"Montenegro could reconsider Kosovo"

I would have been in Montenegro this year spending my Euros had it not been for this irresponsible recognition. Also, I've stopped buying Montenegin wine and other produce. My next holiday is being organise for Bratislava in Slovakia and later in Greece or Cyprus.

What did Montenegro get out of this recognition? It seems Milo Đukanović was the only beneficiary by having his cigarette smuggling charges dropped.

What a waste.

"Montenegrin PM Milo Đukanović says his country is ready to reexamine its recognition of Kosovo independence should the ICJ qualify Pristina's act as illegal."

OK, Milo. Given the right amount of "Skanderbeu" I could, too, reexamine my opinion about Kosovo independence... at least temporarily. Unless I am driving, that won't make me automatically a criminal.

Opposite is also true... de-recognizing Kosovo won't make a criminal automatically a "clean" person, only even more spineless.

Sorry, Milo - I want to see you in jail, regardless of Kosovo.

The ICJ decision won't just be about whether the declaration of independence was illegal; it will also show evidence of whether one of the last bastillons of international law has been corrupted and politicised.

If there is some sort of halfway statement to please all that it was eg. 'illegal but necessary' then it will be obvious that the ICJ is now also politically vulnerable.

The law is very black and white, and if there is any justice remaining the ICJ will find that the move was illegal.

I am sure that other countries will also withdraw recognition, especially those like Montenegro which were clearly arm twisted into the decision by the US and its minions.

"In reality Serbia needs more Montenegro that the other wau around. Serbia is a landlocked country and Montenegro can provide passage to Adriatic Sea for Serbia.
Therefore, Serbia can't blackmail Montenegro in any way.
(Kosova-USA, 3July200913:02)"

You must be joking! Over 40% of Montengrin citizens call themselves Serbs, and these people dominate northern & eastern Montenegro, as well as Boka-Kotorska, including the port city of Herceg-Novi, & bay of Kotor. If Serbs in Montengro played by Albanian rules, we could cripple Montenegro and easily split the country in half, thereby taking our own Adriatic port. Furthermore, Montenegro buys most of it's food from Serbia as well as a ton of other products & services that this tiny nation of 600,000 simply doesn't have the resources to provide. As for access to the sea, Serbia can always get this through Romania (a country that respects Serbia's borders), and cut Montenegro out of the picture completely.

Finally, I personally know people working in the tourism industry in Montenegro, their business is HORRIBLE right now! A big part of that is the great betrayal by Milo Djukanovic (recognizing kosovo UDI), which resulted
in most Serbs going elsewhere
this summer to spend their holidays. The flooding of EU tourists that Djukanovic expected this summer, aren't showing up. In summary, the only (legitimate) profitable industry that Montenegro has, is eating mudd right now.

That being said, it's no coincidence that Djukanovic is sending such conciliatory signals to Serbia. To be honest, it is in Montenegro's best interest that the ICJ rule in favor of Serbia & international law. A ruling supporting UDI (which I believe is highly unlikely)will set a precendent, that could easily tear Montenegro apart, along with many
other countries around
the world. That is reality.

Djukanovic is a person from the past.

it doesn´t matter what he says, since the revocation will happen long after his time.

so, he is a simple cigarette-smuggler, nothing more.

but one thing you should be sure of:

Serbia will prevail.

The tourist industry in Crna Gora is very very dry this season.

"In reality Serbia needs more Montenegro that the other wau around. Serbia is a landlocked country and Montenegro can provide passage to Adriatic Sea for Serbia."
Kosova-USA

So what if Serbia is landlocked! So is the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary and Austria. It doesn't mean anything. Albania is not landlocked but still the poorest country in Europe. The entire region needs Serbia. It's a fact! Serbia is positioned in a strategicly important place and, just like Milo said, Serbia is the engine of the entire region.

Hahaha the first mention of a country to reconsider Kosovo decision, of recognising fake and failed independence

Team Albanians Knee Jerk reaction "More Recognitions are coming" please Albanians realise you have USA backing and they are loosing interest in way Kosovo is run. Also Serbia has to major powers who are growing day by day, whilest albanians are in economic downfall :) Well come to the new revolution :D

genc: "But common sense suggests that the ICJ ruling will not run counter the stability in the region. It isn't difficult to see that all intl and local actors are playing in that direction. I'm sure that would be also your priority.
Am I wrong?"

Yes you are wrong. The ICJ is there to give a legal ruling; not whether their findings supposedly promote 'stability' (and for who, I wonder?).

You are right, however, in saying that it's not up to you or me to decide, but this case is very black and white.

Under international law enshrined in UN REsolution 1244 (to which all parties signed and must adhere), Kosovo remains a province of Serbia.

The so-called 'negotiations' were a farce. Everyone knows that. The Kosovo Albanians did not even bother turning up and all the time the US were in the wings reassuring them that there was no need for them to give way on a single issue.

