Czech FM: We may recognize Kosovo unilaterally

Czech FM: We may recognize Kosovo unilaterally

"As Borat will say:
but why?
but why not?"

Naturally, we will be a part of the EU decisions as well, we’ll reach some solution. Ahtisaari’s mandate is relatively broad and I believe the final result will be useful for all”, Vondra said,

- where does it state that the Czechs would recognise unilaterally. This statement suggests that they will toe the common EU line whatever that maybe as there cuurently is no "proposal" and even further a resolution to vote on in the security council. That said I am sure the Kalbanian's will jump on it and say we are recognised. If he did say this then maybe this is a spoiling excercise to get the Kalbanians to react too soon and then the west can blame them and walk away. However, this would create exactly what the Czechs said would be the best solution - partition as Resolution will still stand and Serbia would be able to annexe the north whole still maintaining territorial integrity on the south.

All I can repeat is that all the peoples of Serbia need to realise that the best interests of all are best served by working together to achieve a common understanding and a win-win solution. For a better Serbia for all the peoples of Serbia. The talks following on from Ahtisarri's "proposal" are the best opportunity for to get the win-win and any unilateral decision will only cause instability.

All countries will recognize Kosovo once the big players do. America, the UK, Italy and Germany are all ready to recognize it today if it was declared. Once some minor concessions on other issues are made to Russia (and everyone knows Russia doesn't really give a damn about Serbia), they will be on board too and that's it! The Serbs (Blag, Princip & Company Ltd.) are naive to think that countries like Spain/Greece hold any sway over anything. They will never jeaperdize their relationship with the USA. They will go along for the ride together with the big boys.

Oh man, I feel sorry for the Czech Republic...

Serbia will cut the diplomatic ties an impose sanctions against it.

The Czech Republic will suffer so much as a result, it may be forced to reverse it's decision...

Princip,

The common EU line is "a solution according to the will of Kosovo's population".

Everyone knows what that is.

As far as working together... just the mentioning the name "Serbia" to any Kosovo Albanian makes their hair stand up. They want ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with anything that contains the letters S E R B I A.

The only thing that Serbia has brought to Kosovo Albanians is treachery, misery and pain, and they would rather die than go back to whatever Serbia has to offer.

What is the logic behind Serbian policy after all? They haven't got the guts to even acknowledge their crimes. How about an apology to Kosovars?

So please stop talking about working together since there is or will ever be such thing in the area.

The only win-win situation is if Serbia gets out of the state of denial and recognizes the new reality, which is, “Kosovo is no longer Serbia’s colony”.

I completly agree.

"All countries will recognize Kosovo once the big players do. America, the UK, Italy and Germany are all ready to recognize it today if it was declared. Once some minor concessions on other issues are made to Russia (and everyone knows Russia doesn't really give a damn about Serbia), they will be on board too and that's it! The Serbs (Blag, Princip & Company Ltd.) are naive to think that countries like Spain/Greece hold any sway over anything. They will never jeaperdize their relationship with the USA. They will go along for the ride together with the big boys.
(Sidi, 25 November 2006, 21:55) "

It irks me to see people paying such undeserved homage to the supposedly almighty nature of the USA.

The way I see it: the US is way across the Atlantic Ocean. Russia, Greece etc are just across the doorsteps of the Balkans. Decades from now, will the US still be in or want to be in Europe's backyard? It recently realized that it has more on its hands with the population explosion of illegal Mexican migrants. Not to mention hostile governments of Venezuela, Bolivia and Cuba on its own continent.

The US has abandoned its "allies" before. They abandoned Vietnam in 1973. Now they are desperate to abandon Iraq. Becaue they are overstretched and couldn't cope.

it appears that each day brings more and more surprises to the independence camp. and each day the defense of their positions become more and more shrill. if we were to graph developments over the last 6 months they would not be pointing upward, but downward for the independence camp. face the facts... this is harder than you thought it be. i have put my money where my mouth is and have invested in the serb stock market... and have done very well so far.

My riposte to those who say that they cannot work with whom they have fought is that they will have very little chance of joining the EU. Learn the history of the EU and realise that the 2 great players in the formation of the EU were Germany and France and ask why?. If this is the attitude of civil and intelligent people who suggest they wish Albania or an unsanctioned seperatist state of Kosovo & Metohija to be active members of the EU I think they must be living in cloud cuckoo land!!!

The EU will accept what is acceptable to the UN security council - which will take time with talks following the Ahtisarri proposal - read what the US Ambassador said in his B92 interview and realise that the political landscape has changed and continually changes. Learn to live in the present and not in the past and you might have a furure!!!

All I can repeat is that all the peoples of Serbia need to realise that the best interests of all are best served by working together to achieve a common understanding and a win-win solution. For a better Serbia for all the peoples of Serbia. The talks following on from Ahtisarri's "proposal" are the best opportunity for to get the win-win and any unilateral decision will only cause instability.

princip can you understand that we are not serbs, but albanians? And even if, if, if it will happened to still be in serbia. The country will not be serbia anymore, but Serbia & Dardania. Do you accept it?

