PM says "West brought Serbia closer to Russia"

The EU is losing influence in Eastern Europe. They lost Ukraine to the Russians. Russia, China, Turkey and Arab countries are doing more business and getting more influence in Eastern Europe.

More investors, good news for Serbia! That means stable economic situation in the near future. And that also means that the Russia and Serbia still have good relations, which is very important for Serbia.

These statements by the PM of Serbia articulate a bipolar, schizophrenic policy that continues to do extreme damage to the country's geopolitics for over 20 years. Mr. Dacic says that Serbia is looking for a strategic partner in the West too, but no one is interested. Sir, no one is interested in geopolitical blackmails. You have nothing to bargain. Russia on the other hand desperately needs some small local cards to play its global hand.

Russia sells almost all of its gas to Europe (20 % of Europe's needs)by which it maintains a level of GDP per capita that is half of the Greek GDP.

Mr. Dacic. You cannot have the cake and eat it too. The problem is not the West and its interests, but your mentality exposed naked by your very statements. Instead of asking forgiveness for what the state of Serbia has done in the recent past, it chooses blackmail and the keeping up of the pressure in Northern Kosovo or in B&H to achieve some momentary objectives. In the long run Serbia not only will not achieve any of its objectives, but it will spend more and more energy, only to achieve self defeat and victimization.

Keeping all your eggs in one basket is not smart, but keeping them in a rotten one and bragging is even less so. Your priority must not be to keep Kosovo, but not to lose Serbia!

Dacic keep your Russia........

Serbia needs Russia more than the West needs Serbia.

Russian and Serbian people are connected in a very special way, but this project has nothing to do with emotions and brotherly fillings. It's a very important investment, and Russia and Serbia expect economic benefits.

Seems Albanian readers getting edgy about this deal. Their friends the USA and EU are on the way down.
Russia , China, India rising up. Will Thaci’s mouth be big enough this time or has he gulped enough..

From B92 Text: I keep telling the West: Serbia needs a strategic partner in the West too... But, they are not interested at all," Dačić said in an interview.

Why would they (USA) need you as a partner when they already have what they wanted. see below
1. they have Kosovo in control= $ & Power for them (USA)period.
2. Serbia is subdued into submission, and listens to all orders eventually from them already.
3. Financially Serbia like many,which have to rely on loans from various countries and puppet organizations like the IMF. (Which the US has the strongest leverage in. Funny how that works....
4. Serbia is moving in a direction that requires no ship captain.

If you want the attention of the West, you need to 'speak and act in the language they understand. Empower Serbia with a American/Serb who respects his/her cultural and religious history. That person will move in a direction that every power wants to be connected too.
Serbia/(bridge)Russia (bridge)/China / (bridge)Israel (bridge) UAE / and last bridge USA. = Ideas move into actions which drive results.
Who might ask: what idea does Serbia have that can truly bridge this partnership you speak of? That is the answer that is looking everyone in the face.... (not NATO, nor the EU).

Keeping all your eggs in one basket is not smart, but keeping them in a rotten one and bragging is even less so. Your priority must not be to keep Kosovo, but not to lose Serbia!
(Diplomaticus, 25 November 2013 14:15)

Diplomaticus,

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Not surprisingly, we can always count on Serbia making the worst possible decisions for herself since she can't seem to shake off her inherited Ottoman inat she exhibits for her neighbors.

With advisors such as sj, our Malaysian educated financial expert from Australia, Serbia has chosen the kiss of death as far as her economic and political future is concerned. In addition, having faith in Russian support has proven time and again her poor choice of friends. How else can Serbia explain the sad situation she finds herself .

In addition, having faith in Russian support has proven time and again her poor choice of friends. How else can Serbia explain the sad situation she finds herself .
(The Count of Kosova, 25 November 2013 23:05)

Yes just like in WW1 it would have been better occupied by Austria than to be free. Who was it that stuck up for the Serbs?

