Crimea assembly votes to join Russian Federation

Peter Sudyka,
This has nothing to do with maintaining moral high ground. Russia is going to stick it to the West for its double standards, and hammer them over the head with it. And rightly so!
Just look at them - Yugoslavia - they didn't respect its territorial integrity. Serbia - no respect for its territorial integrity. Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo - they insist on their territorial integrity. See the anti-Serb double standards in place (this is a German foreign policy, always has been anti-Serbian)? Russia will do the same - they will recognize Crimea's right to self determination (and Eastern Ukraine too) and territorial integrity, and at the same time they will never recognize Kosovo and block it at the UN security council. I also believe that Russia will recognize Republika Srpska's right to self determination eventually :).
But I really find it funny that these uneducated albanian trolls on here claim that Russia will now have to recognize Kosovo if they recognize Crimea. Whoever thinks this is clueless. Russians and Serbians are allies and brothers, Russia will never do this. I repeat, never. Kosovo will never get a UN seat, and never ever be a country. That's reality, deal with it :).
Cheers!!

If Crimea can vote to join Russia, Preshevës can vote to join Kosova, West Macedonia can vote to join Albania, Serb Republic can join Serbia, Sandzak can join Bosnia, Vojvodina can join Hungary, West Belarus can join Poland, Oriental regions of Russia can vote to join Chine.
(Haitian, 6 March 2014 13:53)

Why would Presevo join albania when more than 60%of the population is serbian? And why would Vojvodina joing hungary when 75%of the population are serbs?

Funny how the western press are saying Kiev are calling this act unconstitutional. Yes, that's right, those who unconstitutionally overthrew the existing government and unconsistutionally formed another government who are full of MPs the Estonian PM called dirty and corrupt, are complaining?

Best thing for Ukraine is to distance themselves from the west and attempt to restore relations with Russia before they are left with Kiev only.

I hope you Albanians are now begining to support Russia. Just think, following on from the "Kosovahh"* precedent, this could now set another precendent for forming your greater Albania! What a dream! Even Republika Srpska could join Serbia and so on and so forth. Wow, what a precendent "Kosovahh"* has set. NATO gets a base but loses Georgia and Ukraine. Anyone else willing to attempt a western backed revolution? You know the risks now!

BTW Peter, I'm not surprised one bit. How do you prevent a country joining NATO and the EU? Simply put its territory in dispute and it is automatically out.

I saw in the Serbian paper today that a group of Serbian volunteers are in Crimea helping the locals. Good for them. Lets hope this all goes ahead without a shot or life being lost.

Peace to all.

Is anyone surprised the Albanians are siding with the Ukrainian fascists?I am no.Just look at their short history.They were Ottoman lackeys,Mussolini and Hitler's mercenaries.Beware Albanians kosovo is next.

21st Century Hitler is taking his Sudetenland.
(Ian, UK, 6 March 2014 12:50)

The only leaders that can be labelled as 21st Century Hitlers are all British and american ones, creating death and chaos allower the world. Yet you have the guts to call a leader of a people that suffered the most from the hands of the nazis Hitler. If it had not been for the Russians you would be speaking german today.

If Crimea can vote to join Russia, Preshevës can vote to join Kosova, West Macedonia can vote to join Albania, Serb Republic can join Serbia, Sandzak can join Bosnia, Vojvodina can join Hungary, West Belarus can join Poland, Oriental regions of Russia can vote to join Chine.
(Haitian, 6 March 2014 13:53

Northern Kosovo can rejoin Serbia. Northern Epirus can join Greece.

Macedonia will not join Albania and Vojvodina will not join Hungary.

21st Century Hitler is taking his Sudetenland.

They didn't do it with Transdniestr, and I hope they won't do it with Crimea either. Would be good if they withdrew their recognitions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia while they are at it. They just made Russia look totally ridiculous.
(Peter Sudyka, 6 March 2014 13:12)
===========================
Russia's finally realized that holding a high moral ground means nothing in practice.
It's like sending your boxer in with one hand tied behind his back.
You see, holding that high moral ground is being shackeled while the US and UK go in both hands free to fight because they don't resect the law. It's become the wild west where only the armed win.
When one opponent thrown the law out then you have to as well or you will lose every time.

