Unofficial text of proposed Kosovo agreement

Looks like a win for Albanians, also i dont see any mention of kosovo forces not allowed in north...Really cant believe they've been negotiating for years and they only can come up with 2 pages,just buying a car they make u sign 20 pages..unbelievable

Again they Serbian side caved. No RS in Kosovo. No legislative or executive powers for the municipalities. LOL told you guys the last one was just a red herring. Now Kosovo can argue with anyone that if they dont disagree to Eu entry that goes for UN too.

Most important lets see peace and harmony in the Balkans we have much more in common then we like to think

Number 11 says it all-
11. "Municipal elections shall be organized in the northern municipalities in 2013 with the facilitation of the OSCE in accordance with Kosovo law and international standards."

Looks like Kosovo law is the law that will decide in the Northern part of Kosovo too. Sorry serbs...

Looks like reality is getting into the heads of serbian leaders.

This is an astonishing total victory for thaci. Serbs and Belgrade got nothing at all. Was this thaci's proposal? serbia just signed thaci's wish list. There is no evidence of any compromise here. Congratulations kosova! Lol. All Serbs should learn Albanian. Kosova Was just recognized by Serbia.

The Serb leadership in the North are now being fitted for their straight jackets. They won't have a centimeter to maneuver with this agreement. What a resounding defeat and sellout this agreement has turned out to be for the Serbs.

bad agreement for serbia..im serbian..and i admit they sure did cave. this is in essence recognition..sry..read it. horrible..hopefully nikolic dsnt sign.

my first congrats go to the skippys, at least the internet-talibs hanging out here ...

we're entering the sixth year of defacto-recognition by serbia, aren't we ?

you can say a lot (mainly rude) things about them, but they aren't giving up a dream ... well ... fast ... :-)

second congrats to vucic: not just that he feeds them with shit out of his right hand, he makes them lick the hand clean ...

priceless: the republic of serbia allows brussels to take kosovo as member & allows kosovo to become member ...

Thinking about Serbs in Northern Kosovo... This agreement more or less betrays them. As well it's a proof that Kosovo Albanians commenting here were absolutely wrong. In opposite of their comments Serbia has made a big concessions.

I would like to know the conditions for joining the EU? I am sure but would like to have clarification that to join you have to be a country. As it stands at the moment Kosovo is not a country! Until they have recognition by the UN they cant even join UEFA.

Just some food for thought.

Sounds like a wonderful agreement, congractulations serbia! you finally got what you wanted don't say a word about EU or germany any more !

what's changed for the twice-as-many Serbs who live south of the Ibar who don't seem to have much trouble with these 'terrorist albanians'
(Danilo, 20 April 2013 23:55)

Speaking of the short bus....another idiotic statement from our dear genius Danilo. What do you think would happen to those Serbs south of the Ibar if they had no protection from international forces?? Do you think they'd be able to go shopping, go to church, speak Serbian openly in public?? Let me tell you what would happen, they'd be gone in a matter of hours, gone - either killed or ethnicaly cleansed. Which I'm sure is what a see-hating Serb like you would want. You're a disgrace. Learn something from another Canadian Serb who has done something useful with his life, unlike you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nHWsWOgtiw&noredirect=1

Finally they put something on paper. Last proposal must be so shameful that it was probably the reason EU didn’t want to publish it. So Vucic was right by refusing that offer.

I'm not sure what most of the commentators are smoking here, but please have a close look at the key point :

14. It is agreed that neither side will block, or encourage others to block, the other side's progress in the respective EU paths.

So, this means that Serbia will block, and continue to block, Kosovo getting a UN seat. Which means it's not a country :) . And you albos think this is victory? You guys are a joke....lol. Keep living in your fantasyland. I knew Germany would cave, and they caved huge! Germany wants Serbia inside their undemocratic club so that they can control them, and Serbia should reject this again, and they'll get even better terms next time. Call their bluff.

Cheers!!

'Sorry, did not understand... So, even if all countries were to decide that Kosovo is a country, Russia can still veto it? So, what is Russia waiting to veto the 100 countries which have already decided that Kosovo is a country and reverse those countries' decisions? '

Russia can block , and is blocking, the fake, immoral , fictitious and illegal 'state' of Kosovo from getting a UN seat. This means it's not a country, and never will be. Comprendes Mendes?

Cheers!!