What's the win-win situation for you, Princip?
If you meant of that rubbish autonomy Serbia is offering then, you are deadly wrong!
The only win-win-situation is deviding Mitrovica along ethnic lines in exchange for Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvegia.

Anything else, no Albanian with the right mind would go for it.

Your comment,...

"If this is the attitude of civil and intelligent people who suggest they wish Albania or an unsanctioned seperatist state of Kosovo & Metohija to be active members of the EU I think they must be living in cloud cuckoo land!!!

... is racist nonsense at its core. Please, explain to the readers why Albania and Kosovo can't join the unity of the civilized nations?

What makes you believe that we are not civilized, but Serbs are inspite of 5 ballkan wars and new mass graves poping up from every dark alley.


Xhafer,

Dardan, you make me laugh. Your talk about Albanians getting nothing but treachery, misery, and pain could easily be reversed to Serbs getting the same thing from Albanians since 1999, but you've obviously turned a conveniently blind eye to that. Moreover, you're declaration of perpetual anomosity between Serbs and Albanians screams of nationalist arrogance, putting one as the complete victim and the other as the subhuman aggressor. You're obviously not interested in democracy or any progress.

I think the only solution is independence for Kosovo. The Albanians will never want to be ruled by Serbia again and even if Kosovo gets autonomy, whats to stop the Serbs revoking that in the future. Russia will not risk World War Three against the West to help Serbia.

it's not in K's interest to have unilateral recognition from anyone b/c it will mean the loss of the North (which will counter declare). the posts for independence on this site are becoming more and more shrill (seems like these guys are getting really worried)

Blag,

the North cannot declare anything, according to the principles of the Contact Group. Kosovo will be treated as a whole. What about if Albanians in southern Serbia counter-declare on their own? If you accept my remark, I would wish you to use more the present tense and less the future in your comments. Thanks

Dear Xhafer,

It's outrageous for you to make such comments as trading the rich undisputed treasury of Kosova (North Mitrovica) for impoverished lands of south Serbia.

This is in no way questions your patriotism for the cause, but your poor judgement in understanding what so many Albanians died for.

"Kosova smundet me u coptue ne asnje rast!"

"Kosovo can't be devided in any case,"

Albin,

Mike, I am glad other's tragedies make you laugh.
I am sure the next statement will make you laugh... ready?

Whatever has been done to Serbs in Kosovo is UNMIK's responsibility (failure to stop them). K-Albanians have NO control over the major crime-fighting mechanisms. That was and still is in the hands of the UN administration.

As far as the treachery, I have tasted it, my parents have tasted it, and unfortunately, my grandparents have tasted it since Kosovo's occupation by Serbia in 1912/13.

I am sure it is easy to make those remarks from your angle.

Again, the rebuttal script patterns are very visible among the most Serb supporting participants in these discussions.

One goes ahead and compares the Serb century-long (documented) genocide and expulsion campaigns against Albanians to a wave of revenge attacks that lasted a couple of months in 1999, does not deserve the honor of reply.

The US has abandoned its "allies" before. They abandoned Vietnam in 1973. Now they are desperate to abandon Iraq. Because they are overstretched and couldn't cope.
(lowe, 26 November 2006, 14:06)

lowe,

The US has ONLY abandoned Albania and Albanians temporarily during its communist years.

Remember, it was US’ President Woodrow Wilson, after not being able to stop the genocide against Kosovo Albanians, insisted on creation on a safe haven for them (the state of Albania) and forced its recognition in 1919 in the Paris Conference. Wilson, after reading hundreds of pages of materials of Serb massacres in Kosovo in the early 20th century (submitted by a group of Kosovo Albanian eyewitnesses, expelled from Kosovo to Shkoder, Albania) showed what no other country in Europe did before – signs of humanity. Of course, the other powers (France, England, and Russia) were going to chop it, and award the rest of present-day Albania to Greece, Serbia and Montenegro.

Incidentally or not, it was the same country that stopped similar genocide against Albanians in Kosovo, exactly 80 years later, correcting what President Wilson could not do – stop an attempted Serb genocide.

Your analogy with Vietnam or Iraq is pretty much baseless. You’re comparing all out war zones that want (or wanted) the US out with a very peaceful area where everyone loves the US.

If the US is so busy with Iraq, the chance that it will recognize Kosovo independence is more likely vs. leaving it in union with Serbia.

Not only US, but most of the major powers have said that there will be no return of Serbia to Kosovo. Why is Serbia wasting its time and money (that it desperately needs) on something that will not happen?

Come on, even Russia does not support a return of Serbia to Kosovo...

Xhafer,

You comment is worth considering I believe.

