Some solutions for Kosovo can seriously jeopardize continued EU integration, but Serbia should strive to achieve both objectives, says Tomislav Nikolić.
President Nikolic is right. Kosovo is part of Serbia. Yes it is currently under occupation by ethnic Albanians and NATO. This isn't the first time bad guys tried to take it from Serbia. Probably isn't the last time.
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
(MARY, 26 March 2013 23:14
Maybe it is time to consider cataract surgery as you are not seeing as clearly as you think you are.
""There is no substantial independence of Kosovo without a UN Security Council decision," he noted, and added that "there, it is impossible to open the door to Kosovo for membership in the world organization.""
He finally is seeing the reality on the ground, except for this last statement. The problem for Serbia with the statement above, is not to convince Serbia that the statement above is true (Serbs, in any case, are well known buyers of any nonsense sold to them), but to convince Kosovo that (i) being under Serbia and without UN membership is better than (ii) being without UN mebership !!!!! And certainly 100 countries have not waited for UNSC's decision which, in any case, has not, will not and cannot recognize a country.
Ukraine was a UN member for 45 years - it did not make it very independent from the Soviet Union. At the same time, Switzerland was not a UN member, but was very much independent. Serbia places much value on formalities instead of realities on the ground and wants others to be that stupid, as well :)
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
Olli, I think that you speak for the most of us. It is for me completely not understandable why Serbian politicians don't ask the people and I say this as an Albanian. Ask the people, my Serbian politicians, and stop hiding behind ink on paper, whether it might be the constitution or that stupid platform. You cannot tip-toe around the most decisive questions forever. Serbia loses with each day more and more. You have to make a stance, in one or the other direction.
However, I believe that you want it this way. You have your cushy chairs and fly to NY whenever you want, while the rest of the countries is in ruins and this even without war.
It's quite unbelievable how Serbia can be so indecisive and get weaker day by day."
Who is not knowing a lot is wondering a lot.
The Serb mentality is like it is and every countryhas the persons at the top who are chosen or accepted by the people. Its useless to discuss about it. Serbia which was making years ago only jokes about Albanians is now looking for the "cooperation", possibly "friendship". All this are the typical hopes of the serbs after the lost of all friends. Now the voices within the EU are increasing only to allow Serbia to become an EU-member together with Kosovo. The reason: Serbia should not have the power as EU-member to block Kosovo. But within the EU will with realistic views no chance for Kosovo to become a member, so not for Serbia. Nobody knows what is the future of the EU after in these days UK and also Germany are introducing special rule to stop the immigration of people from Bulgaria/Romania. Thousands of people from Greece and Spain are arriving in Germany or Sweden. The boat is full. Serbia should play one realistic card: time. Under pressure of time it can come only to agrrements whhih are badly for Serbia. Serbia needs first at all new people for its elite in all areas. You can feel it every day that Nikolic an Dacic cannot perform what their duties demand. But Serbia is not the right place for not so young trainees in politics. Serbia should not more wait too long with a new and more realistic way. Otherwise...better not to know
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
(Robert1899, 26 March 2013 12:01)
If your english is below required standards to read and understand a newspaper in english, than you should at least stay away from comments. I would suggest that you find a translator somewhere and get accurate translation of my text, only then you will understand how lost you are in this world. Hope Nicolic and Dacic have better translators than you however this does give indications why serbia never makes sense on anything.
you know what, its not even 'Kosovo' or EU its a lot starker than that, its Kosova or democracy. Most Serbs on this forum have this vision of Kosova as some sort of cradle, as this holy place full of Serbia knights and history. forget all that, Kosova is the name for a geographical location. that is all that it is. it is inhabited by Albanians to the tune of 93%. this is the reality of Kosova. you will not get Kosova without those Albanians. so why don't Serbs really make it obvious to themselves here and admit that what they REALLY want is the territory without the people. of course, we're no longer living in the Middle Ages and as such that is NEVER going to happen, so Serbs should ask themselves this; are they prepared to have a Serbia where around 25% of the electorate will be Albanians? that is no small minority. given the fact that, though the K. Albanian birth rate has declined, it is still increasing faster than that of the Serbs, so if current trends continue, within 60 years, Albanians would be a majority in the whole of Serbia. this is what keeping 'Kosovo' really means. forget all that rubbish about Lazar and Obilic, what you would be seeking, is the domination of Serbia by Albanians. so yes, excellent policy, I personally hope you keep at it
Ari Gold, 26 March 2013 16:10)
Everything you listed only proves my point, Serbia can make the path rugged(causing problems) but it cannot change the direction. Nothing Serbia has or can do will bring Kosovo back under Serbian rule.
Now yes it would be easier if Serbia agrees to an independent Kosovo. Russia can block a UN seat the same as right now it is the US blocking Palestine. But Russia can change its mind especially if it needs to teach Serbia a lesson for getting out of line or it wants to deal with the west on some dire issue. But as said before UN membership is icing on the cake and not the defining act.
Then why Tomislav demanded a referendum when he was in opposition? This is so typical. Just Blablabla, but when it comes to make a step, they shy away.
I think I may have to have a lie down after posting this as I agree with Ari Gold. It is entirely possible to choose between Kosovo and the EU if one wants to do so; Nikolic clearly doesn't. He wants his cake and eat it giving different messages to different audiences. There is a reality to be faced sooner rather than later; 22 EU members recognise Kosovo and if Serbia wants to join it will have to come to an agreement that these countries are happy with. An acceptance of this reality and the giving of serious consideration to pursuing other avenues must be a priority for Dacic and Nikolic. The EU heavyweights are not going to unrecognise Kosovo and as far as I can see the Prime Minister and President have all the information they need to make a decision about which direction the country should go.