(Comm. Parrisson, 20 April 2013 14:52)

Yes this is where western so called 'experts' have shown that htey have no clue, so I will try to spell it out for you people so that it may finaly get through your uber thick skulls. Russians and Serbs are not only friends and allies, we are also ethnic cousins. Think of it as family.
In other words, all Serbia has to do is say - 'Hey bro, please make sure that you block Kosovo getting a UN seat'. To which Russia will reply - 'Gladly bro, and with pleasure. We've always got your back'.

Also, even if every single country in the UN recognizes the fake, illegal, and immoral 'state' of Kosovo, Russia can still block with their veto :). Got it?? Kosovo will never, ever, become a country. Deal with THAT reality.

Cheers!!

judas

Dear Albanians,
This may go your way but eventually Serbs will have the last laugh. We've overcome everything coming our way since the 1800's and this won't stop us from claiming what is rightfully ours. This is not the end of this and you know it.

@(krajani montenegro, 19 April 2013 23:08)
Looks like a win for Albanians, also i dont see any mention of kosovo forces not allowed in north...Really cant believe they've been negotiating for years and they only can come up with 2 pages,just buying a car they make u sign 20 pages..unbelievable

There will be no winners neither losers. Kosovo can not send their military forces in the Northern Kosovo, and NATO forces will be obligated for keeping the situation under control. This agreement is good move for unblocking Kosovo, but also appreciates the right of Serbians to decide how do they want to develop their society.

The Irony is that is Serbia recognises Kosovo which in fact they have done it will only make Kosovo and Serbia have better relations and Kosovo will be more open to Serbia and vice versa, this will lead to EU membership for both which will erase the borders of former Yugoslavia and everything will be as it was 20 years ago regarding to borders. This only make me think how unnecessary all the wars and disputes have been. waste of lifes, time and money

hose elections you think will operate within the framework of Kosovo? Yeah, well here's the thing: that goes towards electing members of the Serbian Assembly. It had as much to do with the framework of Kosovo as elections in RS have to do with the framework of Bosnia.

Legislative and executive powers for something strongly resembling RS. If this is a sign that Serbia "caved", you better thank the Illyrian gods that Serbia "triumphed" :)
(Balkan Anthropologist, 20 April 2013 06:54)

All that means is that they will be allowed to vote their own mayor. LOL AS ong as you cant make laws, pass laws and have the right to veto then guess what you have no power.

But just like anything keep spinning it.

Ari Gold, Peggy and MikeC looks like you lost big time.

Again they Serbian side caved. No RS in Kosovo. No legislative or executive powers for the municipalities. LOL told you guys the last one was just a red herring. Now Kosovo can argue with anyone that if they dont disagree to Eu entry that goes for UN too.
(UNE, 19 April 2013 21:20)

Hmmm: "In accordance with the competences given by the European Charter of Local Self Government and Kosovo law the participating municipalities shall be entitled to cooperate in exercising their powers through the Community/Association collectively. The Association/Community will have full overview of the areas of economic development, education, health, urban and rural planning."

You either didn't read, you read something else, or you can't read at all.

Those elections you think will operate within the framework of Kosovo? Yeah, well here's the thing: that goes towards electing members of the Serbian Assembly. It had as much to do with the framework of Kosovo as elections in RS have to do with the framework of Bosnia.

Legislative and executive powers for something strongly resembling RS. If this is a sign that Serbia "caved", you better thank the Illyrian gods that Serbia "triumphed" :)

This is exactly what the Ahtissari plan envisioned, Everything ties up to "Kosova's laws"! Nothing in the text, mentions anything about Serbian run structures, laws & rules! Although, one minor difference is seen here, the way the wording has been re-structured! Nothing for the Serbs to be upset about here? The international community has, since 2008 made it quite clear, northern Kosova shall remain a part of sovereign Kosova! Yes the Serbs will have extensive rights, but this is exactly what the democratic Kosova should be!!!
Great job, prime minister H. Thaci! For a person with limited political experiences, I must admit you did alright! Althogh, you should have made the Presevo vally issue, one of the priorities within the dialog?