If Crimea can vote to join Russia, Preshevës can vote to join Kosova, West Macedonia can vote to join Albania, Serb Republic can join Serbia, Sandzak can join Bosnia, Vojvodina can join Hungary, West Belarus can join Poland, Oriental regions of Russia can vote to join Chine.

The whole so-called 'Kosovo Precedent' theory again aka an artificial manufactured myth created by Russia used to oppose Kosovo.
(Ian, UK, 6 March 2014 15:43)

Oh come now, Ian. The "Kosovo Precedent" was an artificial manufactured myth started by the United States. Not my problem if Russia is playing monkey-see-monkey-do. In fact, let's run down the list of comparisons, shall we?

1. Kosovo, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Crimea are all regions dominated by one ethnic group that's different from the main ethnic group of the country it's a part of.

2. Said ethnic groups in the region don't want to be part of the state they're in. Yet they can't secede on their own. Many would prefer autonomy but extremists are pushing for independence.

3. An outside power that thinks it can cash in one someone else's misery decides to do the dirty work because it hurts an uncooperative country while giving them an allegedly strategic advantage.

4. Outside forces intervene, separate the region from the host country, make promises of a better future, and give it partial sovereignty.

The only difference between Kosovo and the rest is that Kosovo was preceded by, and followed up with, ethnic violence.

And let's be honest: how many countries in the world can truly play the Kosovo Precedent card? Only a handful. You seem confused in equating the Kosovo Precedent with home-grown self-determination culminating in independence all on its own.

potential collision course with Serbia politically. great news to those who support Kosova independence however, after all, if Crimea can vote to join another state, well, you see where I am going.

(Zoran, 6 March 2014 14:16)

Former Ukrainian PM Mykola Azarov and his cabinet resigned which was constitutional. Viktor Yanokovych was constitutionally impeached by a vast majority of Ukrainian MP's (328 of 449). The Verkhovna Rada constitutionally appointed Oleksandr Turchynov as interim-President and to form an interim-government until early elections are held in May due to the constitutional resignation of the PM (and his cabinet) and due to the constitutional impeachment of the President.

The whole so-called 'Kosovo Precedent' theory again aka an artificial manufactured myth created by Russia used to oppose Kosovo. Russia has had to illegally invade and Annex parts of two countries to try and prove this so-called 'Kosovo Precedent'. But what we haven't seen is regions copy Kosovo and declare independence as promised by the supporters of the 'Kosovo Precedent' theory. Instead, Russia has sent tens of thousands of troops into two neighbouring countries and literally annexed land masses like Nazi Germany did to their neighbours. This is very very different to what Kosovo did.

21st Century Hitler is taking his Sudetenland.
(Ian, UK, 6 March 2014 12:50)

Yeah Putin, you better do as the Chinese command because you're nothing without them.
(Ian, UK, 5 March 2014 12:02)

It's interesting and funny at the same time watching you slowly devolve and morph into Avni. LOL
(E.B. Farnum, 6 March 2014 07:30)

Excellent observation E.B.! So am I. Even before I learned from the Albanians and our media that ignorance is bliss.

And so the 2nd Great Game between the major global powers continues.

Sadly though, for Serbia (since this is a Serbian website), this will damage the moral high ground and credibility of Russia's - the most powerful backer at UNSC together with China - sovereignty argument even further (first damage was done with South Ossetia and Abkhazia) with regards to Kosovo, whose recognition was a huge act of imperialism on the West's part.

The original argument was the upholding of international law, sovereignty and recognized borders, and it was a good one. Why is Russia intent on damaging the moral high ground that they had by facilitating yet another unilateral declaration of independence in Europe? Not even Belarus and Kazakhstan support Russia on Crimea/Ukraine in the slightest.

