Palau recognizes Kosovo

Thank you Palau !!!

56 countries has recognize Republic of Kosova !

Soon Saudi Arabia will recognize Kosova and countries like Bahrain , Qatar etc

The countries size doesn't matter and Palau is in UN.

Laugh about the size, but it's a still a UN vote.

"It has a population of some 20,000 people and before it gained independence in 1994 it was a UN trusteeship administered by the United States."

And this quote summaries it all.... they are still administrated by the united states

This is how low america will go, what a joke!

Lol, seriously US? You're running out of nations whose arms you can twist. Bet the Albanians will be happy.. Whatever works for you, guys. (:

56 down, more to come. At least 2 this month.

Thank you!

First of all Palau is a country with 20 000 people and Kosova with 2,2 million people cant be one? Second, Kosova can not be under Serbia any longer for two simple facts
1- A Father that rape his own kid can not be responsible for his kid anylonger.. Why cause he lost the right of been a good father...
2- Yugoslavia does not exist any longer and why in the world would Albanias live with Serbs that have very little in common when all other slavic nations that made Ex Yugoslavia are gone long time ago.. Please be just normal.

What is Palau? Are they from planet earth?
This recognition is probably the joke of the month.

It is the 56th state that has recognized the Kosovo Albanian unilateral declaration of independence, made in February 2008.

Every little help))

One step at a time!

Thank you, Palau, and thank you to al of our frnds and allies around the world. we are moving forwrd, despite the intensity and stubborness of the opposition.
thank you to all the supporters of freedom and indepence, regardless of your ethnicity. it is a really nice feeling!

roberto/frisco
(roberto, 9 March 2009 20:52)

It's nice to finally have you admit that you are Albanian instead of the usual I am American, Jewish etc.

Sure every vote is a vote, but don't expect much more. This is the extent of what American can do for you from now on. It's a sign of times.

Not bad at all.
What's interesting, for every recognition, no matter how arguably "small", a member from non-recognizing crowd, jumps the fence to the recognizing one. The effect of this is that the balance between these two groups updates by as much two recognitions. In other words, if currently 136 countries haven't recognized the new Republic, it is only needed half of the difference to shift the balance. 136-56=80; 80/2=40. Only 40 more recognition are really needed for Kosova to claim the majority in the UN. Jeremic must be chewing his nails with each such message.

Thank you, Palau, and thank you to al of our frnds and allies around the world. we are moving forwrd, despite the intensity and stubborness of the opposition.
thank you to all the supporters of freedom and indepence, regardless of your ethnicity. it is a really nice feeling!

roberto/frisco

I'm not sure how many times this has to be explained to our Albanian friends.. Even if most UN members do recognize Kosovo, it will still have to be voted on by the security council, and we all know how that will go :-)

Ataman that link is a killer! they can all fit in there!
and that wiki article, am i reading right?! 21000 people have how many, 30 states? it's a federation? OMG!! :)) albanians, watch and learn! they used to be MUNICIPALITIES, now they're STATES :)) silovo could be a state soon.

anyway, dear god... what took palau so long? you have to wonder. oh i know, yanks left their dependencies for later, for psychological effect. 'what, recognitions stalled? no prob, we'll hit you with our heavies now.' pppp...alau :))
OMG.

I wonder how many thousands it cost to buy them off. Taiwan spends millions of dollars so that small island countries would recognize it. As a suggestion to albanians - target Haiti, the poorest in the western hemisphere - one million dollars would surely buy them off too.

thank you paula. Kosovo thanks you. We would thank you with money, how about $5USD for every citizen of your great and powerfully wonderous democratic, economic country that all of the rest of us try to become. If my maths are correct, we will write a check out for $5000...

"Palau is located about 500 kilometers from Indonesia, in the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of some 20,000 people"

in the albanian media they will say:

"Indonesia is located about 500 kilometers from Palau, in the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of some 200 million people, but that insignificant nation doesn't recognise kosovo's independence".

importance of a country is defined by their support (or lack thereof) of kosovo's independence, innit.

Thank you Palau wherever you are ;)

Got the macros in week time now hunting for micros ;)

one after other go Kosova until UN seat.

ICJ rule will help in this after Hague’s verdict it can't be otherwise.

Palau recognizes Kosovo

Thank you so much Palau
My next Holiday is in Palau

The pro Serbian camp is trying to laugh like it doesn't mean a thing, but at the end of the day Palau has the same power and India, Brazil and Indonesia in the UN. Its votes that are needed, so I think Kosovo would rather have Palau's vote then not have it. Its a vote which Serbia doesn't have.

According Wiki:

"Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest nations."

What that "United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States)" could be on practice, whatever it is, from Wiki again:

"The United States maintains the usual diplomatic delegation and an embassy in Palau, but most aspects of the two countries' relationship have to do with Compact-funded projects, which are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs.[10] This has led to some ambiguity in the official status of Palau, though regarded as de jure independent."

OK, so Palau is a "de jure independent" part of USA, which did recognize a "self-proclaimed as independent" part of Serbia. Just why they didn't do it earlier, no idea.

The new Palau Capitol looks nice, but like their independency, it's design seem to be somewhat foreign(?)-inspired:

http://tinyurl.com/czuzm8

To be honest, I won't mind to be in that area right now, if nothing else, the weather is much better and their hoteliers have more experience than ones in the middle of Europe.

Thanks Palau!

"Even if most UN members do recognize Kosovo, it will still have to be voted on by the security council, and we all know how that will go :-)"

We know: Serbia will be told to "respect the will of the world" by EU and a Russian emissary will go there to bring the bad news to Tadic.

Well, there are island countries like Japan, UK, Ireland, Iceland, Palau,etc. who recognizes Kosovo's freedom and others like Cypress (at least half of it) who doesn't. When I compare them, then, well, Kosovo has already the strongest one on his side.