The decision for Kosovo is not one of Serbia's choosing. They can make the path rugged but they cannot change the direction. They are not in control and never will be again. It is time to start deciding what is best for Serbia in real terms.
(pss, 26 March 2013 15:00)
Well you can say its not, but it kinda is. Why else is the CDU party of Germany pressuring Serbia to let the KLA have a UN seat?! Why are these negotiations happening in the first place? Why was Serbia pressured to change its UN resolution as well as support exchanging UNMIK to EULEX. These were stupid moves that helped your side no doubt, but the point is it was Serbia's doing, or at least the Serbian governments.
The reality is as our fake German Albanian friend Willi Pfaff says, these negotiations should be ceased. Which is completely fine because there is nothing in the EU for Serbia as it is.
And if they were to stop today: Serbia would still be a universally recognized country. Kosovo i Metohija will be a partially recognized disputed territory/frozen conflict. And unsuspecting Western taxpayers will still fund the lives of the KLA in Pristina...for now.
The cards are in Serbia's favor if its government decides EU membership is not worth pursuing. Which even if this Kosovo i Metohija problem didn't exist, it still shouldn't join.
The EU simply should end the talks with Serbia, because Serbia is not capable to hold honest negotiations"
Somebody from "Germany" knows whats going on behind closed doors? Ok, possibly the Serbs are not following the orders from Berlin sometimes.
Possibly have some people after the events in Greece or Cyprus no the feeling the hisory comes backfor Germany. Such wrong thinking has no future.
Kosovo's status will be settled once VS is back in Kosovo.
It may take a few years but it will eventually happen & the Yanks & Germans will have to shut up about it once and for all.
(trizo, 26 March 2013 14:10)
You can dream but it is an unhealthy dream as it will never come true.
The thing Nikolic and co. can not understand is it is not a choice of EU or Kosovo it is a choice of EU or no EU. The decision for Kosovo is not one of Serbia's choosing. They can make the path rugged but they cannot change the direction. They are not in control and never will be again. It is time to start deciding what is best for Serbia in real terms.
Frankly I can not be bothered to read Serbian president's statement because to my opinion he is a waste of time polititian. With this kind of leader Serbia IS NOT ready to EU. To make my point in his mind he has been asked to choose between Kosovo and EU. He doesnt have that luxary to choose and he can not get it. He still need visa to visit Kosovo and still can not get it.
Bring on the table the paper that the EU, the USA and the rest designed. Let people read it. Discuss about it in medias, on the streets and in each home. Listen to what Kosovo Serbs say about it. And then go to poll. The majority rules will it be yes or no. PEOPLE must take responsibility.
It's sickening that people complain about its politicians when they are so passive themselves. Where's the Serbian civil society? Where are public demonstrations of opinion? Where's the bold nation to do this or that way?
It's quite unbelievable how Serbia can be so indecisive and get weaker day by day. Again I remember what my wife's grandfather told me shortly before Oluja in Krajina: from all peoples in the Balkans Serbs have least political skills and understanding. Shortly after that he ran for his life. But died.
You need balls either to agree to the deal (that you don't like) or to say no to it. Neither is taking place.
The problem lies with the EU itself. The fact that EU does not have a universal stand in Kosovo or rather the ability to adopt a universal stand in Kosovo it is enabling Serbia to cling to the hopeless illusion that one day it will again rule over Kosovo. The EU has to make it perfectly clear to Serbia that it has lost Kosovo forever and if Serbia wishes to join the civilized world then it has no choice but to recognize Kosovo and behave like a good neighbor. Notice Tomo's key words and phrases "big countries" illuding to Germany, France and England. Clearly Serbia is feeding on the inability of the EU to come up with a united stand in Kosovo and exploiting this loophole to the max.
Until the EU comes up with a joint stand on Kosovo Serbia will continue to behave like a big bully towards Kosovo. Serbia with the indirect support of Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Rumania and Cyprus continues to keep the seeds of the conflict firmly planted on the ground.
NATO and Prishtina are perfectly aware of this. Such a shame that in this day and age Serbia is unable to find a charismatic leader capable of recognizing the past and changing the future.
"Kosovo issue won't be resolved based on Ahtisaari plan", OK, this said Vulin and not Nikolic.
Nikolic is changing only the name, its now an idea of "great countries" and for him acceptable.
Ashton has offered in the last round in Brussels an Eight-point plan only with genreal principles, this will be signed in principle on April 2nd without any details, the Serbs will remove the courts etc from Kosovo and the Serbs there will a little bit demonstrate and later see that nobody is more here for their protection, step by step KFOR/EULEX and Prishtina will take over, for a period the Serbs can have some little rights, the population on the ground will be ethnically changed and the Serb "community" goes to the waste, Belgrade will be not un-happy like in the Kraijna-case or Sarajevo-deal. These Serbs are only disturbing the business., the parlaiment in Belgrade will accept the deal, Nikolic made it clear in his limited understanding of historic developments: the EU is the fate for the Serbs, but on this way Serbia will forever be connected with Prishtina, if Prishtina is against something it will like now block the Serbs, but inside the EU nobody would like to admit this strange couple Belgrade-Prishtina, Belgrade has to fullfill all demands from Prishtina via Brussels and Belgarde will be pressed towards NATO as well without becoming a member, Western media were praising Croation for the atmosphere of the soccer game in Zagreb: no joke
Serbian strategy so clear like made from child.
