Ashton was "not completely honest," says analyst

Alexandra Stiglmayer, senior analyst at the European Stability Initiative (ESI), also believes that Serbia is "gaining importance in Brussels."

Brussels is not where Serbia should be seeking to gain importance. Economic ties to everyone is a must, but as far as spending state resources to gain influence, it makes no sense to do so in a receding power. Western Europe will not be able to hold onto their economic and political clout with the emergence of Asia. Outside the German zone, Western Europe is a museum and at best, a playground for rich people from emerging countries. The EU is on the decline, and internal separatism could very well destroy it completely.

marKo

After the Sniper Case when Ashton revealed her rotten inside out and I believed she were the Superbastard. But now I don’t think so for common human criteria cannot be implemented for the prisoners. She is a prospering prisoner of war like Yushenko’s father who used to be an agent provocateur in Nazi camps. All because since 1945 Europe and Japan are occupied territories - not countries though they are allowed to enjoy some autonomy.

Also it was funny to hear Merkel speaking today. Accompanied by someone ( whom because of the B92 moderator I can’t call by his real name ) she said they are going to punish Russia if their operation in Ukraine ends with fiasco. Nice logics don’t you find ? if not the multiple victims we suffered today it would be so funny. Anyway Ukraine is the first step on our way back to the Balkans. Be sure. Also this winter Europe will need lots of wood to replace Gazprom. So innocent people will become hostages of the idiots.

Right now the European Union is the only show, so they can set the terms. It is a balance though, because the EU needs to grow, and its security policies need politcal stability in the Balkans so that existing EU economies can grow and benefit. I don't think it would be wise for the EU to make Serbian ascension to ardous. I also don't think it would be wise for the EU to take an Anti-Russian stance as Russia is the most powerful economic power in Eastern Europe, and European growth is interdependent with Russian growth and stability.

Serbia, Belarus and the Ukraine are the natural cultural and economic bridges between the EU and Russia, more so than any other countries. Yes Poland, Romania and Bulgaria were before, but now that they are full EU members the situation has changed. Of the three that remain Belarus is undesriable to the EU, and the Ukranian bridge has been destroyed. Serbia is the best chance for co-operation between EAST and West and its neutrality should be a benefit to both the EU and Russia.


Now more than ever is the time for a balanced and peaceful approach before things get too far out of hand and before long term policies are initiated that will weaken European Growth and economies.

It is very common in international diplomacy to call a country by their capitals name. There is no reason to be considerate to Serbia about Kosovo when Serbia is one of the most strident supporters of Kosovo independence because of the Brussels deal. If Serbia opposed Kosovo independence being considerate would be saying kosovo and metohija not pristina. You will notice how vucic doesn't say Kosovo and metohija anymore.

(marKo, 2 May 2014 17:20)

How on earth is Serbia a bridge to EU and Russia ???

Marko: You may be right about the cultural 'bridge' that Serbia could provide between the EU and Russia but the new government there has plenty of other things on its plate before volunteering to act as peacemaker. Furthermore, this scenario excludes influence from the US and NATO and assumes that the EU is going to be allowed to take the lead role on the Western side. Given the attitude of Serbia towards NATO I can't see much scope for cooperation there without a good deal of loss of face on the part of Vucic and others. The reason that Ashton has stated that Serbia will not have to choose between Russia and the EU is because from the Brussels standpoint Serbia is a very minor player in this very sad and potentially highly dangerous episode, rather than the saviour in waiting.

As I have written since 2008, Serbia is far more important than the rest of the Balkans. The truth of why Ashton did not mention Kosovo is very simple and it has nothing to do with being polite. The policy in Brussels is changing as it no longer sees Kosovo as an asset, but a huge liability that has to be funded from EU coffers forever and a day. Only one way out for the EU my little Albanians and that is integration into Serbian economy and you know what that means? Don’t you? LOL.
On the issue of Russian influence, sadly for Brussels it’s too little too late as Russia will win the Ukraine issue and become the master of Europe. History tells us that empires fall only because stupidity rises to the top and surrounds itself with like-minded people. Look at Stepan Fule who only recently understood what Valdimir Putin said in Bucharest in 2008 when he called Ukraine a made up state. At the time he and others laughed, but he admits that it’s only now that he understands the meaning of that statement. He also said if only they took action then. Sorry Stefan wishes don’t wash dishes.
Battle hardened civil servants have a saying – you can’t compete against stupidity.