Btw. I'm sure that I'm one of the few who has been actually in Palau (every day flight from Manila-Philippines). Great diving area, but average beaches for a tropical country.

Anyway! Congratulation for #56

An ironic twist:

among the 56 countries that now recognize Kosovo (a completely landlocked country) are 6 tiny island nations scattered across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus one rather large and important island nation (Japan).

But come to think of it, Serbia -- which is also a landlocked country since June 2006 -- enjoys equally implausible-seeming friendly relations with a number of remote countries in the tropics. It's just the immediate neighbours that it seems to have difficulties getting along with.

This 'country' is administred by the United States - it is therefore United States, or part of the United States Empire which already recognised Kosovo.

It is therefore not a ''new'' recognition.

Jovan: "Serbia -- which is also a landlocked country since June 2006".

Jovan, this was a real tragedy. Serbia had a fighting chance to stay together with Montenegro. The Montenegrin nation was not fully formed and has undoubtedly Serbian roots. But the fixation with Kosovo - an area populated with “foreign” and indeed hostile population left Montenegrins with little choice. Having Palualu being a milestone in the battle for recognition is a laughable matter. But who is going to have the last laugh? It will not be Serbia, because it looses precious time and suffers other loses, like Montenegro. Serbia should have been the first country to recognize Kosovo even with the scornful “good riddance”.

Funny!

Yesterday it was 55 for Kosovo and 137 against/indifferent/whatever.

Or to put it slightly differently:

Yesterday it was 55 for Kosovo and (136+1) against/indifferent/whatever.

Today it is (55+1) for, and 136 against.

And somehow, between yesterday and today that 1 country suddenly became insignificant to a lot of Serbians.

So lets hear it from Serbia: How many of the remain 136 countries are really insignificant countries? 10? 20? 30? Does it mean that you can only claim 126, 116 or maybe 106 significant countries that are on your side (or indifferent about Kosovo)?

--

Thank you, Palau, and thank you to al of our frnds and allies around the world. we are moving forwrd, despite the intensity and stubborness of the opposition.
thank you to all the supporters of freedom and indepence, regardless of your ethnicity. it is a really nice feeling!

roberto/frisco
(roberto, 9 March 2009 20:52)

Roberto,

Looks like you see the world through a polarized glass.

Roberto,

Looks like you see the world through a polarized glass.
(Ataman, 10 March 2009 04:59)

Ataman,

'roberto's' polarised glasses have about as much objectivity as my beer glasses do on a Saturday night.

Money quote from malcolm x:

"[The] importance of a country is defined by their support (or lack thereof) of kosovo's independence, innit."

In other words, a former nuclear testing site for the US recognizing Kosovo is "every little bit counts", whereas two permanent members of the UNSC, 5 EU members, and a good chunk of the former non-aligned movements are insignificant to the might of the United States and irrelevant to the lives of the Albanian race.

Seeing as how this was one of the 4 countries the US could pressure into voting "No" at the ICJ vote, I should only be surprised that it took them this long to recognize.

What next? Easter Island?

56 and counting. Still a minority but at least the number is going up not down.

They all count one. Whether it is Palau, US or Russia, they all count one.

I wonder at what point, i.e. what number of countries that have recognized, will people on this forum stop rediculing the importance of "smaller" countries/nations's recognitions.

Even at this (much slower) rate, at about 2 recognitions a month, it will take about 5 years from now for about 180 recognitions. I do not think that our Kosovan friends are in any particular hurry.

God bless ...

The pro Serbian camp is trying to laugh like it doesn't mean a thing, but at the end of the day Palau has the same power and India, Brazil and Indonesia in the UN. Its votes that are needed, so I think Kosovo would rather have Palau's vote then not have it. Its a vote which Serbia doesn't have.
(Ian, UK, 10 March 2009 15:11)

Ian its the significance of the vote that counts. Yes Palau has the same vote at the UN, but Brazil, South Africa, India and Indonesia (strong Serbian allies) carry alot of clout in their respective regions. You can call it 'soft power'. Serbia has in its hand the best of all worlds. Not only does it have allies within NATO & EU which has prevented unanimous EU support for Pristina (massive blow to UDI) it also has the BRIC and heavy hitters in Africa (RSA, Nigeria, Ghana) Latin America (Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico) the Arab world, the Maghreb countries - Morocco, Algeria Tunisia. Syria, Egypt, Mauritania, Sudan, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait etc. as well as Iran. Also many Asian states - Vietnam, Indonesia, China et al. Central Asian ex Soviet republics.

Thats a pretty formidable lineup dont you think. Judging by the fleeting recognition of Palau, you can take it to the bank that the recognition process has been stopped dead in its track. Is this the best that 'Team Kosova' can muster. Jeremic has done his job very well and has given the Snake, Hyseni and Sejdiu a lesson in diplomacy. The guy is playing a blinder.

The proof is in the pudding. Only 56 states in 1 year and we are left with miniscule, insignificant microstates being forced / bribed to recognise.

Montenegro will revoke its recognition so will the Czech Republic (thanks to the Communists when they are projected to hold balance of power after next elections), Peru when the Left take over and Costa Rica.

Vuk is in the driving seat and for you lot, the cheer leaders of British-American unilateral aggression, its another nail in your respective coffins.

Palau, who???

if this is the best that the Yanks can up with, then I would like to join Mr Jeremic in laughing my b*****ks off.

Soft diplomacy my backside. This is laughable.

Berkeley,

Palau's recognition is insignificant. When was the last time 'Kosova' got a significant nod. You have to go right back. Serbia's diplomatic offensive has been quite successful. Anybody who hasnt acknowledged that is delusional.

