EULEX receives green light

Please,

Can anybody explain to me why USA and UK have accepted something that is welcomed by Russia and Serbia and it is unacceptable to Kosova. I have asked this question on many sites in the last 24 hours and nobody has given me a clear answer so far.

I would understand if this is a plan supported by all sides. I would think then Russia and Serbia have just caved in. However, how it is possible that Kosova is against it and yet USA has supported it?

I've always theorized that Kosovo is being used to change the mentality of the region. For example, Serbian nationalism is hard to be rid of, and the Serbs will always turn to the far right when they feel threatened, this is a natural instinct in a region where there is a lot of conflict. In the past they resorted to nationalism and violence. Granting Kosovo independence, then allowing the moderate Serbs in government to turn the tables and reverse it, using DIPLOMACY and RULE OF LAW, would change a lot of minds and prove that things in the Balkans can be resolved with diplomacy. Now, there will be those who will argue that the Albanians would then turn to violence, but that's exactly what I think the Western nations are expecting and have taken into account. Once again, think of it in these terms: Albanians are granted independence in Kosovo. Serbia uses all diplomatic measures to reverse that decision (without firing one shot) and soon starts to reverse the process little by little. The Albanians become restless, angry, bitter, and as a result they turn against the EU and UN in Kosovo. As a result of their violence, other nations begin to repeal their recognition, and their independence is taken back. Then finally, Serbia is included in the EU and the ALbanians living in Kosovo are given a choice: You can continue to hold on to your dreams of Greater Albania and stew in international limbo (not really independent and poor) or they could turn to a more Pro-Western politician (one yet to arrive on the scene) who slowly negotiates something with Serbia where they accept less than independence but greater than autonomy deal offered by Belgrade.

Remember people, history in the Balkans usually takes a while to develop. It's not overnight. With the EU going into Kosovo under Serbia's rules, you are seeing the first signs of a Western Europe giving up on Kosovo and realizing that they could use this province to show the Serbs that diplomacy (and pro-western politicians in Belgrade) can accomplish more than the radicals who turn to war. By making the moderates in Belgrade look good with their hard work, you are going to usher in a new generation that will respect their work. Nationalists would seem irrelevant at that point because why go with war when diplomacy has already been shown to work!? The Albanians would simply realize they have no choice but to give up their violent behavior and lose the fight in them. Don't worry, everyone does eventually. America is not about to get involved again when there are so many more important things going on. Americans will not support another 5 billion dollar war in the Balkans. not in this day and age with the economy crumbling. Oh and let's not forget that there is a power struggle going on and Russia DOES have major influence on some countries via their oil. If Saudi Arabia has influence on America because of oil, then don't think the Russians can't influence people too. Also China. Things have changed since 1999 and you're seeing Kosovo turn into another Afghanistan. Forgotten and abandoned when the USA no longer had a use for it.

Prior to Kosovo's Daytonization, most of the Albanians here were either incredulous that Serbia would try something as condition the deployment of EULEX, or were convinced that the United States and/or Great Britain would veto such a measure and back their leaders in Pristina unconditionally. Contrary to whatever expectations they were led to believe in their own press, the international body told Thaci to know his place in the pecking order.

Now that the de jure partitioning of Kosovo has begun, both the Albanians here (and it appears in the Kosovo press) are somehow spinning it as it this is a major victory for the Albanian authorities. If they need to state their case on what they want to believe, fine. I'd rather they put a positive spin on it than another call for riots and rampage. But in reality, the real winner is the EU. This addendum to Resolution 1244 is the most legally binding document to hit Kosovo since 1999 and as such defines the EU mission in Kosovo as status neutral (wasn't this something Ischinger recommended last year?). That means that EULEX cannot support Kosovo's independence, nor can it further its cause. If anything, Kosovo has been officially established as an international protectorate, and will continue to be one for the indefinite future. Kosovo is going to look more and more like Bosnia in the coming years and I suspect the Serb Assembly in Mitrovica will now be the de facto Serb government in Kosovo alongside the Albanian variant in Pristina.

I have no doubt that each side is going to interpret yesterday's outcome according to their own interests and goals. I have no doubt Belgrade's going to continue to think Kosovo is part of their country, and that Pristina is going to think Kosovo is independent. Whatever they choose to think, the reality is that Kosovo is now officially an EU Protectorate - neither an independent country, nor part of another.

Still, I have to give a lot of credit to Vuk Jeremic for his efforts in negotiating a compromise with the main European powers. Serbia has shown its far more ready to work with international bodies as a sovereign state than anything in the Kosovo Protectorate. I have no idea who this Skender Hyseni fellow is, but if he thinks his job as "foreign minister" is simply thinking the US will blindly back his government, he needs to resign just as Thaci said he would were the 6-point compromise to pass.

For those that have watched the UN SC session it was clear that Kosovo and Serbia are seen as 2 separate states form most of UN.
I hope that Serbian government will come out very soon and explain to Serbian population how comes that they gave green light to foreign forces in Kosovo and explain that they betrayed K-Serbs same as they did with Krajina Serbs.
Serbian government portrays this as their victory but in reality this is nothing, K-Serbs know this better.

"“The report confirms the neutral status of EULEX’s engagement, which is a guarantee that not a single part of its mandate can be based on the Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo independence that the Republic of Serbia has rejected, and that the Security Council never approved,“ he added."

The important fact is that the 6 points have been adopted.

This is a huge step forward in reiterating the importance of Res 1244 and and the power of the UN.

I am pleased to see that the A Plan is not to be used when it was never approved - this is now in writing and forms part of the agreement.

Excellent diplomacy in a very difficult situation. I still don't trust various countries to try not to undermine this, but Serbia now stands on very good ground with the UNSC backing.

"The British representative said that she did not agree with certain views expressed by Jeremić."

Good luck to Serbia joining the EU. :)

It seems that Mr. Jeremic does not understand the role of EULEX.
EULEX Mission will deal only with police ,justice and customs and that is all. Their function is to advise and monitor, but in special circumstances can step in and take over a major case and investigated. This mission has nothing to do with Serbias or Kosovas sovrenity.
We are two different countries, and 1244 is dead and buried

From the article:

“Serbia, an intact Serbia, with Kosovo as its constituent part, will become an EU member in a few years.

We will join the EU with heads held high, with our sovereignty and territorial integrity preserved.

That’s why Serbia will never, under any circumstances, recognize Kosovo’s independence,“ the minister underlined.
--

Remind me to rub these words into Jerimics nose in 5 years time.
--

"The British representative said that she did not agree with certain views expressed by Jeremić."

Good luck to Serbia joining the EU. :)
(Funcakes, 27 November 2008 10:03)

Funcakes, you seem quite happy at the comment. Now read what the British FM stated to the snake last week. Seems a little clouded now, only six days later they vote in favour of the 6 point plan........

On an interview for Radio Kosovo, Kosovo PM Hashim Thaçi following the meeting with the UK statesmen said that the plan of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon is dead and that only the four point Kosovo plan is "alive" and also stated that United Kingdom supports the establishment of EULEX in the whole of Kosovo territory and the application of the Ahtisaari package in its entirety.

