Preliminary results: Tadić claims victory

My Serbian friends. Even though im not Serbian and have never been there, I have great respect for the Serbian people. Especially for your honor and courage to fight for what is right. Guys, dont sell your honor today, Serbia has worked to hard for it! Go and vote to save Serbian honor and to save Kosovo!

God bless Serbia. God protect Holy Kosovo. I was ashamed and appalled when my country the United States and it's NATO allies bombed Serbia for 78 days. Now as then I will pray for Serbia, for the Serbian people and for Holy Kosovo. I pray that whoever wins the election today will stand strong against the Western Globalists who wish to steal Kosovo from the Serbian people.

"The law obligates the media to refrain from carrying any form of election-related political propaganda or estimates of the ballot's outcome."

If only we had that in the US. Voting speculation begins literally after the polling stations open.

Christian, you're right on the dot with your feelings towards Serbs. I've been commenting here for almost 2 years and I've developed a profound respect for you guys. I truly hope for a bright future for Serbia, for Serbian democracy, for the Serbian people,and for peace throughout the region. You guys take a lot of heat, you get your name thrown in the mud, but dammit, you guys get right back up, wipe the dirt from your face and demand more. It's like that song by Chumbawumba:

"I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down

He drinks a whisky drink
He drinks a vodka drink
He drinks a lager drink
He drinks a Cider drink

He sings the songs that remind him of the good times,
He sings the songs that remind him of the bad times."

Ziveli Srbija!

Ilirian (nice pun),

When speaking about the decisions made over 100 years ago, are you by any chance referring to this?...

"It is estimated that 200,000 to 400,000 Serbs were cleansed out of the Vilayet of Kosovo between 1876 and 1912 by Turks and their Albanian allies"

I am not Serbian, but unfortunately I am from one of those weak European Countries, without any courage to support the right decisions....and I am not proud of myself in this moment!
When UN Resolution 1244 decided to let UN forces to administrate temporarely Kosovo, all the Countries agreed that Serbia would have kept its sovranity on Kosovo. This was a MUST!
I have been there...and since the beginning, many years ago...it was more than clear that it was just a matter of time. International Community did not anything to avoid this process... Now, after so many useless years, huge quantity of money spent for nothing...the Albanians are getting what they wanted since the beginning...and the fundamental right of a Sovereign state to keep unified is going to be trampled.
Dear Kosovo Serbs, I feel very sorry for what the European Countries you trusted are going to behave. All the promises made to you in these years were false...just words spoken to the wind but without conviction.
From a certain point of view, I would hope the worst scenario, because the honour and sovereignty at home have NO price...
But looking from an other point of view, Serbian People (and mainly Kosovo Serbs) has soffered too much to face an other war.
Forgetting is very difficult...what I can just wish all of you is trying to survive in this unjust life thinking anyhow to be in the right side.
I am with you all!

Although the elections in Serbia is a Serbian affair ,i
as an ousider who supportsthe
primacy of the UN as a world
body and the stuggle of the
Serbian people for justice,
hope that when choosing a
candidate for president Serbs
will put the interests of Serbia above politics .The EU
carrot for selling Serbia short should be rejected and
iam sure that the country will prevail in the end.
History teaches us that all
occupations will dissintegrate with time.Soldier on

"I am not a supporter of serbs unless they apologize first for all the bloodbath and massacres they committed to all the innocent people of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Kosova. I am a supporter of albanians instead. And Croats, slovenians, bosnians, the MOST of EU countries (except those nondemocratic and poor ones such as Greece, Slovakia and Romania).
(Stewart Miko, 3 February 2008 20:21)

Serbia should repent from its past and apologise publicly to other fellow Western Balakns citizens for the harm they have caused, and look forward to the future.
Kosova must become independent NOW.
(Noël, London, UK, 3 February 2008 20:37)"