The vast majority of Central and South American States have said NO, and Africa is also in the Serbian camp. That leaves the possibility of Saudi, Oman & Haiti. You can practically guess who the next recognition will be. Tuvalu?

The Arab world has already shown what they think of you. They havent forgotten all those American flags being waved in Pristina.

Palau's recognition is insignificant. When was the last time 'Kosova' got a significant nod. You have to go right back. Serbia's diplomatic offensive has been quite successful. Anybody who hasnt acknowledged that is delusional.

(Niall O'Doherty, 10 March 2009 12:36)

Mr O'Doherty,

Of course they are delusional, unlike you, who seam to know a lot about the Serbian diplomatic offensive's success and impact.

Yet, with all its success, new Kosovo recognitions keep on coming. I admit they are only dripping at the moment (at a rate of about 2 or 3 a month in average), but I wonder will you be changing your tune in a few years time when the number reaches 150 or even more - at this rate it will take less than 4 years for the number of recognitions to reach 150 countries.

Besides, be assured that in the very near future a lot more flags (other than US and UK) will be waving in Prishtina’s skyline – atop of 150 (or even more) embassies.

Seriously?

Can anyone in Paulu even point Kosovo on a map?

This is getting pretty old.

Kosovo is Serbia- even if rich prosperous nations like Micronesia, Paulu, Naulu and the Marshall Islands don't believe so.

Palau's US stooges obviously couldn't have received dollars for their stunt in these harsh economic times.
They must be geting some sort of 'payment in kind'.
But then, I suppose, it is 'the oldest profession of all', as they say!

MB,Ireland

Moral of the story, Italian way:
"Every bit helps," said the father whose son's boat went aground in Pisa, and spat into Arno in Firenze.

Looks like you see the world through a polarized glass.
(Ataman, 10 March 2009 04:59)

Whereas, I think your glass Ataman is mighty refractive :-)

Cheers ...

Albanians should rejoice when Serbia recognizes Kosovo. Until then Kosovo will never be truly independent and they know it. One albanian highlightet that Palau was a UN member. At the same time they say that it's not important to be a UN member.
What hypocrites!

Sirius Black "but I wonder will you be changing your tune in a few years time when the number reaches 150 or even more - at this rate it will take less than 4 years for the number of recognitions to reach 150 countries." kosovo doesn't have this luxury. When the ICJ rules in Serbia's favour it will bring Kosovo recognition to a HALT. You'll have NOWHERE to go apart from the NEGOTIATING table. I know you only like to use force instead of the European way of discussing things, but you'll have no choice. better to learn the hard way than not learn at all.

Miri "Jeremic must be chewing his nails with each such message." You don't seem abreast of current global politics. You can get 140 or 150 recognitions, but RUSSIA and CHINA simply will NOT allow Kosovo to be a UN member no matter how much pressure is exerted on them - you seem to conveniently forget that you need UNSC approval for a UN seat (but that's your problem). The reality is that Kosovo will NEVER have a UN seat, so if you don't want to be a part of Serbia you're gonna have to work out how you are going to survive and generate an income. You'd better wipe the dust away from those tractors as agriculture is just about the only industry Kosovo has.

EA "One step at a time!" you're like a fly being overun by amber on a tree. it's caught your rear legs and it's only a matter of time before it completely overwhelms you at which state it dies and becomes fossilised. WAKE UP. Kosovo isn't going to get off the ground no matter hoow much dreaming you do - FACT.

Rocky "My next Holiday is in Palau" unfortunately they don't recognise the Kosovo passport.

Alban "We know: Serbia will be told to "respect the will of the world" by EU and a Russian emissary will go there to bring the bad news to Tadic." Russia isn't the biggest obstacle - It's China. If it recognises Kosovo, how can it deny independence to Taiwan? FACE REALITY - Kosovo is dead and buried. I know it's hard for you to take but that's the reality.

Boycott Paulauauaua (what was it called?).

It'll be maeningless in 12 months time. With global warming and sea levels rising, Palau will be under water soon.

P.S and Russia still won't allow you a UN seat, so you won't raise international finance, so you'll remain mired in poverty. Unlucky.

Palau? Where is it?

Sirius Black "Hell, they've waited since the beginning of the 20th century. A few more years is nothing." Albanians betray the true reason for the war in Kosovo - Albanian nationalism. Albanians have always wanted a greater albania and eye up parts of surrounding nations such as macedonia, montenegro,greece,etc.

Milosevic wasn't a nice guy but the war in Kosovo started with albanian terrorism - FACT.

In the state of Yugoslavia under Tito, having albanian language media, education etc wasn't enough. only independence was enough.

This was a war of aggression by the albanians, not the serbs. you'll be paid back with interest at a later stage. the serbs are just as patient as the albanians.

Sirius black "You appear to be threatening me - I hope you're not since I am not easely intimidated." If you try to take by force what doesn't belong to you then you can expect the same in return.

"It is very well documented who the agressor was during the four former-Yu wars. FACT." I agree 100%, unfortunately no doubt you'll peddle the usual propaganda that it was Serbia who was the aggressor, when in reality the Slovenes, Croats, Bosnian Muslims and Albanians waged wars of nationalism. In each war it was the previous parties, NOT the Serbs who fired the first shots in anger. Don't waste your time with waffle about "Serbian aggression" being well documented, becuase the countries that documented that "fact" are the ones who orchestrated the break up of Yugoslavia for their own strategic interests.