All that means is that they will be allowed to vote their own mayor. LOL AS ong as you cant make laws, pass laws and have the right to veto then guess what you have no power.
(Une, 20 April 2013 15:37)

Try paying attention for once. It was never agreed that a Serbian Assembly would have veto powers over Pristina in the way RS does. The agreement allowed a Serbian Assembly to pass their own laws and regulate their own affairs either in tandem with Pristina or with the ability to ammend/veto anything from Pristina at the local level. This was already encapsulated in the Ahtisaari Plan, which Albanians didn't like. With additional powers and a legislature to add, that means Serbian affairs stay only within the ten municipalities. Albanians can do whatever they like in the rest of Kosovo, while Serbs can manage their own affairs locally. Sure, you can think this operates under a "framework" of Kosovo law, but as I said, that has about as much weight as Bosnian law for RS.

You're effectively cheering for the exact conditions Serbs wanted years ago over Kosovo and no one believed would work. Sorry my friend, Thaci just signed away large parts of his "country" to what is for all intents and purposes an internationally recognized parallel system - just without the veto powers to give it equal footing with Pristina :)

"Ari Gold, Peggy and MikeC looks like you lost big time."

Mendo

How could we loose something we haven't had in 12 years? The important thing is that serbs in the north will be able to continue living their lives free of terrorist albanians. That's good enough for me.

I am pleased by the fact that Serbs in Kosovo will be protected. They lived in constant horror terrorist attacks and now have got the possibility of peaceful life and development. We mustnt forget that a lot of people have been killed in the last decade and hope that wll not happen again.

Also, even if every single country in the UN recognizes the fake, illegal, and immoral 'state' of Kosovo, Russia can still block with their veto :). Got it?? Kosovo will never, ever, become a country. Deal with THAT reality.
Cheers!!
(Dragan, 20 April 2013 18:16)

Sorry, did not understand... So, even if all countries were to decide that Kosovo is a country, Russia can still veto it? So, what is Russia waiting to veto the 100 countries which have already decided that Kosovo is a country and reverse those countries' decisions?

Cheers!!

Wow just wow.

Game set and match for Hash and Belgrade folded like a wet blanket and for what?

Well absolutely nothing. You can pretty much guess how the K-Serbs are feeling right now and it sure aint elation. I cant blame them for feeling sold out. They got nothing in return and Belgrade sold them down the river for nothing in return.

Kosova 1 Serbia 0 at full time with Hash scoring the winner in stoppage time.

Its over.

Im sure the European union is happy to not have to deal with Serbs and Albanian anymore.

Serbia has won!Why has the opposition in Pristina protested if Kosovo Albanians won? What objections has Taci received after his arrival in Pristina? As I heard a minute ago, some citizens accused Taci for treason and incompetency.

"I would like to know the conditions for joining the EU? I am sure but would like to have clarification that to join you have to be a country. As it stands at the moment Kosovo is not a country! Until they have recognition by the UN they cant even join UEFA.

Just some food for thought.
(Niko, 19 April 2013 21:52) "

'14. It is agreed that neither side will block, or encourage others to block, the other side’s progress in their respective EU path.'

UN membership is required for EU membership, Serbia cannot block or encourage others to block, Kosovo's progress in its EU path, therefore Serbia cannot block Kosovo's UN membership. Or ask Russia to veto it.

Looks like a win for Albanians, also i dont see any mention of kosovo forces not allowed in north
(krajani montenegro, 19 April 2013 23:08)

That's a separate agreement with NATO :)

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2013&mm=04&dd=19&nav_id=85793

Dacic had a good day today :)

reading this agreement, you wonder why it took so long to achieve it. Serbia basically carved in in the end becuase it realized that without the EU money, which will come now, the country was not able to survive. It is still a good deal for Serbia, but only another step to come to terms with its past, and face reality. Serbia has to change if it will have a future within Western Europe, and this agreement is only the beginning. Changes have to take place in the way people are thinking, in the way they see their own countries role in the Balkan environment as well as in the european context.

I hope this agreement will be the start of a reconciliation process, but still have my doubts that serbs in Northern Kosovo will play along.

"14. It is agreed that neither side will block, or encourage others to block, the other side's progress in the respective EU paths.

So, this means that Serbia will block, and continue to block, Kosovo getting a UN seat. Which means it's not a country :) "
(Dragan, 20 April 2013 03:34)

Really funny that some Serbs think they have/had any power to block Kosovo becoming an UN member. Sorry, there are only two obstacles for that: China and Russia! In case they don't agree to an UN membership application in the UNSC, Kosovo can forget about it. A majority in the UN assembly should be the smaller problem, but a consensus in the UNSC is required.