Stewart and Noël,

Serbia or any Serb does not have to apologize for any crimes commited in a civil wars that saw terrible crimes being commited on both sides as long as the other sides would be genuinely willing to do the same. Maybe you and others should stop using this forum to repeat the same thing over and over again. As long as there are people in power in countries like Croatia, Bosnia and NATO/EU protectorates like Kosovo that openly and publicly are proud of their crimes and do not want to apologize or when the EU, US and NATO put zero effort to get these people to The Hague Serbia does not have to respond to these comments. In addition, I am not sure if there were any known massacres in Slovenia and if yes I doubt that the Serbs were responsible (I am sure that people like you would claim that no matter what). Considering you comments you cannot stand countries that openly oppose the desired Kosovo independence. Get a life and stop spreading around half trues and half lies.

Mike, you're hilarious but correct nevertheless :D The only addition to the lyrics I would suggest is:
He drinks a Rakija drink :)))

Peace

If this result is correct, the wimps in Brussels better wake up to the fact that Serbia is a emerging as a major Christian, European, state.

Now is the time for those that care for justice to stand up and demand that Kosovo remain in the hands of the Christian Serbs!

I wish to join with the other non-Serbs who have posted here in expressing congratulations to the Serbian people and my hopes that this singals a new era of peace and prosperity for Serbia.

As an American who recently visited Serbia, I have a profound admiration for you guys, the way you stand up for yourselves, refuse to be bullied, and will not sell your heritage (Kosovo) for 30 pieces of silver.

Serbia is a fascinating country, good people, a magnificent ancient Christian heritage, and I can't wait to visit again soon.

You guys are an inspiration. Here's to Serbia!

Good luck to both candidates.

Lets have a fantastic turnout - it's going to be very close and everyones vote will therefore be crucial and make a difference. Who ever does win a big turnout will still be a big message that Serbia will not be subservient and will not roll over as the US and "few" EU believed in their quest to Lord over the Balkans.

To Ginevra, Jimmy, Mike, Christian and Leonidas - What great comments from fellow ’outsiders’ (I am only excluding Princip and bmrusila because I believe that they are Serbian themselves, therefore not really ‘outsiders’). Really great comments.

It is reassuring that many non-Serbs must feel this way, and many more would if they learned anything about the reality of events. It’s quite incredible that even with the biggest media spin in modern history, there are still people who see through the frequently repeated inaccuracies and fabrications.

And of course with the predictable responses from various posters to try and trash your thoughts and belittle your ideas to make you think somehow you’re on the ‘wrong side’.

I too am really ashamed at the demonization, dehumanisation and bombardment of a nation which has shown bravery and courage throughout history and suffered great losses. There was no need to bomb Serbia in 1999 and it’s difficult to believe that even now in peace times, various countries are trying to illegally steal the territory.

What a dangerous precedent in Europe where boundaries are so sensitive and defined through centuries of history.

I am not saying that terrible things didn’t happen during the Balkan wars, including Kosovo, and that atrocities weren’t carried out but there are no angels and demons among the various groups (except of course the poor innocents on all sides who always suffer).

I hope that all those who suffered find peace, and that those who carried out these horrendous crimes will face justice.

Peace to Serbia and I for one will be happy to see you take your rightful place within Europe with Kosovo still within your boundaries.

Dear Serbian brothers. I'm not a Serb and I have no right to vote, If I would I will vote for Serbia with Kosovo, I will vote against illegal independence of Kosovo against Western hypocrisy and against any dependence on foreign government.

I wish you free, independent and prosperous Serbia.

Whoever wins, this election will spend the next 4 years fightin toth and nail for something they can nither moraly nor judicially stop (Kosovar independence).

Serbia should repent from its past and apologise publicly to other fellow Western Balakns citizens for the harm they have caused, and look forward to the future.


Kosova must become independent NOW.