"It is very well documented who the agressor was during the four former-Yu wars. FACT.
(SiriusBlack, 11 March 2009 13:24) "

it´s somehow boring to read always the same "facts" brought up by our dear albanian friends, and I don´t know how many times one has to tell them until they get it:

in Slovenia, it was the socalled slovenian forces who were the aggressor, since they attacked yugoslav borderposts. go and check it, my dear, before you go bragging with your socalled "facts".. it´s indeed all very well documented, if only you knew about it!

in Croatia it was the same, Croatians began to besiege yugoslav army barracks, and so the conflict flamed up violently.

once again, ...a fact, as you would put it. and again, if only you knew it...

in Bosnia, muslim attackers, who happened to be lead by a known criminal from Sarajevo killed a man and his son who were just stepping out from church (!) after wedding...

not only quite cowardly, but also the ignition for wider conflict within the yugoslav republic of BiH.

once again a fact. and again you either didn´t know or you just ignored those facts...

I do not laugh at Palau, since that little island is just another proxy of the US, and the mere fact that they are "recognizing" NOW, shows that the US are losing grip.

how many proxy-"states" are left to "recognize" this little stillborn entity? =)

gee, there must really be a lot of desperation out there to make such a fuss about it...

"...administered by the United States." ...

as a sidenote:
nik, my dear, please, if answering on Jovan R´s comment, it would be great to address him accurately with Jovan R, instead of only Jovan, what could be mixed up with me.

thanks.

All I can say is that Niall O'Doherty put it beautifully.

It does indeed count as a UN vote, but until China or Russia recognize Kosovo, votes like this matter little.

Replying to post 49.

PB,
It is very well documented who likes to use force. Let me know when to stop: war in Slovenia, war in Croatia, war in B&H, war in Kosovo, etc ...

Do you really, honestly, wholeheartedly, truly believe that ICJ's decision will favour Serbia? You very well know that ICJ's decision will be "neither here nor there". Besides, since Serbia initiated the ICJ procedure, not fewer than 10 countries have recognized Kosovo.

As the old saying goes, "if you build it, they will come". Kosovans have definitely built something which Serbia will never again be able to destroy.

God bless ...

Replying to post 55.

Jovan,

I am very well aware of pro-Serbian interpretation of the events that led to at least 4 wars in the former Yu. However, there is no one outside your circle who would believe them. Sorry, and excuse my stuberness, but Radio Televesion of Serbia, Politika newspaper and Tanjug news agency are not regarded highly in the developed world. We tend to get the news from the BBC, Reuters, The Times. I am sure you would aree that there is a very wide gap between the two camps.

God bless ...

This was a war of aggression by the albanians, not the serbs. you'll be paid back with interest at a later stage. the serbs are just as patient as the albanians.
(PB, 11 March 2009 12:06)

You appear to be threatening me - I hope you're not since I am not easely intimidated.

It is very well documented who the agressor was during the four former-Yu wars. FACT.

All I can say is that Niall O'Doherty put it beautifully.

It does indeed count as a UN vote, but until China or Russia recognize Kosovo, votes like this matter little.
(Peter Sudyka, 11 March 2009 09:22)

Peter Sudyka,

Whilst some votes are more difficult to get than others, they all still count just one.

I agree it is not a flood but it is a constant drip, whch is not going to stop. Kosovan's are happy to wait. Hell, they've waited since the beginning of the 20th century. A few more years is nothing.

God bless ...

Well the most important is achieved. We're free from Serbian regime.No police can come and beat me just because my number plates are dirty or headlights not working etc etc.

as for those heroes: I have read about the Jashari-Clan, and I´ll be honest again - even many K-albanians ask themselves what kind of sick person he must have been, when he didn´t get his family out when it was clear the serbian special-police would come for him. he decided to sacrifice his children for some sick kind of "fame"...

quite stupid, if you ask me.

There is always a lack of clarity - just because the federal government was run from Belgrade that did not mean that Yugoslavia was run by Serbia. It was a communal government from all the groupings.

The break up was initiated by the other nations. To blame Serbia for everything is to deny the actions of the other nations in being traitors to their own Yugoslav passports.

I wonder whether the people of Palau know where Kosovo is, and whether the K-Albanians know where Palau is; and the recognition, nothing new, was effected through Washington;
no offence,Palau, but this recognition makes me crack up, for you are just the right type of state one thinks of when Kosovo comes to mind. I sincerely hope that this recognition will lead you to a strategic partnership with Pristina.

Jovan R, please forgive me for missing the R.
Jovan, no foreign powers destroyed Yugoslavia for their own strategic reasons! Indeed most of them insisted on “preservation the integrity of Yugoslavia” long after it had ceased to exist! Yugoslavia fell on its own weight! Such a diverse country could be held together by a dictatorial regime, but not within the democratic principles. Every republic formed parties of its own. There was only one all-Yugoslavian party! Imagine a federal parliament with 20- 25 parties none presented in more than two republics? Yet the violent collapse was avoidable!

I would like to thank all the countries which have recognized the independence of our Beloved Kosova a special thanks to the greatest country on Gods Green Earth (The United States of America) for doing the noblest thing and helping Kosova become a country of its own. Kosova will have a seat in UN very soon but even if it takes some time Kosova is free independent and governs itself.

to the B92-censors: bravo, for cutting away 60 % of my answer to this "stubbern" Albanian who calls himself sirius...

as for nik:

I´d say you are wrong.

the US pretended to be interested in the "preservation" of the SFRJ-integrity, and they succeeded since Slobo walked right into that trap, after he apparently thought that the US wouldn´t intervene if he cracked down on those terrorists, ( that´s very likely the reason why the US labeled the KLA oficially as terrorists, in order to deceive the yugoslav government )

the yugoslav-wars were of course available - if the nationalist Croats had not tried to force Serbs into their socalled croatian state, if the bosnian muslims had not tried to violently take over BiH with nearly 73 % territory in serbian ownership, if the K-albanian separatists had not started a terrorist-campaign against serbian and even albanian citizens of Serbia.

but, if it pleases you: all will be fine, since time is on Serbia´s side.

you will see, the law is stronger than brutal force.

let´s just see what future brings...