As Russia, China, India get stronger so will Serbia. But, why the USA, they have voted against prohibiting fascism one of only 3 countries, they are living off printed currency and debt, have overstretched themselves militarily and are fostering ways of creating massive wars around the world, they are breaking the principles of the rule of war when it suits and have been locked out of nearly every central Asian growth area, they have been at the helm of Serbian political power over the last decade as the results show.

Again why the USA at the moment?

(Diplomaticus), what has South Stream and Serbia got to do with anything? Serbia isn't the only country that is taking part in the project. Many are EU countries, also western Europe, are they joining Serbia on some anti-Western plot? Plz tell me.

You are taking any news as an excuse to go on some brain-dead anti-Serbian crusade (or should I call it Jihad for you? Let me know).

(The Count of Kosova, 25 November 2013 23:05)

Well Lord of the Dance, since your Albos have chosen the west pray tell us all what have they done to alleviate Kosovo’s horrendous level of unemployment?
Russia has located its Southstream through Serbia with huge benefits for serbs as it will be the energy hub for that entire region plus cheap gas and the government will earn money. The Chinese have announced a $1 billion Euro investment in Serbia alone. Two US companies have opened business in Serbia recently.
What industries have the west relocated to Kosovo???? Or even better how much investment will be made by the US in Kosova??? Always remember the first rule of boxing - never lead with chin.
And no there are no such thing as money trees so stop looking for them. I was only making a point.
I’m happy that Belgrade listens to my advice.

Yes just like in WW1 it would have been better occupied by Austria than to be free. Who was it that stuck up for the Serbs?
(Not the Sj, 26 November 2013 08:52)

It is true that Russia declared War on Austria-Hungary in Serbia's defence however the UK and France declared War on Germany and Austria-Hungary in Russia's defence. However you ask who stuck up for the Serbs. Well Serbia was military defeated and exhausted by the end of 1915 and the Serbian army had been chased out of Serbia by the Austro-Hungarians and Bulgarians, the remaining elements of the Serbian army were on the Greek Isle of Corfu. It was the UK, France, Italy, Greece and Montenegro which helped liberate Serbia from Bulgarian and Austro-Hungarian occupation in WW1 between 1916 and 1918. The Russians might have joined the war in Serbia's defence, but did they really stick up for Serbia? Yes they had some limited involvement in the Serbian Campaign but not as much as other Allied Forces and they left in 1917 and didn't see it through to the end unlike the UK, France, Greece and Italy.

Diplomaticus: interesting moniker. you're dipolomacy is quite diplomatic. you expect a nation to be both punished and then ask for forgiveness. is not the punishment the penance paid in liu of an apology and acts of forgiveness? thats a rather twisted bully style of diplomacy, a style that is used by big states to not be diplomatic, but to thinly veil their bullying.

So Russia and Serbia are cuddling one another. Now Russia has "one foot" into the EU structure and will most probably "cuddle" a few more eastern European countries too. Oh the stew pot is being stirred, so what are we going to eat tomorrow? Will it be US, Germany or Russian stew? Think i'll relax in the sun and eat a pie.

(Ian, UK, 28 November 2013 12:47)

China does not trade with Kosovo because it does not recognise Kosovo, mate. In fact it is one of two countries that is vetoing Kosovo’s entry into the UN. As I said before what the **** has Kosovo got to trade with China or anyone else?
“metal products, scrap metals, minerals, leather products, machinery, appliances, prepared food...."

This is straight out of the CIA worldbook or better known as US BS. Prepared food????? Then why are your Albanians stealing food from Serbian Monasteries in Kosovo to the point where the monks have had to erect fences to stop this?????
I love that part about exporting textiles – do the Albanians grow their own cotton too? Or is it more like Turkish businessmen and sending semi finished products where they are put together by Albanians in Kosovo much like what they do in Bagladesh?
Money lent to both Hungary and China is at a very cheap rate – 2.5%.
The 3 billion is only “play money” to see if it’s worthwhile investing.
The Chinese have a brilliant record of finishing projects well before time. Yes they will employ local technically skilled people but generally the Chinese do the work. They will source materials locally and that way everyone benefits.
I love how people like you make statements like “.....China isn't doing anyone any favours” .... is the sole benefactor”. What do you think the west does? Hand over everything or make money out of a venture????

