PM: Four crossings to be opened by year's end

Just to clarify the obvious, I am yet to hear an ICM (Integrated crossing management) term, because there is no such thing and I don't think that the Serb population would be that naive in buying that kind of crapola. In the other hand, everyone knows what the agreement of "IBM" means. Hey, baby - "B" in this case means purely 'BORDER'...sorry to burst your bubble guys, but we must be honest and stop playing with poor people (such as with north of Kosovo).

Yes, there is a border and what does that mean? It is a provincial border as far as Serbia is concerned. The United States has many borders but they are not regarded as country borders (right now).

We have many kinds of internal borders, provincial, state, municipality, etc...

So to be clear, they can negotiate what they want in Brussels, however, it is the situation on the ground that counts. If the Serbs from Northern KiM disagree then the barricades return to prevent and restrict access to the occupiers.
(Zoran, 5 December 2012 11:29)

How many of them internal boarders are manned by staff and have Customs?

Them internal borders you talk about are lines on a map, this border between Kosovo and Serbia is physical.

Have you ever heard the phrase "To call a spade a spade"?

I remember boys and girls the time when Franjo told Slobo, right before Dayton..."remove the troops from eastern slavonija and dubrovnik" ..."it will look good to the west...and you'll get them at on the final agreement"... Yeah...right...where are the guarantees the remaining Serbians won't be called separatists by Tachim ?!?!

We wanted a manned customs border and we got one. So great success!
The Serbs can call it whatever they want if it makes them feel happy. It is still a border!

Then in 18 months time, the EULEX mission expires and we will have a fully working and operational border with Serbia for Kosova's Customs staff to take over full time; so thanks EULEX for helping us set up and and impliment this border with Serbia. I love you EULEX!!!

Negotiating with Serbia is like fishing. You just have to wait until they take the bait and then you can reel them in!

The opening of liaison offices in Belgrade and Prishtina is a HUGE step in these negotiations. This is the first time where official representatives of both sides will be located in the capitals. You could almost call them ambassadors...
By the way did Dacic shrink or do I see a bigger pin?

Hey, baby - "B" in this case means purely 'BORDER'...sorry to burst your bubble guys, but we must be honest and stop playing with poor people (such as with north of Kosovo).
(Keep on Dreaming, 5 December 2012 10:10)
--
Yes, there is a border and what does that mean? It is a provincial border as far as Serbia is concerned. The United States has many borders but they are not regarded as country borders (right now).

We have many kinds of internal borders, provincial, state, municipality, etc...

So to be clear, they can negotiate what they want in Brussels, however, it is the situation on the ground that counts. If the Serbs from Northern KiM disagree then the barricades return to prevent and restrict access to the occupiers.

An integrated crossing management is not a border. A border is a border. If the Albanians think this is recognition then at the rate it’s going Belgrade will recognize Kosovo in 2090, by that time the Albanians would have starved to death.
The whole purpose of these agreements is to allow free movement of Albanians into Serbia proper to look for work. Brussels will not let them roam around the EU looking for work as there are too many other eastern Europeans doing that already plus if they won’t let the Bulgarians or Romanians why would they be any different to the Albanians? The Germans want to return some of the 200 000 they already hold.
This is more of the same – much like cheap washing detergent; lots of bubble and froth on top but nothing going on underneath. Smoke and mirrors.
Even if Prsitina collected these taxes for six months , there is not enough money to pay for the operation the government for more than one week. The EU is trying to keep the lid on a powder keg from exploding in their faces– look at Slovenia.
As far as the Serbs living in the north no one will dare touch them – no one. Haven’t you Albanians learnt anything all these years????
More barricades mean more concessions to them.

where on earth does it say that the revenue will go to Northern Kosova? what the hell are you on about? read the article again, Dacic has already stated that this IS a border, state symbols ore not, he has already used ther word border, you can make out of that what you will, but it sure as hell doesn't imply what you think it does. oh and sj, why on earth would Kosovar citizens move to Serbia to look for work? why? there' nothing to look for in Serbia, its a dead end, its the reason you and Ari Gold don't live there

He said that it had been agreed with Thaci that liaison officers would be exchanged between Belgrade and Priština who would be stationed in EU missions and take part in the implementation of the agreements.

Dačić stressed that they would not be diplomats or people who would be treated as ambassadors.

I have a vivid memory of Liaison offices in Prishtina while UNMIK was governing Kosova. Once the Independence was declared, all those offices turned into Embassies.

Looking at the pic, I can see that Dacic still has a bigger pin, but Thaci is standing tall.