Stewart Miko - A bizarre little rant.
As far as I know tadic has apologised for Serbia for the atrocities committed. And also the Balkan wars have always been very much a two sided thing; all sides have things to be apologetic for. Are only the Serbian issues of interest to you - the croatian concentration camps of WW2 do not influence your views for example.
And why theis dislike of countries for being poor - in many cases it is not their fault. And I don't think you could call any of the coutries in your lit undemocratic.
But if you're making a list, you surely should add Albania to it, as it is poor too.

As I write it looks like Tadic has made it. Now he must stick to his promises on Kosovo and work with the Prime Minister in a display of national unity. They will be very powerful.

It has been a good day for Serbia. It will not be the last. From this post and others above, it should be clear that you have many friends in many places. So stride forward and never let the dark forces prevail. Your destiny is before you and the prayers of all your friends are with you.
God Bless.

My dear Serbian brothers and sisters!

I wish the result of the election (whatever it is) to bring only good to Serbia.

And never forget: Kosovo je Srbija!

Regards from Greece

Jimmy,
I just wanted to say my dear that nobady is stealing nothing from Serbia, just the justice is going in a right direction. Kosovo has been occupied for years and years, Kosovo people (95%) never have lived the freedom, now is time to give to that people indipendence and freedom. When Kosovo was occupied, on that time there was no SC of United Nations and the decisions to keep Kosovo under serbian rule were unjustice and thats why Kosovo was always fighting for freedom.
So Kosovo has to be an example in Ballkan to correct the very wrong mistakes of decisions that has been made more than 100 years ago.
Peace to all! To serbian voters I would say vote who you think that will bring you toward the real future, do not vote the people who was saying "Serbia do Tokia" because that policy has destroit the future of many people in Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia...
Peace Peace Peace!

It is going to be very tight! :))))

Thank God Tadic won!
One down, one to go. Now only if Obama would win!
Go Obama!

Although the elections in Serbia is a Serbian affair ,i
as an ousider who supportsthe
primacy of the UN as a world
body and the stuggle of the
Serbian people for justice,
hope that when choosing a
candidate for president Serbs
will put the interests of Serbia above politics .The EU
carrot for selling Serbia short should be rejected and
iam sure that the country will prevail in the end.
History teaches us that all
occupations will dissintegrate with time.Soldier on
(Leonidas, 3 February 2008 12:12)


I am not a supporter of serbs unless they apologize first for all the bloodbath and massacres they committed to all the innocent people of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Kosova. I am a supporter of albanians instead. And Croats, slovenians, bosnians, the MOST of EU countries (except those nondemocratic and poor ones such as Greece, Slovakia and Romania).

Dear commenters, what upsets me more that those who are not living their everydays in Serbia, telling to us what to do! I am a citizen of Serbia, BUT my mother is hungarian and my father is croatian. My whole family is living in Vojvodina and I am tired of Kosovo item. Who love Kosovo that much, then go and live there! Is easy to play with our lives from abroad, right???

Dear Serbians! I hope you chose well. I don't know which would be "better" sell your homeland Serbia to the EU or to Russia. If these've been your choice then neither of the candidates would be solution. I hope for peace in Kosovo with any kind of solution that lacks blood. I'm not a supporter of Boris Tadić, but concerning Tomislav Nikolić, I'm afraid he would make an "island" of Serbia, which would be the isolated "batillon" of Russia. If he lead Serbia to an other war against Kosovo, that would have terrible results. Hope you voted well.

Friendly Greetings from Hungary

Well done Serbia, you have just won keeping Kosovo for another week. Congratz!

CONGRATULATION TO SERBIA FOR MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE!

WHOOOO!!!

HERE COMES THE EU! :)

Congratulations to Tadic and the Serbian People! Now it's time to deliver and to protect Kosovo!

Congratulations for the right choice, Tadic is by far the lesser evil. As half-Hungarian half-Russian who lives in the States I know first-hand what E.U.,Russia, USA is. I am also unfortunately old enough to experience all of these for extended period of time. The best choice for Serbia is to retain the best relationship to all but do not jump into marriage with any. Best wishes and prosperity to Kosovars - firmly and undisputedly inside of Serbia. As sour Alb-Kosovar relationship with Serbian government was in the past, keep in mind: some of your new "friends" are much more dangerous than your old foes, who maybe aren't your foes after all.