It is obvious to anyone that an unapproved annex of a state's territory, whether supported by powerful external countries or not, is straight theft. Of course it's illegal.

As for developing a Kosovo flag and speaking of independence when the ethnicity is openly called Albanian and the flag of Albania is flown, that again makes a mockery of so-called 'new state'.

You can't build anything on sand because sooner or later the tide turns. Everything has to be built properly and with the agreement of Serbia otherwise there will never be any peace or longterm development.

Have you seen the socio-economic reports on Kosovo's progress? They are terrible. They are riddled with information about corruption, crime and unacceptable standards.

Montenegro is loaded with Serbians, not Albanians. Who do you think is more powerful in that country? Bingo, you win! Dukanovic is a sellout, plain and simple. He should be in an Italian jail cell right now, not dictating what a nation will do. But not to worry, he will eventually be gone, and a true Serb will replace him.

Montenegrin PM Milo Đukanović says his country is ready to reexamine its recognition of Kosovo independence should the ICJ qualify Pristina's act as illegal.
--

You forgot this B92, "If they explicitly say so, but to be honest we don't expect that."

While they are rethinking recognition of Kosovo they should also rething their decision to secede from Serbia.

Alone they are very weak and they are starting to see that now. They have no power in their own country but together with Serbia (which most Montenegrins are) they will be in a much better position.

First they have to get rid of Milo and the rest will fall into place.

Stop fooling!

ICJ will NEVER rule against the independence. Since than ALL states from 50 that were UN member in the beginning of 50s until today that are almost 200 are LL illegal since non of them declared independence in accordance with the “legal” ruler.

In the best case scenario for Serbia is ambiguous opinion like partially legal but justified by political, social and economical circumstances.

The question is what will be the answer of the countries that supported Serbia in this opinion if (for me is WHEN) ICJ will rule in favour of the independence and Serbia will not respect it?? Will they feel being fooled and abused??? I home some doubts here… but if you align with a country that says- I will ask for an opinion and push for new negotiations since I have nothing to loose (as Serbian officials in many times have affirmed) but I will respect that opinion only and only if that opinion satisfies my demands, you should be ready to see yourself with fingers in your mouth.

What is Montenegro and Macedonia doing?
They like to please U.S. and E.U. but also are affraid of Serbia. Well it's a stupid trick, if they want to revoke the recognition then DO IT don't talk about it!

That will never happened , cause Milo knows if it was not for Albanians in Monetengro the independence would have never happened.
In reality Serbia needs more Montenegro that the other wau around. Serbia is a landlocked country and Montenegro can provide passage to Adriatic Sea for Serbia.
Therefore, Serbia can't blackmail Montenegro in any way.

Macedonia will withdraw recognition of Kosovo and so well Bulgaria and the Czech Republic if Kosovo’s declaration of independence is found to be illegal. There is also a great deal of talk that Canada may do the same and if that happens watch the dominions happen where perhaps up to nearly half of the recognition Kosovo got is withdrawn and no new recognition will come.

more recognitions to come. this is the same headline as macedonia will withdraw recognition

As with the other days article about "Kosova Mafia investing in property", it seems that B92 occasionaly 'forgets' to cite some important facts of articles it is quoting.

"Blic: Da li je moguće preispitivanje odluke o priznavanju Kosova ukoliko zaključak suda bude da je proglašenje bilo nelegalno?

Dukanovic: U diskusiji u crnogorskom parlamentu jasno smo rekli da je moguć ponovni razgovor o tom pitanju ako Međunarodni sud da takav eksplicitan stav. Ali, da budem iskren, takav epilog ne očekujemo."

I would have been in Montenegro this year spending my Euros had it not been for this irresponsible recognition.
(Zoran, 3 July 2009, 12:17)

My vacation plans have usually nothing to do with politics. I understand, it's an on-going debate. I have zero problem to visit Albania and I can appear in southern part of Kosovo almost at will.

There is an on-going debate of more problematic nature than visiting Albania or Kosov"A" - like "should I visit Myanmar or North Korea".

In one case (Albania, Kosovo) you can easily ensure, the money you spend will go with high probability to the right people (nothing is 100%, but a little research on the 'Net helps to chose your hotel and buying food from local villagers or roadside kebap places can make your conscience feel good).

In the other case (Myanmar, NKorea) you are forced to exchange the "hard" currency (and here even Albanian Lek is pretty hard!) to some clown certificates you essentially can't use much - and the ruling "fat cats" will get the last penny from you, giving you the least they can.

But even in that case the more popular opinion is to go because every single person crossing the borders either way does help a tiny bit to dismantle the tyrants.

Sadly, the country I am going with the least expectations is precisely Slovakia lately. Begin of May we visited it with out friends from BG. Well.... since I speak Hungarian I made a "little" mistake to address in Hungarian a seller who was speaking the language with her neighbor in my front. At the moment I spoke to her, she "forgot" the language - and our Serbian friends who were behind of us weren't impressed by Slovakia hugely.