"The only win-win-situation is deviding Mitrovica along ethnic lines in exchange for Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvegia.
Anything else, no Albanian with the right mind would go for it."
I also believe partitioning could be acceptable to both sides. I think as long as Serbia retains some of the area that is historical important to us, we can feel that we are holding onto Kosovo, at least the Kosovo that lives in our hearts and in our myths. I'm sure some kind of land swap could be agreed upon. I would add that some important historical areas be added to Serbia, in exchange for areas of Serbia that are equal in value and importance to Albania. That could be the basis for lasting peace in the region.
I also think it would be wise to allow the Albanian portion of Kosovo to join Albania, that would also reduce the perception that Serbia is losing Kosovo, as there wouldn't be a country called Kosovo, just a region in Albania.

Personally, I've always thought it was silly to break up the ethnic mosaic that was Yugoslavia, just to make other smaller ethnic mosaics to join the EU. Lets face it, the people in Yugoslavia and Albania have far more in common then differences. Montenegrins and Albanians even share Clans, why can't we all share the same land? Its madness...

genc, agreed, but it is my understanding that a unilateral declaration is also against contact group principles (the US amb. already warned K against it). therefore, should a unilateral declaration transpire, it is predicatable that the north would use the episode to unilaterally declare succession from the south. of course, no one would recognize the north... but it would be an accomplished fact and considering the circumstances, the UN would probably have an uphill battle to reverse it - considering the sequence of events. The Presevo Albanians would have no success in following suit b/c they reside in a country who's borders are universally recognized and gauranteed. It is the present day borders of the Serbian region known as Kosovo which is in question, not the borders of Serbia proper.

It's wonderful that Czechs understand the complexity of the situation better than Romanians. You guys (Commentators) argue too much of a situation that has already been pre-determined in 1999.

Alban Castro,

Blag,

What you’re refering to was just a political game, nothing more. No one in Kosovo will consider seriously an unilateral declaration before an agreement in the SC and probably a new resolution which will replace the 1244 and offer the legal basis for it. I know that Serbian borders are internationally recognized, but the border between S and K not yet, the Presevo Valley lays exatly on that spot, so it can be easily linked to the question of Northern Kosovo. Anyway, I doubt very much that Kosovo borders can change according to serb will, there have been 3 wars with hundreds of thousands of victims in former Yugo, with no borders changes at all. On this basis I can say that no border changes will occur in Kosovo either. What the K-Serbs can get is autonomy; any unilateral declaration from their side will be rejected.

Genc, The Serbs would declare unilaterally only if the Albanians first did so (otherwise it is not in their interest). I however do think that K border changes can take place... but not now. And I disagree that Presevo can ever be linked.

By the way there is a central hole in your argument --> Yes, Serbia's borders are internationally recognized (and currently Kosovo falls within those borders).

Blag,

if the international borders of Serbia are internationally recognized with Kosovo inside, why do the status negotiations NOT exclude Kosovo’s independence? The hole is not mine. It depends on from which prospective you view it. Yugoslavia’s borders were also internationally undisputable in 1990, Slovenia’s and Croatia’s independence was declared illegal at the beginning. Don’t you get the dejà-vu?
Btw, Serbia’s new Constitution has an enormous hole: the Kosovo Albanians, supposed citizens of Serbia were not allowed to vote for it (they wouldn’t, I know, but you cannot exclude anyone a priori from voting in a democracy). That’s more than enough to declare it not valid at the right moment.

As for border changes: Borders in former Yugo hasn’t changed until now, here in Europe no one wants border changes and the European (and American) politics is committed to this path. They are the decisive players. I think it’s a better choice for Serbia not to work on border changes (harmful to Serbia, indeed), but to get the best it can for Kosovo Serbs, maintaining thus some form of partecipation in Kosovo. Otherwise the Serb enclaves in Central and Southern Kosovo will have to be given up in a tit-for-tat trade and things in Presevo Valley would worsen very rapidly. I doubt Serbia could manage that situation. Disagreeing with you, I think Presevo Valley can be linked very easily to Kosovo, because it’s practically the same situation. I cannot predict whether it will happen or not, I can guess that it will depend mostly on Serbia’s behaviour, as it happened to force Kosovo Albanians play the “right” game some years ago. You must have understood that this is not a Serbia vs. Kosovo game.

genc,

touche! my replys to your statements are as follows:

yes, the possibility of indep. is not excluded... but neither is it certain. and one cannot deny that it will lead to legal precedent. as for slovenia, croatia, etc... they were constituent republics... not so for kosovo. also, one might add that this took place at a different time and different place than now (not an insignificant statement). yes, serbia's constitution has that hole... but it was recognized by western monitors and their governments and therefore it is an accomplished fact (fair or not). i think belgrade would rather abandon the central and south kosovo serbs than give up corridor 10. disagree about presevo/ border changes. to give K indep. means serbia signs a legal documenting authorizing the changing of borders (READ: serbia is allowing and authorizing independence to transpire aqnd agreeing that its borders be changed). this has ramifications in bosnia (where 66% of the population would rather break off and join serbia or croatia). as for presevo, i think it's very unlikely. i am aware of no serious diplomatic movement, proposal, or momentum that envisions this (as it would mean yet another border change).