Oh sorry forgot to mention, Serbs will get to keep Serbian documents and do not have to take out "Kosovo documents"..........seriously fellas, is this really the victory you were hoping for.

You signed your defeat in July of 2011 when you FAILED to take care of what you saw as a problem on your own. You cannot be independent if its very definition means sustaining yourself on your own feet without external propping up.

Presevo, Macedonia, Mitrovica..wherever NATO doesn't drop bombs for your cause, you fail and fail miserably.

(Keep on Dreaming, 5 December 2012 10:10)

LOL keep trying, you haven't convinced us of anything yet. Anyway, despite the fact that these entire meetings with terrorists are a waste of time, perhaps you have not really read the fine print.

A. NO state symbols at the crossings
B. All revenue collected from the crossings go directly to Northern Kosovo i Metohija, never making its way to Pristina.

So explain to me, is this the victory you have been warning us about for so long? You can act like you won something but pretty soon Kurti will rile up his clan to protest against Thaci for this agreement because he sees the truth.

The crossings are only a visual of what is really going on in Kosovo i Metohija which is an occupation. Nothing more nothing less.

No state symbols and no revenue making its way to the Islamist stronghold=defeat for you. Defeat for Serbs too for even sitting down with a member of the KLA, but a defeat for you nonetheless.

Sorry to burst your bubble bro's.

Funny. The serb comments that are written here and the serbs standing in the freezing cold have totally different views when it comes to these borders. I would love to see these two groups face eachother. Tell the protesters to go home since theres no reason to stay there. You just posted huge lists with reasons why they should be happy now. I wonder how they would react. But please dont mention the liaison offices, or they might make a u-turn and go back to start more campfires to protest against this "huge win for Serbia".

where on earth does it say that the revenue will go to Northern Kosova? what the hell are you on about? read the article again, Dacic has already stated that this IS a border, state symbols ore not, he has already used ther word border, you can make out of that what you will, but it sure as hell doesn't imply what you think it does. oh and sj, why on earth would Kosovar citizens move to Serbia to look for work? why? there' nothing to look for in Serbia, its a dead end, its the reason you and Ari Gold don't live there
(Nikolle, 5 December 2012 12:44)

Yes Ari Gold is mistaken and wrong once again.

He/ She seems to think:

"customs duties for goods intended for northern Kosovo Serbs would not be paid at the Končulj, Merdare, Jarinje and Brnjak crossings"

=

"All revenue collected from the crossings go directly to Northern Kosovo i Metohija (sic), never making its way to Pristina."

Ari Gold is very mistaken.

(Nikolle, 5 December 2012 12:44)

Pray explain how is Kosovo going to exist in these rather dubious economic times with the EU budgets being reduced dramatically? Santa Clause bringing down the chimney sacks of money? Or perhaps the tooth fairy will waive her magic wand? Do you think the EU is going to continue to reduce it’s budget and your Albanians are going to sit on their ar** and do nothing??? Yeah the EU will close schools and hospitals to keep the Albanians in the lifstlye they are entitlred to.
Look at Slovenia. It was once the jewel of the old Yugoslavia but 20 years later it’s turning into a crap hole because of NO MORE CASH for Brussels. I know that you Albanians find it hard to believe but there really is no such thing as a money tree where you pick Euros in the backyard.
My little friend the long term goal is for Albanians to seek work in places like Serbia because the west is not going to open a can of Coke let alone industry in Kosovo. Hey, the Croats are crying that no one wants to invest there because they are small fish and you think Albanians are going to do any better. The only dead end is Kosovo – dead as the dodo bird.
Now to have a real border you have state symbols. Yes you have to have State symbols not a container with a couple of people there. I really find it hard to understand what victory you have gained here?

When asked whether the crossings would in fact represent border crossings, he said they would but that Priština would not place any state symbols if Belgrade did not put Serbia’s.
Thaci forgets one thing he is in Serbia.

CURLY,MOE AND LARRY!

Ah how interesting. Everyone spins this to their own advantage. It didn't take long for Hash to start squawking that this is a "border", as he usually does whenever he's able to scrape together something from a negotiated concession and spin it as a decisive victory. Don't know how much you can claim a victory when there will be no customs collected at these "borders" which will continue to be internationally manned with one or two token representatives of the democratic people's republic of Kosovastan* flown in by helicopter in order to get around the barricades. I also don't know how you can claim victory when no official documents from Kosovo* are needed. But I guess Pristina needs to take whatever it can even though they remain a passive spectator in what they like to think is a part of their so-called country. As for Belgrade, it would have been better to allow for some customs revenues collected at the "border" to go directly towards financing the institutions of the north. If they really want to keep Pristina's nose out of the area, let the north become self-financing, which is what the EU has had in plan all along since all signs point to northern Kosovo gaining substantial autonomy within an internationally regulated and administered Kosovo*. Once again the EU makes peace by compromising a country's sovereignty to the point of comical ineptitude :)

Well, its free to fantasize so go ahead. Just like its free to come on B92 because cyber Albanians are the only friends you have.