This is how low america will go, what a joke!

thank you paula. Kosovo thanks you. We would thank you with money, how about $5USD for every citizen of your great and powerfully wonderous democratic, economic country that all of the rest of us try to become. If my maths are correct, we will write a check out for $5000...

56 down, more to come. At least 2 this month.

Thank you!

"It has a population of some 20,000 people and before it gained independence in 1994 it was a UN trusteeship administered by the United States."

And this quote summaries it all.... they are still administrated by the united states

I wonder how many thousands it cost to buy them off. Taiwan spends millions of dollars so that small island countries would recognize it. As a suggestion to albanians - target Haiti, the poorest in the western hemisphere - one million dollars would surely buy them off too.

What is Palau? Are they from planet earth?
This recognition is probably the joke of the month.

First of all Palau is a country with 20 000 people and Kosova with 2,2 million people cant be one? Second, Kosova can not be under Serbia any longer for two simple facts
1- A Father that rape his own kid can not be responsible for his kid anylonger.. Why cause he lost the right of been a good father...
2- Yugoslavia does not exist any longer and why in the world would Albanias live with Serbs that have very little in common when all other slavic nations that made Ex Yugoslavia are gone long time ago.. Please be just normal.

Thank you, Palau, and thank you to al of our frnds and allies around the world. we are moving forwrd, despite the intensity and stubborness of the opposition.
thank you to all the supporters of freedom and indepence, regardless of your ethnicity. it is a really nice feeling!

roberto/frisco

"Palau is located about 500 kilometers from Indonesia, in the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of some 20,000 people"

in the albanian media they will say:

"Indonesia is located about 500 kilometers from Palau, in the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of some 200 million people, but that insignificant nation doesn't recognise kosovo's independence".

importance of a country is defined by their support (or lack thereof) of kosovo's independence, innit.

Thank you Palau !!!

56 countries has recognize Republic of Kosova !

Soon Saudi Arabia will recognize Kosova and countries like Bahrain , Qatar etc

The countries size doesn't matter and Palau is in UN.

Laugh about the size, but it's a still a UN vote.

Lol, seriously US? You're running out of nations whose arms you can twist. Bet the Albanians will be happy.. Whatever works for you, guys. (:

I'm not sure how many times this has to be explained to our Albanian friends.. Even if most UN members do recognize Kosovo, it will still have to be voted on by the security council, and we all know how that will go :-)

Not bad at all.
What's interesting, for every recognition, no matter how arguably "small", a member from non-recognizing crowd, jumps the fence to the recognizing one. The effect of this is that the balance between these two groups updates by as much two recognitions. In other words, if currently 136 countries haven't recognized the new Republic, it is only needed half of the difference to shift the balance. 136-56=80; 80/2=40. Only 40 more recognition are really needed for Kosova to claim the majority in the UN. Jeremic must be chewing his nails with each such message.

It is the 56th state that has recognized the Kosovo Albanian unilateral declaration of independence, made in February 2008.

Every little help))

One step at a time!

Thank you, Palau, and thank you to al of our frnds and allies around the world. we are moving forwrd, despite the intensity and stubborness of the opposition.
thank you to all the supporters of freedom and indepence, regardless of your ethnicity. it is a really nice feeling!

roberto/frisco
(roberto, 9 March 2009 20:52)

It's nice to finally have you admit that you are Albanian instead of the usual I am American, Jewish etc.

Sure every vote is a vote, but don't expect much more. This is the extent of what American can do for you from now on. It's a sign of times.

An ironic twist:

among the 56 countries that now recognize Kosovo (a completely landlocked country) are 6 tiny island nations scattered across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus one rather large and important island nation (Japan).

But come to think of it, Serbia -- which is also a landlocked country since June 2006 -- enjoys equally implausible-seeming friendly relations with a number of remote countries in the tropics. It's just the immediate neighbours that it seems to have difficulties getting along with.

Thank you Palau wherever you are ;)

Got the macros in week time now hunting for micros ;)

one after other go Kosova until UN seat.

ICJ rule will help in this after Hague’s verdict it can't be otherwise.

Palau recognizes Kosovo

Thank you so much Palau
My next Holiday is in Palau

According Wiki:

"Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest nations."

What that "United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States)" could be on practice, whatever it is, from Wiki again:

"The United States maintains the usual diplomatic delegation and an embassy in Palau, but most aspects of the two countries' relationship have to do with Compact-funded projects, which are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs.[10] This has led to some ambiguity in the official status of Palau, though regarded as de jure independent."

OK, so Palau is a "de jure independent" part of USA, which did recognize a "self-proclaimed as independent" part of Serbia. Just why they didn't do it earlier, no idea.

The new Palau Capitol looks nice, but like their independency, it's design seem to be somewhat foreign(?)-inspired:

http://tinyurl.com/czuzm8

To be honest, I won't mind to be in that area right now, if nothing else, the weather is much better and their hoteliers have more experience than ones in the middle of Europe.

Ataman that link is a killer! they can all fit in there!
and that wiki article, am i reading right?! 21000 people have how many, 30 states? it's a federation? OMG!! :)) albanians, watch and learn! they used to be MUNICIPALITIES, now they're STATES :)) silovo could be a state soon.

anyway, dear god... what took palau so long? you have to wonder. oh i know, yanks left their dependencies for later, for psychological effect. 'what, recognitions stalled? no prob, we'll hit you with our heavies now.' pppp...alau :))
OMG.

Palau, who???

if this is the best that the Yanks can up with, then I would like to join Mr Jeremic in laughing my b*****ks off.

Soft diplomacy my backside. This is laughable.

Seriously?

Can anyone in Paulu even point Kosovo on a map?

This is getting pretty old.