1. Beg for money.
2. Join EU - to beg more money
3. Sell Kosovo dream of 1389 to poor voters while steal all loans.
If you ask me there is nothing more to talk about. Serbia has made it absolutely clear that (for now) it will never recognise an independent Kosovo, which is exactly what the Albanians are seeking. A two state solution (North to the Serbs and the rest to the Albanians) is what Serbia could settle for but will not be accepted by either the international community nor the Albanians.
This stale mate is likely to drag on for years, maybe generations, maybe even forever. It will not do any one any good, it is a loose-loose situation and for what? Pride for the Serbs and greed for the Albanians. Both are a high price to pay for a sour situation which could be settled if only common sense prevailed.
The EU simply should end the talks with Serbia, because Serbia is not capable to hold honest negotiations. The way Serbias handled this matter is redicules. It comes with maxium demands, has it ridicules 'platform' passed by its governement before the talks start, and says this is the minimum is will settle for. Where do they guys live? They want something, and they have to give, and not remain on their max positions, and than say, nobody else moves. Serbia has made no concessions so far, and the EU simply should stop all talks with Serbia until it gets a grip of the reality on the ground. Bye-bye Serbia, go back to the middle ages, and play your games wherever you want, but not with us.
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
(Robert1899, 26 March 2013 12:01)
Robert,
Everyone can see your statement is a total misrepresentation of Dardania's comment. Who is "ingenious" now!
If solution is found Serbia and Kosovo can focus on Security, Stability and Economic growth both the people of Kosovo and Serbia win.
If status quo continuous both Serbia and Kosovo lose.
With an average of 10 recognitions per year Kosovo will get UN seat in the next 2 to 3 years, Serbia will have no say in Kosovo any way.
My question is why hold people back for the next 2 to 3 years
Dardania also said,The world "should leave it to us" the albanians to solve the KiM issue. You are the one's that need help from the world. either to protect you or feed you. A truly dependent society.
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
When asked if this was the Ahtisaari plan, he said that "the international community bases their views not on a plan, but on the position of big countries."
The answers from Nikolic are showing that he will or can not answer to simple questions. "Big countries", such a phras you would never hear in Western countries. It is the slave atitude. Serbia doesnt know what is to do or what are his future ways. It is more comfortable for Nkolic to take excuses conerning "big countries". So he must be no responsible. And the EU seems in Serbia in this situation with a deep crisis like the new god.
This guy is such a joke. First of all how is it impossible to choose between defending your territorial integrity and joining a failing organization which you will have no voice in?!
Nikolic and the SNS had a chance to be a Euroskeptic non-ultranationalist alternative to the DS. Sort of like Nigel Farage and UKIP. But instead, he just said "we will take Tadic's ideals and implement them better!"
He's a joke of a president. You can't say on one hand you don't support the Albanians getting independence and then on the other shake hands with Thaci. I am not even opposed to negotiations but these symbolic meetings between "heads of state" is a big joke.
The DSS have the best political program in the country. But Kostunica is a political dinosaur with 0 charisma and therefore they will suffer long as he's running that party. If they revamp their image they could be the true alternative Serbia needs.
The president stressed he was "not ready to accept the independence of Kosovo".
Poor guy, he has not been told that Kosovo is already indipendent and recognised by 99 countries and other five more on the way. You said you will stop Kosovo every day but things do not stop in Kosovo, the only thing you have stopped is serbia going forward. Well done, serbs deserve this since they got millosevic back in power.
In Kosovo no-one cares what you say. Listening to you saying kosovo remaing serbia is like listening to France saying Canada is part of France. I can see the solution for north Mitrovica is coming by Thaçi and that is no difference from the one in Croatia as serbs only know the force not dialog. World has seen that now so leave it to us.
The president stressed he was "not ready to accept the independence of Kosovo".
Poor guy, he has not been told that Kosovo is already indipendent and recognised by 99 countries and other five more on the way. You said you will stop Kosovo every day but things do not stop in Kosovo, the only thing you have stopped is serbia going forward. Well done, serbs deserve this since they got millosevic back in power.
In Kosovo no-one cares what you say. Listening to you saying kosovo remaing serbia is like listening to France saying Canada is part of France. I can see the solution for north Mitrovica is coming by Thaçi and that is no difference from the one in Croatia as serbs only know the force not dialog. World has seen that now so leave it to us.
Bring on the table the paper that the EU, the USA and the rest designed. Let people read it. Discuss about it in medias, on the streets and in each home. Listen to what Kosovo Serbs say about it. And then go to poll. The majority rules will it be yes or no. PEOPLE must take responsibility.
It's sickening that people complain about its politicians when they are so passive themselves. Where's the Serbian civil society? Where are public demonstrations of opinion? Where's the bold nation to do this or that way?
It's quite unbelievable how Serbia can be so indecisive and get weaker day by day. Again I remember what my wife's grandfather told me shortly before Oluja in Krajina: from all peoples in the Balkans Serbs have least political skills and understanding. Shortly after that he ran for his life. But died.
You need balls either to agree to the deal (that you don't like) or to say no to it. Neither is taking place.
Serbian strategy so clear like made from child.
1. Beg for money.
2. Join EU - to beg more money
3. Sell Kosovo dream of 1389 to poor voters while steal all loans.
Kosovo's status will be settled once VS is back in Kosovo.
It may take a few years but it will eventually happen & the Yanks & Germans will have to shut up about it once and for all.
(trizo, 26 March 2013 14:10)
You can dream but it is an unhealthy dream as it will never come true.