For me, article 14. is based on the following scenario: Let's suppose Serbia becomes an EU member in 2020. If Kosovo one fine day (say, in 2030) finally manages to adapt to basic standards (fighting the corruption and crime, especially the drug mafia clans where the Pristina politicians come from, stopping manipulating elections, implementing EU standards ...) and wants to become an EU member, Serbia is not allowed to block it.

hose elections you think will operate within the framework of Kosovo? Yeah, well here's the thing: that goes towards electing members of the Serbian Assembly. It had as much to do with the framework of Kosovo as elections in RS have to do with the framework of Bosnia.

Legislative and executive powers for something strongly resembling RS. If this is a sign that Serbia "caved", you better thank the Illyrian gods that Serbia "triumphed" :)
(Balkan Anthropologist, 20 April 2013 06:54)

LOL where does it say in the agreement that the goverment of Kosovo agrees that the KSF will not go north?
Where does it say that the association is allowed to pass and execute laws.
Where does it say that they are allowed to veto anything.
Where does it say that they are allowed to have their own judiciary outside of the laws of the Kosovo republic.
This is Ahtisari plan plus (fact that they wont block each other in integration)

Anthropologisty it is time to look past the past and towards the future. Good neighboorly relations and good will will be the only ting that will take Ballkan out from the muck that thousands of years of silly clan like mentality have out us in.
So cheers with a glass of raki ( i cant drink I am on call) but you can have 2 one for me

MikeC you are totally completely wrong in every way. Serbia agreed to a deal to where serbs in kosova now have absolutely no autonomy on anything. It is all dictated to them by pristina. They can't even elect their own police chief! They are appointed by Pristina!! They got nothing. ALl rules will be written by Pristina. Serbs got nothing. In fact after reading this deal I am sure all of them will leave.

This is pretty good agreement for Serbs considering circumstances. There is high level of protection for Serbian communities while Serbia is not required to (formally) recognise Kosovo. It is similar to China-Taiwan relationship meaning that Serbia will always have a legal/moral grounds to take back the territory (like China), if/when it can of course. I am surprised that EU/USA allowed this to happen and it seems to me that there are some recent shifts that I did not expect (like Perisic being declared innocent).

I would like to know the conditions for joining the EU? I am sure but would like to have clarification that to join you have to be a country. As it stands at the moment Kosovo is not a country! Until they have recognition by the UN they cant even join UEFA.

Just some food for thought.
(Niko, 19 April 2013 21:52)

You are right that it is almost certainly necessary for a country to be part of the UN to join the EU. Therefore, the next step on Kosovo's path to join the EU is to get UN membership. Thankfully, Serbia seems to be agreeing not to block UN membership, since it is a necessary part of the path to EU membership...

"Russia can block , and is blocking, the fake, immoral..."

-- Hello everyone we have finally found the moral police. You can stop searching now.

This document allows for the Post-UDI laws in the NORTH?! Are they crazy for signing this?!?

"The important thing is that serbs in the north will be able to continue living their lives free of terrorist albanians"

what's changed for the twice-as-many Serbs who live south of the Ibar who don't seem to have much trouble with these 'terrorist albanians'

What do you think would happen to those Serbs south of the Ibar if they had no protection from international forces?? Do you think they'd be able to go shopping, go to church, speak Serbian openly in public?? Let me tell you what would happen, they'd be gone in a matter of hours, gone - either killed or ethnicaly cleansed.
(Dragan, 21 April 2013 17:01)

Serbs in the South are not staying because of the protection of the international forces. As the Serb patriots in these forums have repeatedly pointed out, the international forces are not neutral (neutral meaning as supporting the Serbs).

I know you believe what you wrote to be true, Dragane.

It's just that it doesn't quite mesh with reality. I know lots of Serbs that travel back and forth between Kosovo (they are from there) and they don't get lynched on the street for speaking Serbian.

Nor did I when I visited. At first I was shy because of stories like yours, so I'd start with english. Then, after struggling with terrible english I'd say, "I can also speak Serbian". In 100% of the circumstances, they happily switched to Serbian and we'd continue. After a few days, I dropped the English and went straight to Serbian.

So, my personal experience don't match your horror stories.

Because of that, it sounds like typical Serbian nationalist hysteria to me.