And you have been rather quiet lately....are you not prepared to share with B92 the filth that you tried to share with me on facebook?!

Let's just keep that between you and me.
(Ari Gold, 5 December 2012 15:10)

B92 moderators wouldn't dare publish the filth which I was showing you on facebook.

But please add me on facebook, you've seen me; I want to see you ;)

B92 moderators wouldn't dare publish the filth which I was showing you on facebook.

But please add me on facebook, you've seen me; I want to see you ;)
(Ian, UK, 5 December 2012 15:32)

At least you admit showing me filth on facebook. It should connect the dots for other readers why Ian is so anti Serbian because in Serbia, we look down on your lifestyle but still accept your right to exist nonetheless!

At least you admit showing me filth on facebook. It should connect the dots for other readers why Ian is so anti Serbian because in Serbia, we look down on your lifestyle but still accept your right to exist nonetheless!
(Ari Gold, 5 December 2012 16:48)

It takes two to cyber tango.

Ari Gold is very mistaken.
(Ian, UK, 5 December 2012 13:16)

Well, its free to fantasize so go ahead. Just like its free to come on B92 because cyber Albanians are the only friends you have.

And you have been rather quiet lately....are you not prepared to share with B92 the filth that you tried to share with me on facebook?!

Let's just keep that between you and me.

Great picture!
Now stop behaving like angry children and learn to get along as normal neighbours! the war is over since 13 years.
That means it's 1958 in Western Europe for you now, if you ever will be able to get it right

Balkan Anthropologist, 5 December 2012 15:35
Equally interesting how you see only the Albanian spin. Yours and the Serbian spin is quite amusing, as Serbia continues to inch closer to the point of no return on acknowledging the statehood of Kosovo.

@A New Day?
You should just put "Albo in disguise". It always amazes me when albanians use dumb one liners as their identity here. No one is that empty headed to not acknowledge who it is. Anyhow.. I do not know how anyone albanian can claim a victory here. If what Dacic says is true, it definitely leaves the topic of recognizing much further from happening than in the past. If Kosovo Serbs are not required to get plates or documentation from Pristina, how can anyone logically (without bias) say Serbia is close to recognition? Not possible. If its the case, and Kosovo Serbs dont need to have separate documentation, or pay customs, its a huge victory for the Serbian side. Let's not be foolish, if they're in Kosovo, and ok to move around with Serbian documents and license plates..then thaci and his guy have been dealt a huge blow. Anyone with common sense would recognize that.

Serbia must accept full independence of Kosova.
Without independece recognise, no money from EU for corrupt Serbian politicians and Russian masters.

How many of them internal boarders are manned by staff and have Customs?
(Ian, UK, 5 December 2012 12:43)
--
They are customs zones at an administrative border. Not that I like it, but that is the way UNMIK under the influence of the US organised it. This is likely to be a temporary situation only, whichever way you look at it.

From Serbia's point of view, it is in line with more than autonomy, less than independence. How can you claim the north while accepting that most of those residing there do not need "Kosova"* documents or license plates?

Anyway, I have my opinion but at the end of the day, it will be up to the local Serbs to make the final decision. Looks like the barricades are going up again. You can negotiate all you want in Brussels but if the locals don't like it then Houston, we have a problem.

Equally interesting how you see only the Albanian spin. Yours and the Serbian spin is quite amusing, as Serbia continues to inch closer to the point of no return on acknowledging the statehood of Kosovo.
(a New Day, 5 December 2012 16:34)

Not sure what "spin" you're referring to here. Dacic was pretty clear going to Brussels that he was interested in "saving what could be saved", while Hash trumpets every brokered agreement that leaves his side no closer to controlling a piece of land as some victory. Had I wanted to engage in spin, I'd blurt out another one of those "ne damo Kosovo" slogans everyone says but no one really believes. I'm pretty comfortable with the fact that northern Kosovo is destined to become another RS. Most Serbs are pretty ok with that too. Albanians, particularly those in Pristina and those on this form that are probably the only ones who actually believe in Kosovo's future because they don't live there and have no intention of returning, are constantly upset that the north remains a "part" of Kosovo, but will be administered in a completely separate manner. You can't accuse me of spin if I already know substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade is northern Kosovo's future.