The thing Nikolic and co. can not understand is it is not a choice of EU or Kosovo it is a choice of EU or no EU. The decision for Kosovo is not one of Serbia's choosing. They can make the path rugged but they cannot change the direction. They are not in control and never will be again. It is time to start deciding what is best for Serbia in real terms.
This guy is such a joke. First of all how is it impossible to choose between defending your territorial integrity and joining a failing organization which you will have no voice in?!
Nikolic and the SNS had a chance to be a Euroskeptic non-ultranationalist alternative to the DS. Sort of like Nigel Farage and UKIP. But instead, he just said "we will take Tadic's ideals and implement them better!"
He's a joke of a president. You can't say on one hand you don't support the Albanians getting independence and then on the other shake hands with Thaci. I am not even opposed to negotiations but these symbolic meetings between "heads of state" is a big joke.
The DSS have the best political program in the country. But Kostunica is a political dinosaur with 0 charisma and therefore they will suffer long as he's running that party. If they revamp their image they could be the true alternative Serbia needs.
Dardania also said,The world "should leave it to us" the albanians to solve the KiM issue. You are the one's that need help from the world. either to protect you or feed you. A truly dependent society.
If solution is found Serbia and Kosovo can focus on Security, Stability and Economic growth both the people of Kosovo and Serbia win.
If status quo continuous both Serbia and Kosovo lose.
With an average of 10 recognitions per year Kosovo will get UN seat in the next 2 to 3 years, Serbia will have no say in Kosovo any way.
My question is why hold people back for the next 2 to 3 years
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
(Robert1899, 26 March 2013 12:01)
Robert,
Everyone can see your statement is a total misrepresentation of Dardania's comment. Who is "ingenious" now!
The EU simply should end the talks with Serbia, because Serbia is not capable to hold honest negotiations. The way Serbias handled this matter is redicules. It comes with maxium demands, has it ridicules 'platform' passed by its governement before the talks start, and says this is the minimum is will settle for. Where do they guys live? They want something, and they have to give, and not remain on their max positions, and than say, nobody else moves. Serbia has made no concessions so far, and the EU simply should stop all talks with Serbia until it gets a grip of the reality on the ground. Bye-bye Serbia, go back to the middle ages, and play your games wherever you want, but not with us.
The problem lies with the EU itself. The fact that EU does not have a universal stand in Kosovo or rather the ability to adopt a universal stand in Kosovo it is enabling Serbia to cling to the hopeless illusion that one day it will again rule over Kosovo. The EU has to make it perfectly clear to Serbia that it has lost Kosovo forever and if Serbia wishes to join the civilized world then it has no choice but to recognize Kosovo and behave like a good neighbor. Notice Tomo's key words and phrases "big countries" illuding to Germany, France and England. Clearly Serbia is feeding on the inability of the EU to come up with a united stand in Kosovo and exploiting this loophole to the max.
Until the EU comes up with a joint stand on Kosovo Serbia will continue to behave like a big bully towards Kosovo. Serbia with the indirect support of Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Rumania and Cyprus continues to keep the seeds of the conflict firmly planted on the ground.
NATO and Prishtina are perfectly aware of this. Such a shame that in this day and age Serbia is unable to find a charismatic leader capable of recognizing the past and changing the future.
I think I may have to have a lie down after posting this as I agree with Ari Gold. It is entirely possible to choose between Kosovo and the EU if one wants to do so; Nikolic clearly doesn't. He wants his cake and eat it giving different messages to different audiences. There is a reality to be faced sooner rather than later; 22 EU members recognise Kosovo and if Serbia wants to join it will have to come to an agreement that these countries are happy with. An acceptance of this reality and the giving of serious consideration to pursuing other avenues must be a priority for Dacic and Nikolic. The EU heavyweights are not going to unrecognise Kosovo and as far as I can see the Prime Minister and President have all the information they need to make a decision about which direction the country should go.
When asked if this was the Ahtisaari plan, he said that "the international community bases their views not on a plan, but on the position of big countries."
The answers from Nikolic are showing that he will or can not answer to simple questions. "Big countries", such a phras you would never hear in Western countries. It is the slave atitude. Serbia doesnt know what is to do or what are his future ways. It is more comfortable for Nkolic to take excuses conerning "big countries". So he must be no responsible. And the EU seems in Serbia in this situation with a deep crisis like the new god.
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
Frankly I can not be bothered to read Serbian president's statement because to my opinion he is a waste of time polititian. With this kind of leader Serbia IS NOT ready to EU. To make my point in his mind he has been asked to choose between Kosovo and EU. He doesnt have that luxary to choose and he can not get it. He still need visa to visit Kosovo and still can not get it.
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
(Robert1899, 26 March 2013 12:01)
If your english is below required standards to read and understand a newspaper in english, than you should at least stay away from comments. I would suggest that you find a translator somewhere and get accurate translation of my text, only then you will understand how lost you are in this world. Hope Nicolic and Dacic have better translators than you however this does give indications why serbia never makes sense on anything.