But at least that lady tried her best to speak Russian and her daughter English... They rather suffered with both, than to say a single word in Hungarian which they knew well.

These are very irresponsible comments made by a man in charge of a country. I think that any non Balkan diplomat would just simply say; this tells you how "messed up" the Balkans are.

It was him and his governement who recognized Kosovo as an independent country. So where does this take us then?

Well speaking in political terms and being assured by the reality, he is playing a smart game to keep it well with every1.

On Serbia's side, he is promising to reconsider the recognition based on the decision of the IJC while he is not doubtful that the decision will be on Kosovos favor. In other words he won't change the decision on recognition, but it is doing it in a way that won't hurt the relations of his country with Serbia, Kosovo or Albania.

If this scenario is not the truth than he is being used as a tool by Belgrade, which will cost him and his country if the declaration is followed by similar ones. Not to forget the minority Albanians living in montenegro, the businesses and political parties there, also the historical dispute that they have held a part of the Albanian land and such. Thats why declarations like this are always risky and should be avoid, or they cost you.

An excert from Blic.

Is it possible to review the decision on recognition of Kosovo if the Court's conclusion is that the declaration was illegal?
- U diskusiji u crnogorskom parlamentu jasno smo rekli da je moguć ponovni razgovor o tom pitanju ako Međunarodni sud da takav eksplicitan stav. - The discussion in the Montenegrin Parliament, we said clearly that it is possible to re-talk about this issue if the International Court of Justice that this explicit position. But to be honest, so do not expect the epilogue.

http://www.blic.rs/politika.php?id=100007

The EU stated long term goal is unification, i find this statement hypocritical since they promoting further fractioning of the Balkans instead of pushing for Kosovo status solution acceptable to Serbia. Kosovo as a state is not sustainable and that is a plain fact wether you are Serb or Albanian. Kosovo will take decades to reach as a state what Serbia is getting close to joining the EU. What is needed is a change of regime to a more pragmatic and common sense approach to final status and reconciliation with Belgrade for the sake of everyone in the region....Kosovo will develop faster inside Serbia in the LONG TERM than as a narco-pseudo-protectorate isolated from the UN, OSCE and council of Europe.

The ICJ decision won't just be about whether the declaration of independence was illegal; it will also show evidence of whether one of the last bastillons of international law has been corrupted and politicised.

(kate, 3 July 2009 13:01)

And Kate, who decides that? You? Me? Are you the measure of the intl. law?

Are you assuming that, if the ICJ doesn't rule the way YOU deem legal, then it MUST be corrupt? You have just delegitimized in advance the ICJ.

The reality is that no law can foresee every situation: that's why we need tribunals and lawyers. Otherwise a policeman with a PC would fit for every situation of law enforcement.

But common sense suggests that the ICJ ruling will not run counter the stability in the region. It isn't difficult to see that all intl and local actors are playing in that direction. I'm sure that would be also your priority.

Am I wrong?

genc:
Repeating the arguments that the US & it's allies used to justify circumventing 1244 in order to legitimise the K-albanian UDI is your prerogative. Assuming that the ICJ will assign them any weight, is also.

However 'spin' isn't a valid legal argument.

K-albanian UDI was made citing physical 'realities on the ground'.

ICJ judgement however must be made taking into full account all binding UN resolutions - especially one such as 1244 which specifically deals with resolving the situation in Kosovo.

And the whole structure of 1244 implicitly denies a UDI, quite apart from the explicit references made to the 'sovereignty & territorial integrity of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia' in 1244 itself - of which there are 4 (preamble, clause 10 & both annexes) & not just the preamble mentioned by 'genc'.

1244 was meant to be a 'process' outlining a specific set of steps to be followed in order to resolve the conflict in Kosovo.

UDI is the equivalent of putting in a 'goto' clause into 1244 after the fact.

Cannot 'have your cake' & eat it too.

Or in this case, cannot eat your cake & still present it to the ICJ.

What about this part of the interview?

"Dobrosusedskim odnosima nije doprinelo crnogorsko priznanje Kosova?
- Biću potpuno iskren, iako se to moglo uočiti i iz medija, da su pojedini evropski i evroatlantski partneri često poručivali da bi priznanje Kosova bio pozitivan potez i u duhu partnerstva za koje smo se opredelili. Ali to nije bilo presudno za naš stav. Mi tu odluku nismo doneli naprečac, naprotiv, dugo i ozbiljno smo razmišljali o tome. Zato nismo odlučili dan posle proglašenja nezavisnosti nego tada kada smo se osvedočili da daljim odlaganjem ne možemo niti pomoći niti nauditi i da stoga treba staviti tačku na temu koja je gubitnička. Još od 1999. i Rezolucije 1244 SB UN nam je bilo jasno da je Srbija izgubila sve državne nadležnosti na Kosovu... I sam sam, u ovoj zgradi, bio svedok kada je Boris Tadić imao nameru da ode na sahranu Ibrahima Rugove i dobio negativan odgovor iz Prištine. Više puta smo govorili našim srpskim prijateljima da nije racionalno da nastavljaju da vode političke bitke koje su izgubili njihovi prethodnici, jednostavno da ne troše energiju, svoju i političke javnosti, na pitanjima koja su definitivno dobila epilog, negativan za Srbiju, kao izraz višegodišnje pogrešne politike, te da se umesto toga okrenu temi budućnosti Srbije, njenoj evrointegraciji u kojoj i Srbija treba da bude dobitnik. Znali smo da takav naš stav neće naići na razumevanje u Srbiji u ovom trenutku. Ipak smatrali smo da je ovakav stav pošteniji i pametniji od jalove solidarnosti i podrške Srbiji da dalje istraje u svojoj zaokupljenosti istorijom i učinjenim greškama."