With that in mind I am thinking about the coming Super Tuesday. We don' need any president who has same family name as anyone from the last 16 years and made Americans shame their citizenship.

Congratulations Serbia!
Watch the Dinar and the stockmarket tomorrow :) Good luck with a more prosperous, humane, and democratic future to everyone in Serbia and those who borders to it.

Kate, it also reassuring for K-Albanians that the decision-makers of the democratic world fully support their well-deserved independence. As per NATO, bombing Kofi Annan had this to say
‘… if humanitarian intervention is, indeed, an unacceptable assault on sovereignty, how should we respond to a Rwanda, to a Srebrenica [to Kosova] – to gross and systematic violations of human rights that offend every precept of our common humanity’.

Christopher Greenwood QC a prominent British lawyer and professor of international law, rightly argues that in cases such as Kosovo ‘customary international law does not exclude all possibility of military intervention on humanitarian grounds by States’. Since the NATO action was a last resort, Greenwood believes that the use of force was legitimate under the international law and consistent with previous SC resolutions. I trust his judgment, and share similar view.

Even though the Security Council failed to authorise NATO’s action over Kosovo it did not condemn it. In fact, the SC overwhelmingly rejected a Russian draft resolution demanding the halting of bombing. Hence, the NATO action over Kosovo was clearly legal and legitimate.

Kosova must become independent NOW.

Well,quite expected after such campaign. Anyway, I congratulate us all old/new president. I just hope for the government survival.

I just watched on Deutsche Welle that Tadic won. He looked relieved. Both of the candidates are gainst Albanians, but for your own good, I'm happy that people there finally made the right decision!

this clearly marks the beginning of the end for Kostunica, particularly now that Kosova is becomming independent.

Kosova must become independent NOW.

Im not sure that the news makes any difference to kosovo albanians. In the end they are going to declare the independence, and finally get out of the forced marriage with serbia. And actually that should be a good news to all of you guys; Kosovo albanians, serbs, kosovo serbs, albanians in serbia... Finally you will live. A in peace and not cause trouble to other countries around you, get over hatered, nationalism that is ruining your brains out. The path toward EU is the path that all of you should follow; a path that knows no nationality by definition, borders, social placement... all these things are going to lose their meaning after you join EU. Talk is cheap, baby. Not it is left to see that neither Tadic nor Nikolic could have done anything against the will of almost an absoloute people. Gradually you will all accept the fact that sometimes the war brings consequences that people can not overcome that easily. That's why kosovo is a 'special case' and shall not be predecendent to other frozen conflicts (however, these conflicts need solutions as well, it is just a matter of time)

Regards from Blagoevgrad

well, one good thing -- since tadic has won, b92 will probably publish my comments, whereas had the radical won it is certain that my comments would be censored, as they would not have been too pleasant. nevertheless the radicals won nearly half of the serbian electorate which is a sad and frightening thing for we "outsiders."

with tadic, it is same old, same old. the struggle for independence and against all of the ultras goes on and moves forward. i strongly!! suggest that pristina announce independence now! there is no more rationale for waiting, not even on behalf of the eu's most conservative diplomats. their "pro-wesrtern' man has won, which means further integration can move ahead, assuming the war criminals are ever delivered. i am not holding my breath for that! but maybe if kostunica can be sent away... then Perhaps anything is possible.

for all of those awaiting independence and justice, all of us around the world say keep on course, we are closer than ever...

xxx robert0 from san francisco

I'm not serbian but I would like to congratulate the serbian people for your choice. I know that it will be too late to keep Kosovo and that fact means a great loose for you.But perhaps you will be more close to join the EU. For me, you are welcome.
(Coimbra, Portugal, 4-2-2008)