LOL who is the liaison officer from belgrade to Nis? Serbia is completely and totally recognizing Kosovo indpendence and it is not debateable in any way that recognition is what serbia is doing for EU membership. There is no debate here. Serbia is severing all ties with Kosovo and making recognizing as indpendent. A pro kosovo independence government is what serbs voted for when they voted for dacic

I did answer it Ian, you just have a comprehension problem. KiM is under UN authority as outlined in UNSCR1244, which also respects Serbia's sovereignty. It was UNMIK, which was highly influenced by the US, that decided to make it an independent customs zone. But as you know, international law gets twisted and spun to suit ones agenda.
(Zoran, 6 December 2012 12:24)

No you didn't answer my question.
You said "We have many kinds of internal borders, provincial, state, municipality, etc..."
And I asked "How many of them internal boarders are manned by staff and have Customs?"
So no, you have not answered my question. And no, I do not have a "comprehension problem"; it is you Sir which obviously has the comprehension problem.
You took a politician's tactic and answered a question which wasn't asked.

The UN authority in Kosovo handed over the vast amount of it's powers and authority to the Kosovo Assembly in Summer 2008 due the declaration of independence, all in line with UNSCR 1244.

I think you'll find that Belgrade and Pristina have decided to have customs zones at the Kosovo-Serbia border.

They are customs zones at an administrative border. Not that I like it, but that is the way UNMIK under the influence of the US organised it. This is likely to be a temporary situation only, whichever way you look at it.

From Serbia's point of view, it is in line with more than autonomy, less than independence. How can you claim the north while accepting that most of those residing there do not need "Kosova"* documents or license plates?

Anyway, I have my opinion but at the end of the day, it will be up to the local Serbs to make the final decision. Looks like the barricades are going up again. You can negotiate all you want in Brussels but if the locals don't like it then Houston, we have a problem.
(Zoran, 5 December 2012 22:25)

You've still not answered my question. Why is there a need for a "Customs zone" in the first place if it is an internal administrative border?
When I've crossed over from Germany into the Netherlands (ie two seperate countries), no borders. But apparently when you cross internally in Serbia there are "Customs zones" at apparently "internal" borders. And you've not been officially able to cross freely from Kosovo to Serbia and vice versa since 1999. Now proper customs are being set up. And yes it will be temporary as the EULEX mission will be wrapped up in 18-19 months time, so the EULEX executives will be packing their bags.

And I agree, the border should be moved south to the Ibar.

Like I said "to call a spade, a spade".

You can't accuse me of spin if I already know substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade is northern Kosovo's future.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 5 December 2012 18:16)
Ok you convinced me you are not one of the spinners, unfortunately you are one of the ones it has been spinned to. If you truly believe what you wrote, one day you will wake up very surprised and say to yourself this is not what we have been told.
You know when trying to get a pet to swallow a pill you have to disguise it in a piece of meat or something and they swallow it very well. They are happy because they got the meat, but they also had to swallow the pill.
I could have sworn the big thing over the last few months has been NO KPS at the border checkpoints and Never an office in Pristina. How does that pill taste?

"When asked whether the crossings would in fact represent border crossings, he said they would but that Priština would not place any state symbols if Belgrade did not put Serbia’s."

I see .... no state symbols between these "borders", just like no state symbols when one crosses from California to Nevada or from Manitoba to Ontario ...... if so, one can argue that Thaci does did himself in!

I already know substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade is northern Kosovo's future.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 5 December 2012 18:16)
Actually I agree with that statement but for northern Kosovo to have substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade there has to be separation of Kosovo from Serbia, ie, some type of statehood.

You've still not answered my question. Why is there a need for a "Customs zone" in the first place if it is an internal administrative border?
(Ian, UK, 6 December 2012 09:53)
--
I did answer it Ian, you just have a comprehension problem. KiM is under UN authority as outlined in UNSCR1244, which also respects Serbia's sovereignty. It was UNMIK, which was highly influenced by the US, that decided to make it an independent customs zone. But as you know, international law gets twisted and spun to suit ones agenda.

@ Adem
What money? There may have been in the past however those days are coming to an end for everybody ie: Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania ect
With that being a known fact lets look at the big picture and forget about all the spin for now. The big picture is the USA,UK,Germany are fast realizing Kosovo is a lost cause. The only reason it is being supported now is because of Hillary Clinton who has lost all credibility in The US due to Benghazi.
As time goes on the west will find there are projects more important than Kosovo and for that reason you will be on your own then we will see your government collapse and your so called country will no longer exist and more than likely get divided by Serbia and Albania

Sorry to ruin your dream

Hey, baby - "B" in this case means purely 'BORDER'...sorry to burst your bubble guys, but we must be honest and stop playing with poor people (such as with north of Kosovo).
(Keep on Dreaming, 5 December 2012 10:10)
--
Yes, there is a border and what does that mean? It is a provincial border as far as Serbia is concerned. The United States has many borders but they are not regarded as country borders (right now).