Then why Tomislav demanded a referendum when he was in opposition? This is so typical. Just Blablabla, but when it comes to make a step, they shy away.
you know what, its not even 'Kosovo' or EU its a lot starker than that, its Kosova or democracy. Most Serbs on this forum have this vision of Kosova as some sort of cradle, as this holy place full of Serbia knights and history. forget all that, Kosova is the name for a geographical location. that is all that it is. it is inhabited by Albanians to the tune of 93%. this is the reality of Kosova. you will not get Kosova without those Albanians. so why don't Serbs really make it obvious to themselves here and admit that what they REALLY want is the territory without the people. of course, we're no longer living in the Middle Ages and as such that is NEVER going to happen, so Serbs should ask themselves this; are they prepared to have a Serbia where around 25% of the electorate will be Albanians? that is no small minority. given the fact that, though the K. Albanian birth rate has declined, it is still increasing faster than that of the Serbs, so if current trends continue, within 60 years, Albanians would be a majority in the whole of Serbia. this is what keeping 'Kosovo' really means. forget all that rubbish about Lazar and Obilic, what you would be seeking, is the domination of Serbia by Albanians. so yes, excellent policy, I personally hope you keep at it
Ari Gold, 26 March 2013 16:10)
Everything you listed only proves my point, Serbia can make the path rugged(causing problems) but it cannot change the direction. Nothing Serbia has or can do will bring Kosovo back under Serbian rule.
Now yes it would be easier if Serbia agrees to an independent Kosovo. Russia can block a UN seat the same as right now it is the US blocking Palestine. But Russia can change its mind especially if it needs to teach Serbia a lesson for getting out of line or it wants to deal with the west on some dire issue. But as said before UN membership is icing on the cake and not the defining act.
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
If you ask me there is nothing more to talk about. Serbia has made it absolutely clear that (for now) it will never recognise an independent Kosovo, which is exactly what the Albanians are seeking. A two state solution (North to the Serbs and the rest to the Albanians) is what Serbia could settle for but will not be accepted by either the international community nor the Albanians.
This stale mate is likely to drag on for years, maybe generations, maybe even forever. It will not do any one any good, it is a loose-loose situation and for what? Pride for the Serbs and greed for the Albanians. Both are a high price to pay for a sour situation which could be settled if only common sense prevailed.
"Kosovo issue won't be resolved based on Ahtisaari plan", OK, this said Vulin and not Nikolic.
Nikolic is changing only the name, its now an idea of "great countries" and for him acceptable.
Ashton has offered in the last round in Brussels an Eight-point plan only with genreal principles, this will be signed in principle on April 2nd without any details, the Serbs will remove the courts etc from Kosovo and the Serbs there will a little bit demonstrate and later see that nobody is more here for their protection, step by step KFOR/EULEX and Prishtina will take over, for a period the Serbs can have some little rights, the population on the ground will be ethnically changed and the Serb "community" goes to the waste, Belgrade will be not un-happy like in the Kraijna-case or Sarajevo-deal. These Serbs are only disturbing the business., the parlaiment in Belgrade will accept the deal, Nikolic made it clear in his limited understanding of historic developments: the EU is the fate for the Serbs, but on this way Serbia will forever be connected with Prishtina, if Prishtina is against something it will like now block the Serbs, but inside the EU nobody would like to admit this strange couple Belgrade-Prishtina, Belgrade has to fullfill all demands from Prishtina via Brussels and Belgarde will be pressed towards NATO as well without becoming a member, Western media were praising Croation for the atmosphere of the soccer game in Zagreb: no joke
Olli, I think that you speak for the most of us. It is for me completely not understandable why Serbian politicians don't ask the people and I say this as an Albanian. Ask the people, my Serbian politicians, and stop hiding behind ink on paper, whether it might be the constitution or that stupid platform. You cannot tip-toe around the most decisive questions forever. Serbia loses with each day more and more. You have to make a stance, in one or the other direction.
However, I believe that you want it this way. You have your cushy chairs and fly to NY whenever you want, while the rest of the countries is in ruins and this even without war.
The EU simply should end the talks with Serbia, because Serbia is not capable to hold honest negotiations"
Somebody from "Germany" knows whats going on behind closed doors? Ok, possibly the Serbs are not following the orders from Berlin sometimes.
Possibly have some people after the events in Greece or Cyprus no the feeling the hisory comes backfor Germany. Such wrong thinking has no future.
The decision for Kosovo is not one of Serbia's choosing. They can make the path rugged but they cannot change the direction. They are not in control and never will be again. It is time to start deciding what is best for Serbia in real terms.
(pss, 26 March 2013 15:00)
Well you can say its not, but it kinda is. Why else is the CDU party of Germany pressuring Serbia to let the KLA have a UN seat?! Why are these negotiations happening in the first place? Why was Serbia pressured to change its UN resolution as well as support exchanging UNMIK to EULEX. These were stupid moves that helped your side no doubt, but the point is it was Serbia's doing, or at least the Serbian governments.
The reality is as our fake German Albanian friend Willi Pfaff says, these negotiations should be ceased. Which is completely fine because there is nothing in the EU for Serbia as it is.
And if they were to stop today: Serbia would still be a universally recognized country. Kosovo i Metohija will be a partially recognized disputed territory/frozen conflict. And unsuspecting Western taxpayers will still fund the lives of the KLA in Pristina...for now.
The cards are in Serbia's favor if its government decides EU membership is not worth pursuing. Which even if this Kosovo i Metohija problem didn't exist, it still shouldn't join.
It's quite unbelievable how Serbia can be so indecisive and get weaker day by day."
Who is not knowing a lot is wondering a lot.