We know now that Kosovo set a major precedent, precisely as Russia warned it would, but that it would take part in fulfilling this precedent, I did not expect, like they did in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. They didn't do it with Transdniestr, and I hope they won't do it with Crimea either. Would be good if they withdrew their recognitions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia while they are at it. They just made Russia look totally ridiculous.

regarding how such a move might impact kosovo, i don't see it coming from the backers of kosovo, because they've talked up and down how kosovo is a unique case, and as such in its uniqueness one cannot then compare the situation in ukraine with kosovo in any way least one give up the claim of uniqueness, which is the foundation upon which kosovo's friends recognized her.

Wrong Neutral, Kosovo is Serbia, Crimea is "sui generis".
Don't like what I'm saying?.... TOO BAD.
It's called the American school of diplomacy.

Stop crying and get on with it... if Kosovo is independent, why are you still here complaining about Serbia not recognizing that?

Say hi to Nikolle for me, I assume he attends the same school you do.

Of course United States attacks are imperialism. In the last 20 years alone, US has invaded 22 countries. How many has Russia invaded, or Iran? It never ceases to amaze me how certain people (not limited to Albanians here, but extended to other such people on other sites) believe that United States CARES about the well-being of your people as if you're somehow special. NEWSFLASH: They don't. They never have and they never will. US has allies, and they're not some poor, train-wreck of an economy countries with zero influence. US isn't your ally, it's using you for other things they need at that point in time. Why is this so difficult to comprehend? Albanians are not a 'long time ally' of the US.
I'm not suggesting Serbs have it perfect with Russia, but as it historically stands, Russia and Serbia ARE long time allies for variety of reasons - some honest, some dishonest. Regardless, Russia has not, on an international level, acted against Serbia, invaded Serbia nor lead a campaign of propaganda against Serbia.

@Ian whats wrong was Russia not allowed to do what they west has been doing?! Mate you are nothing but a sheep who think's USA and NATO are the bastion of democracy and freedom! Wrong the word democracy is used as a disguise to capitalism!
To say you went to Uni your lack in world and especially Balkan knowledge and history is terrible... Now i know your a British person but somewhere you have come in contact with a person with anti Serbian views and believes and you can deny it as much as you want but i know as well as most on here you are a not telling the truth and like i said i ll meet you in Halifax and i ll tell you my family and my peoples history and i ll make you feel as small as a nit when im done with you... Id quit coming on here you are making yourself and British people who actually are free thinks and have a brain and see whats going on look like a clowns like you are... Do us all a favor and join a circus

I just find it hypocritical of people to complain about large powers interfering in other countries when it is America that does it but cheering on Russia when they do it.
America did not have Serbia/Kosovos best interests at heart, only its own interests. It is the same with Russia and Ukraine/Crimea
(Neutral, 7 March 2014 14:00)
===========================
You are comparing apples with oranges.

THER EARE NO AMERICANS LIVING IN KOSOVO!!!

I think I needed to shout that to get it through to some people.

If NATO had not bombed Serbia, Serbia would still be running Kosovo. There were no NATO members involved in the breakup of the SFRY. Where are the Russian bombers enforcing the separation of Crimea? Everything is proceeding legally and peacefully and will end legally and peacefully as long as NATO stays out of it. And it will.

Look at what happened in Georgia. Georgia is a NATO member and started a military conflict with Russia. There was some shooting, but the Russians kept the lid on.

If I can paraphrase that bastion of "pro imperialism" Condoleezza Rice....

"we've been very clear that Crimea is sui generis and that is because of the special circumstances out of which the breakup of the Ukraine came. The special circumstances of the aggression of the Baderist forces against Ukrainians, particularly Russian Ukrainians, and it’s a special circumstance."

So friends, no need to stress out, Russia is an ardent supported of international law, not including the occassional "sui generis".

Barak mentioned the other day that Putin has a different set of lawyers who interpret things different to the US...... yep, about the only true thing you've said about this whole episode.