We have many kinds of internal borders, provincial, state, municipality, etc...

So to be clear, they can negotiate what they want in Brussels, however, it is the situation on the ground that counts. If the Serbs from Northern KiM disagree then the barricades return to prevent and restrict access to the occupiers.

(Keep on Dreaming, 5 December 2012 10:10)

LOL keep trying, you haven't convinced us of anything yet. Anyway, despite the fact that these entire meetings with terrorists are a waste of time, perhaps you have not really read the fine print.

A. NO state symbols at the crossings
B. All revenue collected from the crossings go directly to Northern Kosovo i Metohija, never making its way to Pristina.

So explain to me, is this the victory you have been warning us about for so long? You can act like you won something but pretty soon Kurti will rile up his clan to protest against Thaci for this agreement because he sees the truth.

The crossings are only a visual of what is really going on in Kosovo i Metohija which is an occupation. Nothing more nothing less.

No state symbols and no revenue making its way to the Islamist stronghold=defeat for you. Defeat for Serbs too for even sitting down with a member of the KLA, but a defeat for you nonetheless.

Sorry to burst your bubble bro's.

An integrated crossing management is not a border. A border is a border. If the Albanians think this is recognition then at the rate it’s going Belgrade will recognize Kosovo in 2090, by that time the Albanians would have starved to death.
The whole purpose of these agreements is to allow free movement of Albanians into Serbia proper to look for work. Brussels will not let them roam around the EU looking for work as there are too many other eastern Europeans doing that already plus if they won’t let the Bulgarians or Romanians why would they be any different to the Albanians? The Germans want to return some of the 200 000 they already hold.
This is more of the same – much like cheap washing detergent; lots of bubble and froth on top but nothing going on underneath. Smoke and mirrors.
Even if Prsitina collected these taxes for six months , there is not enough money to pay for the operation the government for more than one week. The EU is trying to keep the lid on a powder keg from exploding in their faces– look at Slovenia.
As far as the Serbs living in the north no one will dare touch them – no one. Haven’t you Albanians learnt anything all these years????
More barricades mean more concessions to them.

Oh sorry forgot to mention, Serbs will get to keep Serbian documents and do not have to take out "Kosovo documents"..........seriously fellas, is this really the victory you were hoping for.

You signed your defeat in July of 2011 when you FAILED to take care of what you saw as a problem on your own. You cannot be independent if its very definition means sustaining yourself on your own feet without external propping up.

Presevo, Macedonia, Mitrovica..wherever NATO doesn't drop bombs for your cause, you fail and fail miserably.

We wanted a manned customs border and we got one. So great success!
The Serbs can call it whatever they want if it makes them feel happy. It is still a border!

Then in 18 months time, the EULEX mission expires and we will have a fully working and operational border with Serbia for Kosova's Customs staff to take over full time; so thanks EULEX for helping us set up and and impliment this border with Serbia. I love you EULEX!!!

Negotiating with Serbia is like fishing. You just have to wait until they take the bait and then you can reel them in!

When asked whether the crossings would in fact represent border crossings, he said they would but that Priština would not place any state symbols if Belgrade did not put Serbia’s.
Thaci forgets one thing he is in Serbia.

where on earth does it say that the revenue will go to Northern Kosova? what the hell are you on about? read the article again, Dacic has already stated that this IS a border, state symbols ore not, he has already used ther word border, you can make out of that what you will, but it sure as hell doesn't imply what you think it does. oh and sj, why on earth would Kosovar citizens move to Serbia to look for work? why? there' nothing to look for in Serbia, its a dead end, its the reason you and Ari Gold don't live there

He said that it had been agreed with Thaci that liaison officers would be exchanged between Belgrade and Priština who would be stationed in EU missions and take part in the implementation of the agreements.

Dačić stressed that they would not be diplomats or people who would be treated as ambassadors.

I have a vivid memory of Liaison offices in Prishtina while UNMIK was governing Kosova. Once the Independence was declared, all those offices turned into Embassies.

Looking at the pic, I can see that Dacic still has a bigger pin, but Thaci is standing tall.