To me, this is the core of the interview,and it should have been part of this article.

President of Montenegro knows how to play games with Serbia, he's done just that in the last 15 yrs or so.
The bottom line is that no matter what ICJ says he'll stick with EU and not with Serbia.

While they are rethinking recognition of Kosovo they should also rething their decision to secede from Serbia.

Alone they are very weak and they are starting to see that now. They have no power in their own country but together with Serbia (which most Montenegrins are) they will be in a much better position.

First they have to get rid of Milo and the rest will fall into place.
(Peggy, 4 July 2009 03:06)

Kosovo completed the chapter by declaring independence. Montenegro did right to become independent and to recognise Kosovo. Also Montenegro does not "need" Serbia. They are doing fine without been apart of it. Montenegro has already applied for EU membership, it uses a stronger currency and it has growing trade with the West. Not to mention Montenegro is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination for the UK :p

#20
(kate, 3 July 2009 20:40)

Kate,

“Yes you are wrong. The ICJ is there to give a legal ruling; not whether their findings supposedly promote 'stability' (and for who, I wonder?)”.

You should have pasted also the previous paragraph Kate; there sticks the answer to your comment.

"You are right, however, in saying that it's not up to you or me to decide, but this case is very black and white".

Here you agree and disagree in the same phrase. Is it up to you to deem this case black and white? I've heard the Swedish FM stating that "this is a very special case, which lies in the grey area of the intl. law". Many others deem it the same way.

"Under international law enshrined in UN REsolution 1244 (to which all parties signed and must adhere), Kosovo remains a province of Serbia".

Kosovo declared independence based on the 1244, which states Kosovo is a part of Yugoslavia in the preamble (thus non-binding, according to the current interpretation). Moreover, the 1244 while calling for a final solution, doesn't predict what happens, if the parties fail to find an agreement. An interpretation is needed here.

"The so-called 'negotiations' were a farce. Everyone knows that. The Kosovo Albanians did not even bother turning up and all the time the US were in the wings reassuring them that there was no need for them to give way on a single issue".

They were a farce, indeed. If everyone cannot cross over its red lines, than there are no negotiations. Honestly, do you think that K-Albanians would ever accept Serbia after what happened? Or do you suggest the partition, with all its consequences that no one wishes. And don’t forget Russia during the negotiations.

"It is obvious to anyone that an unapproved annex of a state's territory, whether supported by powerful external countries or not, is straight theft. Of course it's illegal".

The history is full of "illegal" states. Your country’s history is full of that. Does 4th July remeber sth. To you in that sense?

“As for developing a Kosovo flag and speaking of independence when the ethnicity is openly called Albanian and the flag of Albania is flown, that again makes a mockery of so-called 'new state'.”

Kosovo is the state of its citizens, not a state of a nation. Everyone of its citizens has the right to speak ist language and fly its national flag. Where is the mockery here? Maybe the ideological blinkers of the nation-state make it seem a mockery to you? Albin Kurti's blinkers also turn it to a mockery...

“You can't build anything on sand because sooner or later the tide turns. Everything has to be built properly and with the agreement of Serbia otherwise there will never be any peace or longterm development.”

Indeed, Yugoslavia was bulit on the sand and the tide turned. The agreement with Serbia is of course important (it’s coming step by step, haven’t you noticed it), but K-Albanians can’t stop living until they get that agreement.

“Have you seen the socio-economic reports on Kosovo's progress? They are terrible. They are riddled with information about corruption, crime and unacceptable standards.”

And do you really think that Serbia would ever be able to solve those problems? Wouldn’t it be a too heavy burden for Serbia? Do you see any realistic solution in that sense? Do you think Serbia is really interested in solving that situation and has the capacities to do it?

wow. your still dreaming! You have a president of a country that its base GDP is founded in Cigaret smugaling and the head of that ia Djukanovic. Despite this they will never ever go back on their recognition as it simply does not make any sense, they will jepordise their relationship with the most powerfull nations in the world, think about it. And the Albanians Run the country in the background.

Milo try,I dare you and your government to do that.
-looks like serbia and kosovo will share crnagora together with your 350 thausand people.