Russia's finally realized that holding a high moral ground means nothing in practice.
(Peggy, 6 March 2014 20:47)

It's great to see that even you came to recognize the reality that all of that BS about Russia's "principled position" in regards to Kosovo was... well, BS :)

It's great to see that even you came to recognize the reality that all of that BS about Slavic "brotherhood" was... well, BS :)

Russia won't hesitate even for a moment to dump the interests of the Serbian "brothers" like it did in 1999, 2008 and again now in 2014 if they don't align with Russia's interests. Only naives believe that there is a concept of "brotherhood" in international relations.

@commentator

you go to the school of hypocrisy; i.e. America intervening in Kosovo, imperialism, Russia intervening in Ukraine, not imperialism. people who make arguments like you do, are too easy to dismiss

"THER EARE NO AMERICANS LIVING IN KOSOVO!!!"

I do!

Best thing for Ukraine is to distance themselves from the west and attempt to restore relations with Russia before they are left with Kiev only.
(Zoran, 6 March 2014 14:16)

The fact they are not doing that really shows they are willing to pay any price for avoiding to have anything to do with Russia. And it would be hard to blame them when no country in the world, not a single one, has supported what Russia is doing in Ukraine.

Sometime in the next 10 years, Serbia will hold a referendum asking to change the constitution to give up the claim to the territory of Kosovo.
I hope that those of you supporting Russia's splitting of Ukraine will also support Kosovo's rights when that time comes. I am sure you will, otherwise you are hypocrites.
I know that maybe you did not support Kosovo's independence up until now, but even your idol Putin now concedes that he was wrong, that international borders are not immovable and should be changed according to the will of the population and/or the will of larger countries.

(commentator, 7 March 2014 12:58)

I am not complaining about Serbia not recognizing Kosovo as independent.
I am just saying rules should be the same.

You agree with the American school of diplomacy then?

I just find it hypocritical of people to complain about large powers interfering in other countries when it is America that does it but cheering on Russia when they do it.
America did not have Serbia/Kosovos best interests at heart, only its own interests. It is the same with Russia and Ukraine/Crimea

In the last 20 years alone, US has invaded 22 countries. How many has Russia invaded,
(Al Mualima, 7 March 2014 18:14)

In the last twenty years US has annexed no country or territories.... How many has Russia annexed or about to annex?

Don't get me wrong Peggy, I am not-pro American, I am slightly happy that the USA doublespeak is coming back to bite them, but it just seems that when America or UK or France etc ignores international law, the comment section here is full of complaints about America violating international law. But when Russia does it, they are being cheered.
Either these are the norms that the international community lives by or not, they cant only be for the other side to obey.
It seems the rules on here are that Russia or Serbia can do what ever the hell they want, and everyone else is wrong all of the time. This sounds like blind nationalism of the Svoboda type that everyone is hating on at the moment. I wonder how many people on here complaining about Svoboda would find nothing wrong with having a party like Obraz in government. /rant over

"THERE ARE NO AMERICANS LIVING IN KOSOVO!!!"

So what? We should only intervene in places where people are like us? I guess you consider it a good thing that America did nothing Rwanda, because there's no Americans living there.

"You are comparing apples with oranges. " - sounds like something one of the Clintons would say

So the rule is that you are allowed to invade another country if there are people living there whose grandparents were born in your country?

It would have been ok for Albania or Turkey to "help" Kosovo, just not the USA?
USA would be allowed to invade only Mexico or Canada. That would be a good rule.Is there a percentage of population that must be of the correct ethnicity to be reached before you are allowed invade? OR a number of your once-upon-a-time countrymen that must be killed first, because I know that there is one comfirmed death of a Russian citzen, he was shot by the police in Kiev. (and when they talked about snipers killing their own I thought it was the other side they meant!!)


All other 100+ killed including the police officers were Ukrainian citizens (confirmed deaths, there are a few more since that list was made)
Belarus and 2 georgians were killed too. One of the Georgians died from a heart-attack, is that is covered by the invasion rules?