agreed. this is not a kosovo/ serbia game... but serbia has recently accumulated some additional leverage tht might prove useful: access to the opening S economy is being traded (affirmative votes on K indep mean your proposal will be not considered); the constitution does indeed present a headache for the west (fear of embargo); the lack of leverage should serbia embargo the statelet and block thruway.

i really am not anti-albanian and i wish you the best in your efforts. my commentary is political and not personal. andi enjoy the intellectual stimulus. sorry that others do not realize this, but happy that you do!

Blag,

When all agree that there will bo NO border changes in the former Yugo, that includes Kosovo borders also. You cannot take for granted that only Serbia will be allowed to take Northern Kosovo and the others will be granted nothing. The P Albanians would react and put e democratic Serbia in a very difficult position (and Corridor 10 is of vital interest to Serbia, much more than N.Mitrovica and Zvecan). Moreover, the Albanians in Macedonia, the Serbs and Croats in Bosnia would surely feel authorised to do the same. No one wishes that. It’s against Serbia’s interest too, b/c a smaller and serbless Kosovo, as it seems you wish it, could not be hampered from joining Albania, and that’s the worst scenario for Serbia. And Serbia could by no means hamper that, if it annexes the northern piece of Kosovo. I think this view prevails in Serbia also.

As about Slovenia and Croatia’s independence, remember that they were parts of a sovran state, with a very ambiguous Constitution, which guaranteed the right of repubblics to self-determination to the point of seccession along with the untouchable integrity of SFRY. Kosovo is a UN-protectorate, with NO serbian administration and army at all. There hadn’t been border changes in Europe till 1991. Now Europeans do not consider that as a dogma, stability comes first, which is guaranteed by holding Kosovo separated from Serbia. Indeed, it’s different place and different time. The Constitution, with its hole, cannot be forced to the K-Albanians; in the future, with Kosovo running its separate way, the EU will gently push for some “slight, unsignificant updating” to be made to it.

It seems to me that you give much importance to Serbia’s additional leverage. That’s all about getting a better bargain in Kosovo, not about changing the substance of the outcome. Things have gone too far by now and Serbia’s weight is much smaller than needed to influence the outcome. Kosovo is a matter of European and global stability, its recognition will be sponsored by those who are currently playing the game, and surely they can offer much more than access in the small-sized serbian economy. Moreover, Serbia cannot simply ignore economical access to the bigs and the mediums who will recognize Kosovo, you know that economy has its laws, if you make a bad deal you cannot survive for long. And there private enterprises, mostly international, and not states, which run business.

In the theory K will set a precedent, agreed. But theory and praxis are sometimes far away. If any other separatist movement will manage to get the support of so much big players, borders will change. If not, it will remain a “sui generis” case, not applicable to it.

The blockage is also not to be taken seriously in the West, it would harm Serbia itself and push Kosovo towards Albania and Macedonia, with the 25% of Albanian population (not wished by many). I think there will be some angry measures in Belgrade following the declaration of independence, and much legal smuggling through the border, as it has always happened in the Balcans. You seem not be used to the Balcanic and Serbian mentality. You live in NYC and have only an ideal perception of Serbia and the Serbs there. During the 1998-1999 war the KLA bought 90% of its weapons from the Yugoslav Army. That should suggest you sth.

For the rest, it seems to me that you also are pointing to that concept which currently is being labelled “conditioned independence”. All of us know that there will be no FULL independence next year, but we know also that there won’t be any possibility for Serbia to rule again Kosovo. We know also that that kind of broad autonomy offered by Serbia to Kosovo is not functional, and is not sincere (the Consitution hole). It has not been taken seriosly by no one of the big players, even not by Russia. Hence you have the outcome, name it whatever you want. In addition, I would suggest you to consider that trying to partition Kosovo is not the best thing for Serbia’s interests today. As I pointed out, it’s much better for S to have some partecipation in Kosovo through its minority there, than a hostile land at its border.

I’m happy that you also choose the intellectual way of discussion, even if with so much fiction in it. There are also many childish, offensive and absurd commentaries even from the pro-Serbian side (many of them from not Serbians, which is positive). I appreciate your way of dialectical arguing, but I think that you need a better cognition of the real situation on the spot and more neutral valuation of Serbian possibilities in this game. Anyway, I feel that we’re agreeing in substance, but disagreing in terminology: for me iKosovo is going toward conditioned independece, for you it’s “not (full) independece”. Anyway, substance matters, not labelles. As an Albanian I wish that after all what happened, both peoples will find a normal way to live along as neighbours. I see that realism is preavailing from both sides and that leads me to be optimistic. Wish the best to you also (and more realism)!