That will never happened , cause Milo knows if it was not for Albanians in Monetengro the independence would have never happened.
In reality Serbia needs more Montenegro that the other wau around. Serbia is a landlocked country and Montenegro can provide passage to Adriatic Sea for Serbia.
Therefore, Serbia can't blackmail Montenegro in any way.

Stop fooling!

ICJ will NEVER rule against the independence. Since than ALL states from 50 that were UN member in the beginning of 50s until today that are almost 200 are LL illegal since non of them declared independence in accordance with the “legal” ruler.

In the best case scenario for Serbia is ambiguous opinion like partially legal but justified by political, social and economical circumstances.

The question is what will be the answer of the countries that supported Serbia in this opinion if (for me is WHEN) ICJ will rule in favour of the independence and Serbia will not respect it?? Will they feel being fooled and abused??? I home some doubts here… but if you align with a country that says- I will ask for an opinion and push for new negotiations since I have nothing to loose (as Serbian officials in many times have affirmed) but I will respect that opinion only and only if that opinion satisfies my demands, you should be ready to see yourself with fingers in your mouth.

Montenegrin PM Milo Đukanović says his country is ready to reexamine its recognition of Kosovo independence should the ICJ qualify Pristina's act as illegal.
--

You forgot this B92, "If they explicitly say so, but to be honest we don't expect that."

more recognitions to come. this is the same headline as macedonia will withdraw recognition

These are very irresponsible comments made by a man in charge of a country. I think that any non Balkan diplomat would just simply say; this tells you how "messed up" the Balkans are.

It was him and his governement who recognized Kosovo as an independent country. So where does this take us then?

Well speaking in political terms and being assured by the reality, he is playing a smart game to keep it well with every1.

On Serbia's side, he is promising to reconsider the recognition based on the decision of the IJC while he is not doubtful that the decision will be on Kosovos favor. In other words he won't change the decision on recognition, but it is doing it in a way that won't hurt the relations of his country with Serbia, Kosovo or Albania.

If this scenario is not the truth than he is being used as a tool by Belgrade, which will cost him and his country if the declaration is followed by similar ones. Not to forget the minority Albanians living in montenegro, the businesses and political parties there, also the historical dispute that they have held a part of the Albanian land and such. Thats why declarations like this are always risky and should be avoid, or they cost you.

The ICJ decision won't just be about whether the declaration of independence was illegal; it will also show evidence of whether one of the last bastillons of international law has been corrupted and politicised.

(kate, 3 July 2009 13:01)

And Kate, who decides that? You? Me? Are you the measure of the intl. law?

Are you assuming that, if the ICJ doesn't rule the way YOU deem legal, then it MUST be corrupt? You have just delegitimized in advance the ICJ.

The reality is that no law can foresee every situation: that's why we need tribunals and lawyers. Otherwise a policeman with a PC would fit for every situation of law enforcement.

But common sense suggests that the ICJ ruling will not run counter the stability in the region. It isn't difficult to see that all intl and local actors are playing in that direction. I'm sure that would be also your priority.

Am I wrong?

I would have been in Montenegro this year spending my Euros had it not been for this irresponsible recognition. Also, I've stopped buying Montenegin wine and other produce. My next holiday is being organise for Bratislava in Slovakia and later in Greece or Cyprus.

What did Montenegro get out of this recognition? It seems Milo Đukanović was the only beneficiary by having his cigarette smuggling charges dropped.

What a waste.

As with the other days article about "Kosova Mafia investing in property", it seems that B92 occasionaly 'forgets' to cite some important facts of articles it is quoting.

"Blic: Da li je moguće preispitivanje odluke o priznavanju Kosova ukoliko zaključak suda bude da je proglašenje bilo nelegalno?

Dukanovic: U diskusiji u crnogorskom parlamentu jasno smo rekli da je moguć ponovni razgovor o tom pitanju ako Međunarodni sud da takav eksplicitan stav. Ali, da budem iskren, takav epilog ne očekujemo."

An excert from Blic.

Is it possible to review the decision on recognition of Kosovo if the Court's conclusion is that the declaration was illegal?
- U diskusiji u crnogorskom parlamentu jasno smo rekli da je moguć ponovni razgovor o tom pitanju ako Međunarodni sud da takav eksplicitan stav. - The discussion in the Montenegrin Parliament, we said clearly that it is possible to re-talk about this issue if the International Court of Justice that this explicit position. But to be honest, so do not expect the epilogue.

http://www.blic.rs/politika.php?id=100007

What about this part of the interview?