Anyway Ukraine is the first step on our way back to the Balkans.
(rote, 2 May 2014 22:58)

Yeah, your first step to where the Soviet Union started and ended :)
----------

Be sure. Also this winter Europe will need lots of wood to replace Gazprom. So innocent people will become hostages of the idiots.
(rote, 2 May 2014 22:58)

Better hostage of idiots than hostage of Vladimir; it's enough to see your writings and how the Russian populace lives to reach that conclusion.

As I have written since 2008, Serbia is far more important than the rest of the Balkans.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

I think that is an understatement... Serbia is far more important than the rest of the world. That's why Serbia is the top national priority for superpowers like Russia and China.
----------

The truth of why Ashton did not mention Kosovo is very simple and it has nothing to do with being polite. The policy in Brussels is changing as it no longer sees Kosovo as an asset, but a huge liability that has to be funded from EU coffers forever and a day. Only one way out for the EU my little Albanians and that is integration into Serbian economy and you know what that means? Don’t you? LOL.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

I agree with the LOL... Very nice joke. A failed state like Serbia cannot even feed its own children, let alone Kosovo. So, don't worry. Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help.
----------

On the issue of Russian influence, sadly for Brussels it’s too little too late as Russia will win the Ukraine issue and become the master of Europe.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

The only doubt I have is how comes that Ukraine was not the master of Europe, so far... Or probably it was and we did not see it :)
----------

History tells us that empires fall only because stupidity rises to the top and surrounds itself with like-minded people.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

Exactly... I hope Vladimir is reading your statement above.

Ashton was "not completely honest,"
"This is the conclusion of two Brussels-based political analysts..."

Hahaha...
We know. We know that she is not honest. It's just good to hear that from Brussels, too.

(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)
Another rivetting comment form our resident AE who proven that 2+2= 72..
PS AE=Albanian Einstein

History tells us that empires fall only because stupidity rises to the top and surrounds itself with like-minded people.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

Exactly... I hope Vladimir is reading your statement above.
(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)

Note our resident AE has picked up on a salient point here. Now AE Russia is not an empire like the US and Vlad is not stupid but if you look a western leadership you’ll find they are awash with idiots in government. Vlad is a smart man and he has not surrounded himself with fools likeJoe Biden a buffoon of rare quality.
PS AE=Albanian Einstein

"I agree with the LOL... Very nice joke. A failed state like Serbia cannot even feed its own children, let alone Kosovo. So, don't worry. Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help."
(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)

Only because Kosovo is not a state it is not on top of the list of failed states in Eurasia.
(J.Oker, 6 May 2014 20:16)

Of course, just for the sake of the argument let's say that Kosovo is a failed whatever (state, province, black whole, etc...)... still, Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help since Serbia is a failed state itself.

Note our resident AE has picked up on a salient point here. Now AE Russia is not an empire like the US
PS AE=Albanian Einstein
(sj, 6 May 2014 11:16)

hmm, I never said that Russia is an empire like the US... I think you are answering the wrong person :) But anyway, you being the CE of B92 forums I'm really excited to have attracted your attention :)

P.S. CE = Chief Economist

She therefore believes that the pressure from the EU on Serbia to "distance itself from Russia" will grow over time.

Troubles ahead...EU should try to speed-u the pace if it does not want that.

"I agree with the LOL... Very nice joke. A failed state like Serbia cannot even feed its own children, let alone Kosovo. So, don't worry. Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help."
(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)

Only because Kosovo is not a state it is not on top of the list of failed states in Eurasia.