Feel free to present evidence to the contrary.

Sounds like a wonderful agreement, congractulations serbia! you finally got what you wanted don't say a word about EU or germany any more !

Again they Serbian side caved. No RS in Kosovo. No legislative or executive powers for the municipalities. LOL told you guys the last one was just a red herring. Now Kosovo can argue with anyone that if they dont disagree to Eu entry that goes for UN too.

Most important lets see peace and harmony in the Balkans we have much more in common then we like to think

This is an astonishing total victory for thaci. Serbs and Belgrade got nothing at all. Was this thaci's proposal? serbia just signed thaci's wish list. There is no evidence of any compromise here. Congratulations kosova! Lol. All Serbs should learn Albanian. Kosova Was just recognized by Serbia.

I would like to know the conditions for joining the EU? I am sure but would like to have clarification that to join you have to be a country. As it stands at the moment Kosovo is not a country! Until they have recognition by the UN they cant even join UEFA.

Just some food for thought.

Number 11 says it all-
11. "Municipal elections shall be organized in the northern municipalities in 2013 with the facilitation of the OSCE in accordance with Kosovo law and international standards."

Looks like Kosovo law is the law that will decide in the Northern part of Kosovo too. Sorry serbs...

Looks like reality is getting into the heads of serbian leaders.

Thinking about Serbs in Northern Kosovo... This agreement more or less betrays them. As well it's a proof that Kosovo Albanians commenting here were absolutely wrong. In opposite of their comments Serbia has made a big concessions.

Finally they put something on paper. Last proposal must be so shameful that it was probably the reason EU didn’t want to publish it. So Vucic was right by refusing that offer.

This is exactly what the Ahtissari plan envisioned, Everything ties up to "Kosova's laws"! Nothing in the text, mentions anything about Serbian run structures, laws & rules! Although, one minor difference is seen here, the way the wording has been re-structured! Nothing for the Serbs to be upset about here? The international community has, since 2008 made it quite clear, northern Kosova shall remain a part of sovereign Kosova! Yes the Serbs will have extensive rights, but this is exactly what the democratic Kosova should be!!!
Great job, prime minister H. Thaci! For a person with limited political experiences, I must admit you did alright! Althogh, you should have made the Presevo vally issue, one of the priorities within the dialog?

my first congrats go to the skippys, at least the internet-talibs hanging out here ...

we're entering the sixth year of defacto-recognition by serbia, aren't we ?

you can say a lot (mainly rude) things about them, but they aren't giving up a dream ... well ... fast ... :-)

second congrats to vucic: not just that he feeds them with shit out of his right hand, he makes them lick the hand clean ...

priceless: the republic of serbia allows brussels to take kosovo as member & allows kosovo to become member ...

Wow just wow.

Game set and match for Hash and Belgrade folded like a wet blanket and for what?

Well absolutely nothing. You can pretty much guess how the K-Serbs are feeling right now and it sure aint elation. I cant blame them for feeling sold out. They got nothing in return and Belgrade sold them down the river for nothing in return.

Kosova 1 Serbia 0 at full time with Hash scoring the winner in stoppage time.

Its over.

"I would like to know the conditions for joining the EU? I am sure but would like to have clarification that to join you have to be a country. As it stands at the moment Kosovo is not a country! Until they have recognition by the UN they cant even join UEFA.

Just some food for thought.
(Niko, 19 April 2013 21:52) "

'14. It is agreed that neither side will block, or encourage others to block, the other side’s progress in their respective EU path.'

UN membership is required for EU membership, Serbia cannot block or encourage others to block, Kosovo's progress in its EU path, therefore Serbia cannot block Kosovo's UN membership. Or ask Russia to veto it.

Dear Albanians,
This may go your way but eventually Serbs will have the last laugh. We've overcome everything coming our way since the 1800's and this won't stop us from claiming what is rightfully ours. This is not the end of this and you know it.

Again they Serbian side caved. No RS in Kosovo. No legislative or executive powers for the municipalities. LOL told you guys the last one was just a red herring. Now Kosovo can argue with anyone that if they dont disagree to Eu entry that goes for UN too.
(UNE, 19 April 2013 21:20)

Hmmm: "In accordance with the competences given by the European Charter of Local Self Government and Kosovo law the participating municipalities shall be entitled to cooperate in exercising their powers through the Community/Association collectively. The Association/Community will have full overview of the areas of economic development, education, health, urban and rural planning."