Czech FM: We may recognize Kosovo unilaterally

"As Borat will say:
but why?
but why not?"

Naturally, we will be a part of the EU decisions as well, we’ll reach some solution. Ahtisaari’s mandate is relatively broad and I believe the final result will be useful for all”, Vondra said,

- where does it state that the Czechs would recognise unilaterally. This statement suggests that they will toe the common EU line whatever that maybe as there cuurently is no "proposal" and even further a resolution to vote on in the security council. That said I am sure the Kalbanian's will jump on it and say we are recognised. If he did say this then maybe this is a spoiling excercise to get the Kalbanians to react too soon and then the west can blame them and walk away. However, this would create exactly what the Czechs said would be the best solution - partition as Resolution will still stand and Serbia would be able to annexe the north whole still maintaining territorial integrity on the south.

All I can repeat is that all the peoples of Serbia need to realise that the best interests of all are best served by working together to achieve a common understanding and a win-win solution. For a better Serbia for all the peoples of Serbia. The talks following on from Ahtisarri's "proposal" are the best opportunity for to get the win-win and any unilateral decision will only cause instability.

All countries will recognize Kosovo once the big players do. America, the UK, Italy and Germany are all ready to recognize it today if it was declared. Once some minor concessions on other issues are made to Russia (and everyone knows Russia doesn't really give a damn about Serbia), they will be on board too and that's it! The Serbs (Blag, Princip & Company Ltd.) are naive to think that countries like Spain/Greece hold any sway over anything. They will never jeaperdize their relationship with the USA. They will go along for the ride together with the big boys.

Oh man, I feel sorry for the Czech Republic...

Serbia will cut the diplomatic ties an impose sanctions against it.

The Czech Republic will suffer so much as a result, it may be forced to reverse it's decision...

Princip,

The common EU line is "a solution according to the will of Kosovo's population".

Everyone knows what that is.

As far as working together... just the mentioning the name "Serbia" to any Kosovo Albanian makes their hair stand up. They want ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with anything that contains the letters S E R B I A.

The only thing that Serbia has brought to Kosovo Albanians is treachery, misery and pain, and they would rather die than go back to whatever Serbia has to offer.

What is the logic behind Serbian policy after all? They haven't got the guts to even acknowledge their crimes. How about an apology to Kosovars?

So please stop talking about working together since there is or will ever be such thing in the area.

The only win-win situation is if Serbia gets out of the state of denial and recognizes the new reality, which is, “Kosovo is no longer Serbia’s colony”.

I completly agree.

"All countries will recognize Kosovo once the big players do. America, the UK, Italy and Germany are all ready to recognize it today if it was declared. Once some minor concessions on other issues are made to Russia (and everyone knows Russia doesn't really give a damn about Serbia), they will be on board too and that's it! The Serbs (Blag, Princip & Company Ltd.) are naive to think that countries like Spain/Greece hold any sway over anything. They will never jeaperdize their relationship with the USA. They will go along for the ride together with the big boys.
(Sidi, 25 November 2006, 21:55) "

It irks me to see people paying such undeserved homage to the supposedly almighty nature of the USA.

The way I see it: the US is way across the Atlantic Ocean. Russia, Greece etc are just across the doorsteps of the Balkans. Decades from now, will the US still be in or want to be in Europe's backyard? It recently realized that it has more on its hands with the population explosion of illegal Mexican migrants. Not to mention hostile governments of Venezuela, Bolivia and Cuba on its own continent.

The US has abandoned its "allies" before. They abandoned Vietnam in 1973. Now they are desperate to abandon Iraq. Becaue they are overstretched and couldn't cope.

it appears that each day brings more and more surprises to the independence camp. and each day the defense of their positions become more and more shrill. if we were to graph developments over the last 6 months they would not be pointing upward, but downward for the independence camp. face the facts... this is harder than you thought it be. i have put my money where my mouth is and have invested in the serb stock market... and have done very well so far.

My riposte to those who say that they cannot work with whom they have fought is that they will have very little chance of joining the EU. Learn the history of the EU and realise that the 2 great players in the formation of the EU were Germany and France and ask why?. If this is the attitude of civil and intelligent people who suggest they wish Albania or an unsanctioned seperatist state of Kosovo & Metohija to be active members of the EU I think they must be living in cloud cuckoo land!!!

The EU will accept what is acceptable to the UN security council - which will take time with talks following the Ahtisarri proposal - read what the US Ambassador said in his B92 interview and realise that the political landscape has changed and continually changes. Learn to live in the present and not in the past and you might have a furure!!!

All I can repeat is that all the peoples of Serbia need to realise that the best interests of all are best served by working together to achieve a common understanding and a win-win solution. For a better Serbia for all the peoples of Serbia. The talks following on from Ahtisarri's "proposal" are the best opportunity for to get the win-win and any unilateral decision will only cause instability.

princip can you understand that we are not serbs, but albanians? And even if, if, if it will happened to still be in serbia. The country will not be serbia anymore, but Serbia & Dardania. Do you accept it?