Never trust the British!! I should know I am one. There is a bigger picture going on in political circles that will be evident when the time is right.

Now then...When is the Snake tendering his resignation as he stated he would do?

Believer

what you need to understand is that the UK and US do things for there own political reasons, they always have and will. Russia as well is the same. Tadic has made great in roads with the EU, Serbia is seen as the key to stability. Kosovo will never be truly independent because the EU or UN will always be there, it is as much about stopping terroists than rights of Albanians or Serbs.

The UK and US have bigger problems now, Russia, China and India are now big world players, there is still Iran, the war on terror is becoming long and drawn out.

What i think will happen is the EU will try and get Serbia in sooner rather than later, possibly Albania as well, then your borders will not matter.

Well, Serbia sure made its argument, but it wasn’t the argument that persuaded the western countries to adopt the 6 point plan, instead it was the need to implement this mission of theirs at whatever cost. One thing to note during this whole process was the fact that the EU was constantly saying that “this is our largest civilian mission ever”.

And in the minds of EU bureaucrats “their largest civilian mission ever” can not be allowed to fail. This is the entire justification of the EU for accepting the 6 point plan.

Now that the plan is adopted, “all” that remains is its implementation.

If the Kosovar Government is smart (and i sure hope they did learn something from Serbia) they will and boycott and block EULEX to the point where the EU simply accepts the fact that the Kosova Constitution is the law of the land.

The timing Serbia and UNMIK chose to negotiate and adopt the 6 point plan was perfect (US Presidential Election) but on the other hand, the timing to change EULEX’s mandate is going to be perfect too (Biden and Clinton).

On another topic, does anyone know where “the church that was burned and paved over” according to Jeremic is?

I deeply regret the Kosova Foreign Minister did not get to respond to that allegation during the session. But during the press conference outside the chamber he made it clear that Kosova does not intend to swap accusations with the country who committed Srebrenica
I would sure like to know where that church is.

Serbia, an intact Serbia, with Kosovo as its constituent part, will become an EU member in a few years” – Jeremic said

I really do not believe that he have said that, but if he really did, in that case I am fully convinced that he have lost his common sense!
Dear Mr. Jeremic, Kosovo is gone, so stop manipulating, firstly, your people and stop dreaming, as it could convert to a nightmare.
I really hope B-92 will publish this even it is directed to the FM.

No matter how the Albanians try to spin this, Kosovo is not and will never become truly independent. With the overwhelming majority of UN members and more importantly, China and Russia against independence, it is simply not going to happen my friends! It now seems the US and EU have finally acknowledged that reality. Hip hip hooray!

We have now formally created the long awaited functional partition with Albanians ruling their own and Serbia ruling everyone else. It's time to move forward, to accept the reality and to start repairing the whole province.

Admittedly, I can see many dangers with this initiative but I'll just keep quiet for now and see how this unfolds. What is obvious though, is the "more than autonomy, less than independence" offer is self-fulfilling.

It's really hard to know what is going on here. Believer is not the only one that is wondering.
EULEX is given approval by the UNSC to deploy into Kosovo, that's the only thing that we know.
It supposed to work inside UN 1244 legal frame. But, that was also true for UNMIK. All they did, on the ground, was to prepare Kosovo for independence. It's very hard to see how will EULEX be held accountable for what it really does on the ground.
So.
This is either just a cover for EULEX to get legal approval for deployment to Kosovo, where they will be able to do whatever they want.
Or could it be that Ahtisaari Plan is truly abandoned and some form of direct or indirect negotiations will take place?
It's hard to see now, but we will all know just weeks after they start their work.

When Jeremic first spoke from his prepared speech, he came across as articulate and very professional.
When he spoke the second time as a reactionary to the meeting, he came across as very unintelligible and unable to be spontaneous.

Nick KS - the only way EULEX will be able to change it's mandate will be with UNSC approval as it's now been agreed that it'll be under UN jurisdiction and control.

"Kosovo" can protest as much as it likes but it'll have to do as it's told and the US and EU are now bound by the UNSC decision.i.e. there will be no implementation of the Ahtisaari plan.

Funcakes - "The British representative said that she did not agree with certain views expressed by Jeremić" - so what? big deal. lot's of countries don't agree with each other but remember this, Serbia is seen as the lynchpin of the balkans, not "Kosovo" or Albania. It's future is MUCH brighter than Albania's or "Kosovo" in every respect, so just remember that when you have no source of income in Kosovo and as a result have to queue up for essentials such as bread at EU centres.

Believer - I have no idea. I'd also like to know the answer to that question.

Blcky - got to disagree with you on that stance. I think it's much more likely that Kosovo will be partitioned WITHOUT Presevo, etc being included. The US and EU have two main aims as far as i see things. The first is the bondsteel base and the second is energy security. I'll bet that there's an agreement to exclusively supply the EU and US with coal by Serbia from the Trepca mines, which in return will ultimately be controlled by Serbia. The rest of Kosovo I think they will just give up on, with the US knowing that the Albanians will not kick up a stink about keeping a US base there. The US and Eu win on both counts with neither Serbia or Kosovo getting everything it wants. If this does play out though, it'll be the Albanians who lose out economically as Trepca is the only real resource Kosovo has to offer as an export.

hey-hey - I refer you back to a previous answer i gave. Yes, Eulex will be under Europe's control but it'll have strict boundaries. As EU members are also UN members, and they've now agreed that EULEX will be under UN control, they have no choice but to follow the UN mandate, NOT the EU mandate if their is a clash of ideas - simple.

I think that international community is interested to deploy the EULEX entire territory of Kosovo including North of Kosovo. Analyzing UN Security Council meeting last night I arrived to understand that international community will implement same manner like have done in the past with Kumanova Agreement which has been good lesson for government of Serbia, Eulex will deploy to all territory of Kosovo and Serbia in the future will understand that international community has used this plan to deploy this mission entire territory of Kosovo and after this they will say to Serbia thanks for your cooperation but Kosovo is an independent state.

Radoslav;
Just curious as to what you the the course of action is going to be if EULEX follows their own mandate. Do you seriously think that the three veto wielding members that are also part of the EULEX mission are going to agree to any action in the UNSC that is contrary to what they are doing?
Serbia has lost all control.

I am not sure what everyone is talking about here. Clearly the statement adopted by UN does not mention 6 or 4 points of either side. It merely allows EULEX in Kosovo.

So the question everyone should ask is how did EULEX come about? Who created it and with what purpose it was created?

In the light of the answers for the above questions I don’t get the euphoria of Serb politicians about their perceived victory (maybe this one is another one along many “victories” Serbs did in the past. Jeremic speech was an eerie remainder of Milosevic’s era and his famous victory against NATO loaded with nonsense, a more appropriate word would be censored, not suitable for a diplomat at the post he finds himself).