Kosovo is Serbia- even if rich prosperous nations like Micronesia, Paulu, Naulu and the Marshall Islands don't believe so.

This 'country' is administred by the United States - it is therefore United States, or part of the United States Empire which already recognised Kosovo.

It is therefore not a ''new'' recognition.

Berkeley,

Palau's recognition is insignificant. When was the last time 'Kosova' got a significant nod. You have to go right back. Serbia's diplomatic offensive has been quite successful. Anybody who hasnt acknowledged that is delusional.

The vast majority of Central and South American States have said NO, and Africa is also in the Serbian camp. That leaves the possibility of Saudi, Oman & Haiti. You can practically guess who the next recognition will be. Tuvalu?

The Arab world has already shown what they think of you. They havent forgotten all those American flags being waved in Pristina.

Thank you, Palau, and thank you to al of our frnds and allies around the world. we are moving forwrd, despite the intensity and stubborness of the opposition.
thank you to all the supporters of freedom and indepence, regardless of your ethnicity. it is a really nice feeling!

roberto/frisco
(roberto, 9 March 2009 20:52)

Roberto,

Looks like you see the world through a polarized glass.

"Even if most UN members do recognize Kosovo, it will still have to be voted on by the security council, and we all know how that will go :-)"

We know: Serbia will be told to "respect the will of the world" by EU and a Russian emissary will go there to bring the bad news to Tadic.

Roberto,

Looks like you see the world through a polarized glass.
(Ataman, 10 March 2009 04:59)

Ataman,

'roberto's' polarised glasses have about as much objectivity as my beer glasses do on a Saturday night.

Palau's recognition is insignificant. When was the last time 'Kosova' got a significant nod. You have to go right back. Serbia's diplomatic offensive has been quite successful. Anybody who hasnt acknowledged that is delusional.

(Niall O'Doherty, 10 March 2009 12:36)

Mr O'Doherty,

Of course they are delusional, unlike you, who seam to know a lot about the Serbian diplomatic offensive's success and impact.

Yet, with all its success, new Kosovo recognitions keep on coming. I admit they are only dripping at the moment (at a rate of about 2 or 3 a month in average), but I wonder will you be changing your tune in a few years time when the number reaches 150 or even more - at this rate it will take less than 4 years for the number of recognitions to reach 150 countries.

Besides, be assured that in the very near future a lot more flags (other than US and UK) will be waving in Prishtina’s skyline – atop of 150 (or even more) embassies.

Funny!

Yesterday it was 55 for Kosovo and 137 against/indifferent/whatever.

Or to put it slightly differently:

Yesterday it was 55 for Kosovo and (136+1) against/indifferent/whatever.

Today it is (55+1) for, and 136 against.

And somehow, between yesterday and today that 1 country suddenly became insignificant to a lot of Serbians.

So lets hear it from Serbia: How many of the remain 136 countries are really insignificant countries? 10? 20? 30? Does it mean that you can only claim 126, 116 or maybe 106 significant countries that are on your side (or indifferent about Kosovo)?

--

The pro Serbian camp is trying to laugh like it doesn't mean a thing, but at the end of the day Palau has the same power and India, Brazil and Indonesia in the UN. Its votes that are needed, so I think Kosovo would rather have Palau's vote then not have it. Its a vote which Serbia doesn't have.

Palau's US stooges obviously couldn't have received dollars for their stunt in these harsh economic times.
They must be geting some sort of 'payment in kind'.
But then, I suppose, it is 'the oldest profession of all', as they say!

MB,Ireland

Boycott Paulauauaua (what was it called?).

Thanks Palau!

Jovan: "Serbia -- which is also a landlocked country since June 2006".

Jovan, this was a real tragedy. Serbia had a fighting chance to stay together with Montenegro. The Montenegrin nation was not fully formed and has undoubtedly Serbian roots. But the fixation with Kosovo - an area populated with “foreign” and indeed hostile population left Montenegrins with little choice. Having Palualu being a milestone in the battle for recognition is a laughable matter. But who is going to have the last laugh? It will not be Serbia, because it looses precious time and suffers other loses, like Montenegro. Serbia should have been the first country to recognize Kosovo even with the scornful “good riddance”.

The pro Serbian camp is trying to laugh like it doesn't mean a thing, but at the end of the day Palau has the same power and India, Brazil and Indonesia in the UN. Its votes that are needed, so I think Kosovo would rather have Palau's vote then not have it. Its a vote which Serbia doesn't have.
(Ian, UK, 10 March 2009 15:11)

Ian its the significance of the vote that counts. Yes Palau has the same vote at the UN, but Brazil, South Africa, India and Indonesia (strong Serbian allies) carry alot of clout in their respective regions. You can call it 'soft power'. Serbia has in its hand the best of all worlds. Not only does it have allies within NATO & EU which has prevented unanimous EU support for Pristina (massive blow to UDI) it also has the BRIC and heavy hitters in Africa (RSA, Nigeria, Ghana) Latin America (Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico) the Arab world, the Maghreb countries - Morocco, Algeria Tunisia. Syria, Egypt, Mauritania, Sudan, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait etc. as well as Iran. Also many Asian states - Vietnam, Indonesia, China et al. Central Asian ex Soviet republics.

Thats a pretty formidable lineup dont you think. Judging by the fleeting recognition of Palau, you can take it to the bank that the recognition process has been stopped dead in its track. Is this the best that 'Team Kosova' can muster. Jeremic has done his job very well and has given the Snake, Hyseni and Sejdiu a lesson in diplomacy. The guy is playing a blinder.

The proof is in the pudding. Only 56 states in 1 year and we are left with miniscule, insignificant microstates being forced / bribed to recognise.

Montenegro will revoke its recognition so will the Czech Republic (thanks to the Communists when they are projected to hold balance of power after next elections), Peru when the Left take over and Costa Rica.