Maybe Putin is following the American rules..its a pre-emtive strike maybe. Maybe some Russians might be possibly attacked sometime in the future, so just in case you know we better o something

21st Century Hitler is taking his Sudetenland.

potential collision course with Serbia politically. great news to those who support Kosova independence however, after all, if Crimea can vote to join another state, well, you see where I am going.

(Zoran, 6 March 2014 14:16)

Former Ukrainian PM Mykola Azarov and his cabinet resigned which was constitutional. Viktor Yanokovych was constitutionally impeached by a vast majority of Ukrainian MP's (328 of 449). The Verkhovna Rada constitutionally appointed Oleksandr Turchynov as interim-President and to form an interim-government until early elections are held in May due to the constitutional resignation of the PM (and his cabinet) and due to the constitutional impeachment of the President.

The whole so-called 'Kosovo Precedent' theory again aka an artificial manufactured myth created by Russia used to oppose Kosovo. Russia has had to illegally invade and Annex parts of two countries to try and prove this so-called 'Kosovo Precedent'. But what we haven't seen is regions copy Kosovo and declare independence as promised by the supporters of the 'Kosovo Precedent' theory. Instead, Russia has sent tens of thousands of troops into two neighbouring countries and literally annexed land masses like Nazi Germany did to their neighbours. This is very very different to what Kosovo did.

And so the 2nd Great Game between the major global powers continues.

Sadly though, for Serbia (since this is a Serbian website), this will damage the moral high ground and credibility of Russia's - the most powerful backer at UNSC together with China - sovereignty argument even further (first damage was done with South Ossetia and Abkhazia) with regards to Kosovo, whose recognition was a huge act of imperialism on the West's part.

The original argument was the upholding of international law, sovereignty and recognized borders, and it was a good one. Why is Russia intent on damaging the moral high ground that they had by facilitating yet another unilateral declaration of independence in Europe? Not even Belarus and Kazakhstan support Russia on Crimea/Ukraine in the slightest.

We know now that Kosovo set a major precedent, precisely as Russia warned it would, but that it would take part in fulfilling this precedent, I did not expect, like they did in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. They didn't do it with Transdniestr, and I hope they won't do it with Crimea either. Would be good if they withdrew their recognitions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia while they are at it. They just made Russia look totally ridiculous.

If Crimea can vote to join Russia, Preshevës can vote to join Kosova, West Macedonia can vote to join Albania, Serb Republic can join Serbia, Sandzak can join Bosnia, Vojvodina can join Hungary, West Belarus can join Poland, Oriental regions of Russia can vote to join Chine.

Is anyone surprised the Albanians are siding with the Ukrainian fascists?I am no.Just look at their short history.They were Ottoman lackeys,Mussolini and Hitler's mercenaries.Beware Albanians kosovo is next.

If Crimea can vote to join Russia, Preshevës can vote to join Kosova, West Macedonia can vote to join Albania, Serb Republic can join Serbia, Sandzak can join Bosnia, Vojvodina can join Hungary, West Belarus can join Poland, Oriental regions of Russia can vote to join Chine.
(Haitian, 6 March 2014 13:53

Northern Kosovo can rejoin Serbia. Northern Epirus can join Greece.

Macedonia will not join Albania and Vojvodina will not join Hungary.

Funny how the western press are saying Kiev are calling this act unconstitutional. Yes, that's right, those who unconstitutionally overthrew the existing government and unconsistutionally formed another government who are full of MPs the Estonian PM called dirty and corrupt, are complaining?

Best thing for Ukraine is to distance themselves from the west and attempt to restore relations with Russia before they are left with Kiev only.

I hope you Albanians are now begining to support Russia. Just think, following on from the "Kosovahh"* precedent, this could now set another precendent for forming your greater Albania! What a dream! Even Republika Srpska could join Serbia and so on and so forth. Wow, what a precendent "Kosovahh"* has set. NATO gets a base but loses Georgia and Ukraine. Anyone else willing to attempt a western backed revolution? You know the risks now!

BTW Peter, I'm not surprised one bit. How do you prevent a country joining NATO and the EU? Simply put its territory in dispute and it is automatically out.