The fact that both sides will interpret this as they please and wish deserves no comment as is obvious from the spin they attribute to this event. You just need to listen to media in Serbia and Kosovo and you get to wonder if they are speaking about the same event.

For those that want to read and form their own opinion then please check UN site and find the report that secretary general submitted

http://www.un.org/news/ (http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2008/692)

In my opinion Serb leaders have more to worry about than rejoice if they really, really care about Kosovo (which I don’t think they care at all but instead use Kosovo to manipulate Serb people and consolidate their political grip in Serbia).

In more than one reference the report equalizes Republic of Kosovo with that of Republic of Serbia and Secretary General goes at great length to make the point that UN is neutral with regards to Kosovo status (so Kosovo is not independent but it is not part of Serbia either).

Anyway read the report and conclude for yourself if anything can be done without the consent of the Authorities of the Republic of Kosovo as Secretary General himself wrote in the report and has instructed its Special Representative in Kosovo to do so.

so the 6 points won over the 4 points. and eulex will work under UN. let me refesh things. UNMIK had 4 pillars one of which was EU which is terminated already. does this mean that eulex has replaced this pillar under 1244? if this is so then back to square 1 gents and ladies.

“Admittedly, I can see many dangers with this initiative but I'll just keep quiet for now and see how this unfolds”

ZK this is an unmitigated disaster. Tadic and Jeremic are officially giving exectutive control over a part of the country to NATO and former KLA leaders while the DS Government influenced media outlets are selling this to our people as some great victory.

Lord have Mercy

Believer#5
It is very simple. The big hurdle was to get EULEX in the door and that took a lot of diplomacy on the western part.
It will all make sense in the coming weeks. As the rep from UK very bluntly said, EULEX gets its direction and mandate from the EU.
Russia and Serbia have a greed to allow control to be moved to the EU and report back to the UN.
You will still see the same people here saying they cannot do this and they cannot do that because of 1244, but you will see as things progress.
EULEX has planned for this mission for months now, does anyone really think that they are going to redo the whole mission before they take over in 5 days.
You will notice that everyone agreed that the change was necessary to the new reality on the ground--What new thing has happened in the last few months? Kosovo became a province of Serbia--I don't think so.
The key is decisions will be made in Brussels away from any Russian threat of a veto.
Reports will be made to the UNSC and Russia will be allowed to voice their dissatisfaction but powerless to do anything about it.
In other words Serbia relinquished their ace in the hole.

Abi Karmadhi (and all other Albaninas who don't understand) - why is it so difficult for you to understand the fundamental facts. 1) Serbia would wipe your KLA off the map in a day or two if you weren't protected by the US and EU, i.e. NATO. 2) Don't you realise that what "Kosovo" says is totally irrelevant, it's constitution worthless. Your masters, the US and EU, are UN members and MUST obey UN law, and as you MUST obey the US and EU, you will also obey UN law indirectly whether you like it or not.

As you can see, there's a lot of benefit being a UN member. Unfortunately, you'll never benefit unless that is you want to become more realistic and start talking to Belgrade. I doubt that'll happen though, so you'll lose on all counts.

Kate

where do you see the role of Russia in this picture, in future developments.
Does deployment of EULEX mean that Constitution of Serbian needs changing, meaning that Presheva, Bujanoc andMedvegja get the same treatment?

I can see problems arising between Kosovo Albanian Leadership and EULEX. Can you imagine implementation of a rule of EU-style lows in Kosovo. Can you imagine people currently leading Kosovo to respect these lows. I would like to see that.

I think that Serbians Leader with Declaration of Security Council approved list night have lost Kosovo for ever and they have lie their people again like always have accepted Eulex to deploy in north of Kosovo which means less power of Serbia in this part of Kosovo but with this act they have opened a perspective for all region because in this Kosovo part will end contraband and organized crime. Kosovo’s Leaders have win an opportunity to deploy their institutions to north of the country and they need to create a action plan for this issue in order to maintain this part of Kosovo as un separated part of the State.

I hate to but I have to be a pessimist. This is not good news for Serbia. Eulex has got control and will eventually branch off from UN 1244.

The Eulex UN agreement is covered up with nice frosting but beneath is the sad truth that Serbia basically recognized Kosovo. EULEX will expand and the UN will sneak out the back door.

Good job Vuk and Serbia by fooling Serbian people with your "6 point plan". This is Serbian politics at its best.

Hey Jeremic, EULEX is the Ahtisaari Plan. Congratulations Kosovo, your independence is guaranteed by EULEX.

Most likely, this may be the very beginning of Kosovo province’ partition. Sure, it won’t happen immediately but gradually and silently. Unfortunately, I see no other reason why Belgrade would have accepted EULEX in our province. Or perhaps I am wrong and I wish I am.

However, Dacis’ recent visit to Presevo Valley speaks volume and supports my thoughts. I sense that everything is already agreed and the rest is just for show. Perhaps Serbia agreed for partition with the EU/USA and same time provided green light from to take decisive measures in Presevo Valley should Albanian terrorists (KLA) try to cause uprising.

Olf: "where do you see the role of Russia in this picture, in future developments."

I see Russia as defending international law against the UN bully boys (which serves everyone's interest) and standing by Serbia's diplomatic efforts.

Believe me, I would never automatically support Russia against Europe, but recent events have made them the 'only train available'.

Olf:" Does deployment of EULEX mean that Constitution of Serbian needs changing, meaning that Presheva, Bujanoc andMedvegja get the same treatment?"

Not at all. Quite the contrary: as EULEX remains under Res. 1244 (reaffirming Serbia's sovereignty) and will be status neutral, it has nothing whatsoever to do with Serbian territory or further claims of independence.

Any change of borders will only happen with the agreement of Serbia and the UNSC, which is as it should be under international law.

>>>>I'll bet that there's an agreement to exclusively supply the EU and US with coal by Serbia from the Trepca mines, which in return will ultimately be controlled by Serbia.

88% of minerals are South of Ibar, Serbia will not control anthing. They can get what they want from Kosova anyway.

Two things:
1. No more permission from Serbia (Russia) is needed for ages
2. What can Serbia do if EULEX forgets Ban's report (US + UK +France control SC)
3. Serbia hasn't even gotten her SAA approved yet
This was Serbia's last hope. Now Albanians will boycott everything unless...

Abi Karmadhi,

1244 is alive and well. EULUX only works within the framework of 1244.

Serbia gives the green light. Naturally, as Kosovo is a Serbian province.

Serbs, Albanians, stop this Balkan nonsense and start REAL negotiations!

I was wrong to say that the EU was poorly advised in diplomatic terms - for the EU this is a success.

Neither is this an insult to the UDI government (even if it is illegal).

Where the EU has succeeded is in side-lining the heavy-handed British view of the matter.

It is a red-face day for the British government. Ha Ha !

This is also a day where the UN has been respected.

So, it took almost 9 months until finally the UN approves EULEX. Therefore, an orginzation which overwhelmingly recognizes the independence of the Rep. of Kosovo is authorized by the UN to deploy judges and police throughout the entire Kosovo. However, it is interesting to see what the British representative said. I'm sure that in the near future we will see why he pointed to that.