What's the win-win situation for you, Princip?
If you meant of that rubbish autonomy Serbia is offering then, you are deadly wrong!
The only win-win-situation is deviding Mitrovica along ethnic lines in exchange for Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvegia.

Anything else, no Albanian with the right mind would go for it.

Your comment,...

"If this is the attitude of civil and intelligent people who suggest they wish Albania or an unsanctioned seperatist state of Kosovo & Metohija to be active members of the EU I think they must be living in cloud cuckoo land!!!

... is racist nonsense at its core. Please, explain to the readers why Albania and Kosovo can't join the unity of the civilized nations?

What makes you believe that we are not civilized, but Serbs are inspite of 5 ballkan wars and new mass graves poping up from every dark alley.


Xhafer,

Dardan, you make me laugh. Your talk about Albanians getting nothing but treachery, misery, and pain could easily be reversed to Serbs getting the same thing from Albanians since 1999, but you've obviously turned a conveniently blind eye to that. Moreover, you're declaration of perpetual anomosity between Serbs and Albanians screams of nationalist arrogance, putting one as the complete victim and the other as the subhuman aggressor. You're obviously not interested in democracy or any progress.

I think the only solution is independence for Kosovo. The Albanians will never want to be ruled by Serbia again and even if Kosovo gets autonomy, whats to stop the Serbs revoking that in the future. Russia will not risk World War Three against the West to help Serbia.

it's not in K's interest to have unilateral recognition from anyone b/c it will mean the loss of the North (which will counter declare). the posts for independence on this site are becoming more and more shrill (seems like these guys are getting really worried)

Blag,

the North cannot declare anything, according to the principles of the Contact Group. Kosovo will be treated as a whole. What about if Albanians in southern Serbia counter-declare on their own? If you accept my remark, I would wish you to use more the present tense and less the future in your comments. Thanks

Dear Xhafer,

It's outrageous for you to make such comments as trading the rich undisputed treasury of Kosova (North Mitrovica) for impoverished lands of south Serbia.

This is in no way questions your patriotism for the cause, but your poor judgement in understanding what so many Albanians died for.

"Kosova smundet me u coptue ne asnje rast!"

"Kosovo can't be devided in any case,"

Albin,

Mike, I am glad other's tragedies make you laugh.
I am sure the next statement will make you laugh... ready?

Whatever has been done to Serbs in Kosovo is UNMIK's responsibility (failure to stop them). K-Albanians have NO control over the major crime-fighting mechanisms. That was and still is in the hands of the UN administration.

As far as the treachery, I have tasted it, my parents have tasted it, and unfortunately, my grandparents have tasted it since Kosovo's occupation by Serbia in 1912/13.

I am sure it is easy to make those remarks from your angle.

Again, the rebuttal script patterns are very visible among the most Serb supporting participants in these discussions.

One goes ahead and compares the Serb century-long (documented) genocide and expulsion campaigns against Albanians to a wave of revenge attacks that lasted a couple of months in 1999, does not deserve the honor of reply.

The US has abandoned its "allies" before. They abandoned Vietnam in 1973. Now they are desperate to abandon Iraq. Because they are overstretched and couldn't cope.
(lowe, 26 November 2006, 14:06)

lowe,

The US has ONLY abandoned Albania and Albanians temporarily during its communist years.

Remember, it was US’ President Woodrow Wilson, after not being able to stop the genocide against Kosovo Albanians, insisted on creation on a safe haven for them (the state of Albania) and forced its recognition in 1919 in the Paris Conference. Wilson, after reading hundreds of pages of materials of Serb massacres in Kosovo in the early 20th century (submitted by a group of Kosovo Albanian eyewitnesses, expelled from Kosovo to Shkoder, Albania) showed what no other country in Europe did before – signs of humanity. Of course, the other powers (France, England, and Russia) were going to chop it, and award the rest of present-day Albania to Greece, Serbia and Montenegro.

Incidentally or not, it was the same country that stopped similar genocide against Albanians in Kosovo, exactly 80 years later, correcting what President Wilson could not do – stop an attempted Serb genocide.

Your analogy with Vietnam or Iraq is pretty much baseless. You’re comparing all out war zones that want (or wanted) the US out with a very peaceful area where everyone loves the US.

If the US is so busy with Iraq, the chance that it will recognize Kosovo independence is more likely vs. leaving it in union with Serbia.

Not only US, but most of the major powers have said that there will be no return of Serbia to Kosovo. Why is Serbia wasting its time and money (that it desperately needs) on something that will not happen?

Come on, even Russia does not support a return of Serbia to Kosovo...

Xhafer,

You comment is worth considering I believe.