Vuk is in the driving seat and for you lot, the cheer leaders of British-American unilateral aggression, its another nail in your respective coffins.

Looks like you see the world through a polarized glass.
(Ataman, 10 March 2009 04:59)

Whereas, I think your glass Ataman is mighty refractive :-)

Cheers ...

56 and counting. Still a minority but at least the number is going up not down.

Well, there are island countries like Japan, UK, Ireland, Iceland, Palau,etc. who recognizes Kosovo's freedom and others like Cypress (at least half of it) who doesn't. When I compare them, then, well, Kosovo has already the strongest one on his side.

Btw. I'm sure that I'm one of the few who has been actually in Palau (every day flight from Manila-Philippines). Great diving area, but average beaches for a tropical country.

Anyway! Congratulation for #56

Albanians should rejoice when Serbia recognizes Kosovo. Until then Kosovo will never be truly independent and they know it. One albanian highlightet that Palau was a UN member. At the same time they say that it's not important to be a UN member.
What hypocrites!

They all count one. Whether it is Palau, US or Russia, they all count one.

I wonder at what point, i.e. what number of countries that have recognized, will people on this forum stop rediculing the importance of "smaller" countries/nations's recognitions.

Even at this (much slower) rate, at about 2 recognitions a month, it will take about 5 years from now for about 180 recognitions. I do not think that our Kosovan friends are in any particular hurry.

God bless ...

Palau? Where is it?

All I can say is that Niall O'Doherty put it beautifully.

It does indeed count as a UN vote, but until China or Russia recognize Kosovo, votes like this matter little.
(Peter Sudyka, 11 March 2009 09:22)

Peter Sudyka,

Whilst some votes are more difficult to get than others, they all still count just one.

I agree it is not a flood but it is a constant drip, whch is not going to stop. Kosovan's are happy to wait. Hell, they've waited since the beginning of the 20th century. A few more years is nothing.

God bless ...

Money quote from malcolm x:

"[The] importance of a country is defined by their support (or lack thereof) of kosovo's independence, innit."

In other words, a former nuclear testing site for the US recognizing Kosovo is "every little bit counts", whereas two permanent members of the UNSC, 5 EU members, and a good chunk of the former non-aligned movements are insignificant to the might of the United States and irrelevant to the lives of the Albanian race.

Seeing as how this was one of the 4 countries the US could pressure into voting "No" at the ICJ vote, I should only be surprised that it took them this long to recognize.

What next? Easter Island?

Well the most important is achieved. We're free from Serbian regime.No police can come and beat me just because my number plates are dirty or headlights not working etc etc.

Replying to post 49.

PB,
It is very well documented who likes to use force. Let me know when to stop: war in Slovenia, war in Croatia, war in B&H, war in Kosovo, etc ...

Do you really, honestly, wholeheartedly, truly believe that ICJ's decision will favour Serbia? You very well know that ICJ's decision will be "neither here nor there". Besides, since Serbia initiated the ICJ procedure, not fewer than 10 countries have recognized Kosovo.

As the old saying goes, "if you build it, they will come". Kosovans have definitely built something which Serbia will never again be able to destroy.

God bless ...

"It is very well documented who the agressor was during the four former-Yu wars. FACT.
(SiriusBlack, 11 March 2009 13:24) "

it´s somehow boring to read always the same "facts" brought up by our dear albanian friends, and I don´t know how many times one has to tell them until they get it:

in Slovenia, it was the socalled slovenian forces who were the aggressor, since they attacked yugoslav borderposts. go and check it, my dear, before you go bragging with your socalled "facts".. it´s indeed all very well documented, if only you knew about it!

in Croatia it was the same, Croatians began to besiege yugoslav army barracks, and so the conflict flamed up violently.

once again, ...a fact, as you would put it. and again, if only you knew it...

in Bosnia, muslim attackers, who happened to be lead by a known criminal from Sarajevo killed a man and his son who were just stepping out from church (!) after wedding...

not only quite cowardly, but also the ignition for wider conflict within the yugoslav republic of BiH.

once again a fact. and again you either didn´t know or you just ignored those facts...

Replying to post 55.

Jovan,

I am very well aware of pro-Serbian interpretation of the events that led to at least 4 wars in the former Yu. However, there is no one outside your circle who would believe them. Sorry, and excuse my stuberness, but Radio Televesion of Serbia, Politika newspaper and Tanjug news agency are not regarded highly in the developed world. We tend to get the news from the BBC, Reuters, The Times. I am sure you would aree that there is a very wide gap between the two camps.

God bless ...

This was a war of aggression by the albanians, not the serbs. you'll be paid back with interest at a later stage. the serbs are just as patient as the albanians.
(PB, 11 March 2009 12:06)

You appear to be threatening me - I hope you're not since I am not easely intimidated.

It is very well documented who the agressor was during the four former-Yu wars. FACT.

All I can say is that Niall O'Doherty put it beautifully.

It does indeed count as a UN vote, but until China or Russia recognize Kosovo, votes like this matter little.

as for those heroes: I have read about the Jashari-Clan, and I´ll be honest again - even many K-albanians ask themselves what kind of sick person he must have been, when he didn´t get his family out when it was clear the serbian special-police would come for him. he decided to sacrifice his children for some sick kind of "fame"...

quite stupid, if you ask me.

Moral of the story, Italian way:
"Every bit helps," said the father whose son's boat went aground in Pisa, and spat into Arno in Firenze.

It'll be maeningless in 12 months time. With global warming and sea levels rising, Palau will be under water soon.

P.S and Russia still won't allow you a UN seat, so you won't raise international finance, so you'll remain mired in poverty. Unlucky.

Sirius black "You appear to be threatening me - I hope you're not since I am not easely intimidated." If you try to take by force what doesn't belong to you then you can expect the same in return.