That's just fine. dacic can have his love affair w put-in, as they float into the sunset (or hell.) Nazdrovya!

Roberto frisco

(sj, 26 November 2013 23:30)

The unemployment rate in Kosovo was at 47.5% in April 2008 & 45.4% in April 2009, unemployment fell to 40% by April 2010 but grew slightly in 2011 before going back down to 40% by April 2012. In October 2013 Kosovo's unemployment level of stood at 30.9% of Kosovo's total labour force which is 880,000 people.

37% of Kosovo was classed as being in Poverty in 2007 & by 2010 in had dropped to 30% (7% is a lot in 3 years) & it will have decreased further as we're now almost in 2014.

This is why in 2012, Kosovo had a GDP PPP per capita of $7,400 & in 2007 Kosovo it was $1,800.

Which western countries have invested in Kosovo? Avrupa Minerals from Canada is one example. Here in the UK, we imported 140% more goods/ resources in 2012 than we did in 2011, mainly in the agricultural, energy, mining & food processing sectors. Turkey imports a lot Kosovan goods from the textile, metal & meat processing sectors. If you're looking for big US companies, then you won't find any. The US may be Kosovo's ally but Kosovo & the US don't do much trade. Kosovo's main trade partners are Italy, Germany, Turkey, Macedonia, Albania, Greece & CHINA!

sj, if Kosovo's economy is as bad as you're making out, then why is China investing more & more in Kosovo each year? Why would China import goods from Kosovo?

There is a lot of problems with Kosovo's economy, most notably it has a backwards energy sector but that is undergoing a modernisation.

(Ian, UK, 27 November 2013 10:38)

I don’t know where to begin with this rubbish. Ian lay off the sauce mate and stick to what you do best – whatever that is in the UK health system.
Firstly, China has not invested in Kosovo, nor will it do so unless Belgrade approves such investment. Secondly, China does not import from Kosovo; its the other way around as Chinese goods come from Serbia – I should know on both fronts as I work for the Chinese. This 3 billion investment package announced only yesterday in Budapest comes from the bank where I work so I have some idea where its going and not a Euro is heading to Kosova nor Croatia.
Since Kosovo has such a high GDP get Thaci to tell Brussels his secret because the EU doesn not have to fund Kosovo.
Kosovo and the US trading????? What the f**** does Kosovo have to trade with? Mouths to feed?

(sj, 27 November 2013 23:59)

sj, I know you think your some sort of economic guru, but you can't be a very good one.

In 2010, 5% of Kosovo's exports were to China. By 2011 8.9% of Kosovo's exports were to China.

In 2010, 6.3% of Kosovo's imports came from China. By 2011 6.8% of Kosovo's imports came from China.

You don't know what Kosovo has to trade with? But I thought it was your job to know? I'll tell you. Kosovo's main export goods are mining and processed metal products, scrap metals, minerals, leather products, machinery, appliances, prepared food, beverages, wine, tobacco, vegetable products, textiles, live animals, agricultural goods, fuels ect.

You work for some Chinese Bank? You must be a cleaner or on reception at best.

Also I don't know why you're bigging up this so-called '3 billion investment package' (if that's what you want to call it). Hungary and Serbia have been robbed with this so-called 'investment'. China has loaned lots of money to Hungary and Serbia who will have to pay it back at a very high interest rate. As part of the deal they have to employ Chinese workers to construct the railway. It would have been much cheaper and better for the Hungarian and Serbian economies if they were to fund the railway modernisation themselves and use Hungarian and Serbian employees to construct it. China isn't doing anyone any favours with this so-called 'investment', China is the sole benefactor.