You either didn't read, you read something else, or you can't read at all.

Those elections you think will operate within the framework of Kosovo? Yeah, well here's the thing: that goes towards electing members of the Serbian Assembly. It had as much to do with the framework of Kosovo as elections in RS have to do with the framework of Bosnia.

Legislative and executive powers for something strongly resembling RS. If this is a sign that Serbia "caved", you better thank the Illyrian gods that Serbia "triumphed" :)

Looks like a win for Albanians, also i dont see any mention of kosovo forces not allowed in north
(krajani montenegro, 19 April 2013 23:08)

That's a separate agreement with NATO :)

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2013&mm=04&dd=19&nav_id=85793

Dacic had a good day today :)

"Ari Gold, Peggy and MikeC looks like you lost big time."

Mendo

How could we loose something we haven't had in 12 years? The important thing is that serbs in the north will be able to continue living their lives free of terrorist albanians. That's good enough for me.

Also, even if every single country in the UN recognizes the fake, illegal, and immoral 'state' of Kosovo, Russia can still block with their veto :). Got it?? Kosovo will never, ever, become a country. Deal with THAT reality.
Cheers!!
(Dragan, 20 April 2013 18:16)

Sorry, did not understand... So, even if all countries were to decide that Kosovo is a country, Russia can still veto it? So, what is Russia waiting to veto the 100 countries which have already decided that Kosovo is a country and reverse those countries' decisions?

Cheers!!

Looks like a win for Albanians, also i dont see any mention of kosovo forces not allowed in north...Really cant believe they've been negotiating for years and they only can come up with 2 pages,just buying a car they make u sign 20 pages..unbelievable

The Irony is that is Serbia recognises Kosovo which in fact they have done it will only make Kosovo and Serbia have better relations and Kosovo will be more open to Serbia and vice versa, this will lead to EU membership for both which will erase the borders of former Yugoslavia and everything will be as it was 20 years ago regarding to borders. This only make me think how unnecessary all the wars and disputes have been. waste of lifes, time and money

reading this agreement, you wonder why it took so long to achieve it. Serbia basically carved in in the end becuase it realized that without the EU money, which will come now, the country was not able to survive. It is still a good deal for Serbia, but only another step to come to terms with its past, and face reality. Serbia has to change if it will have a future within Western Europe, and this agreement is only the beginning. Changes have to take place in the way people are thinking, in the way they see their own countries role in the Balkan environment as well as in the european context.

I hope this agreement will be the start of a reconciliation process, but still have my doubts that serbs in Northern Kosovo will play along.

"14. It is agreed that neither side will block, or encourage others to block, the other side's progress in the respective EU paths.

So, this means that Serbia will block, and continue to block, Kosovo getting a UN seat. Which means it's not a country :) "
(Dragan, 20 April 2013 03:34)

Really funny that some Serbs think they have/had any power to block Kosovo becoming an UN member. Sorry, there are only two obstacles for that: China and Russia! In case they don't agree to an UN membership application in the UNSC, Kosovo can forget about it. A majority in the UN assembly should be the smaller problem, but a consensus in the UNSC is required.

For me, article 14. is based on the following scenario: Let's suppose Serbia becomes an EU member in 2020. If Kosovo one fine day (say, in 2030) finally manages to adapt to basic standards (fighting the corruption and crime, especially the drug mafia clans where the Pristina politicians come from, stopping manipulating elections, implementing EU standards ...) and wants to become an EU member, Serbia is not allowed to block it.

hose elections you think will operate within the framework of Kosovo? Yeah, well here's the thing: that goes towards electing members of the Serbian Assembly. It had as much to do with the framework of Kosovo as elections in RS have to do with the framework of Bosnia.

Legislative and executive powers for something strongly resembling RS. If this is a sign that Serbia "caved", you better thank the Illyrian gods that Serbia "triumphed" :)
(Balkan Anthropologist, 20 April 2013 06:54)

All that means is that they will be allowed to vote their own mayor. LOL AS ong as you cant make laws, pass laws and have the right to veto then guess what you have no power.

But just like anything keep spinning it.

hose elections you think will operate within the framework of Kosovo? Yeah, well here's the thing: that goes towards electing members of the Serbian Assembly. It had as much to do with the framework of Kosovo as elections in RS have to do with the framework of Bosnia.