I saw in the Serbian paper today that a group of Serbian volunteers are in Crimea helping the locals. Good for them. Lets hope this all goes ahead without a shot or life being lost.

Peace to all.

Peter Sudyka,
This has nothing to do with maintaining moral high ground. Russia is going to stick it to the West for its double standards, and hammer them over the head with it. And rightly so!
Just look at them - Yugoslavia - they didn't respect its territorial integrity. Serbia - no respect for its territorial integrity. Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo - they insist on their territorial integrity. See the anti-Serb double standards in place (this is a German foreign policy, always has been anti-Serbian)? Russia will do the same - they will recognize Crimea's right to self determination (and Eastern Ukraine too) and territorial integrity, and at the same time they will never recognize Kosovo and block it at the UN security council. I also believe that Russia will recognize Republika Srpska's right to self determination eventually :).
But I really find it funny that these uneducated albanian trolls on here claim that Russia will now have to recognize Kosovo if they recognize Crimea. Whoever thinks this is clueless. Russians and Serbians are allies and brothers, Russia will never do this. I repeat, never. Kosovo will never get a UN seat, and never ever be a country. That's reality, deal with it :).
Cheers!!

21st Century Hitler is taking his Sudetenland.
(Ian, UK, 6 March 2014 12:50)

The only leaders that can be labelled as 21st Century Hitlers are all British and american ones, creating death and chaos allower the world. Yet you have the guts to call a leader of a people that suffered the most from the hands of the nazis Hitler. If it had not been for the Russians you would be speaking german today.

The whole so-called 'Kosovo Precedent' theory again aka an artificial manufactured myth created by Russia used to oppose Kosovo.
(Ian, UK, 6 March 2014 15:43)

Oh come now, Ian. The "Kosovo Precedent" was an artificial manufactured myth started by the United States. Not my problem if Russia is playing monkey-see-monkey-do. In fact, let's run down the list of comparisons, shall we?

1. Kosovo, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Crimea are all regions dominated by one ethnic group that's different from the main ethnic group of the country it's a part of.

2. Said ethnic groups in the region don't want to be part of the state they're in. Yet they can't secede on their own. Many would prefer autonomy but extremists are pushing for independence.

3. An outside power that thinks it can cash in one someone else's misery decides to do the dirty work because it hurts an uncooperative country while giving them an allegedly strategic advantage.

4. Outside forces intervene, separate the region from the host country, make promises of a better future, and give it partial sovereignty.

The only difference between Kosovo and the rest is that Kosovo was preceded by, and followed up with, ethnic violence.

And let's be honest: how many countries in the world can truly play the Kosovo Precedent card? Only a handful. You seem confused in equating the Kosovo Precedent with home-grown self-determination culminating in independence all on its own.

@commentator

you go to the school of hypocrisy; i.e. America intervening in Kosovo, imperialism, Russia intervening in Ukraine, not imperialism. people who make arguments like you do, are too easy to dismiss

If Crimea can vote to join Russia, Preshevës can vote to join Kosova, West Macedonia can vote to join Albania, Serb Republic can join Serbia, Sandzak can join Bosnia, Vojvodina can join Hungary, West Belarus can join Poland, Oriental regions of Russia can vote to join Chine.
(Haitian, 6 March 2014 13:53)

Why would Presevo join albania when more than 60%of the population is serbian? And why would Vojvodina joing hungary when 75%of the population are serbs?

Of course United States attacks are imperialism. In the last 20 years alone, US has invaded 22 countries. How many has Russia invaded, or Iran? It never ceases to amaze me how certain people (not limited to Albanians here, but extended to other such people on other sites) believe that United States CARES about the well-being of your people as if you're somehow special. NEWSFLASH: They don't. They never have and they never will. US has allies, and they're not some poor, train-wreck of an economy countries with zero influence. US isn't your ally, it's using you for other things they need at that point in time. Why is this so difficult to comprehend? Albanians are not a 'long time ally' of the US.
I'm not suggesting Serbs have it perfect with Russia, but as it historically stands, Russia and Serbia ARE long time allies for variety of reasons - some honest, some dishonest. Regardless, Russia has not, on an international level, acted against Serbia, invaded Serbia nor lead a campaign of propaganda against Serbia.