The Serb mentality is like it is and every countryhas the persons at the top who are chosen or accepted by the people. Its useless to discuss about it. Serbia which was making years ago only jokes about Albanians is now looking for the "cooperation", possibly "friendship". All this are the typical hopes of the serbs after the lost of all friends. Now the voices within the EU are increasing only to allow Serbia to become an EU-member together with Kosovo. The reason: Serbia should not have the power as EU-member to block Kosovo. But within the EU will with realistic views no chance for Kosovo to become a member, so not for Serbia. Nobody knows what is the future of the EU after in these days UK and also Germany are introducing special rule to stop the immigration of people from Bulgaria/Romania. Thousands of people from Greece and Spain are arriving in Germany or Sweden. The boat is full. Serbia should play one realistic card: time. Under pressure of time it can come only to agrrements whhih are badly for Serbia. Serbia needs first at all new people for its elite in all areas. You can feel it every day that Nikolic an Dacic cannot perform what their duties demand. But Serbia is not the right place for not so young trainees in politics. Serbia should not more wait too long with a new and more realistic way. Otherwise...better not to know
""There is no substantial independence of Kosovo without a UN Security Council decision," he noted, and added that "there, it is impossible to open the door to Kosovo for membership in the world organization.""
He finally is seeing the reality on the ground, except for this last statement. The problem for Serbia with the statement above, is not to convince Serbia that the statement above is true (Serbs, in any case, are well known buyers of any nonsense sold to them), but to convince Kosovo that (i) being under Serbia and without UN membership is better than (ii) being without UN mebership !!!!! And certainly 100 countries have not waited for UNSC's decision which, in any case, has not, will not and cannot recognize a country.
Ukraine was a UN member for 45 years - it did not make it very independent from the Soviet Union. At the same time, Switzerland was not a UN member, but was very much independent. Serbia places much value on formalities instead of realities on the ground and wants others to be that stupid, as well :)
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
(MARY, 26 March 2013 23:14
Maybe it is time to consider cataract surgery as you are not seeing as clearly as you think you are.
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
President Nikolic is right. Kosovo is part of Serbia. Yes it is currently under occupation by ethnic Albanians and NATO. This isn't the first time bad guys tried to take it from Serbia. Probably isn't the last time.
This guy is such a joke. First of all how is it impossible to choose between defending your territorial integrity and joining a failing organization which you will have no voice in?!
Nikolic and the SNS had a chance to be a Euroskeptic non-ultranationalist alternative to the DS. Sort of like Nigel Farage and UKIP. But instead, he just said "we will take Tadic's ideals and implement them better!"
He's a joke of a president. You can't say on one hand you don't support the Albanians getting independence and then on the other shake hands with Thaci. I am not even opposed to negotiations but these symbolic meetings between "heads of state" is a big joke.
The DSS have the best political program in the country. But Kostunica is a political dinosaur with 0 charisma and therefore they will suffer long as he's running that party. If they revamp their image they could be the true alternative Serbia needs.
The president stressed he was "not ready to accept the independence of Kosovo".
Poor guy, he has not been told that Kosovo is already indipendent and recognised by 99 countries and other five more on the way. You said you will stop Kosovo every day but things do not stop in Kosovo, the only thing you have stopped is serbia going forward. Well done, serbs deserve this since they got millosevic back in power.
In Kosovo no-one cares what you say. Listening to you saying kosovo remaing serbia is like listening to France saying Canada is part of France. I can see the solution for north Mitrovica is coming by Thaçi and that is no difference from the one in Croatia as serbs only know the force not dialog. World has seen that now so leave it to us.
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
Dardania also said,The world "should leave it to us" the albanians to solve the KiM issue. You are the one's that need help from the world. either to protect you or feed you. A truly dependent society.
If you ask me there is nothing more to talk about. Serbia has made it absolutely clear that (for now) it will never recognise an independent Kosovo, which is exactly what the Albanians are seeking. A two state solution (North to the Serbs and the rest to the Albanians) is what Serbia could settle for but will not be accepted by either the international community nor the Albanians.
This stale mate is likely to drag on for years, maybe generations, maybe even forever. It will not do any one any good, it is a loose-loose situation and for what? Pride for the Serbs and greed for the Albanians. Both are a high price to pay for a sour situation which could be settled if only common sense prevailed.
The EU simply should end the talks with Serbia, because Serbia is not capable to hold honest negotiations. The way Serbias handled this matter is redicules. It comes with maxium demands, has it ridicules 'platform' passed by its governement before the talks start, and says this is the minimum is will settle for. Where do they guys live? They want something, and they have to give, and not remain on their max positions, and than say, nobody else moves. Serbia has made no concessions so far, and the EU simply should stop all talks with Serbia until it gets a grip of the reality on the ground. Bye-bye Serbia, go back to the middle ages, and play your games wherever you want, but not with us.
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
(Robert1899, 26 March 2013 12:01)
Robert,
Everyone can see your statement is a total misrepresentation of Dardania's comment. Who is "ingenious" now!
The problem lies with the EU itself. The fact that EU does not have a universal stand in Kosovo or rather the ability to adopt a universal stand in Kosovo it is enabling Serbia to cling to the hopeless illusion that one day it will again rule over Kosovo. The EU has to make it perfectly clear to Serbia that it has lost Kosovo forever and if Serbia wishes to join the civilized world then it has no choice but to recognize Kosovo and behave like a good neighbor. Notice Tomo's key words and phrases "big countries" illuding to Germany, France and England. Clearly Serbia is feeding on the inability of the EU to come up with a united stand in Kosovo and exploiting this loophole to the max.
Until the EU comes up with a joint stand on Kosovo Serbia will continue to behave like a big bully towards Kosovo. Serbia with the indirect support of Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Rumania and Cyprus continues to keep the seeds of the conflict firmly planted on the ground.
NATO and Prishtina are perfectly aware of this. Such a shame that in this day and age Serbia is unable to find a charismatic leader capable of recognizing the past and changing the future.
The EU simply should end the talks with Serbia, because Serbia is not capable to hold honest negotiations"
Somebody from "Germany" knows whats going on behind closed doors? Ok, possibly the Serbs are not following the orders from Berlin sometimes.