Jimmy,
I just wanted to say my dear that nobady is stealing nothing from Serbia, just the justice is going in a right direction. Kosovo has been occupied for years and years, Kosovo people (95%) never have lived the freedom, now is time to give to that people indipendence and freedom. When Kosovo was occupied, on that time there was no SC of United Nations and the decisions to keep Kosovo under serbian rule were unjustice and thats why Kosovo was always fighting for freedom.
So Kosovo has to be an example in Ballkan to correct the very wrong mistakes of decisions that has been made more than 100 years ago.
Peace to all! To serbian voters I would say vote who you think that will bring you toward the real future, do not vote the people who was saying "Serbia do Tokia" because that policy has destroit the future of many people in Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia...
Peace Peace Peace!

Although the elections in Serbia is a Serbian affair ,i
as an ousider who supportsthe
primacy of the UN as a world
body and the stuggle of the
Serbian people for justice,
hope that when choosing a
candidate for president Serbs
will put the interests of Serbia above politics .The EU
carrot for selling Serbia short should be rejected and
iam sure that the country will prevail in the end.
History teaches us that all
occupations will dissintegrate with time.Soldier on
(Leonidas, 3 February 2008 12:12)


I am not a supporter of serbs unless they apologize first for all the bloodbath and massacres they committed to all the innocent people of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Kosova. I am a supporter of albanians instead. And Croats, slovenians, bosnians, the MOST of EU countries (except those nondemocratic and poor ones such as Greece, Slovakia and Romania).

this clearly marks the beginning of the end for Kostunica, particularly now that Kosova is becomming independent.

Kosova must become independent NOW.

Whoever wins, this election will spend the next 4 years fightin toth and nail for something they can nither moraly nor judicially stop (Kosovar independence).

Serbia should repent from its past and apologise publicly to other fellow Western Balakns citizens for the harm they have caused, and look forward to the future.


Kosova must become independent NOW.

Kate, it also reassuring for K-Albanians that the decision-makers of the democratic world fully support their well-deserved independence. As per NATO, bombing Kofi Annan had this to say
‘… if humanitarian intervention is, indeed, an unacceptable assault on sovereignty, how should we respond to a Rwanda, to a Srebrenica [to Kosova] – to gross and systematic violations of human rights that offend every precept of our common humanity’.

Christopher Greenwood QC a prominent British lawyer and professor of international law, rightly argues that in cases such as Kosovo ‘customary international law does not exclude all possibility of military intervention on humanitarian grounds by States’. Since the NATO action was a last resort, Greenwood believes that the use of force was legitimate under the international law and consistent with previous SC resolutions. I trust his judgment, and share similar view.

Even though the Security Council failed to authorise NATO’s action over Kosovo it did not condemn it. In fact, the SC overwhelmingly rejected a Russian draft resolution demanding the halting of bombing. Hence, the NATO action over Kosovo was clearly legal and legitimate.

Kosova must become independent NOW.

God bless Serbia. God protect Holy Kosovo. I was ashamed and appalled when my country the United States and it's NATO allies bombed Serbia for 78 days. Now as then I will pray for Serbia, for the Serbian people and for Holy Kosovo. I pray that whoever wins the election today will stand strong against the Western Globalists who wish to steal Kosovo from the Serbian people.

My Serbian friends. Even though im not Serbian and have never been there, I have great respect for the Serbian people. Especially for your honor and courage to fight for what is right. Guys, dont sell your honor today, Serbia has worked to hard for it! Go and vote to save Serbian honor and to save Kosovo!

Dear Serbian brothers. I'm not a Serb and I have no right to vote, If I would I will vote for Serbia with Kosovo, I will vote against illegal independence of Kosovo against Western hypocrisy and against any dependence on foreign government.

I wish you free, independent and prosperous Serbia.