(Nikolle, 5 December 2012 12:44)

Pray explain how is Kosovo going to exist in these rather dubious economic times with the EU budgets being reduced dramatically? Santa Clause bringing down the chimney sacks of money? Or perhaps the tooth fairy will waive her magic wand? Do you think the EU is going to continue to reduce it’s budget and your Albanians are going to sit on their ar** and do nothing??? Yeah the EU will close schools and hospitals to keep the Albanians in the lifstlye they are entitlred to.
Look at Slovenia. It was once the jewel of the old Yugoslavia but 20 years later it’s turning into a crap hole because of NO MORE CASH for Brussels. I know that you Albanians find it hard to believe but there really is no such thing as a money tree where you pick Euros in the backyard.
My little friend the long term goal is for Albanians to seek work in places like Serbia because the west is not going to open a can of Coke let alone industry in Kosovo. Hey, the Croats are crying that no one wants to invest there because they are small fish and you think Albanians are going to do any better. The only dead end is Kosovo – dead as the dodo bird.
Now to have a real border you have state symbols. Yes you have to have State symbols not a container with a couple of people there. I really find it hard to understand what victory you have gained here?

I remember boys and girls the time when Franjo told Slobo, right before Dayton..."remove the troops from eastern slavonija and dubrovnik" ..."it will look good to the west...and you'll get them at on the final agreement"... Yeah...right...where are the guarantees the remaining Serbians won't be called separatists by Tachim ?!?!

The opening of liaison offices in Belgrade and Prishtina is a HUGE step in these negotiations. This is the first time where official representatives of both sides will be located in the capitals. You could almost call them ambassadors...
By the way did Dacic shrink or do I see a bigger pin?

where on earth does it say that the revenue will go to Northern Kosova? what the hell are you on about? read the article again, Dacic has already stated that this IS a border, state symbols ore not, he has already used ther word border, you can make out of that what you will, but it sure as hell doesn't imply what you think it does. oh and sj, why on earth would Kosovar citizens move to Serbia to look for work? why? there' nothing to look for in Serbia, its a dead end, its the reason you and Ari Gold don't live there
(Nikolle, 5 December 2012 12:44)

Yes Ari Gold is mistaken and wrong once again.

He/ She seems to think:

"customs duties for goods intended for northern Kosovo Serbs would not be paid at the Končulj, Merdare, Jarinje and Brnjak crossings"

=

"All revenue collected from the crossings go directly to Northern Kosovo i Metohija (sic), never making its way to Pristina."

Ari Gold is very mistaken.

Ah how interesting. Everyone spins this to their own advantage. It didn't take long for Hash to start squawking that this is a "border", as he usually does whenever he's able to scrape together something from a negotiated concession and spin it as a decisive victory. Don't know how much you can claim a victory when there will be no customs collected at these "borders" which will continue to be internationally manned with one or two token representatives of the democratic people's republic of Kosovastan* flown in by helicopter in order to get around the barricades. I also don't know how you can claim victory when no official documents from Kosovo* are needed. But I guess Pristina needs to take whatever it can even though they remain a passive spectator in what they like to think is a part of their so-called country. As for Belgrade, it would have been better to allow for some customs revenues collected at the "border" to go directly towards financing the institutions of the north. If they really want to keep Pristina's nose out of the area, let the north become self-financing, which is what the EU has had in plan all along since all signs point to northern Kosovo gaining substantial autonomy within an internationally regulated and administered Kosovo*. Once again the EU makes peace by compromising a country's sovereignty to the point of comical ineptitude :)

B92 moderators wouldn't dare publish the filth which I was showing you on facebook.

But please add me on facebook, you've seen me; I want to see you ;)
(Ian, UK, 5 December 2012 15:32)

At least you admit showing me filth on facebook. It should connect the dots for other readers why Ian is so anti Serbian because in Serbia, we look down on your lifestyle but still accept your right to exist nonetheless!

Just to clarify the obvious, I am yet to hear an ICM (Integrated crossing management) term, because there is no such thing and I don't think that the Serb population would be that naive in buying that kind of crapola. In the other hand, everyone knows what the agreement of "IBM" means. Hey, baby - "B" in this case means purely 'BORDER'...sorry to burst your bubble guys, but we must be honest and stop playing with poor people (such as with north of Kosovo).

Yes, there is a border and what does that mean? It is a provincial border as far as Serbia is concerned. The United States has many borders but they are not regarded as country borders (right now).

We have many kinds of internal borders, provincial, state, municipality, etc...

So to be clear, they can negotiate what they want in Brussels, however, it is the situation on the ground that counts. If the Serbs from Northern KiM disagree then the barricades return to prevent and restrict access to the occupiers.
(Zoran, 5 December 2012 11:29)

How many of them internal boarders are manned by staff and have Customs?

