are not worth it. ...not that I am convinced of that anyway, but I only tell you what reality is about.

(Amer, 3 May 2012 21:30)
You dig deep enough you will find minerals in every country. Albania was, is and will be in the future a poor country regardless of what you or someone else might think it should be. Kosovo had those minerals during Tito’s Yugoslavia and if it was that rich in deposits why didn’t Tito exploit it but had other parts of Yugo work extra hours and on Saturdays to dedicate their pay for the improvement of Kosovo.
The reality is that Serbia is the economy that will dominate that region.

(pss, 3 May 2012 16:40)
Publically the Chinese government is purely communists, but privately they admit that as their people grow richer they will have to change their political system to be more democratic and inclusive.
It is true that Serbia is struggling but its the only one in the region with the potential to become a powerhouse in the Balkans. Why are the Germans and others investing in Serbia proper and not in Kosovo or Albania?
When the US gives aid such as money to build a road in Pakistan the condition is that an American firm does the work. If they offer aid in the form of wheat you have to buy it from an American supplier etc. The Chinese are no different.
It matters little to the Russians if Serbia joins the EU because they will control the EU anyway simply because of their minerals and energy. Look at the way Germany is moving closer and closer to the Russians through trade because the Russians are more important to them. Kosovo is an unsustainable region – it cannot survive on its own and that is a fact and no amount of wishing will turn it around to be otherwise. The fact is that the EU has run out of gas trying to prop up member countries that have borrowed more than they can pay back and this has drained their reserves and there little left for Kosovo. The only reason Kosovo has been recognized as independent is because of the US. Now the US no longer has the money or the energy to keep a strong force in that region so Kosovo will be left out to hang dry and the EU will use the quickest and cheapest way of solving a problem. These same countries that “support Kosovo” will not be willing to continue to supply more and more money for Kosovo.
A small example is the recent call for extra troops to Kosovo. Only the Germans and Austrians answered the call while all other said they have no more money. These same countries will look for the simplest and cheapest solution to the Kosovo problem and they will sugar coat it to make it more palatable.
As you have said it, the EU does not need sponges, nor can they afford them any longer. It’s going to be the survival of the fittest.