I am not Serbian, but unfortunately I am from one of those weak European Countries, without any courage to support the right decisions....and I am not proud of myself in this moment!
When UN Resolution 1244 decided to let UN forces to administrate temporarely Kosovo, all the Countries agreed that Serbia would have kept its sovranity on Kosovo. This was a MUST!
I have been there...and since the beginning, many years ago...it was more than clear that it was just a matter of time. International Community did not anything to avoid this process... Now, after so many useless years, huge quantity of money spent for nothing...the Albanians are getting what they wanted since the beginning...and the fundamental right of a Sovereign state to keep unified is going to be trampled.
Dear Kosovo Serbs, I feel very sorry for what the European Countries you trusted are going to behave. All the promises made to you in these years were false...just words spoken to the wind but without conviction.
From a certain point of view, I would hope the worst scenario, because the honour and sovereignty at home have NO price...
But looking from an other point of view, Serbian People (and mainly Kosovo Serbs) has soffered too much to face an other war.
Forgetting is very difficult...what I can just wish all of you is trying to survive in this unjust life thinking anyhow to be in the right side.
I am with you all!

Ilirian (nice pun),

When speaking about the decisions made over 100 years ago, are you by any chance referring to this?...

"It is estimated that 200,000 to 400,000 Serbs were cleansed out of the Vilayet of Kosovo between 1876 and 1912 by Turks and their Albanian allies"

I just watched on Deutsche Welle that Tadic won. He looked relieved. Both of the candidates are gainst Albanians, but for your own good, I'm happy that people there finally made the right decision!

Dear commenters, what upsets me more that those who are not living their everydays in Serbia, telling to us what to do! I am a citizen of Serbia, BUT my mother is hungarian and my father is croatian. My whole family is living in Vojvodina and I am tired of Kosovo item. Who love Kosovo that much, then go and live there! Is easy to play with our lives from abroad, right???

well, one good thing -- since tadic has won, b92 will probably publish my comments, whereas had the radical won it is certain that my comments would be censored, as they would not have been too pleasant. nevertheless the radicals won nearly half of the serbian electorate which is a sad and frightening thing for we "outsiders."

with tadic, it is same old, same old. the struggle for independence and against all of the ultras goes on and moves forward. i strongly!! suggest that pristina announce independence now! there is no more rationale for waiting, not even on behalf of the eu's most conservative diplomats. their "pro-wesrtern' man has won, which means further integration can move ahead, assuming the war criminals are ever delivered. i am not holding my breath for that! but maybe if kostunica can be sent away... then Perhaps anything is possible.

for all of those awaiting independence and justice, all of us around the world say keep on course, we are closer than ever...

xxx robert0 from san francisco

Well done Serbia, you have just won keeping Kosovo for another week. Congratz!

Mike, you're hilarious but correct nevertheless :D The only addition to the lyrics I would suggest is:
He drinks a Rakija drink :)))

Peace

Stewart Miko - A bizarre little rant.
As far as I know tadic has apologised for Serbia for the atrocities committed. And also the Balkan wars have always been very much a two sided thing; all sides have things to be apologetic for. Are only the Serbian issues of interest to you - the croatian concentration camps of WW2 do not influence your views for example.
And why theis dislike of countries for being poor - in many cases it is not their fault. And I don't think you could call any of the coutries in your lit undemocratic.
But if you're making a list, you surely should add Albania to it, as it is poor too.

If this result is correct, the wimps in Brussels better wake up to the fact that Serbia is a emerging as a major Christian, European, state.

Now is the time for those that care for justice to stand up and demand that Kosovo remain in the hands of the Christian Serbs!

It is going to be very tight! :))))

"The law obligates the media to refrain from carrying any form of election-related political propaganda or estimates of the ballot's outcome."

If only we had that in the US. Voting speculation begins literally after the polling stations open.