It is very common in international diplomacy to call a country by their capitals name. There is no reason to be considerate to Serbia about Kosovo when Serbia is one of the most strident supporters of Kosovo independence because of the Brussels deal. If Serbia opposed Kosovo independence being considerate would be saying kosovo and metohija not pristina. You will notice how vucic doesn't say Kosovo and metohija anymore.

(marKo, 2 May 2014 17:20)

How on earth is Serbia a bridge to EU and Russia ???

Alexandra Stiglmayer, senior analyst at the European Stability Initiative (ESI), also believes that Serbia is "gaining importance in Brussels."

Brussels is not where Serbia should be seeking to gain importance. Economic ties to everyone is a must, but as far as spending state resources to gain influence, it makes no sense to do so in a receding power. Western Europe will not be able to hold onto their economic and political clout with the emergence of Asia. Outside the German zone, Western Europe is a museum and at best, a playground for rich people from emerging countries. The EU is on the decline, and internal separatism could very well destroy it completely.

marKo

After the Sniper Case when Ashton revealed her rotten inside out and I believed she were the Superbastard. But now I don’t think so for common human criteria cannot be implemented for the prisoners. She is a prospering prisoner of war like Yushenko’s father who used to be an agent provocateur in Nazi camps. All because since 1945 Europe and Japan are occupied territories - not countries though they are allowed to enjoy some autonomy.

Also it was funny to hear Merkel speaking today. Accompanied by someone ( whom because of the B92 moderator I can’t call by his real name ) she said they are going to punish Russia if their operation in Ukraine ends with fiasco. Nice logics don’t you find ? if not the multiple victims we suffered today it would be so funny. Anyway Ukraine is the first step on our way back to the Balkans. Be sure. Also this winter Europe will need lots of wood to replace Gazprom. So innocent people will become hostages of the idiots.

Right now the European Union is the only show, so they can set the terms. It is a balance though, because the EU needs to grow, and its security policies need politcal stability in the Balkans so that existing EU economies can grow and benefit. I don't think it would be wise for the EU to make Serbian ascension to ardous. I also don't think it would be wise for the EU to take an Anti-Russian stance as Russia is the most powerful economic power in Eastern Europe, and European growth is interdependent with Russian growth and stability.

Serbia, Belarus and the Ukraine are the natural cultural and economic bridges between the EU and Russia, more so than any other countries. Yes Poland, Romania and Bulgaria were before, but now that they are full EU members the situation has changed. Of the three that remain Belarus is undesriable to the EU, and the Ukranian bridge has been destroyed. Serbia is the best chance for co-operation between EAST and West and its neutrality should be a benefit to both the EU and Russia.


Now more than ever is the time for a balanced and peaceful approach before things get too far out of hand and before long term policies are initiated that will weaken European Growth and economies.

History tells us that empires fall only because stupidity rises to the top and surrounds itself with like-minded people.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

Exactly... I hope Vladimir is reading your statement above.
(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)

Note our resident AE has picked up on a salient point here. Now AE Russia is not an empire like the US and Vlad is not stupid but if you look a western leadership you’ll find they are awash with idiots in government. Vlad is a smart man and he has not surrounded himself with fools likeJoe Biden a buffoon of rare quality.
PS AE=Albanian Einstein

As I have written since 2008, Serbia is far more important than the rest of the Balkans. The truth of why Ashton did not mention Kosovo is very simple and it has nothing to do with being polite. The policy in Brussels is changing as it no longer sees Kosovo as an asset, but a huge liability that has to be funded from EU coffers forever and a day. Only one way out for the EU my little Albanians and that is integration into Serbian economy and you know what that means? Don’t you? LOL.
On the issue of Russian influence, sadly for Brussels it’s too little too late as Russia will win the Ukraine issue and become the master of Europe. History tells us that empires fall only because stupidity rises to the top and surrounds itself with like-minded people. Look at Stepan Fule who only recently understood what Valdimir Putin said in Bucharest in 2008 when he called Ukraine a made up state. At the time he and others laughed, but he admits that it’s only now that he understands the meaning of that statement. He also said if only they took action then. Sorry Stefan wishes don’t wash dishes.
Battle hardened civil servants have a saying – you can’t compete against stupidity.