Them internal borders you talk about are lines on a map, this border between Kosovo and Serbia is physical.

Have you ever heard the phrase "To call a spade a spade"?

Ari Gold is very mistaken.
(Ian, UK, 5 December 2012 13:16)

Well, its free to fantasize so go ahead. Just like its free to come on B92 because cyber Albanians are the only friends you have.

And you have been rather quiet lately....are you not prepared to share with B92 the filth that you tried to share with me on facebook?!

Let's just keep that between you and me.

Funny. The serb comments that are written here and the serbs standing in the freezing cold have totally different views when it comes to these borders. I would love to see these two groups face eachother. Tell the protesters to go home since theres no reason to stay there. You just posted huge lists with reasons why they should be happy now. I wonder how they would react. But please dont mention the liaison offices, or they might make a u-turn and go back to start more campfires to protest against this "huge win for Serbia".

Equally interesting how you see only the Albanian spin. Yours and the Serbian spin is quite amusing, as Serbia continues to inch closer to the point of no return on acknowledging the statehood of Kosovo.
(a New Day, 5 December 2012 16:34)

Not sure what "spin" you're referring to here. Dacic was pretty clear going to Brussels that he was interested in "saving what could be saved", while Hash trumpets every brokered agreement that leaves his side no closer to controlling a piece of land as some victory. Had I wanted to engage in spin, I'd blurt out another one of those "ne damo Kosovo" slogans everyone says but no one really believes. I'm pretty comfortable with the fact that northern Kosovo is destined to become another RS. Most Serbs are pretty ok with that too. Albanians, particularly those in Pristina and those on this form that are probably the only ones who actually believe in Kosovo's future because they don't live there and have no intention of returning, are constantly upset that the north remains a "part" of Kosovo, but will be administered in a completely separate manner. You can't accuse me of spin if I already know substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade is northern Kosovo's future.

How many of them internal boarders are manned by staff and have Customs?
(Ian, UK, 5 December 2012 12:43)
--
They are customs zones at an administrative border. Not that I like it, but that is the way UNMIK under the influence of the US organised it. This is likely to be a temporary situation only, whichever way you look at it.

From Serbia's point of view, it is in line with more than autonomy, less than independence. How can you claim the north while accepting that most of those residing there do not need "Kosova"* documents or license plates?

Anyway, I have my opinion but at the end of the day, it will be up to the local Serbs to make the final decision. Looks like the barricades are going up again. You can negotiate all you want in Brussels but if the locals don't like it then Houston, we have a problem.

Well, its free to fantasize so go ahead. Just like its free to come on B92 because cyber Albanians are the only friends you have.

And you have been rather quiet lately....are you not prepared to share with B92 the filth that you tried to share with me on facebook?!

Let's just keep that between you and me.
(Ari Gold, 5 December 2012 15:10)

B92 moderators wouldn't dare publish the filth which I was showing you on facebook.

But please add me on facebook, you've seen me; I want to see you ;)

@A New Day?
You should just put "Albo in disguise". It always amazes me when albanians use dumb one liners as their identity here. No one is that empty headed to not acknowledge who it is. Anyhow.. I do not know how anyone albanian can claim a victory here. If what Dacic says is true, it definitely leaves the topic of recognizing much further from happening than in the past. If Kosovo Serbs are not required to get plates or documentation from Pristina, how can anyone logically (without bias) say Serbia is close to recognition? Not possible. If its the case, and Kosovo Serbs dont need to have separate documentation, or pay customs, its a huge victory for the Serbian side. Let's not be foolish, if they're in Kosovo, and ok to move around with Serbian documents and license plates..then thaci and his guy have been dealt a huge blow. Anyone with common sense would recognize that.

Balkan Anthropologist, 5 December 2012 15:35
Equally interesting how you see only the Albanian spin. Yours and the Serbian spin is quite amusing, as Serbia continues to inch closer to the point of no return on acknowledging the statehood of Kosovo.

At least you admit showing me filth on facebook. It should connect the dots for other readers why Ian is so anti Serbian because in Serbia, we look down on your lifestyle but still accept your right to exist nonetheless!
(Ari Gold, 5 December 2012 16:48)

It takes two to cyber tango.

Great picture!
Now stop behaving like angry children and learn to get along as normal neighbours! the war is over since 13 years.
That means it's 1958 in Western Europe for you now, if you ever will be able to get it right

Serbia must accept full independence of Kosova.
Without independece recognise, no money from EU for corrupt Serbian politicians and Russian masters.