Christian, you're right on the dot with your feelings towards Serbs. I've been commenting here for almost 2 years and I've developed a profound respect for you guys. I truly hope for a bright future for Serbia, for Serbian democracy, for the Serbian people,and for peace throughout the region. You guys take a lot of heat, you get your name thrown in the mud, but dammit, you guys get right back up, wipe the dirt from your face and demand more. It's like that song by Chumbawumba:

"I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down

He drinks a whisky drink
He drinks a vodka drink
He drinks a lager drink
He drinks a Cider drink

He sings the songs that remind him of the good times,
He sings the songs that remind him of the bad times."

Ziveli Srbija!

My dear Serbian brothers and sisters!

I wish the result of the election (whatever it is) to bring only good to Serbia.

And never forget: Kosovo je Srbija!

Regards from Greece

Thank God Tadic won!
One down, one to go. Now only if Obama would win!
Go Obama!

Congratulations Serbia!
Watch the Dinar and the stockmarket tomorrow :) Good luck with a more prosperous, humane, and democratic future to everyone in Serbia and those who borders to it.

CONGRATULATION TO SERBIA FOR MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE!

WHOOOO!!!

HERE COMES THE EU! :)

Good luck to both candidates.

Lets have a fantastic turnout - it's going to be very close and everyones vote will therefore be crucial and make a difference. Who ever does win a big turnout will still be a big message that Serbia will not be subservient and will not roll over as the US and "few" EU believed in their quest to Lord over the Balkans.

To Ginevra, Jimmy, Mike, Christian and Leonidas - What great comments from fellow ’outsiders’ (I am only excluding Princip and bmrusila because I believe that they are Serbian themselves, therefore not really ‘outsiders’). Really great comments.

It is reassuring that many non-Serbs must feel this way, and many more would if they learned anything about the reality of events. It’s quite incredible that even with the biggest media spin in modern history, there are still people who see through the frequently repeated inaccuracies and fabrications.

And of course with the predictable responses from various posters to try and trash your thoughts and belittle your ideas to make you think somehow you’re on the ‘wrong side’.

I too am really ashamed at the demonization, dehumanisation and bombardment of a nation which has shown bravery and courage throughout history and suffered great losses. There was no need to bomb Serbia in 1999 and it’s difficult to believe that even now in peace times, various countries are trying to illegally steal the territory.

What a dangerous precedent in Europe where boundaries are so sensitive and defined through centuries of history.

I am not saying that terrible things didn’t happen during the Balkan wars, including Kosovo, and that atrocities weren’t carried out but there are no angels and demons among the various groups (except of course the poor innocents on all sides who always suffer).

I hope that all those who suffered find peace, and that those who carried out these horrendous crimes will face justice.

Peace to Serbia and I for one will be happy to see you take your rightful place within Europe with Kosovo still within your boundaries.

Although the elections in Serbia is a Serbian affair ,i
as an ousider who supportsthe
primacy of the UN as a world
body and the stuggle of the
Serbian people for justice,
hope that when choosing a
candidate for president Serbs
will put the interests of Serbia above politics .The EU
carrot for selling Serbia short should be rejected and
iam sure that the country will prevail in the end.
History teaches us that all
occupations will dissintegrate with time.Soldier on

Dear Serbians! I hope you chose well. I don't know which would be "better" sell your homeland Serbia to the EU or to Russia. If these've been your choice then neither of the candidates would be solution. I hope for peace in Kosovo with any kind of solution that lacks blood. I'm not a supporter of Boris Tadić, but concerning Tomislav Nikolić, I'm afraid he would make an "island" of Serbia, which would be the isolated "batillon" of Russia. If he lead Serbia to an other war against Kosovo, that would have terrible results. Hope you voted well.