Ian UK,

If the Germans hadn’t invaded Belgium, the Brits would have gladly been a spectator. A good synopsis on the attitude can be found here,

http://www.salonikacampaignsociety.org.uk/index.php/about-us/76-campaign
http://www.salonikacampaignsociety.org.uk/index.php/bsf/79-bsf

The Russians ended with an internal front and the reds to contend with which knocked them out of the war. They did stick up for Serbs to their end. That is a bond beyond self-interest. For the Brits Salonika was low priority worth even quitting.

The same scenario in WW2, Chechs get taken over and appeasement after appeasement until self-interest rears its head again. We hear of the great US-English friendship, yet it was all about the Brits handing over everything they had to get the US on deck. The Brits would then even help the partisans in WW2 even after they knew the partisans were preparing to fight an allied invasion on Balkan soil.

Appeasement again of the Germans was a cause of the recent Balkan wars. Again the US & UK sold out, think about it, the Serbs might just be sick and rightfully so of being treated by the West as pawns.

Don’t get me wrong the British soldiers that laid their lives in WW1 will forever be remembered by the Serbs like the Russians, French, Greeks, Italians and so on, but the west in general needs damn new political leadership/sight if it wants to get anywhere close to Russian leadership.

"Empower Serbia with a American/Serb who respects his/her cultural and religious history."
(Johnny, 25 November 2013 18:06)

Yeah, we all saw how well that worked with Milan Panic back in the 90's. Such a person would not last long in Serbia. He/she would simply not have the knowledge and experience of how things are done in this corner of the world. Australian Serbs on the other hand would be perfect.

Sorry to interject but just to provide some points of clarification after reading of your post to Sj,


"unemployment fell to 40% by April 2010 but grew slightly in 2011 before going back down to 40% by April 2012. In October 2013 Kosovo's unemployment level of stood at 30.9% of Kosovo's total labour force which is 880,000 people.”

BS figures, read up on what the financial experts thought of that claim. Youth unemployment is over 60% and almost 80,000 are employed in a so called state funded bureaucratic regime.

--------------

“37% of Kosovo was classed as being in Poverty in 2007 & by 2010 in had dropped to 30% (7% is a lot in 3 years) & it will have decreased further as we're now almost in 2014.”

34.5% live in general poverty & 12.1% in extreme poverty as of 2012. You forgot to add the new additional category extreme poverty.

-------------

“Here in the UK, we imported 140% more goods/ resources in 2012 than we did in 2011, mainly in the agricultural, energy, mining & food processing sectors”

140% increase based on what numerical figure?

(sj, 28 November 2013 22:23)

Just because China doesn't recognise Kosovo doesn't mean it doesn't do trade with businesses in Kosovo. Are you somehow implying that China would have recognise Kosovo before private Chinese businesses can do trade with private businesses in Kosovo? LOL! China considers Kosovo to be legally UN governed. China even has a Liaison office in Pristina which is liaises with the UN and EU in Kosovo and also oversees China's business interests in Kosovo. Perhaps you should give them a ring if you don't believe me. Or you can email them: cnofficeks@gmail.com

How is China vetoing Kosovo at the UN if Kosovo hasn't even applied for UN membership? Kosovo would first have to apply for UN membership before it can be vetoed.

"The Chinese have a brilliant record of finishing projects well before time." Yeh you just have to take a look at all the collapsing buildings, bridges and other infrastructure in China. You can see the quality of the cheap rushed jobs. Haven't you heard the stigma behind "Made in China"? LOL

"What do you think the west does? Hand over everything or make money out of a venture?"

Well the EU is throwing money at Balkan countries, the money is donated (free) to countries like Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. Whereas Russia and China give Serbia "loans". Serbia has so many loans that they're taking out loans to pay back loans. LOL

Now get back to your cleaning job in the bank!