"Dobrosusedskim odnosima nije doprinelo crnogorsko priznanje Kosova?
- Biću potpuno iskren, iako se to moglo uočiti i iz medija, da su pojedini evropski i evroatlantski partneri često poručivali da bi priznanje Kosova bio pozitivan potez i u duhu partnerstva za koje smo se opredelili. Ali to nije bilo presudno za naš stav. Mi tu odluku nismo doneli naprečac, naprotiv, dugo i ozbiljno smo razmišljali o tome. Zato nismo odlučili dan posle proglašenja nezavisnosti nego tada kada smo se osvedočili da daljim odlaganjem ne možemo niti pomoći niti nauditi i da stoga treba staviti tačku na temu koja je gubitnička. Još od 1999. i Rezolucije 1244 SB UN nam je bilo jasno da je Srbija izgubila sve državne nadležnosti na Kosovu... I sam sam, u ovoj zgradi, bio svedok kada je Boris Tadić imao nameru da ode na sahranu Ibrahima Rugove i dobio negativan odgovor iz Prištine. Više puta smo govorili našim srpskim prijateljima da nije racionalno da nastavljaju da vode političke bitke koje su izgubili njihovi prethodnici, jednostavno da ne troše energiju, svoju i političke javnosti, na pitanjima koja su definitivno dobila epilog, negativan za Srbiju, kao izraz višegodišnje pogrešne politike, te da se umesto toga okrenu temi budućnosti Srbije, njenoj evrointegraciji u kojoj i Srbija treba da bude dobitnik. Znali smo da takav naš stav neće naići na razumevanje u Srbiji u ovom trenutku. Ipak smatrali smo da je ovakav stav pošteniji i pametniji od jalove solidarnosti i podrške Srbiji da dalje istraje u svojoj zaokupljenosti istorijom i učinjenim greškama."

To me, this is the core of the interview,and it should have been part of this article.

Hahaha the first mention of a country to reconsider Kosovo decision, of recognising fake and failed independence

Team Albanians Knee Jerk reaction "More Recognitions are coming" please Albanians realise you have USA backing and they are loosing interest in way Kosovo is run. Also Serbia has to major powers who are growing day by day, whilest albanians are in economic downfall :) Well come to the new revolution :D

While they are rethinking recognition of Kosovo they should also rething their decision to secede from Serbia.

Alone they are very weak and they are starting to see that now. They have no power in their own country but together with Serbia (which most Montenegrins are) they will be in a much better position.

First they have to get rid of Milo and the rest will fall into place.
(Peggy, 4 July 2009 03:06)

Kosovo completed the chapter by declaring independence. Montenegro did right to become independent and to recognise Kosovo. Also Montenegro does not "need" Serbia. They are doing fine without been apart of it. Montenegro has already applied for EU membership, it uses a stronger currency and it has growing trade with the West. Not to mention Montenegro is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination for the UK :p

"Montenegrin PM Milo Đukanović says his country is ready to reexamine its recognition of Kosovo independence should the ICJ qualify Pristina's act as illegal."

OK, Milo. Given the right amount of "Skanderbeu" I could, too, reexamine my opinion about Kosovo independence... at least temporarily. Unless I am driving, that won't make me automatically a criminal.

Opposite is also true... de-recognizing Kosovo won't make a criminal automatically a "clean" person, only even more spineless.

Sorry, Milo - I want to see you in jail, regardless of Kosovo.

Djukanovic is a person from the past.

it doesn´t matter what he says, since the revocation will happen long after his time.

so, he is a simple cigarette-smuggler, nothing more.

but one thing you should be sure of:

Serbia will prevail.

The ICJ decision won't just be about whether the declaration of independence was illegal; it will also show evidence of whether one of the last bastillons of international law has been corrupted and politicised.

If there is some sort of halfway statement to please all that it was eg. 'illegal but necessary' then it will be obvious that the ICJ is now also politically vulnerable.

The law is very black and white, and if there is any justice remaining the ICJ will find that the move was illegal.

I am sure that other countries will also withdraw recognition, especially those like Montenegro which were clearly arm twisted into the decision by the US and its minions.

#20
(kate, 3 July 2009 20:40)

Kate,

“Yes you are wrong. The ICJ is there to give a legal ruling; not whether their findings supposedly promote 'stability' (and for who, I wonder?)”.

You should have pasted also the previous paragraph Kate; there sticks the answer to your comment.

"You are right, however, in saying that it's not up to you or me to decide, but this case is very black and white".

Here you agree and disagree in the same phrase. Is it up to you to deem this case black and white? I've heard the Swedish FM stating that "this is a very special case, which lies in the grey area of the intl. law". Many others deem it the same way.

"Under international law enshrined in UN REsolution 1244 (to which all parties signed and must adhere), Kosovo remains a province of Serbia".

Kosovo declared independence based on the 1244, which states Kosovo is a part of Yugoslavia in the preamble (thus non-binding, according to the current interpretation). Moreover, the 1244 while calling for a final solution, doesn't predict what happens, if the parties fail to find an agreement. An interpretation is needed here.

"The so-called 'negotiations' were a farce. Everyone knows that. The Kosovo Albanians did not even bother turning up and all the time the US were in the wings reassuring them that there was no need for them to give way on a single issue".