@ Adem
What money? There may have been in the past however those days are coming to an end for everybody ie: Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania ect
With that being a known fact lets look at the big picture and forget about all the spin for now. The big picture is the USA,UK,Germany are fast realizing Kosovo is a lost cause. The only reason it is being supported now is because of Hillary Clinton who has lost all credibility in The US due to Benghazi.
As time goes on the west will find there are projects more important than Kosovo and for that reason you will be on your own then we will see your government collapse and your so called country will no longer exist and more than likely get divided by Serbia and Albania

Sorry to ruin your dream

"When asked whether the crossings would in fact represent border crossings, he said they would but that Priština would not place any state symbols if Belgrade did not put Serbia’s."

I see .... no state symbols between these "borders", just like no state symbols when one crosses from California to Nevada or from Manitoba to Ontario ...... if so, one can argue that Thaci does did himself in!

You've still not answered my question. Why is there a need for a "Customs zone" in the first place if it is an internal administrative border?
(Ian, UK, 6 December 2012 09:53)
--
I did answer it Ian, you just have a comprehension problem. KiM is under UN authority as outlined in UNSCR1244, which also respects Serbia's sovereignty. It was UNMIK, which was highly influenced by the US, that decided to make it an independent customs zone. But as you know, international law gets twisted and spun to suit ones agenda.

CURLY,MOE AND LARRY!

They are customs zones at an administrative border. Not that I like it, but that is the way UNMIK under the influence of the US organised it. This is likely to be a temporary situation only, whichever way you look at it.

From Serbia's point of view, it is in line with more than autonomy, less than independence. How can you claim the north while accepting that most of those residing there do not need "Kosova"* documents or license plates?

Anyway, I have my opinion but at the end of the day, it will be up to the local Serbs to make the final decision. Looks like the barricades are going up again. You can negotiate all you want in Brussels but if the locals don't like it then Houston, we have a problem.
(Zoran, 5 December 2012 22:25)

You've still not answered my question. Why is there a need for a "Customs zone" in the first place if it is an internal administrative border?
When I've crossed over from Germany into the Netherlands (ie two seperate countries), no borders. But apparently when you cross internally in Serbia there are "Customs zones" at apparently "internal" borders. And you've not been officially able to cross freely from Kosovo to Serbia and vice versa since 1999. Now proper customs are being set up. And yes it will be temporary as the EULEX mission will be wrapped up in 18-19 months time, so the EULEX executives will be packing their bags.

And I agree, the border should be moved south to the Ibar.

Like I said "to call a spade, a spade".

You can't accuse me of spin if I already know substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade is northern Kosovo's future.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 5 December 2012 18:16)
Ok you convinced me you are not one of the spinners, unfortunately you are one of the ones it has been spinned to. If you truly believe what you wrote, one day you will wake up very surprised and say to yourself this is not what we have been told.
You know when trying to get a pet to swallow a pill you have to disguise it in a piece of meat or something and they swallow it very well. They are happy because they got the meat, but they also had to swallow the pill.
I could have sworn the big thing over the last few months has been NO KPS at the border checkpoints and Never an office in Pristina. How does that pill taste?

LOL who is the liaison officer from belgrade to Nis? Serbia is completely and totally recognizing Kosovo indpendence and it is not debateable in any way that recognition is what serbia is doing for EU membership. There is no debate here. Serbia is severing all ties with Kosovo and making recognizing as indpendent. A pro kosovo independence government is what serbs voted for when they voted for dacic

I already know substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade is northern Kosovo's future.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 5 December 2012 18:16)
Actually I agree with that statement but for northern Kosovo to have substantial autonomy with close links to Belgrade there has to be separation of Kosovo from Serbia, ie, some type of statehood.

I did answer it Ian, you just have a comprehension problem. KiM is under UN authority as outlined in UNSCR1244, which also respects Serbia's sovereignty. It was UNMIK, which was highly influenced by the US, that decided to make it an independent customs zone. But as you know, international law gets twisted and spun to suit ones agenda.
(Zoran, 6 December 2012 12:24)

No you didn't answer my question.
You said "We have many kinds of internal borders, provincial, state, municipality, etc..."
And I asked "How many of them internal boarders are manned by staff and have Customs?"
So no, you have not answered my question. And no, I do not have a "comprehension problem"; it is you Sir which obviously has the comprehension problem.
You took a politician's tactic and answered a question which wasn't asked.

The UN authority in Kosovo handed over the vast amount of it's powers and authority to the Kosovo Assembly in Summer 2008 due the declaration of independence, all in line with UNSCR 1244.

I think you'll find that Belgrade and Pristina have decided to have customs zones at the Kosovo-Serbia border.