Friendly Greetings from Hungary

"I am not a supporter of serbs unless they apologize first for all the bloodbath and massacres they committed to all the innocent people of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Kosova. I am a supporter of albanians instead. And Croats, slovenians, bosnians, the MOST of EU countries (except those nondemocratic and poor ones such as Greece, Slovakia and Romania).
(Stewart Miko, 3 February 2008 20:21)

Serbia should repent from its past and apologise publicly to other fellow Western Balakns citizens for the harm they have caused, and look forward to the future.
Kosova must become independent NOW.
(Noël, London, UK, 3 February 2008 20:37)"

Stewart and Noël,

Serbia or any Serb does not have to apologize for any crimes commited in a civil wars that saw terrible crimes being commited on both sides as long as the other sides would be genuinely willing to do the same. Maybe you and others should stop using this forum to repeat the same thing over and over again. As long as there are people in power in countries like Croatia, Bosnia and NATO/EU protectorates like Kosovo that openly and publicly are proud of their crimes and do not want to apologize or when the EU, US and NATO put zero effort to get these people to The Hague Serbia does not have to respond to these comments. In addition, I am not sure if there were any known massacres in Slovenia and if yes I doubt that the Serbs were responsible (I am sure that people like you would claim that no matter what). Considering you comments you cannot stand countries that openly oppose the desired Kosovo independence. Get a life and stop spreading around half trues and half lies.

Well,quite expected after such campaign. Anyway, I congratulate us all old/new president. I just hope for the government survival.

As I write it looks like Tadic has made it. Now he must stick to his promises on Kosovo and work with the Prime Minister in a display of national unity. They will be very powerful.

It has been a good day for Serbia. It will not be the last. From this post and others above, it should be clear that you have many friends in many places. So stride forward and never let the dark forces prevail. Your destiny is before you and the prayers of all your friends are with you.
God Bless.

Congratulations to Tadic and the Serbian People! Now it's time to deliver and to protect Kosovo!

I wish to join with the other non-Serbs who have posted here in expressing congratulations to the Serbian people and my hopes that this singals a new era of peace and prosperity for Serbia.

As an American who recently visited Serbia, I have a profound admiration for you guys, the way you stand up for yourselves, refuse to be bullied, and will not sell your heritage (Kosovo) for 30 pieces of silver.

Serbia is a fascinating country, good people, a magnificent ancient Christian heritage, and I can't wait to visit again soon.

You guys are an inspiration. Here's to Serbia!

Im not sure that the news makes any difference to kosovo albanians. In the end they are going to declare the independence, and finally get out of the forced marriage with serbia. And actually that should be a good news to all of you guys; Kosovo albanians, serbs, kosovo serbs, albanians in serbia... Finally you will live. A in peace and not cause trouble to other countries around you, get over hatered, nationalism that is ruining your brains out. The path toward EU is the path that all of you should follow; a path that knows no nationality by definition, borders, social placement... all these things are going to lose their meaning after you join EU. Talk is cheap, baby. Not it is left to see that neither Tadic nor Nikolic could have done anything against the will of almost an absoloute people. Gradually you will all accept the fact that sometimes the war brings consequences that people can not overcome that easily. That's why kosovo is a 'special case' and shall not be predecendent to other frozen conflicts (however, these conflicts need solutions as well, it is just a matter of time)

Regards from Blagoevgrad

I'm not serbian but I would like to congratulate the serbian people for your choice. I know that it will be too late to keep Kosovo and that fact means a great loose for you.But perhaps you will be more close to join the EU. For me, you are welcome.
(Coimbra, Portugal, 4-2-2008)

Congratulations for the right choice, Tadic is by far the lesser evil. As half-Hungarian half-Russian who lives in the States I know first-hand what E.U.,Russia, USA is. I am also unfortunately old enough to experience all of these for extended period of time. The best choice for Serbia is to retain the best relationship to all but do not jump into marriage with any. Best wishes and prosperity to Kosovars - firmly and undisputedly inside of Serbia. As sour Alb-Kosovar relationship with Serbian government was in the past, keep in mind: some of your new "friends" are much more dangerous than your old foes, who maybe aren't your foes after all.

With that in mind I am thinking about the coming Super Tuesday. We don' need any president who has same family name as anyone from the last 16 years and made Americans shame their citizenship.