"It is very well documented who the agressor was during the four former-Yu wars. FACT." I agree 100%, unfortunately no doubt you'll peddle the usual propaganda that it was Serbia who was the aggressor, when in reality the Slovenes, Croats, Bosnian Muslims and Albanians waged wars of nationalism. In each war it was the previous parties, NOT the Serbs who fired the first shots in anger. Don't waste your time with waffle about "Serbian aggression" being well documented, becuase the countries that documented that "fact" are the ones who orchestrated the break up of Yugoslavia for their own strategic interests.

I wonder whether the people of Palau know where Kosovo is, and whether the K-Albanians know where Palau is; and the recognition, nothing new, was effected through Washington;
no offence,Palau, but this recognition makes me crack up, for you are just the right type of state one thinks of when Kosovo comes to mind. I sincerely hope that this recognition will lead you to a strategic partnership with Pristina.

I do not laugh at Palau, since that little island is just another proxy of the US, and the mere fact that they are "recognizing" NOW, shows that the US are losing grip.

how many proxy-"states" are left to "recognize" this little stillborn entity? =)

gee, there must really be a lot of desperation out there to make such a fuss about it...

"...administered by the United States." ...

as a sidenote:
nik, my dear, please, if answering on Jovan R´s comment, it would be great to address him accurately with Jovan R, instead of only Jovan, what could be mixed up with me.

thanks.

Sirius Black "but I wonder will you be changing your tune in a few years time when the number reaches 150 or even more - at this rate it will take less than 4 years for the number of recognitions to reach 150 countries." kosovo doesn't have this luxury. When the ICJ rules in Serbia's favour it will bring Kosovo recognition to a HALT. You'll have NOWHERE to go apart from the NEGOTIATING table. I know you only like to use force instead of the European way of discussing things, but you'll have no choice. better to learn the hard way than not learn at all.

Miri "Jeremic must be chewing his nails with each such message." You don't seem abreast of current global politics. You can get 140 or 150 recognitions, but RUSSIA and CHINA simply will NOT allow Kosovo to be a UN member no matter how much pressure is exerted on them - you seem to conveniently forget that you need UNSC approval for a UN seat (but that's your problem). The reality is that Kosovo will NEVER have a UN seat, so if you don't want to be a part of Serbia you're gonna have to work out how you are going to survive and generate an income. You'd better wipe the dust away from those tractors as agriculture is just about the only industry Kosovo has.

EA "One step at a time!" you're like a fly being overun by amber on a tree. it's caught your rear legs and it's only a matter of time before it completely overwhelms you at which state it dies and becomes fossilised. WAKE UP. Kosovo isn't going to get off the ground no matter hoow much dreaming you do - FACT.

Rocky "My next Holiday is in Palau" unfortunately they don't recognise the Kosovo passport.

Alban "We know: Serbia will be told to "respect the will of the world" by EU and a Russian emissary will go there to bring the bad news to Tadic." Russia isn't the biggest obstacle - It's China. If it recognises Kosovo, how can it deny independence to Taiwan? FACE REALITY - Kosovo is dead and buried. I know it's hard for you to take but that's the reality.

Sirius Black "Hell, they've waited since the beginning of the 20th century. A few more years is nothing." Albanians betray the true reason for the war in Kosovo - Albanian nationalism. Albanians have always wanted a greater albania and eye up parts of surrounding nations such as macedonia, montenegro,greece,etc.

Milosevic wasn't a nice guy but the war in Kosovo started with albanian terrorism - FACT.

In the state of Yugoslavia under Tito, having albanian language media, education etc wasn't enough. only independence was enough.

This was a war of aggression by the albanians, not the serbs. you'll be paid back with interest at a later stage. the serbs are just as patient as the albanians.

There is always a lack of clarity - just because the federal government was run from Belgrade that did not mean that Yugoslavia was run by Serbia. It was a communal government from all the groupings.

The break up was initiated by the other nations. To blame Serbia for everything is to deny the actions of the other nations in being traitors to their own Yugoslav passports.

to the B92-censors: bravo, for cutting away 60 % of my answer to this "stubbern" Albanian who calls himself sirius...

as for nik:

I´d say you are wrong.

the US pretended to be interested in the "preservation" of the SFRJ-integrity, and they succeeded since Slobo walked right into that trap, after he apparently thought that the US wouldn´t intervene if he cracked down on those terrorists, ( that´s very likely the reason why the US labeled the KLA oficially as terrorists, in order to deceive the yugoslav government )

the yugoslav-wars were of course available - if the nationalist Croats had not tried to force Serbs into their socalled croatian state, if the bosnian muslims had not tried to violently take over BiH with nearly 73 % territory in serbian ownership, if the K-albanian separatists had not started a terrorist-campaign against serbian and even albanian citizens of Serbia.

but, if it pleases you: all will be fine, since time is on Serbia´s side.

you will see, the law is stronger than brutal force.

let´s just see what future brings...

Jovan R, please forgive me for missing the R.
Jovan, no foreign powers destroyed Yugoslavia for their own strategic reasons! Indeed most of them insisted on “preservation the integrity of Yugoslavia” long after it had ceased to exist! Yugoslavia fell on its own weight! Such a diverse country could be held together by a dictatorial regime, but not within the democratic principles. Every republic formed parties of its own. There was only one all-Yugoslavian party! Imagine a federal parliament with 20- 25 parties none presented in more than two republics? Yet the violent collapse was avoidable!

I would like to thank all the countries which have recognized the independence of our Beloved Kosova a special thanks to the greatest country on Gods Green Earth (The United States of America) for doing the noblest thing and helping Kosova become a country of its own. Kosova will have a seat in UN very soon but even if it takes some time Kosova is free independent and governs itself.