(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)
Another rivetting comment form our resident AE who proven that 2+2= 72..
PS AE=Albanian Einstein

Marko: You may be right about the cultural 'bridge' that Serbia could provide between the EU and Russia but the new government there has plenty of other things on its plate before volunteering to act as peacemaker. Furthermore, this scenario excludes influence from the US and NATO and assumes that the EU is going to be allowed to take the lead role on the Western side. Given the attitude of Serbia towards NATO I can't see much scope for cooperation there without a good deal of loss of face on the part of Vucic and others. The reason that Ashton has stated that Serbia will not have to choose between Russia and the EU is because from the Brussels standpoint Serbia is a very minor player in this very sad and potentially highly dangerous episode, rather than the saviour in waiting.

Ashton was "not completely honest,"
"This is the conclusion of two Brussels-based political analysts..."

Hahaha...
We know. We know that she is not honest. It's just good to hear that from Brussels, too.

Anyway Ukraine is the first step on our way back to the Balkans.
(rote, 2 May 2014 22:58)

Yeah, your first step to where the Soviet Union started and ended :)
----------

Be sure. Also this winter Europe will need lots of wood to replace Gazprom. So innocent people will become hostages of the idiots.
(rote, 2 May 2014 22:58)

Better hostage of idiots than hostage of Vladimir; it's enough to see your writings and how the Russian populace lives to reach that conclusion.

"I agree with the LOL... Very nice joke. A failed state like Serbia cannot even feed its own children, let alone Kosovo. So, don't worry. Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help."
(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)

Only because Kosovo is not a state it is not on top of the list of failed states in Eurasia.

She therefore believes that the pressure from the EU on Serbia to "distance itself from Russia" will grow over time.

Troubles ahead...EU should try to speed-u the pace if it does not want that.

As I have written since 2008, Serbia is far more important than the rest of the Balkans.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

I think that is an understatement... Serbia is far more important than the rest of the world. That's why Serbia is the top national priority for superpowers like Russia and China.
----------

The truth of why Ashton did not mention Kosovo is very simple and it has nothing to do with being polite. The policy in Brussels is changing as it no longer sees Kosovo as an asset, but a huge liability that has to be funded from EU coffers forever and a day. Only one way out for the EU my little Albanians and that is integration into Serbian economy and you know what that means? Don’t you? LOL.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

I agree with the LOL... Very nice joke. A failed state like Serbia cannot even feed its own children, let alone Kosovo. So, don't worry. Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help.
----------

On the issue of Russian influence, sadly for Brussels it’s too little too late as Russia will win the Ukraine issue and become the master of Europe.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

The only doubt I have is how comes that Ukraine was not the master of Europe, so far... Or probably it was and we did not see it :)
----------

History tells us that empires fall only because stupidity rises to the top and surrounds itself with like-minded people.
(sj, 5 May 2014 10:36)

Exactly... I hope Vladimir is reading your statement above.

"I agree with the LOL... Very nice joke. A failed state like Serbia cannot even feed its own children, let alone Kosovo. So, don't worry. Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help."
(icj1, 6 May 2014 04:58)

Only because Kosovo is not a state it is not on top of the list of failed states in Eurasia.
(J.Oker, 6 May 2014 20:16)

Of course, just for the sake of the argument let's say that Kosovo is a failed whatever (state, province, black whole, etc...)... still, Serbia would be the last country Kosovo would look for economic help since Serbia is a failed state itself.

Note our resident AE has picked up on a salient point here. Now AE Russia is not an empire like the US
PS AE=Albanian Einstein
(sj, 6 May 2014 11:16)

hmm, I never said that Russia is an empire like the US... I think you are answering the wrong person :) But anyway, you being the CE of B92 forums I'm really excited to have attracted your attention :)

P.S. CE = Chief Economist