"The only win-win-situation is deviding Mitrovica along ethnic lines in exchange for Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvegia.
Anything else, no Albanian with the right mind would go for it."
I also believe partitioning could be acceptable to both sides. I think as long as Serbia retains some of the area that is historical important to us, we can feel that we are holding onto Kosovo, at least the Kosovo that lives in our hearts and in our myths. I'm sure some kind of land swap could be agreed upon. I would add that some important historical areas be added to Serbia, in exchange for areas of Serbia that are equal in value and importance to Albania. That could be the basis for lasting peace in the region.
I also think it would be wise to allow the Albanian portion of Kosovo to join Albania, that would also reduce the perception that Serbia is losing Kosovo, as there wouldn't be a country called Kosovo, just a region in Albania.

Personally, I've always thought it was silly to break up the ethnic mosaic that was Yugoslavia, just to make other smaller ethnic mosaics to join the EU. Lets face it, the people in Yugoslavia and Albania have far more in common then differences. Montenegrins and Albanians even share Clans, why can't we all share the same land? Its madness...

genc, agreed, but it is my understanding that a unilateral declaration is also against contact group principles (the US amb. already warned K against it). therefore, should a unilateral declaration transpire, it is predicatable that the north would use the episode to unilaterally declare succession from the south. of course, no one would recognize the north... but it would be an accomplished fact and considering the circumstances, the UN would probably have an uphill battle to reverse it - considering the sequence of events. The Presevo Albanians would have no success in following suit b/c they reside in a country who's borders are universally recognized and gauranteed. It is the present day borders of the Serbian region known as Kosovo which is in question, not the borders of Serbia proper.

It's wonderful that Czechs understand the complexity of the situation better than Romanians. You guys (Commentators) argue too much of a situation that has already been pre-determined in 1999.

Alban Castro,

Blag,

What you’re refering to was just a political game, nothing more. No one in Kosovo will consider seriously an unilateral declaration before an agreement in the SC and probably a new resolution which will replace the 1244 and offer the legal basis for it. I know that Serbian borders are internationally recognized, but the border between S and K not yet, the Presevo Valley lays exatly on that spot, so it can be easily linked to the question of Northern Kosovo. Anyway, I doubt very much that Kosovo borders can change according to serb will, there have been 3 wars with hundreds of thousands of victims in former Yugo, with no borders changes at all. On this basis I can say that no border changes will occur in Kosovo either. What the K-Serbs can get is autonomy; any unilateral declaration from their side will be rejected.

Genc, The Serbs would declare unilaterally only if the Albanians first did so (otherwise it is not in their interest). I however do think that K border changes can take place... but not now. And I disagree that Presevo can ever be linked.

By the way there is a central hole in your argument --> Yes, Serbia's borders are internationally recognized (and currently Kosovo falls within those borders).

Blag,

if the international borders of Serbia are internationally recognized with Kosovo inside, why do the status negotiations NOT exclude Kosovo’s independence? The hole is not mine. It depends on from which prospective you view it. Yugoslavia’s borders were also internationally undisputable in 1990, Slovenia’s and Croatia’s independence was declared illegal at the beginning. Don’t you get the dejà-vu?
Btw, Serbia’s new Constitution has an enormous hole: the Kosovo Albanians, supposed citizens of Serbia were not allowed to vote for it (they wouldn’t, I know, but you cannot exclude anyone a priori from voting in a democracy). That’s more than enough to declare it not valid at the right moment.

As for border changes: Borders in former Yugo hasn’t changed until now, here in Europe no one wants border changes and the European (and American) politics is committed to this path. They are the decisive players. I think it’s a better choice for Serbia not to work on border changes (harmful to Serbia, indeed), but to get the best it can for Kosovo Serbs, maintaining thus some form of partecipation in Kosovo. Otherwise the Serb enclaves in Central and Southern Kosovo will have to be given up in a tit-for-tat trade and things in Presevo Valley would worsen very rapidly. I doubt Serbia could manage that situation. Disagreeing with you, I think Presevo Valley can be linked very easily to Kosovo, because it’s practically the same situation. I cannot predict whether it will happen or not, I can guess that it will depend mostly on Serbia’s behaviour, as it happened to force Kosovo Albanians play the “right” game some years ago. You must have understood that this is not a Serbia vs. Kosovo game.

genc,

touche! my replys to your statements are as follows:

yes, the possibility of indep. is not excluded... but neither is it certain. and one cannot deny that it will lead to legal precedent. as for slovenia, croatia, etc... they were constituent republics... not so for kosovo. also, one might add that this took place at a different time and different place than now (not an insignificant statement). yes, serbia's constitution has that hole... but it was recognized by western monitors and their governments and therefore it is an accomplished fact (fair or not). i think belgrade would rather abandon the central and south kosovo serbs than give up corridor 10. disagree about presevo/ border changes. to give K indep. means serbia signs a legal documenting authorizing the changing of borders (READ: serbia is allowing and authorizing independence to transpire aqnd agreeing that its borders be changed). this has ramifications in bosnia (where 66% of the population would rather break off and join serbia or croatia). as for presevo, i think it's very unlikely. i am aware of no serious diplomatic movement, proposal, or momentum that envisions this (as it would mean yet another border change).