21st Century Hitler is taking his Sudetenland.
(Ian, UK, 6 March 2014 12:50)

Yeah Putin, you better do as the Chinese command because you're nothing without them.
(Ian, UK, 5 March 2014 12:02)

It's interesting and funny at the same time watching you slowly devolve and morph into Avni. LOL
(E.B. Farnum, 6 March 2014 07:30)

Excellent observation E.B.! So am I. Even before I learned from the Albanians and our media that ignorance is bliss.

If NATO had not bombed Serbia, Serbia would still be running Kosovo. There were no NATO members involved in the breakup of the SFRY. Where are the Russian bombers enforcing the separation of Crimea? Everything is proceeding legally and peacefully and will end legally and peacefully as long as NATO stays out of it. And it will.

Look at what happened in Georgia. Georgia is a NATO member and started a military conflict with Russia. There was some shooting, but the Russians kept the lid on.

Russia's finally realized that holding a high moral ground means nothing in practice.
(Peggy, 6 March 2014 20:47)

It's great to see that even you came to recognize the reality that all of that BS about Russia's "principled position" in regards to Kosovo was... well, BS :)

It's great to see that even you came to recognize the reality that all of that BS about Slavic "brotherhood" was... well, BS :)

Russia won't hesitate even for a moment to dump the interests of the Serbian "brothers" like it did in 1999, 2008 and again now in 2014 if they don't align with Russia's interests. Only naives believe that there is a concept of "brotherhood" in international relations.

Best thing for Ukraine is to distance themselves from the west and attempt to restore relations with Russia before they are left with Kiev only.
(Zoran, 6 March 2014 14:16)

The fact they are not doing that really shows they are willing to pay any price for avoiding to have anything to do with Russia. And it would be hard to blame them when no country in the world, not a single one, has supported what Russia is doing in Ukraine.

I just find it hypocritical of people to complain about large powers interfering in other countries when it is America that does it but cheering on Russia when they do it.
America did not have Serbia/Kosovos best interests at heart, only its own interests. It is the same with Russia and Ukraine/Crimea
(Neutral, 7 March 2014 14:00)
===========================
You are comparing apples with oranges.

THER EARE NO AMERICANS LIVING IN KOSOVO!!!

I think I needed to shout that to get it through to some people.

Sometime in the next 10 years, Serbia will hold a referendum asking to change the constitution to give up the claim to the territory of Kosovo.
I hope that those of you supporting Russia's splitting of Ukraine will also support Kosovo's rights when that time comes. I am sure you will, otherwise you are hypocrites.
I know that maybe you did not support Kosovo's independence up until now, but even your idol Putin now concedes that he was wrong, that international borders are not immovable and should be changed according to the will of the population and/or the will of larger countries.

They didn't do it with Transdniestr, and I hope they won't do it with Crimea either. Would be good if they withdrew their recognitions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia while they are at it. They just made Russia look totally ridiculous.
(Peter Sudyka, 6 March 2014 13:12)
===========================
Russia's finally realized that holding a high moral ground means nothing in practice.
It's like sending your boxer in with one hand tied behind his back.
You see, holding that high moral ground is being shackeled while the US and UK go in both hands free to fight because they don't resect the law. It's become the wild west where only the armed win.
When one opponent thrown the law out then you have to as well or you will lose every time.

regarding how such a move might impact kosovo, i don't see it coming from the backers of kosovo, because they've talked up and down how kosovo is a unique case, and as such in its uniqueness one cannot then compare the situation in ukraine with kosovo in any way least one give up the claim of uniqueness, which is the foundation upon which kosovo's friends recognized her.

If I can paraphrase that bastion of "pro imperialism" Condoleezza Rice....