Edition Osmani - Kosovo leaders won't stop the contraband as it's their main source of income.

Albanez - what the EU and US are primarily interested in is coal. they want energy security, just like Iraq. the coal is in the north, not the south. the serbs will mine the coal but the power station will be in the south of kosovo.

As for EULEX, all UNSC members have to abide by UN law, which is now in control of EULEX. It's pure fantasy to think that there'll be some wild deviation from the six point plan. You seem also to not understand how the UNSC works. it's an all or nothing vote. i.e France, UK and US don't control the UNSC. Russia and China are also permanent members. If they say no, then it just doesn't happen. it's called a veto in case you didn't understand.

It's game set and match to Serbia.

hey-hey They already have. They agreed the six point plan and not even the mighty US states can defy UN law. Russia and China will make sure that EULEX follows the UN mandate, you can guarantee that, especially as Russia wants to aggressively assert itself on the international stage again. They'll kick up a stink if they don't do as they are told.

This is either just a cover for EULEX to get legal approval for deployment to Kosovo, where they will be able to do whatever they want.
Or could it be that Ahtisaari Plan is truly abandoned and some form of direct or indirect negotiations will take place?
It's hard to see now, but we will all know just weeks after they start their work.
(Sreten, 27 November 2008 15:47)
Sreten, I guess you are right on this. Time will tale.

However, I reckon that EU needed desperately some sort of legal frame to deploy her mission.

De facto and de jure the adopted doc. contains the 4 points of Kosova and clearly mentions that the mission will have to coordinate with Prishtina in every aspect. Hence, Serbia can joy for putting the EULEX under 1244 but de facto nothing changes actually Kosova is considered as a partener in the deployment and everyday run of the EULEX- much better than when 1244 was addopted- there was not even on Albanian in UNSC session today Kosova and Serbia were there in same level rep. by repsective FMs. On other side what K-Albanians wished and asked de facto is the abolishment of 1244 and new resolution based on Ahtisari- that could be done if Russia did not veto it and still does- hence legally it was impossible to bypass UNSC and Belgrade. It was just a pragmatic solution to legal problem with a very limited impact on the ground.

regarding EULEX:

The importance of the mission is huge. A post-war society that saw >70% of her infrastructure destroyed, with huge unemployment rate, geographically in a cross road west-east could become an easy target of the international narco- traffic mafia as a storage place.

To fight this extremely powerful mafia Kosova by herself would not be able in 20y time. With EULEX it is believed (I reckon) that in 5-7 years it would brought into a ‘physiological’ levels.

From 'internal' point of view, it will be the first time that the a credible chance of EU integration to both Serbs and Albanians will be given that hopefully will be the driver of conciliation. Not to undermine the fact that Serbia apparently will cooperate in this- that means qill dry up her extended hand into north of Kosova and leave K-Serbs to integrate in K-Society.

Jan don't bother people that belive that Karadzic is innocent, nothing happend in Kosova, Srebenica is fiction will never bother for words- others will hopefully in 5 years time in majority

ZK, when I say "de jure partition" I mean functional partition along the lines of what Samaradzic had been saying since May of this year. Kosovo is going to look like Bosnia at best.

Dear hey-hey,

Thank you for your explanation. Everything what you have said is logical. However, what bothers me why the Kosovars are against it.

Mike, why do you think this is heading for a de jure partition? Do you really think Kosovo will split?

A functional partition is obvious but I don't think neither Serbians or Albanians want a formal partition.

Jan, rest assured, when/if Serbia joins the EU it will do so with Kosovo attached. Now those citizens holding Serbian passports will have access to the entire continent although those that chose isolation and hold Mickey Mouse passports will be blocked for a long time to come.

I do wonder how many of those so-called "Kosovars" will realise they are Serbian citizens after all?

Kate:
Not at all. Quite the contrary: as EULEX remains under Res. 1244 (reaffirming Serbia's sovereignty) and will be status neutral, it has nothing whatsoever to do with Serbian territory or further claims of independence.
EULEX is neutral towards Kosova and Serbia, it is not deployed to protect protecta any sovregnity.
By the way, word sovereignty is the least that suits the situation, you as an English speaker knwo this very well.

Kate:
see Russia as defending international law against the UN bully boys (which serves everyone's interest) and standing by Serbia's diplomatic efforts.

I think you have rushed a bit on this one, Russian aggression in Georgia is there to prove the point otherwise.

My view of all this story is the following. The decision to implement the so called Serbian proposal is a short term victory of the actual government, but a long term one for Serbia. Albanian "lost" a battle, which was clear from the beginning, because 6 or 4 points where all prepared from the respective allies (US and Russia). Albanians were very well advised from US and UK to accept the plan because the goal of them was to install EULEX. Who believes that Kosovo is back to Serbia because of 1244 is completely wrong. 9 years under UNMIK Kosovo was way from Serbia in all aspects. The game in the whole story is who should earn more money from what. UN civil servants or EU bureaucrats. As for the Serbs in Kosovo they are the real looser. No illegal subvention from Belgrade. No black economy with Albanian, Balkan Russian mafia. Back to work. No double and higher salary for nothing. Now they should show their will to cooperate. as for the Albanians, they will find at least for the next year good excuses to blame Serbs for not cooperation and Serbia for interfering in Kosovo/UNMIK/EULEX internal affairs. Good Luck to EU bureaucrats and enjoy the high salaries made from taxes we are paying in the EU

Hopefully Russia and China and other nations in the UN will prevent the EU to do anything outside 1244.

If that's the case the UN should end the EU mission immediatelly.

Dear people, there is no UNSC resolution on Kosovo independence, so Kosovo is not independent.

The rules are not made by the US alone!

" Albanians are granted independence in Kosovo. Serbia uses all diplomatic measures to reverse that decision (without firing one shot) and soon starts to reverse the process little by little. The Albanians become restless, angry, bitter, and as a result they turn against the EU and UN in Kosovo. As a result of their violence, other nations begin to repeal their recognition, and their independence is taken back. Then finally, Serbia is included in the EU --- Blacky, 27 November "

>>>Now, this would hold true if the majority of Serbs are as you say, diplomatically prone to solve their differences with Albanians. But alas, you have comments from people like,R. below, who totally discount your whole theory and lays waste to all your energies used up on such matters.

"Abi Karmadhi (and all other Albaninas(sic) who don't understand) - why is it so difficult for you to understand the fundamental facts.
1) Serbia would wipe your KLA off the map in a day or two..
(Radoslav, 27 November "
-------------------------
" “Serbia, an intact Serbia, with Kosovo as its constituent part, will become an EU member in a few years. Jan Andersen, DK, 27 November ""

Jan, this comes from the article, not from Ban's report or from his statement to the UNSC or even from any EU member state.. lol


Finally, this whole plan went through the UN approval for this Serbian govt's sake. Save their faces in order to avoid destabilization there. Only opposition forces have already moved into battle formations.

Good Luck to Kosova Republic.