Legislative and executive powers for something strongly resembling RS. If this is a sign that Serbia "caved", you better thank the Illyrian gods that Serbia "triumphed" :)
(Balkan Anthropologist, 20 April 2013 06:54)

LOL where does it say in the agreement that the goverment of Kosovo agrees that the KSF will not go north?
Where does it say that the association is allowed to pass and execute laws.
Where does it say that they are allowed to veto anything.
Where does it say that they are allowed to have their own judiciary outside of the laws of the Kosovo republic.
This is Ahtisari plan plus (fact that they wont block each other in integration)

Anthropologisty it is time to look past the past and towards the future. Good neighboorly relations and good will will be the only ting that will take Ballkan out from the muck that thousands of years of silly clan like mentality have out us in.
So cheers with a glass of raki ( i cant drink I am on call) but you can have 2 one for me

All that means is that they will be allowed to vote their own mayor. LOL AS ong as you cant make laws, pass laws and have the right to veto then guess what you have no power.
(Une, 20 April 2013 15:37)

Try paying attention for once. It was never agreed that a Serbian Assembly would have veto powers over Pristina in the way RS does. The agreement allowed a Serbian Assembly to pass their own laws and regulate their own affairs either in tandem with Pristina or with the ability to ammend/veto anything from Pristina at the local level. This was already encapsulated in the Ahtisaari Plan, which Albanians didn't like. With additional powers and a legislature to add, that means Serbian affairs stay only within the ten municipalities. Albanians can do whatever they like in the rest of Kosovo, while Serbs can manage their own affairs locally. Sure, you can think this operates under a "framework" of Kosovo law, but as I said, that has about as much weight as Bosnian law for RS.

You're effectively cheering for the exact conditions Serbs wanted years ago over Kosovo and no one believed would work. Sorry my friend, Thaci just signed away large parts of his "country" to what is for all intents and purposes an internationally recognized parallel system - just without the veto powers to give it equal footing with Pristina :)

"The important thing is that serbs in the north will be able to continue living their lives free of terrorist albanians"

what's changed for the twice-as-many Serbs who live south of the Ibar who don't seem to have much trouble with these 'terrorist albanians'

MikeC you are totally completely wrong in every way. Serbia agreed to a deal to where serbs in kosova now have absolutely no autonomy on anything. It is all dictated to them by pristina. They can't even elect their own police chief! They are appointed by Pristina!! They got nothing. ALl rules will be written by Pristina. Serbs got nothing. In fact after reading this deal I am sure all of them will leave.

What do you think would happen to those Serbs south of the Ibar if they had no protection from international forces?? Do you think they'd be able to go shopping, go to church, speak Serbian openly in public?? Let me tell you what would happen, they'd be gone in a matter of hours, gone - either killed or ethnicaly cleansed.
(Dragan, 21 April 2013 17:01)

Serbs in the South are not staying because of the protection of the international forces. As the Serb patriots in these forums have repeatedly pointed out, the international forces are not neutral (neutral meaning as supporting the Serbs).

Ari Gold, Peggy and MikeC looks like you lost big time.

Im sure the European union is happy to not have to deal with Serbs and Albanian anymore.

I'm not sure what most of the commentators are smoking here, but please have a close look at the key point :

14. It is agreed that neither side will block, or encourage others to block, the other side's progress in the respective EU paths.

So, this means that Serbia will block, and continue to block, Kosovo getting a UN seat. Which means it's not a country :) . And you albos think this is victory? You guys are a joke....lol. Keep living in your fantasyland. I knew Germany would cave, and they caved huge! Germany wants Serbia inside their undemocratic club so that they can control them, and Serbia should reject this again, and they'll get even better terms next time. Call their bluff.

Cheers!!

judas

@(krajani montenegro, 19 April 2013 23:08)
Looks like a win for Albanians, also i dont see any mention of kosovo forces not allowed in north...Really cant believe they've been negotiating for years and they only can come up with 2 pages,just buying a car they make u sign 20 pages..unbelievable

There will be no winners neither losers. Kosovo can not send their military forces in the Northern Kosovo, and NATO forces will be obligated for keeping the situation under control. This agreement is good move for unblocking Kosovo, but also appreciates the right of Serbians to decide how do they want to develop their society.