These statements by the PM of Serbia articulate a bipolar, schizophrenic policy that continues to do extreme damage to the country's geopolitics for over 20 years. Mr. Dacic says that Serbia is looking for a strategic partner in the West too, but no one is interested. Sir, no one is interested in geopolitical blackmails. You have nothing to bargain. Russia on the other hand desperately needs some small local cards to play its global hand.

Russia sells almost all of its gas to Europe (20 % of Europe's needs)by which it maintains a level of GDP per capita that is half of the Greek GDP.

Mr. Dacic. You cannot have the cake and eat it too. The problem is not the West and its interests, but your mentality exposed naked by your very statements. Instead of asking forgiveness for what the state of Serbia has done in the recent past, it chooses blackmail and the keeping up of the pressure in Northern Kosovo or in B&H to achieve some momentary objectives. In the long run Serbia not only will not achieve any of its objectives, but it will spend more and more energy, only to achieve self defeat and victimization.

Keeping all your eggs in one basket is not smart, but keeping them in a rotten one and bragging is even less so. Your priority must not be to keep Kosovo, but not to lose Serbia!

Keeping all your eggs in one basket is not smart, but keeping them in a rotten one and bragging is even less so. Your priority must not be to keep Kosovo, but not to lose Serbia!
(Diplomaticus, 25 November 2013 14:15)

Diplomaticus,

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Not surprisingly, we can always count on Serbia making the worst possible decisions for herself since she can't seem to shake off her inherited Ottoman inat she exhibits for her neighbors.

With advisors such as sj, our Malaysian educated financial expert from Australia, Serbia has chosen the kiss of death as far as her economic and political future is concerned. In addition, having faith in Russian support has proven time and again her poor choice of friends. How else can Serbia explain the sad situation she finds herself .

More investors, good news for Serbia! That means stable economic situation in the near future. And that also means that the Russia and Serbia still have good relations, which is very important for Serbia.

The EU is losing influence in Eastern Europe. They lost Ukraine to the Russians. Russia, China, Turkey and Arab countries are doing more business and getting more influence in Eastern Europe.

Dacic keep your Russia........

Serbia needs Russia more than the West needs Serbia.

That's just fine. dacic can have his love affair w put-in, as they float into the sunset (or hell.) Nazdrovya!

Roberto frisco

(The Count of Kosova, 25 November 2013 23:05)

Well Lord of the Dance, since your Albos have chosen the west pray tell us all what have they done to alleviate Kosovo’s horrendous level of unemployment?
Russia has located its Southstream through Serbia with huge benefits for serbs as it will be the energy hub for that entire region plus cheap gas and the government will earn money. The Chinese have announced a $1 billion Euro investment in Serbia alone. Two US companies have opened business in Serbia recently.
What industries have the west relocated to Kosovo???? Or even better how much investment will be made by the US in Kosova??? Always remember the first rule of boxing - never lead with chin.
And no there are no such thing as money trees so stop looking for them. I was only making a point.
I’m happy that Belgrade listens to my advice.

Yes just like in WW1 it would have been better occupied by Austria than to be free. Who was it that stuck up for the Serbs?
(Not the Sj, 26 November 2013 08:52)

It is true that Russia declared War on Austria-Hungary in Serbia's defence however the UK and France declared War on Germany and Austria-Hungary in Russia's defence. However you ask who stuck up for the Serbs. Well Serbia was military defeated and exhausted by the end of 1915 and the Serbian army had been chased out of Serbia by the Austro-Hungarians and Bulgarians, the remaining elements of the Serbian army were on the Greek Isle of Corfu. It was the UK, France, Italy, Greece and Montenegro which helped liberate Serbia from Bulgarian and Austro-Hungarian occupation in WW1 between 1916 and 1918. The Russians might have joined the war in Serbia's defence, but did they really stick up for Serbia? Yes they had some limited involvement in the Serbian Campaign but not as much as other Allied Forces and they left in 1917 and didn't see it through to the end unlike the UK, France, Greece and Italy.