Serbia, an intact Serbia, with Kosovo as its constituent part, will become an EU member in a few years” – Jeremic said

I really do not believe that he have said that, but if he really did, in that case I am fully convinced that he have lost his common sense!
Dear Mr. Jeremic, Kosovo is gone, so stop manipulating, firstly, your people and stop dreaming, as it could convert to a nightmare.
I really hope B-92 will publish this even it is directed to the FM.

It seems that Mr. Jeremic does not understand the role of EULEX.
EULEX Mission will deal only with police ,justice and customs and that is all. Their function is to advise and monitor, but in special circumstances can step in and take over a major case and investigated. This mission has nothing to do with Serbias or Kosovas sovrenity.
We are two different countries, and 1244 is dead and buried

"The British representative said that she did not agree with certain views expressed by Jeremić."

Good luck to Serbia joining the EU. :)

Well, Serbia sure made its argument, but it wasn’t the argument that persuaded the western countries to adopt the 6 point plan, instead it was the need to implement this mission of theirs at whatever cost. One thing to note during this whole process was the fact that the EU was constantly saying that “this is our largest civilian mission ever”.

And in the minds of EU bureaucrats “their largest civilian mission ever” can not be allowed to fail. This is the entire justification of the EU for accepting the 6 point plan.

Now that the plan is adopted, “all” that remains is its implementation.

If the Kosovar Government is smart (and i sure hope they did learn something from Serbia) they will and boycott and block EULEX to the point where the EU simply accepts the fact that the Kosova Constitution is the law of the land.

The timing Serbia and UNMIK chose to negotiate and adopt the 6 point plan was perfect (US Presidential Election) but on the other hand, the timing to change EULEX’s mandate is going to be perfect too (Biden and Clinton).

On another topic, does anyone know where “the church that was burned and paved over” according to Jeremic is?

I deeply regret the Kosova Foreign Minister did not get to respond to that allegation during the session. But during the press conference outside the chamber he made it clear that Kosova does not intend to swap accusations with the country who committed Srebrenica
I would sure like to know where that church is.

For those that have watched the UN SC session it was clear that Kosovo and Serbia are seen as 2 separate states form most of UN.
I hope that Serbian government will come out very soon and explain to Serbian population how comes that they gave green light to foreign forces in Kosovo and explain that they betrayed K-Serbs same as they did with Krajina Serbs.
Serbian government portrays this as their victory but in reality this is nothing, K-Serbs know this better.

I've always theorized that Kosovo is being used to change the mentality of the region. For example, Serbian nationalism is hard to be rid of, and the Serbs will always turn to the far right when they feel threatened, this is a natural instinct in a region where there is a lot of conflict. In the past they resorted to nationalism and violence. Granting Kosovo independence, then allowing the moderate Serbs in government to turn the tables and reverse it, using DIPLOMACY and RULE OF LAW, would change a lot of minds and prove that things in the Balkans can be resolved with diplomacy. Now, there will be those who will argue that the Albanians would then turn to violence, but that's exactly what I think the Western nations are expecting and have taken into account. Once again, think of it in these terms: Albanians are granted independence in Kosovo. Serbia uses all diplomatic measures to reverse that decision (without firing one shot) and soon starts to reverse the process little by little. The Albanians become restless, angry, bitter, and as a result they turn against the EU and UN in Kosovo. As a result of their violence, other nations begin to repeal their recognition, and their independence is taken back. Then finally, Serbia is included in the EU and the ALbanians living in Kosovo are given a choice: You can continue to hold on to your dreams of Greater Albania and stew in international limbo (not really independent and poor) or they could turn to a more Pro-Western politician (one yet to arrive on the scene) who slowly negotiates something with Serbia where they accept less than independence but greater than autonomy deal offered by Belgrade.

Remember people, history in the Balkans usually takes a while to develop. It's not overnight. With the EU going into Kosovo under Serbia's rules, you are seeing the first signs of a Western Europe giving up on Kosovo and realizing that they could use this province to show the Serbs that diplomacy (and pro-western politicians in Belgrade) can accomplish more than the radicals who turn to war. By making the moderates in Belgrade look good with their hard work, you are going to usher in a new generation that will respect their work. Nationalists would seem irrelevant at that point because why go with war when diplomacy has already been shown to work!? The Albanians would simply realize they have no choice but to give up their violent behavior and lose the fight in them. Don't worry, everyone does eventually. America is not about to get involved again when there are so many more important things going on. Americans will not support another 5 billion dollar war in the Balkans. not in this day and age with the economy crumbling. Oh and let's not forget that there is a power struggle going on and Russia DOES have major influence on some countries via their oil. If Saudi Arabia has influence on America because of oil, then don't think the Russians can't influence people too. Also China. Things have changed since 1999 and you're seeing Kosovo turn into another Afghanistan. Forgotten and abandoned when the USA no longer had a use for it.

"“The report confirms the neutral status of EULEX’s engagement, which is a guarantee that not a single part of its mandate can be based on the Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo independence that the Republic of Serbia has rejected, and that the Security Council never approved,“ he added."

The important fact is that the 6 points have been adopted.

This is a huge step forward in reiterating the importance of Res 1244 and and the power of the UN.

I am pleased to see that the A Plan is not to be used when it was never approved - this is now in writing and forms part of the agreement.

Excellent diplomacy in a very difficult situation. I still don't trust various countries to try not to undermine this, but Serbia now stands on very good ground with the UNSC backing.

When Jeremic first spoke from his prepared speech, he came across as articulate and very professional.
When he spoke the second time as a reactionary to the meeting, he came across as very unintelligible and unable to be spontaneous.

Believer#5
It is very simple. The big hurdle was to get EULEX in the door and that took a lot of diplomacy on the western part.
It will all make sense in the coming weeks. As the rep from UK very bluntly said, EULEX gets its direction and mandate from the EU.
Russia and Serbia have a greed to allow control to be moved to the EU and report back to the UN.
You will still see the same people here saying they cannot do this and they cannot do that because of 1244, but you will see as things progress.
EULEX has planned for this mission for months now, does anyone really think that they are going to redo the whole mission before they take over in 5 days.
You will notice that everyone agreed that the change was necessary to the new reality on the ground--What new thing has happened in the last few months? Kosovo became a province of Serbia--I don't think so.
The key is decisions will be made in Brussels away from any Russian threat of a veto.
Reports will be made to the UNSC and Russia will be allowed to voice their dissatisfaction but powerless to do anything about it.
In other words Serbia relinquished their ace in the hole.

>>>>I'll bet that there's an agreement to exclusively supply the EU and US with coal by Serbia from the Trepca mines, which in return will ultimately be controlled by Serbia.

88% of minerals are South of Ibar, Serbia will not control anthing. They can get what they want from Kosova anyway.

Two things:
1. No more permission from Serbia (Russia) is needed for ages
2. What can Serbia do if EULEX forgets Ban's report (US + UK +France control SC)
3. Serbia hasn't even gotten her SAA approved yet
This was Serbia's last hope. Now Albanians will boycott everything unless...