"we've been very clear that Crimea is sui generis and that is because of the special circumstances out of which the breakup of the Ukraine came. The special circumstances of the aggression of the Baderist forces against Ukrainians, particularly Russian Ukrainians, and it’s a special circumstance."

So friends, no need to stress out, Russia is an ardent supported of international law, not including the occassional "sui generis".

Barak mentioned the other day that Putin has a different set of lawyers who interpret things different to the US...... yep, about the only true thing you've said about this whole episode.

(commentator, 7 March 2014 12:58)

I am not complaining about Serbia not recognizing Kosovo as independent.
I am just saying rules should be the same.

You agree with the American school of diplomacy then?

I just find it hypocritical of people to complain about large powers interfering in other countries when it is America that does it but cheering on Russia when they do it.
America did not have Serbia/Kosovos best interests at heart, only its own interests. It is the same with Russia and Ukraine/Crimea

Don't get me wrong Peggy, I am not-pro American, I am slightly happy that the USA doublespeak is coming back to bite them, but it just seems that when America or UK or France etc ignores international law, the comment section here is full of complaints about America violating international law. But when Russia does it, they are being cheered.
Either these are the norms that the international community lives by or not, they cant only be for the other side to obey.
It seems the rules on here are that Russia or Serbia can do what ever the hell they want, and everyone else is wrong all of the time. This sounds like blind nationalism of the Svoboda type that everyone is hating on at the moment. I wonder how many people on here complaining about Svoboda would find nothing wrong with having a party like Obraz in government. /rant over

Wrong Neutral, Kosovo is Serbia, Crimea is "sui generis".
Don't like what I'm saying?.... TOO BAD.
It's called the American school of diplomacy.

Stop crying and get on with it... if Kosovo is independent, why are you still here complaining about Serbia not recognizing that?

Say hi to Nikolle for me, I assume he attends the same school you do.

@Ian whats wrong was Russia not allowed to do what they west has been doing?! Mate you are nothing but a sheep who think's USA and NATO are the bastion of democracy and freedom! Wrong the word democracy is used as a disguise to capitalism!
To say you went to Uni your lack in world and especially Balkan knowledge and history is terrible... Now i know your a British person but somewhere you have come in contact with a person with anti Serbian views and believes and you can deny it as much as you want but i know as well as most on here you are a not telling the truth and like i said i ll meet you in Halifax and i ll tell you my family and my peoples history and i ll make you feel as small as a nit when im done with you... Id quit coming on here you are making yourself and British people who actually are free thinks and have a brain and see whats going on look like a clowns like you are... Do us all a favor and join a circus

"THERE ARE NO AMERICANS LIVING IN KOSOVO!!!"

So what? We should only intervene in places where people are like us? I guess you consider it a good thing that America did nothing Rwanda, because there's no Americans living there.

"You are comparing apples with oranges. " - sounds like something one of the Clintons would say

So the rule is that you are allowed to invade another country if there are people living there whose grandparents were born in your country?

It would have been ok for Albania or Turkey to "help" Kosovo, just not the USA?
USA would be allowed to invade only Mexico or Canada. That would be a good rule.Is there a percentage of population that must be of the correct ethnicity to be reached before you are allowed invade? OR a number of your once-upon-a-time countrymen that must be killed first, because I know that there is one comfirmed death of a Russian citzen, he was shot by the police in Kiev. (and when they talked about snipers killing their own I thought it was the other side they meant!!)


All other 100+ killed including the police officers were Ukrainian citizens (confirmed deaths, there are a few more since that list was made)
Belarus and 2 georgians were killed too. One of the Georgians died from a heart-attack, is that is covered by the invasion rules?

Maybe Putin is following the American rules..its a pre-emtive strike maybe. Maybe some Russians might be possibly attacked sometime in the future, so just in case you know we better o something

"THER EARE NO AMERICANS LIVING IN KOSOVO!!!"

I do!

In the last 20 years alone, US has invaded 22 countries. How many has Russia invaded,
(Al Mualima, 7 March 2014 18:14)

In the last twenty years US has annexed no country or territories.... How many has Russia annexed or about to annex?