Sorry to interject but just to provide some points of clarification after reading of your post to Sj,


"unemployment fell to 40% by April 2010 but grew slightly in 2011 before going back down to 40% by April 2012. In October 2013 Kosovo's unemployment level of stood at 30.9% of Kosovo's total labour force which is 880,000 people.”

BS figures, read up on what the financial experts thought of that claim. Youth unemployment is over 60% and almost 80,000 are employed in a so called state funded bureaucratic regime.

--------------

“37% of Kosovo was classed as being in Poverty in 2007 & by 2010 in had dropped to 30% (7% is a lot in 3 years) & it will have decreased further as we're now almost in 2014.”

34.5% live in general poverty & 12.1% in extreme poverty as of 2012. You forgot to add the new additional category extreme poverty.

-------------

“Here in the UK, we imported 140% more goods/ resources in 2012 than we did in 2011, mainly in the agricultural, energy, mining & food processing sectors”

140% increase based on what numerical figure?

Seems Albanian readers getting edgy about this deal. Their friends the USA and EU are on the way down.
Russia , China, India rising up. Will Thaci’s mouth be big enough this time or has he gulped enough..

(Ian, UK, 27 November 2013 10:38)

I don’t know where to begin with this rubbish. Ian lay off the sauce mate and stick to what you do best – whatever that is in the UK health system.
Firstly, China has not invested in Kosovo, nor will it do so unless Belgrade approves such investment. Secondly, China does not import from Kosovo; its the other way around as Chinese goods come from Serbia – I should know on both fronts as I work for the Chinese. This 3 billion investment package announced only yesterday in Budapest comes from the bank where I work so I have some idea where its going and not a Euro is heading to Kosova nor Croatia.
Since Kosovo has such a high GDP get Thaci to tell Brussels his secret because the EU doesn not have to fund Kosovo.
Kosovo and the US trading????? What the f**** does Kosovo have to trade with? Mouths to feed?

Russian and Serbian people are connected in a very special way, but this project has nothing to do with emotions and brotherly fillings. It's a very important investment, and Russia and Serbia expect economic benefits.

Diplomaticus: interesting moniker. you're dipolomacy is quite diplomatic. you expect a nation to be both punished and then ask for forgiveness. is not the punishment the penance paid in liu of an apology and acts of forgiveness? thats a rather twisted bully style of diplomacy, a style that is used by big states to not be diplomatic, but to thinly veil their bullying.

(Diplomaticus), what has South Stream and Serbia got to do with anything? Serbia isn't the only country that is taking part in the project. Many are EU countries, also western Europe, are they joining Serbia on some anti-Western plot? Plz tell me.

You are taking any news as an excuse to go on some brain-dead anti-Serbian crusade (or should I call it Jihad for you? Let me know).

In addition, having faith in Russian support has proven time and again her poor choice of friends. How else can Serbia explain the sad situation she finds herself .
(The Count of Kosova, 25 November 2013 23:05)

Yes just like in WW1 it would have been better occupied by Austria than to be free. Who was it that stuck up for the Serbs?

As Russia, China, India get stronger so will Serbia. But, why the USA, they have voted against prohibiting fascism one of only 3 countries, they are living off printed currency and debt, have overstretched themselves militarily and are fostering ways of creating massive wars around the world, they are breaking the principles of the rule of war when it suits and have been locked out of nearly every central Asian growth area, they have been at the helm of Serbian political power over the last decade as the results show.

Again why the USA at the moment?

(sj, 26 November 2013 23:30)

The unemployment rate in Kosovo was at 47.5% in April 2008 & 45.4% in April 2009, unemployment fell to 40% by April 2010 but grew slightly in 2011 before going back down to 40% by April 2012. In October 2013 Kosovo's unemployment level of stood at 30.9% of Kosovo's total labour force which is 880,000 people.