I think that Serbians Leader with Declaration of Security Council approved list night have lost Kosovo for ever and they have lie their people again like always have accepted Eulex to deploy in north of Kosovo which means less power of Serbia in this part of Kosovo but with this act they have opened a perspective for all region because in this Kosovo part will end contraband and organized crime. Kosovo’s Leaders have win an opportunity to deploy their institutions to north of the country and they need to create a action plan for this issue in order to maintain this part of Kosovo as un separated part of the State.

From the article:

“Serbia, an intact Serbia, with Kosovo as its constituent part, will become an EU member in a few years.

We will join the EU with heads held high, with our sovereignty and territorial integrity preserved.

That’s why Serbia will never, under any circumstances, recognize Kosovo’s independence,“ the minister underlined.
--

Remind me to rub these words into Jerimics nose in 5 years time.
--

Radoslav;
Just curious as to what you the the course of action is going to be if EULEX follows their own mandate. Do you seriously think that the three veto wielding members that are also part of the EULEX mission are going to agree to any action in the UNSC that is contrary to what they are doing?
Serbia has lost all control.

Abi Karmadhi,

1244 is alive and well. EULUX only works within the framework of 1244.

Serbia gives the green light. Naturally, as Kosovo is a Serbian province.

Serbs, Albanians, stop this Balkan nonsense and start REAL negotiations!

Abi Karmadhi (and all other Albaninas who don't understand) - why is it so difficult for you to understand the fundamental facts. 1) Serbia would wipe your KLA off the map in a day or two if you weren't protected by the US and EU, i.e. NATO. 2) Don't you realise that what "Kosovo" says is totally irrelevant, it's constitution worthless. Your masters, the US and EU, are UN members and MUST obey UN law, and as you MUST obey the US and EU, you will also obey UN law indirectly whether you like it or not.

As you can see, there's a lot of benefit being a UN member. Unfortunately, you'll never benefit unless that is you want to become more realistic and start talking to Belgrade. I doubt that'll happen though, so you'll lose on all counts.

Nick KS - the only way EULEX will be able to change it's mandate will be with UNSC approval as it's now been agreed that it'll be under UN jurisdiction and control.

"Kosovo" can protest as much as it likes but it'll have to do as it's told and the US and EU are now bound by the UNSC decision.i.e. there will be no implementation of the Ahtisaari plan.

Funcakes - "The British representative said that she did not agree with certain views expressed by Jeremić" - so what? big deal. lot's of countries don't agree with each other but remember this, Serbia is seen as the lynchpin of the balkans, not "Kosovo" or Albania. It's future is MUCH brighter than Albania's or "Kosovo" in every respect, so just remember that when you have no source of income in Kosovo and as a result have to queue up for essentials such as bread at EU centres.

Believer - I have no idea. I'd also like to know the answer to that question.

Blcky - got to disagree with you on that stance. I think it's much more likely that Kosovo will be partitioned WITHOUT Presevo, etc being included. The US and EU have two main aims as far as i see things. The first is the bondsteel base and the second is energy security. I'll bet that there's an agreement to exclusively supply the EU and US with coal by Serbia from the Trepca mines, which in return will ultimately be controlled by Serbia. The rest of Kosovo I think they will just give up on, with the US knowing that the Albanians will not kick up a stink about keeping a US base there. The US and Eu win on both counts with neither Serbia or Kosovo getting everything it wants. If this does play out though, it'll be the Albanians who lose out economically as Trepca is the only real resource Kosovo has to offer as an export.

hey-hey - I refer you back to a previous answer i gave. Yes, Eulex will be under Europe's control but it'll have strict boundaries. As EU members are also UN members, and they've now agreed that EULEX will be under UN control, they have no choice but to follow the UN mandate, NOT the EU mandate if their is a clash of ideas - simple.

Kate

where do you see the role of Russia in this picture, in future developments.
Does deployment of EULEX mean that Constitution of Serbian needs changing, meaning that Presheva, Bujanoc andMedvegja get the same treatment?

I think that international community is interested to deploy the EULEX entire territory of Kosovo including North of Kosovo. Analyzing UN Security Council meeting last night I arrived to understand that international community will implement same manner like have done in the past with Kumanova Agreement which has been good lesson for government of Serbia, Eulex will deploy to all territory of Kosovo and Serbia in the future will understand that international community has used this plan to deploy this mission entire territory of Kosovo and after this they will say to Serbia thanks for your cooperation but Kosovo is an independent state.

I can see problems arising between Kosovo Albanian Leadership and EULEX. Can you imagine implementation of a rule of EU-style lows in Kosovo. Can you imagine people currently leading Kosovo to respect these lows. I would like to see that.

Prior to Kosovo's Daytonization, most of the Albanians here were either incredulous that Serbia would try something as condition the deployment of EULEX, or were convinced that the United States and/or Great Britain would veto such a measure and back their leaders in Pristina unconditionally. Contrary to whatever expectations they were led to believe in their own press, the international body told Thaci to know his place in the pecking order.

Now that the de jure partitioning of Kosovo has begun, both the Albanians here (and it appears in the Kosovo press) are somehow spinning it as it this is a major victory for the Albanian authorities. If they need to state their case on what they want to believe, fine. I'd rather they put a positive spin on it than another call for riots and rampage. But in reality, the real winner is the EU. This addendum to Resolution 1244 is the most legally binding document to hit Kosovo since 1999 and as such defines the EU mission in Kosovo as status neutral (wasn't this something Ischinger recommended last year?). That means that EULEX cannot support Kosovo's independence, nor can it further its cause. If anything, Kosovo has been officially established as an international protectorate, and will continue to be one for the indefinite future. Kosovo is going to look more and more like Bosnia in the coming years and I suspect the Serb Assembly in Mitrovica will now be the de facto Serb government in Kosovo alongside the Albanian variant in Pristina.

I have no doubt that each side is going to interpret yesterday's outcome according to their own interests and goals. I have no doubt Belgrade's going to continue to think Kosovo is part of their country, and that Pristina is going to think Kosovo is independent. Whatever they choose to think, the reality is that Kosovo is now officially an EU Protectorate - neither an independent country, nor part of another.

Still, I have to give a lot of credit to Vuk Jeremic for his efforts in negotiating a compromise with the main European powers. Serbia has shown its far more ready to work with international bodies as a sovereign state than anything in the Kosovo Protectorate. I have no idea who this Skender Hyseni fellow is, but if he thinks his job as "foreign minister" is simply thinking the US will blindly back his government, he needs to resign just as Thaci said he would were the 6-point compromise to pass.

Edition Osmani - Kosovo leaders won't stop the contraband as it's their main source of income.

Albanez - what the EU and US are primarily interested in is coal. they want energy security, just like Iraq. the coal is in the north, not the south. the serbs will mine the coal but the power station will be in the south of kosovo.