Possibly have some people after the events in Greece or Cyprus no the feeling the hisory comes backfor Germany. Such wrong thinking has no future.
If solution is found Serbia and Kosovo can focus on Security, Stability and Economic growth both the people of Kosovo and Serbia win.
If status quo continuous both Serbia and Kosovo lose.
With an average of 10 recognitions per year Kosovo will get UN seat in the next 2 to 3 years, Serbia will have no say in Kosovo any way.
My question is why hold people back for the next 2 to 3 years
Frankly I can not be bothered to read Serbian president's statement because to my opinion he is a waste of time polititian. With this kind of leader Serbia IS NOT ready to EU. To make my point in his mind he has been asked to choose between Kosovo and EU. He doesnt have that luxary to choose and he can not get it. He still need visa to visit Kosovo and still can not get it.
Kosovo's status will be settled once VS is back in Kosovo.
It may take a few years but it will eventually happen & the Yanks & Germans will have to shut up about it once and for all.
(trizo, 26 March 2013 14:10)
You can dream but it is an unhealthy dream as it will never come true.
The thing Nikolic and co. can not understand is it is not a choice of EU or Kosovo it is a choice of EU or no EU. The decision for Kosovo is not one of Serbia's choosing. They can make the path rugged but they cannot change the direction. They are not in control and never will be again. It is time to start deciding what is best for Serbia in real terms.
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
Serbian strategy so clear like made from child.
1. Beg for money.
2. Join EU - to beg more money
3. Sell Kosovo dream of 1389 to poor voters while steal all loans.
The decision for Kosovo is not one of Serbia's choosing. They can make the path rugged but they cannot change the direction. They are not in control and never will be again. It is time to start deciding what is best for Serbia in real terms.
(pss, 26 March 2013 15:00)
Well you can say its not, but it kinda is. Why else is the CDU party of Germany pressuring Serbia to let the KLA have a UN seat?! Why are these negotiations happening in the first place? Why was Serbia pressured to change its UN resolution as well as support exchanging UNMIK to EULEX. These were stupid moves that helped your side no doubt, but the point is it was Serbia's doing, or at least the Serbian governments.
The reality is as our fake German Albanian friend Willi Pfaff says, these negotiations should be ceased. Which is completely fine because there is nothing in the EU for Serbia as it is.
And if they were to stop today: Serbia would still be a universally recognized country. Kosovo i Metohija will be a partially recognized disputed territory/frozen conflict. And unsuspecting Western taxpayers will still fund the lives of the KLA in Pristina...for now.
The cards are in Serbia's favor if its government decides EU membership is not worth pursuing. Which even if this Kosovo i Metohija problem didn't exist, it still shouldn't join.
Dardania said,"France says Canada is part of France."He must have been quoting his albanian textbook. These are the ingenious people the Balkans are dealing with.
(Robert1899, 26 March 2013 12:01)
If your english is below required standards to read and understand a newspaper in english, than you should at least stay away from comments. I would suggest that you find a translator somewhere and get accurate translation of my text, only then you will understand how lost you are in this world. Hope Nicolic and Dacic have better translators than you however this does give indications why serbia never makes sense on anything.
When asked if this was the Ahtisaari plan, he said that "the international community bases their views not on a plan, but on the position of big countries."
The answers from Nikolic are showing that he will or can not answer to simple questions. "Big countries", such a phras you would never hear in Western countries. It is the slave atitude. Serbia doesnt know what is to do or what are his future ways. It is more comfortable for Nkolic to take excuses conerning "big countries". So he must be no responsible. And the EU seems in Serbia in this situation with a deep crisis like the new god.
"Kosovo issue won't be resolved based on Ahtisaari plan", OK, this said Vulin and not Nikolic.
Nikolic is changing only the name, its now an idea of "great countries" and for him acceptable.
Ashton has offered in the last round in Brussels an Eight-point plan only with genreal principles, this will be signed in principle on April 2nd without any details, the Serbs will remove the courts etc from Kosovo and the Serbs there will a little bit demonstrate and later see that nobody is more here for their protection, step by step KFOR/EULEX and Prishtina will take over, for a period the Serbs can have some little rights, the population on the ground will be ethnically changed and the Serb "community" goes to the waste, Belgrade will be not un-happy like in the Kraijna-case or Sarajevo-deal. These Serbs are only disturbing the business., the parlaiment in Belgrade will accept the deal, Nikolic made it clear in his limited understanding of historic developments: the EU is the fate for the Serbs, but on this way Serbia will forever be connected with Prishtina, if Prishtina is against something it will like now block the Serbs, but inside the EU nobody would like to admit this strange couple Belgrade-Prishtina, Belgrade has to fullfill all demands from Prishtina via Brussels and Belgarde will be pressed towards NATO as well without becoming a member, Western media were praising Croation for the atmosphere of the soccer game in Zagreb: no joke
you know what, its not even 'Kosovo' or EU its a lot starker than that, its Kosova or democracy. Most Serbs on this forum have this vision of Kosova as some sort of cradle, as this holy place full of Serbia knights and history. forget all that, Kosova is the name for a geographical location. that is all that it is. it is inhabited by Albanians to the tune of 93%. this is the reality of Kosova. you will not get Kosova without those Albanians. so why don't Serbs really make it obvious to themselves here and admit that what they REALLY want is the territory without the people. of course, we're no longer living in the Middle Ages and as such that is NEVER going to happen, so Serbs should ask themselves this; are they prepared to have a Serbia where around 25% of the electorate will be Albanians? that is no small minority. given the fact that, though the K. Albanian birth rate has declined, it is still increasing faster than that of the Serbs, so if current trends continue, within 60 years, Albanians would be a majority in the whole of Serbia. this is what keeping 'Kosovo' really means. forget all that rubbish about Lazar and Obilic, what you would be seeking, is the domination of Serbia by Albanians. so yes, excellent policy, I personally hope you keep at it
Olli, I think that you speak for the most of us. It is for me completely not understandable why Serbian politicians don't ask the people and I say this as an Albanian. Ask the people, my Serbian politicians, and stop hiding behind ink on paper, whether it might be the constitution or that stupid platform. You cannot tip-toe around the most decisive questions forever. Serbia loses with each day more and more. You have to make a stance, in one or the other direction.