37% of Kosovo was classed as being in Poverty in 2007 & by 2010 in had dropped to 30% (7% is a lot in 3 years) & it will have decreased further as we're now almost in 2014.

This is why in 2012, Kosovo had a GDP PPP per capita of $7,400 & in 2007 Kosovo it was $1,800.

Which western countries have invested in Kosovo? Avrupa Minerals from Canada is one example. Here in the UK, we imported 140% more goods/ resources in 2012 than we did in 2011, mainly in the agricultural, energy, mining & food processing sectors. Turkey imports a lot Kosovan goods from the textile, metal & meat processing sectors. If you're looking for big US companies, then you won't find any. The US may be Kosovo's ally but Kosovo & the US don't do much trade. Kosovo's main trade partners are Italy, Germany, Turkey, Macedonia, Albania, Greece & CHINA!

sj, if Kosovo's economy is as bad as you're making out, then why is China investing more & more in Kosovo each year? Why would China import goods from Kosovo?

There is a lot of problems with Kosovo's economy, most notably it has a backwards energy sector but that is undergoing a modernisation.

From B92 Text: I keep telling the West: Serbia needs a strategic partner in the West too... But, they are not interested at all," Dačić said in an interview.

Why would they (USA) need you as a partner when they already have what they wanted. see below
1. they have Kosovo in control= $ & Power for them (USA)period.
2. Serbia is subdued into submission, and listens to all orders eventually from them already.
3. Financially Serbia like many,which have to rely on loans from various countries and puppet organizations like the IMF. (Which the US has the strongest leverage in. Funny how that works....
4. Serbia is moving in a direction that requires no ship captain.

If you want the attention of the West, you need to 'speak and act in the language they understand. Empower Serbia with a American/Serb who respects his/her cultural and religious history. That person will move in a direction that every power wants to be connected too.
Serbia/(bridge)Russia (bridge)/China / (bridge)Israel (bridge) UAE / and last bridge USA. = Ideas move into actions which drive results.
Who might ask: what idea does Serbia have that can truly bridge this partnership you speak of? That is the answer that is looking everyone in the face.... (not NATO, nor the EU).

"Empower Serbia with a American/Serb who respects his/her cultural and religious history."
(Johnny, 25 November 2013 18:06)

Yeah, we all saw how well that worked with Milan Panic back in the 90's. Such a person would not last long in Serbia. He/she would simply not have the knowledge and experience of how things are done in this corner of the world. Australian Serbs on the other hand would be perfect.

Ian UK,

If the Germans hadn’t invaded Belgium, the Brits would have gladly been a spectator. A good synopsis on the attitude can be found here,

http://www.salonikacampaignsociety.org.uk/index.php/about-us/76-campaign
http://www.salonikacampaignsociety.org.uk/index.php/bsf/79-bsf

The Russians ended with an internal front and the reds to contend with which knocked them out of the war. They did stick up for Serbs to their end. That is a bond beyond self-interest. For the Brits Salonika was low priority worth even quitting.

The same scenario in WW2, Chechs get taken over and appeasement after appeasement until self-interest rears its head again. We hear of the great US-English friendship, yet it was all about the Brits handing over everything they had to get the US on deck. The Brits would then even help the partisans in WW2 even after they knew the partisans were preparing to fight an allied invasion on Balkan soil.

Appeasement again of the Germans was a cause of the recent Balkan wars. Again the US & UK sold out, think about it, the Serbs might just be sick and rightfully so of being treated by the West as pawns.

Don’t get me wrong the British soldiers that laid their lives in WW1 will forever be remembered by the Serbs like the Russians, French, Greeks, Italians and so on, but the west in general needs damn new political leadership/sight if it wants to get anywhere close to Russian leadership.

(sj, 27 November 2013 23:59)

sj, I know you think your some sort of economic guru, but you can't be a very good one.