agreed. this is not a kosovo/ serbia game... but serbia has recently accumulated some additional leverage tht might prove useful: access to the opening S economy is being traded (affirmative votes on K indep mean your proposal will be not considered); the constitution does indeed present a headache for the west (fear of embargo); the lack of leverage should serbia embargo the statelet and block thruway.

i really am not anti-albanian and i wish you the best in your efforts. my commentary is political and not personal. andi enjoy the intellectual stimulus. sorry that others do not realize this, but happy that you do!

Blag,

When all agree that there will bo NO border changes in the former Yugo, that includes Kosovo borders also. You cannot take for granted that only Serbia will be allowed to take Northern Kosovo and the others will be granted nothing. The P Albanians would react and put e democratic Serbia in a very difficult position (and Corridor 10 is of vital interest to Serbia, much more than N.Mitrovica and Zvecan). Moreover, the Albanians in Macedonia, the Serbs and Croats in Bosnia would surely feel authorised to do the same. No one wishes that. It’s against Serbia’s interest too, b/c a smaller and serbless Kosovo, as it seems you wish it, could not be hampered from joining Albania, and that’s the worst scenario for Serbia. And Serbia could by no means hamper that, if it annexes the northern piece of Kosovo. I think this view prevails in Serbia also.

As about Slovenia and Croatia’s independence, remember that they were parts of a sovran state, with a very ambiguous Constitution, which guaranteed the right of repubblics to self-determination to the point of seccession along with the untouchable integrity of SFRY. Kosovo is a UN-protectorate, with NO serbian administration and army at all. There hadn’t been border changes in Europe till 1991. Now Europeans do not consider that as a dogma, stability comes first, which is guaranteed by holding Kosovo separated from Serbia. Indeed, it’s different place and different time. The Constitution, with its hole, cannot be forced to the K-Albanians; in the future, with Kosovo running its separate way, the EU will gently push for some “slight, unsignificant updating” to be made to it.

It seems to me that you give much importance to Serbia’s additional leverage. That’s all about getting a better bargain in Kosovo, not about changing the substance of the outcome. Things have gone too far by now and Serbia’s weight is much smaller than needed to influence the outcome. Kosovo is a matter of European and global stability, its recognition will be sponsored by those who are currently playing the game, and surely they can offer much more than access in the small-sized serbian economy. Moreover, Serbia cannot simply ignore economical access to the bigs and the mediums who will recognize Kosovo, you know that economy has its laws, if you make a bad deal you cannot survive for long. And there private enterprises, mostly international, and not states, which run business.

In the theory K will set a precedent, agreed. But theory and praxis are sometimes far away. If any other separatist movement will manage to get the support of so much big players, borders will change. If not, it will remain a “sui generis” case, not applicable to it.

The blockage is also not to be taken seriously in the West, it would harm Serbia itself and push Kosovo towards Albania and Macedonia, with the 25% of Albanian population (not wished by many). I think there will be some angry measures in Belgrade following the declaration of independence, and much legal smuggling through the border, as it has always happened in the Balcans. You seem not be used to the Balcanic and Serbian mentality. You live in NYC and have only an ideal perception of Serbia and the Serbs there. During the 1998-1999 war the KLA bought 90% of its weapons from the Yugoslav Army. That should suggest you sth.

For the rest, it seems to me that you also are pointing to that concept which currently is being labelled “conditioned independence”. All of us know that there will be no FULL independence next year, but we know also that there won’t be any possibility for Serbia to rule again Kosovo. We know also that that kind of broad autonomy offered by Serbia to Kosovo is not functional, and is not sincere (the Consitution hole). It has not been taken seriosly by no one of the big players, even not by Russia. Hence you have the outcome, name it whatever you want. In addition, I would suggest you to consider that trying to partition Kosovo is not the best thing for Serbia’s interests today. As I pointed out, it’s much better for S to have some partecipation in Kosovo through its minority there, than a hostile land at its border.

I’m happy that you also choose the intellectual way of discussion, even if with so much fiction in it. There are also many childish, offensive and absurd commentaries even from the pro-Serbian side (many of them from not Serbians, which is positive). I appreciate your way of dialectical arguing, but I think that you need a better cognition of the real situation on the spot and more neutral valuation of Serbian possibilities in this game. Anyway, I feel that we’re agreeing in substance, but disagreing in terminology: for me iKosovo is going toward conditioned independece, for you it’s “not (full) independece”. Anyway, substance matters, not labelles. As an Albanian I wish that after all what happened, both peoples will find a normal way to live along as neighbours. I see that realism is preavailing from both sides and that leads me to be optimistic. Wish the best to you also (and more realism)!