They were a farce, indeed. If everyone cannot cross over its red lines, than there are no negotiations. Honestly, do you think that K-Albanians would ever accept Serbia after what happened? Or do you suggest the partition, with all its consequences that no one wishes. And don’t forget Russia during the negotiations.

"It is obvious to anyone that an unapproved annex of a state's territory, whether supported by powerful external countries or not, is straight theft. Of course it's illegal".

The history is full of "illegal" states. Your country’s history is full of that. Does 4th July remeber sth. To you in that sense?

“As for developing a Kosovo flag and speaking of independence when the ethnicity is openly called Albanian and the flag of Albania is flown, that again makes a mockery of so-called 'new state'.”

Kosovo is the state of its citizens, not a state of a nation. Everyone of its citizens has the right to speak ist language and fly its national flag. Where is the mockery here? Maybe the ideological blinkers of the nation-state make it seem a mockery to you? Albin Kurti's blinkers also turn it to a mockery...

“You can't build anything on sand because sooner or later the tide turns. Everything has to be built properly and with the agreement of Serbia otherwise there will never be any peace or longterm development.”

Indeed, Yugoslavia was bulit on the sand and the tide turned. The agreement with Serbia is of course important (it’s coming step by step, haven’t you noticed it), but K-Albanians can’t stop living until they get that agreement.

“Have you seen the socio-economic reports on Kosovo's progress? They are terrible. They are riddled with information about corruption, crime and unacceptable standards.”

And do you really think that Serbia would ever be able to solve those problems? Wouldn’t it be a too heavy burden for Serbia? Do you see any realistic solution in that sense? Do you think Serbia is really interested in solving that situation and has the capacities to do it?

I would have been in Montenegro this year spending my Euros had it not been for this irresponsible recognition.
(Zoran, 3 July 2009, 12:17)

My vacation plans have usually nothing to do with politics. I understand, it's an on-going debate. I have zero problem to visit Albania and I can appear in southern part of Kosovo almost at will.

There is an on-going debate of more problematic nature than visiting Albania or Kosov"A" - like "should I visit Myanmar or North Korea".

In one case (Albania, Kosovo) you can easily ensure, the money you spend will go with high probability to the right people (nothing is 100%, but a little research on the 'Net helps to chose your hotel and buying food from local villagers or roadside kebap places can make your conscience feel good).

In the other case (Myanmar, NKorea) you are forced to exchange the "hard" currency (and here even Albanian Lek is pretty hard!) to some clown certificates you essentially can't use much - and the ruling "fat cats" will get the last penny from you, giving you the least they can.

But even in that case the more popular opinion is to go because every single person crossing the borders either way does help a tiny bit to dismantle the tyrants.

Sadly, the country I am going with the least expectations is precisely Slovakia lately. Begin of May we visited it with out friends from BG. Well.... since I speak Hungarian I made a "little" mistake to address in Hungarian a seller who was speaking the language with her neighbor in my front. At the moment I spoke to her, she "forgot" the language - and our Serbian friends who were behind of us weren't impressed by Slovakia hugely.

But at least that lady tried her best to speak Russian and her daughter English... They rather suffered with both, than to say a single word in Hungarian which they knew well.

wow. your still dreaming! You have a president of a country that its base GDP is founded in Cigaret smugaling and the head of that ia Djukanovic. Despite this they will never ever go back on their recognition as it simply does not make any sense, they will jepordise their relationship with the most powerfull nations in the world, think about it. And the Albanians Run the country in the background.

"In reality Serbia needs more Montenegro that the other wau around. Serbia is a landlocked country and Montenegro can provide passage to Adriatic Sea for Serbia."
Kosova-USA

So what if Serbia is landlocked! So is the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary and Austria. It doesn't mean anything. Albania is not landlocked but still the poorest country in Europe. The entire region needs Serbia. It's a fact! Serbia is positioned in a strategicly important place and, just like Milo said, Serbia is the engine of the entire region.

Montenegro is loaded with Serbians, not Albanians. Who do you think is more powerful in that country? Bingo, you win! Dukanovic is a sellout, plain and simple. He should be in an Italian jail cell right now, not dictating what a nation will do. But not to worry, he will eventually be gone, and a true Serb will replace him.

"In reality Serbia needs more Montenegro that the other wau around. Serbia is a landlocked country and Montenegro can provide passage to Adriatic Sea for Serbia.
Therefore, Serbia can't blackmail Montenegro in any way.
(Kosova-USA, 3July200913:02)"

You must be joking! Over 40% of Montengrin citizens call themselves Serbs, and these people dominate northern & eastern Montenegro, as well as Boka-Kotorska, including the port city of Herceg-Novi, & bay of Kotor. If Serbs in Montengro played by Albanian rules, we could cripple Montenegro and easily split the country in half, thereby taking our own Adriatic port. Furthermore, Montenegro buys most of it's food from Serbia as well as a ton of other products & services that this tiny nation of 600,000 simply doesn't have the resources to provide. As for access to the sea, Serbia can always get this through Romania (a country that respects Serbia's borders), and cut Montenegro out of the picture completely.