As for EULEX, all UNSC members have to abide by UN law, which is now in control of EULEX. It's pure fantasy to think that there'll be some wild deviation from the six point plan. You seem also to not understand how the UNSC works. it's an all or nothing vote. i.e France, UK and US don't control the UNSC. Russia and China are also permanent members. If they say no, then it just doesn't happen. it's called a veto in case you didn't understand.

It's game set and match to Serbia.

hey-hey They already have. They agreed the six point plan and not even the mighty US states can defy UN law. Russia and China will make sure that EULEX follows the UN mandate, you can guarantee that, especially as Russia wants to aggressively assert itself on the international stage again. They'll kick up a stink if they don't do as they are told.

so the 6 points won over the 4 points. and eulex will work under UN. let me refesh things. UNMIK had 4 pillars one of which was EU which is terminated already. does this mean that eulex has replaced this pillar under 1244? if this is so then back to square 1 gents and ladies.

Most likely, this may be the very beginning of Kosovo province’ partition. Sure, it won’t happen immediately but gradually and silently. Unfortunately, I see no other reason why Belgrade would have accepted EULEX in our province. Or perhaps I am wrong and I wish I am.

However, Dacis’ recent visit to Presevo Valley speaks volume and supports my thoughts. I sense that everything is already agreed and the rest is just for show. Perhaps Serbia agreed for partition with the EU/USA and same time provided green light from to take decisive measures in Presevo Valley should Albanian terrorists (KLA) try to cause uprising.

No matter how the Albanians try to spin this, Kosovo is not and will never become truly independent. With the overwhelming majority of UN members and more importantly, China and Russia against independence, it is simply not going to happen my friends! It now seems the US and EU have finally acknowledged that reality. Hip hip hooray!

We have now formally created the long awaited functional partition with Albanians ruling their own and Serbia ruling everyone else. It's time to move forward, to accept the reality and to start repairing the whole province.

Admittedly, I can see many dangers with this initiative but I'll just keep quiet for now and see how this unfolds. What is obvious though, is the "more than autonomy, less than independence" offer is self-fulfilling.

Please,

Can anybody explain to me why USA and UK have accepted something that is welcomed by Russia and Serbia and it is unacceptable to Kosova. I have asked this question on many sites in the last 24 hours and nobody has given me a clear answer so far.

I would understand if this is a plan supported by all sides. I would think then Russia and Serbia have just caved in. However, how it is possible that Kosova is against it and yet USA has supported it?

"The British representative said that she did not agree with certain views expressed by Jeremić."

Good luck to Serbia joining the EU. :)
(Funcakes, 27 November 2008 10:03)

Funcakes, you seem quite happy at the comment. Now read what the British FM stated to the snake last week. Seems a little clouded now, only six days later they vote in favour of the 6 point plan........

On an interview for Radio Kosovo, Kosovo PM Hashim Thaçi following the meeting with the UK statesmen said that the plan of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon is dead and that only the four point Kosovo plan is "alive" and also stated that United Kingdom supports the establishment of EULEX in the whole of Kosovo territory and the application of the Ahtisaari package in its entirety.

Never trust the British!! I should know I am one. There is a bigger picture going on in political circles that will be evident when the time is right.

Now then...When is the Snake tendering his resignation as he stated he would do?

Hey Jeremic, EULEX is the Ahtisaari Plan. Congratulations Kosovo, your independence is guaranteed by EULEX.

Believer

what you need to understand is that the UK and US do things for there own political reasons, they always have and will. Russia as well is the same. Tadic has made great in roads with the EU, Serbia is seen as the key to stability. Kosovo will never be truly independent because the EU or UN will always be there, it is as much about stopping terroists than rights of Albanians or Serbs.

The UK and US have bigger problems now, Russia, China and India are now big world players, there is still Iran, the war on terror is becoming long and drawn out.

What i think will happen is the EU will try and get Serbia in sooner rather than later, possibly Albania as well, then your borders will not matter.

Mike, why do you think this is heading for a de jure partition? Do you really think Kosovo will split?

A functional partition is obvious but I don't think neither Serbians or Albanians want a formal partition.

Jan, rest assured, when/if Serbia joins the EU it will do so with Kosovo attached. Now those citizens holding Serbian passports will have access to the entire continent although those that chose isolation and hold Mickey Mouse passports will be blocked for a long time to come.

I do wonder how many of those so-called "Kosovars" will realise they are Serbian citizens after all?

“Admittedly, I can see many dangers with this initiative but I'll just keep quiet for now and see how this unfolds”

ZK this is an unmitigated disaster. Tadic and Jeremic are officially giving exectutive control over a part of the country to NATO and former KLA leaders while the DS Government influenced media outlets are selling this to our people as some great victory.

Lord have Mercy

It's really hard to know what is going on here. Believer is not the only one that is wondering.
EULEX is given approval by the UNSC to deploy into Kosovo, that's the only thing that we know.
It supposed to work inside UN 1244 legal frame. But, that was also true for UNMIK. All they did, on the ground, was to prepare Kosovo for independence. It's very hard to see how will EULEX be held accountable for what it really does on the ground.
So.
This is either just a cover for EULEX to get legal approval for deployment to Kosovo, where they will be able to do whatever they want.
Or could it be that Ahtisaari Plan is truly abandoned and some form of direct or indirect negotiations will take place?
It's hard to see now, but we will all know just weeks after they start their work.

Olf: "where do you see the role of Russia in this picture, in future developments."

I see Russia as defending international law against the UN bully boys (which serves everyone's interest) and standing by Serbia's diplomatic efforts.

Believe me, I would never automatically support Russia against Europe, but recent events have made them the 'only train available'.

Olf:" Does deployment of EULEX mean that Constitution of Serbian needs changing, meaning that Presheva, Bujanoc andMedvegja get the same treatment?"

Not at all. Quite the contrary: as EULEX remains under Res. 1244 (reaffirming Serbia's sovereignty) and will be status neutral, it has nothing whatsoever to do with Serbian territory or further claims of independence.

Any change of borders will only happen with the agreement of Serbia and the UNSC, which is as it should be under international law.

I hate to but I have to be a pessimist. This is not good news for Serbia. Eulex has got control and will eventually branch off from UN 1244.

The Eulex UN agreement is covered up with nice frosting but beneath is the sad truth that Serbia basically recognized Kosovo. EULEX will expand and the UN will sneak out the back door.

Good job Vuk and Serbia by fooling Serbian people with your "6 point plan". This is Serbian politics at its best.

Kate:
Not at all. Quite the contrary: as EULEX remains under Res. 1244 (reaffirming Serbia's sovereignty) and will be status neutral, it has nothing whatsoever to do with Serbian territory or further claims of independence.
EULEX is neutral towards Kosova and Serbia, it is not deployed to protect protecta any sovregnity.
By the way, word sovereignty is the least that suits the situation, you as an English speaker knwo this very well.

Kate:
see Russia as defending international law against the UN bully boys (which serves everyone's interest) and standing by Serbia's diplomatic efforts.

I think you have rushed a bit on this one, Russian aggression in Georgia is there to prove the point otherwise.