In 2010, 5% of Kosovo's exports were to China. By 2011 8.9% of Kosovo's exports were to China.

In 2010, 6.3% of Kosovo's imports came from China. By 2011 6.8% of Kosovo's imports came from China.

You don't know what Kosovo has to trade with? But I thought it was your job to know? I'll tell you. Kosovo's main export goods are mining and processed metal products, scrap metals, minerals, leather products, machinery, appliances, prepared food, beverages, wine, tobacco, vegetable products, textiles, live animals, agricultural goods, fuels ect.

You work for some Chinese Bank? You must be a cleaner or on reception at best.

Also I don't know why you're bigging up this so-called '3 billion investment package' (if that's what you want to call it). Hungary and Serbia have been robbed with this so-called 'investment'. China has loaned lots of money to Hungary and Serbia who will have to pay it back at a very high interest rate. As part of the deal they have to employ Chinese workers to construct the railway. It would have been much cheaper and better for the Hungarian and Serbian economies if they were to fund the railway modernisation themselves and use Hungarian and Serbian employees to construct it. China isn't doing anyone any favours with this so-called 'investment', China is the sole benefactor.

(Ian, UK, 28 November 2013 12:47)

China does not trade with Kosovo because it does not recognise Kosovo, mate. In fact it is one of two countries that is vetoing Kosovo’s entry into the UN. As I said before what the **** has Kosovo got to trade with China or anyone else?
“metal products, scrap metals, minerals, leather products, machinery, appliances, prepared food...."

This is straight out of the CIA worldbook or better known as US BS. Prepared food????? Then why are your Albanians stealing food from Serbian Monasteries in Kosovo to the point where the monks have had to erect fences to stop this?????
I love that part about exporting textiles – do the Albanians grow their own cotton too? Or is it more like Turkish businessmen and sending semi finished products where they are put together by Albanians in Kosovo much like what they do in Bagladesh?
Money lent to both Hungary and China is at a very cheap rate – 2.5%.
The 3 billion is only “play money” to see if it’s worthwhile investing.
The Chinese have a brilliant record of finishing projects well before time. Yes they will employ local technically skilled people but generally the Chinese do the work. They will source materials locally and that way everyone benefits.
I love how people like you make statements like “.....China isn't doing anyone any favours” .... is the sole benefactor”. What do you think the west does? Hand over everything or make money out of a venture????

(sj, 28 November 2013 22:23)

Just because China doesn't recognise Kosovo doesn't mean it doesn't do trade with businesses in Kosovo. Are you somehow implying that China would have recognise Kosovo before private Chinese businesses can do trade with private businesses in Kosovo? LOL! China considers Kosovo to be legally UN governed. China even has a Liaison office in Pristina which is liaises with the UN and EU in Kosovo and also oversees China's business interests in Kosovo. Perhaps you should give them a ring if you don't believe me. Or you can email them: cnofficeks@gmail.com

How is China vetoing Kosovo at the UN if Kosovo hasn't even applied for UN membership? Kosovo would first have to apply for UN membership before it can be vetoed.

"The Chinese have a brilliant record of finishing projects well before time." Yeh you just have to take a look at all the collapsing buildings, bridges and other infrastructure in China. You can see the quality of the cheap rushed jobs. Haven't you heard the stigma behind "Made in China"? LOL

"What do you think the west does? Hand over everything or make money out of a venture?"

Well the EU is throwing money at Balkan countries, the money is donated (free) to countries like Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. Whereas Russia and China give Serbia "loans". Serbia has so many loans that they're taking out loans to pay back loans. LOL

Now get back to your cleaning job in the bank!

So Russia and Serbia are cuddling one another. Now Russia has "one foot" into the EU structure and will most probably "cuddle" a few more eastern European countries too. Oh the stew pot is being stirred, so what are we going to eat tomorrow? Will it be US, Germany or Russian stew? Think i'll relax in the sun and eat a pie.