Finally, I personally know people working in the tourism industry in Montenegro, their business is HORRIBLE right now! A big part of that is the great betrayal by Milo Djukanovic (recognizing kosovo UDI), which resulted
in most Serbs going elsewhere
this summer to spend their holidays. The flooding of EU tourists that Djukanovic expected this summer, aren't showing up. In summary, the only (legitimate) profitable industry that Montenegro has, is eating mudd right now.

That being said, it's no coincidence that Djukanovic is sending such conciliatory signals to Serbia. To be honest, it is in Montenegro's best interest that the ICJ rule in favor of Serbia & international law. A ruling supporting UDI (which I believe is highly unlikely)will set a precendent, that could easily tear Montenegro apart, along with many
other countries around
the world. That is reality.

President of Montenegro knows how to play games with Serbia, he's done just that in the last 15 yrs or so.
The bottom line is that no matter what ICJ says he'll stick with EU and not with Serbia.

While they are rethinking recognition of Kosovo they should also rething their decision to secede from Serbia.

Alone they are very weak and they are starting to see that now. They have no power in their own country but together with Serbia (which most Montenegrins are) they will be in a much better position.

First they have to get rid of Milo and the rest will fall into place.

Macedonia will withdraw recognition of Kosovo and so well Bulgaria and the Czech Republic if Kosovo’s declaration of independence is found to be illegal. There is also a great deal of talk that Canada may do the same and if that happens watch the dominions happen where perhaps up to nearly half of the recognition Kosovo got is withdrawn and no new recognition will come.

Milo try,I dare you and your government to do that.
-looks like serbia and kosovo will share crnagora together with your 350 thausand people.

The EU stated long term goal is unification, i find this statement hypocritical since they promoting further fractioning of the Balkans instead of pushing for Kosovo status solution acceptable to Serbia. Kosovo as a state is not sustainable and that is a plain fact wether you are Serb or Albanian. Kosovo will take decades to reach as a state what Serbia is getting close to joining the EU. What is needed is a change of regime to a more pragmatic and common sense approach to final status and reconciliation with Belgrade for the sake of everyone in the region....Kosovo will develop faster inside Serbia in the LONG TERM than as a narco-pseudo-protectorate isolated from the UN, OSCE and council of Europe.

The tourist industry in Crna Gora is very very dry this season.

genc: "But common sense suggests that the ICJ ruling will not run counter the stability in the region. It isn't difficult to see that all intl and local actors are playing in that direction. I'm sure that would be also your priority.
Am I wrong?"

Yes you are wrong. The ICJ is there to give a legal ruling; not whether their findings supposedly promote 'stability' (and for who, I wonder?).

You are right, however, in saying that it's not up to you or me to decide, but this case is very black and white.

Under international law enshrined in UN REsolution 1244 (to which all parties signed and must adhere), Kosovo remains a province of Serbia.

The so-called 'negotiations' were a farce. Everyone knows that. The Kosovo Albanians did not even bother turning up and all the time the US were in the wings reassuring them that there was no need for them to give way on a single issue.

It is obvious to anyone that an unapproved annex of a state's territory, whether supported by powerful external countries or not, is straight theft. Of course it's illegal.

As for developing a Kosovo flag and speaking of independence when the ethnicity is openly called Albanian and the flag of Albania is flown, that again makes a mockery of so-called 'new state'.

You can't build anything on sand because sooner or later the tide turns. Everything has to be built properly and with the agreement of Serbia otherwise there will never be any peace or longterm development.

Have you seen the socio-economic reports on Kosovo's progress? They are terrible. They are riddled with information about corruption, crime and unacceptable standards.

What is Montenegro and Macedonia doing?
They like to please U.S. and E.U. but also are affraid of Serbia. Well it's a stupid trick, if they want to revoke the recognition then DO IT don't talk about it!

genc:
Repeating the arguments that the US & it's allies used to justify circumventing 1244 in order to legitimise the K-albanian UDI is your prerogative. Assuming that the ICJ will assign them any weight, is also.

However 'spin' isn't a valid legal argument.

K-albanian UDI was made citing physical 'realities on the ground'.

ICJ judgement however must be made taking into full account all binding UN resolutions - especially one such as 1244 which specifically deals with resolving the situation in Kosovo.

And the whole structure of 1244 implicitly denies a UDI, quite apart from the explicit references made to the 'sovereignty & territorial integrity of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia' in 1244 itself - of which there are 4 (preamble, clause 10 & both annexes) & not just the preamble mentioned by 'genc'.

1244 was meant to be a 'process' outlining a specific set of steps to be followed in order to resolve the conflict in Kosovo.

UDI is the equivalent of putting in a 'goto' clause into 1244 after the fact.

Cannot 'have your cake' & eat it too.

Or in this case, cannot eat your cake & still present it to the ICJ.