Dear hey-hey,

Thank you for your explanation. Everything what you have said is logical. However, what bothers me why the Kosovars are against it.

My view of all this story is the following. The decision to implement the so called Serbian proposal is a short term victory of the actual government, but a long term one for Serbia. Albanian "lost" a battle, which was clear from the beginning, because 6 or 4 points where all prepared from the respective allies (US and Russia). Albanians were very well advised from US and UK to accept the plan because the goal of them was to install EULEX. Who believes that Kosovo is back to Serbia because of 1244 is completely wrong. 9 years under UNMIK Kosovo was way from Serbia in all aspects. The game in the whole story is who should earn more money from what. UN civil servants or EU bureaucrats. As for the Serbs in Kosovo they are the real looser. No illegal subvention from Belgrade. No black economy with Albanian, Balkan Russian mafia. Back to work. No double and higher salary for nothing. Now they should show their will to cooperate. as for the Albanians, they will find at least for the next year good excuses to blame Serbs for not cooperation and Serbia for interfering in Kosovo/UNMIK/EULEX internal affairs. Good Luck to EU bureaucrats and enjoy the high salaries made from taxes we are paying in the EU

" Albanians are granted independence in Kosovo. Serbia uses all diplomatic measures to reverse that decision (without firing one shot) and soon starts to reverse the process little by little. The Albanians become restless, angry, bitter, and as a result they turn against the EU and UN in Kosovo. As a result of their violence, other nations begin to repeal their recognition, and their independence is taken back. Then finally, Serbia is included in the EU --- Blacky, 27 November "

>>>Now, this would hold true if the majority of Serbs are as you say, diplomatically prone to solve their differences with Albanians. But alas, you have comments from people like,R. below, who totally discount your whole theory and lays waste to all your energies used up on such matters.

"Abi Karmadhi (and all other Albaninas(sic) who don't understand) - why is it so difficult for you to understand the fundamental facts.
1) Serbia would wipe your KLA off the map in a day or two..
(Radoslav, 27 November "
-------------------------
" “Serbia, an intact Serbia, with Kosovo as its constituent part, will become an EU member in a few years. Jan Andersen, DK, 27 November ""

Jan, this comes from the article, not from Ban's report or from his statement to the UNSC or even from any EU member state.. lol


Finally, this whole plan went through the UN approval for this Serbian govt's sake. Save their faces in order to avoid destabilization there. Only opposition forces have already moved into battle formations.

Good Luck to Kosova Republic.

I was wrong to say that the EU was poorly advised in diplomatic terms - for the EU this is a success.

Neither is this an insult to the UDI government (even if it is illegal).

Where the EU has succeeded is in side-lining the heavy-handed British view of the matter.

It is a red-face day for the British government. Ha Ha !

This is also a day where the UN has been respected.

I am not sure what everyone is talking about here. Clearly the statement adopted by UN does not mention 6 or 4 points of either side. It merely allows EULEX in Kosovo.

So the question everyone should ask is how did EULEX come about? Who created it and with what purpose it was created?

In the light of the answers for the above questions I don’t get the euphoria of Serb politicians about their perceived victory (maybe this one is another one along many “victories” Serbs did in the past. Jeremic speech was an eerie remainder of Milosevic’s era and his famous victory against NATO loaded with nonsense, a more appropriate word would be censored, not suitable for a diplomat at the post he finds himself).

The fact that both sides will interpret this as they please and wish deserves no comment as is obvious from the spin they attribute to this event. You just need to listen to media in Serbia and Kosovo and you get to wonder if they are speaking about the same event.

For those that want to read and form their own opinion then please check UN site and find the report that secretary general submitted

http://www.un.org/news/ (http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2008/692)

In my opinion Serb leaders have more to worry about than rejoice if they really, really care about Kosovo (which I don’t think they care at all but instead use Kosovo to manipulate Serb people and consolidate their political grip in Serbia).

In more than one reference the report equalizes Republic of Kosovo with that of Republic of Serbia and Secretary General goes at great length to make the point that UN is neutral with regards to Kosovo status (so Kosovo is not independent but it is not part of Serbia either).

Anyway read the report and conclude for yourself if anything can be done without the consent of the Authorities of the Republic of Kosovo as Secretary General himself wrote in the report and has instructed its Special Representative in Kosovo to do so.

This is either just a cover for EULEX to get legal approval for deployment to Kosovo, where they will be able to do whatever they want.
Or could it be that Ahtisaari Plan is truly abandoned and some form of direct or indirect negotiations will take place?
It's hard to see now, but we will all know just weeks after they start their work.
(Sreten, 27 November 2008 15:47)
Sreten, I guess you are right on this. Time will tale.

However, I reckon that EU needed desperately some sort of legal frame to deploy her mission.

De facto and de jure the adopted doc. contains the 4 points of Kosova and clearly mentions that the mission will have to coordinate with Prishtina in every aspect. Hence, Serbia can joy for putting the EULEX under 1244 but de facto nothing changes actually Kosova is considered as a partener in the deployment and everyday run of the EULEX- much better than when 1244 was addopted- there was not even on Albanian in UNSC session today Kosova and Serbia were there in same level rep. by repsective FMs. On other side what K-Albanians wished and asked de facto is the abolishment of 1244 and new resolution based on Ahtisari- that could be done if Russia did not veto it and still does- hence legally it was impossible to bypass UNSC and Belgrade. It was just a pragmatic solution to legal problem with a very limited impact on the ground.

regarding EULEX:

The importance of the mission is huge. A post-war society that saw >70% of her infrastructure destroyed, with huge unemployment rate, geographically in a cross road west-east could become an easy target of the international narco- traffic mafia as a storage place.

To fight this extremely powerful mafia Kosova by herself would not be able in 20y time. With EULEX it is believed (I reckon) that in 5-7 years it would brought into a ‘physiological’ levels.

From 'internal' point of view, it will be the first time that the a credible chance of EU integration to both Serbs and Albanians will be given that hopefully will be the driver of conciliation. Not to undermine the fact that Serbia apparently will cooperate in this- that means qill dry up her extended hand into north of Kosova and leave K-Serbs to integrate in K-Society.

Jan don't bother people that belive that Karadzic is innocent, nothing happend in Kosova, Srebenica is fiction will never bother for words- others will hopefully in 5 years time in majority

So, it took almost 9 months until finally the UN approves EULEX. Therefore, an orginzation which overwhelmingly recognizes the independence of the Rep. of Kosovo is authorized by the UN to deploy judges and police throughout the entire Kosovo. However, it is interesting to see what the British representative said. I'm sure that in the near future we will see why he pointed to that.

Hopefully Russia and China and other nations in the UN will prevent the EU to do anything outside 1244.

If that's the case the UN should end the EU mission immediatelly.

Dear people, there is no UNSC resolution on Kosovo independence, so Kosovo is not independent.

The rules are not made by the US alone!

ZK, when I say "de jure partition" I mean functional partition along the lines of what Samaradzic had been saying since May of this year. Kosovo is going to look like Bosnia at best.