(Comm. Parrisson, 20 April 2013 14:52)

Yes this is where western so called 'experts' have shown that htey have no clue, so I will try to spell it out for you people so that it may finaly get through your uber thick skulls. Russians and Serbs are not only friends and allies, we are also ethnic cousins. Think of it as family.
In other words, all Serbia has to do is say - 'Hey bro, please make sure that you block Kosovo getting a UN seat'. To which Russia will reply - 'Gladly bro, and with pleasure. We've always got your back'.

Also, even if every single country in the UN recognizes the fake, illegal, and immoral 'state' of Kosovo, Russia can still block with their veto :). Got it?? Kosovo will never, ever, become a country. Deal with THAT reality.

Cheers!!

I am pleased by the fact that Serbs in Kosovo will be protected. They lived in constant horror terrorist attacks and now have got the possibility of peaceful life and development. We mustnt forget that a lot of people have been killed in the last decade and hope that wll not happen again.

"Russia can block , and is blocking, the fake, immoral..."

-- Hello everyone we have finally found the moral police. You can stop searching now.

The Serb leadership in the North are now being fitted for their straight jackets. They won't have a centimeter to maneuver with this agreement. What a resounding defeat and sellout this agreement has turned out to be for the Serbs.

bad agreement for serbia..im serbian..and i admit they sure did cave. this is in essence recognition..sry..read it. horrible..hopefully nikolic dsnt sign.

This is pretty good agreement for Serbs considering circumstances. There is high level of protection for Serbian communities while Serbia is not required to (formally) recognise Kosovo. It is similar to China-Taiwan relationship meaning that Serbia will always have a legal/moral grounds to take back the territory (like China), if/when it can of course. I am surprised that EU/USA allowed this to happen and it seems to me that there are some recent shifts that I did not expect (like Perisic being declared innocent).

I would like to know the conditions for joining the EU? I am sure but would like to have clarification that to join you have to be a country. As it stands at the moment Kosovo is not a country! Until they have recognition by the UN they cant even join UEFA.

Just some food for thought.
(Niko, 19 April 2013 21:52)

You are right that it is almost certainly necessary for a country to be part of the UN to join the EU. Therefore, the next step on Kosovo's path to join the EU is to get UN membership. Thankfully, Serbia seems to be agreeing not to block UN membership, since it is a necessary part of the path to EU membership...

Serbia has won!Why has the opposition in Pristina protested if Kosovo Albanians won? What objections has Taci received after his arrival in Pristina? As I heard a minute ago, some citizens accused Taci for treason and incompetency.

This document allows for the Post-UDI laws in the NORTH?! Are they crazy for signing this?!?

'Sorry, did not understand... So, even if all countries were to decide that Kosovo is a country, Russia can still veto it? So, what is Russia waiting to veto the 100 countries which have already decided that Kosovo is a country and reverse those countries' decisions? '

Russia can block , and is blocking, the fake, immoral , fictitious and illegal 'state' of Kosovo from getting a UN seat. This means it's not a country, and never will be. Comprendes Mendes?

Cheers!!

what's changed for the twice-as-many Serbs who live south of the Ibar who don't seem to have much trouble with these 'terrorist albanians'
(Danilo, 20 April 2013 23:55)

Speaking of the short bus....another idiotic statement from our dear genius Danilo. What do you think would happen to those Serbs south of the Ibar if they had no protection from international forces?? Do you think they'd be able to go shopping, go to church, speak Serbian openly in public?? Let me tell you what would happen, they'd be gone in a matter of hours, gone - either killed or ethnicaly cleansed. Which I'm sure is what a see-hating Serb like you would want. You're a disgrace. Learn something from another Canadian Serb who has done something useful with his life, unlike you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nHWsWOgtiw&noredirect=1

I know you believe what you wrote to be true, Dragane.

It's just that it doesn't quite mesh with reality. I know lots of Serbs that travel back and forth between Kosovo (they are from there) and they don't get lynched on the street for speaking Serbian.

Nor did I when I visited. At first I was shy because of stories like yours, so I'd start with english. Then, after struggling with terrible english I'd say, "I can also speak Serbian". In 100% of the circumstances, they happily switched to Serbian and we'd continue. After a few days, I dropped the English and went straight to Serbian.

So, my personal experience don't match your horror stories.

Because of that, it sounds like typical Serbian nationalist hysteria to me.

Feel free to present evidence to the contrary.