However, I believe that you want it this way. You have your cushy chairs and fly to NY whenever you want, while the rest of the countries is in ruins and this even without war.
Then why Tomislav demanded a referendum when he was in opposition? This is so typical. Just Blablabla, but when it comes to make a step, they shy away.
It's quite unbelievable how Serbia can be so indecisive and get weaker day by day."
Who is not knowing a lot is wondering a lot.
The Serb mentality is like it is and every countryhas the persons at the top who are chosen or accepted by the people. Its useless to discuss about it. Serbia which was making years ago only jokes about Albanians is now looking for the "cooperation", possibly "friendship". All this are the typical hopes of the serbs after the lost of all friends. Now the voices within the EU are increasing only to allow Serbia to become an EU-member together with Kosovo. The reason: Serbia should not have the power as EU-member to block Kosovo. But within the EU will with realistic views no chance for Kosovo to become a member, so not for Serbia. Nobody knows what is the future of the EU after in these days UK and also Germany are introducing special rule to stop the immigration of people from Bulgaria/Romania. Thousands of people from Greece and Spain are arriving in Germany or Sweden. The boat is full. Serbia should play one realistic card: time. Under pressure of time it can come only to agrrements whhih are badly for Serbia. Serbia needs first at all new people for its elite in all areas. You can feel it every day that Nikolic an Dacic cannot perform what their duties demand. But Serbia is not the right place for not so young trainees in politics. Serbia should not more wait too long with a new and more realistic way. Otherwise...better not to know
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
I think I may have to have a lie down after posting this as I agree with Ari Gold. It is entirely possible to choose between Kosovo and the EU if one wants to do so; Nikolic clearly doesn't. He wants his cake and eat it giving different messages to different audiences. There is a reality to be faced sooner rather than later; 22 EU members recognise Kosovo and if Serbia wants to join it will have to come to an agreement that these countries are happy with. An acceptance of this reality and the giving of serious consideration to pursuing other avenues must be a priority for Dacic and Nikolic. The EU heavyweights are not going to unrecognise Kosovo and as far as I can see the Prime Minister and President have all the information they need to make a decision about which direction the country should go.
Ari Gold, 26 March 2013 16:10)
Everything you listed only proves my point, Serbia can make the path rugged(causing problems) but it cannot change the direction. Nothing Serbia has or can do will bring Kosovo back under Serbian rule.
Now yes it would be easier if Serbia agrees to an independent Kosovo. Russia can block a UN seat the same as right now it is the US blocking Palestine. But Russia can change its mind especially if it needs to teach Serbia a lesson for getting out of line or it wants to deal with the west on some dire issue. But as said before UN membership is icing on the cake and not the defining act.
""There is no substantial independence of Kosovo without a UN Security Council decision," he noted, and added that "there, it is impossible to open the door to Kosovo for membership in the world organization.""
He finally is seeing the reality on the ground, except for this last statement. The problem for Serbia with the statement above, is not to convince Serbia that the statement above is true (Serbs, in any case, are well known buyers of any nonsense sold to them), but to convince Kosovo that (i) being under Serbia and without UN membership is better than (ii) being without UN mebership !!!!! And certainly 100 countries have not waited for UNSC's decision which, in any case, has not, will not and cannot recognize a country.
Ukraine was a UN member for 45 years - it did not make it very independent from the Soviet Union. At the same time, Switzerland was not a UN member, but was very much independent. Serbia places much value on formalities instead of realities on the ground and wants others to be that stupid, as well :)
To me this is clear. Kosovo is, and will remain part of Serbia. Serbia is in Europe, and if after E we don’t get U it’s not a big deal since it’s only a letter. And, of course, it is rotten even to think that Serbia should choose between EU and Kosovo.
(MARY, 26 March 2013 23:14
Maybe it is time to consider cataract surgery as you are not seeing as clearly as you think you are.
President Nikolic is right. Kosovo is part of Serbia. Yes it is currently under occupation by ethnic Albanians and NATO. This isn't the first time bad guys tried to take it from Serbia. Probably isn't the last time.
Bring on the table the paper that the EU, the USA and the rest designed. Let people read it. Discuss about it in medias, on the streets and in each home. Listen to what Kosovo Serbs say about it. And then go to poll. The majority rules will it be yes or no. PEOPLE must take responsibility.
It's sickening that people complain about its politicians when they are so passive themselves. Where's the Serbian civil society? Where are public demonstrations of opinion? Where's the bold nation to do this or that way?
It's quite unbelievable how Serbia can be so indecisive and get weaker day by day. Again I remember what my wife's grandfather told me shortly before Oluja in Krajina: from all peoples in the Balkans Serbs have least political skills and understanding. Shortly after that he ran for his life. But died.
You need balls either to agree to the deal (that you don't like) or to say no to it. Neither is taking place.
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