Results announced for northern Kosovo vote

Nik: "Tadic ..let's all be friends who have made Serbs once a highly respected people the pariahs and laughing stock of the world."

I cannot comment on your internal politics in Serbia, but I can comment on the international perspective, and I can tell you that Tadic is regarded as an excellent statesman and someone that all other leaders can do business with.

I'm not saying that he's always right, but overall, and with strong people like Jeremic aboard, he has built strong relations internationally, retained peace and pursued legal and diplomatic solutions in the face of overt aggression and provocation.

How he, Jeremic and others sit and listen to the offensive garbage spewed out about their country from the few arrogant nations who think they own the world is beyond me. Even worse, they have to smile and be polite to careerist politicians who know absolutely nothing about the history of the region, let alone understand or care about the current issues.

On a lighter note (but actually very important), people in 'the West' who have been spoonfed negative and extremely xenophic views of Serbia and Serbians, have really started to see positives for themselves now.

If you speak to other young Europeans they all know about the EXIT Festival and how much fun it is, or the superb Serbian tennis players, or have Serbian friends among the diaspora who they regard highly.

People have started visiting Belgrade and speak about what a great city it is, or if they went further afield how beautiful the countryside and the monasteries are.

This is the sort of true attitude change that even Ruder & Finn can't buy (or stop).

"who won in Decan,Peja... and other "historic Serbian places"or was this about north ONLY!"
Oso

Unfortunately those areas are currently under occupation. Hopefully one day all of this Serbian land in Kosovo will once again be free, democratic and free of landgrabers.

EA


If Kosovo was a UN member recognized by the entire world and by Serbia thing would be different. As long as that is not the case who are you to say what right Serbs have in their own land.

EA, your frustration continues to mount. Serbia is not interested in "Kosova" as we have already provided self-rule to ethnic Albanians. It's not our fault they can't rule and only wish to cause trouble.

We are interested in Kosovo i Metohija, our Southern province and we can look after all those people who reject "Kosova". If you can't rule your own, you certainly can't rule others.

These are mickey mouse elections recognised ONLY by the Disney land.

Minority Serbs in Kosovo en masse boycotted these elections. Period.

who won in Decan,Peja... and other "historic Serbian places"or was this about north ONLY!

Do you know that in North Mitrovica more than 70 % didn't vote. Whereas in Novobrdo more than 90% boycotted.
(PRN)
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Again you fail to post your source, you imagine these numbers as a reality. Unfortunatly they only exsist in your Disney Land that you continue to talk about. Good day

EA perhaps you could explain to me why Kosovo Albanians held elections in the 90's when they were illegal?

And maybe you could tell me whether you supported those elections and why haven't Serbs the right to elections?

It is really bad that Serbia is involved in Kosovo/a's internal affairs. It just contribution to turn matters from bad to worst. The next Serbian political move, would be blaming the others for its miserable politics.
(EA, 31 May 2010 10:15)

My friend,

Don't take this personal but I am really wondering if you really actually know the facts....

Again: Kosovo is a Serbian province ruled by UN. Kosovo is not a state. But part of a state (Serbia).

You finally get it?

Minority Serbs in Kosovo en masse boycotted these elections. Period.
(PRN, 31 May 2010 11:34)
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PRN, elections were only held in Mitrovica because the coalition fell apart. There were no other elections throughout Kosovo so your imagination surpasses you once again.

In any democratic society, people have the right to elect their officials by voting in fair and free elections. It is a shame that some individuals want to discriminate against Serbs just because of their ethnicity. Throwing stones at people wanting to exercise their democratic rights in a non-violent fashion is just what the EU wants to see. I can imagine the same thing one day happening in other EU countries if these protesters are allowed free travel throughout EU countries. Those protesters should be arrested for ethnic discrimination. It is clear from the 1999 bombing of Serbia that the west doesn't stand for ethnic discrimination, at least when Serbs are the ones accused of discriminating. Unfortunately, it appears that when others discriminate against Serbs, not doing anything is just because somehow the Serbs are acting provocatively. It reminds me of when several African American students first began attending public schools in Alabama. I recall that the local Whites protested against them heavily and were only modestly reprimanded. See the similarities here? If you don't, you may want to do a bit of reading. Nobody will ever stop Serbs from exercising their democratic rights, just like in the US, all people are free to vote and be their true selves!

Do you know that in North Mitrovica more than 70 % didn't vote. Whereas in Novobrdo more than 90% boycotted.
(PRN, 31 May 2010 13:55)
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Boycotted? Please provide a link to your source (and your imagination does not count). Even if there was voter apathy, Serbian's most definitely are not loyal to any criminals in Pristina. How many ethnic Albanians "boycotted" your last parallel "elections"? You had something like 70% also right?

Well, all I can say is we have progress when ultra nationalists like yourself, EA and KosovoUSA take a keen interest in Serbian elections.

What's really funny about the usual Albanian posters today is that the percentage of Serbs who voted are being interpreted by them as a failure by Belgrade in exerting authority in "Kosova". Yet last year during Pristina-based elections, a similar voter turnout took place amid great exultations of democratic social capital. A day or two later, Dell gushed that democracy is "flourishing".

Now regardless of how many Serbs voted in the north and Novo Brdo (which seems to be about the same), that's more votes in Belgrade's corner than Pristina will ever manifest for them. Regardless of how many times PRN spins it to his imagination (I have no idea who the Hell Bajrush Ymeri is and I'm pretty sure Serbs in Novo Brdo couldn't care less), the fact remains that they voted and these votes will be translated into representative institutions – institutions that will have far more legitimacy and credibility by the world’s “most privileged minority” than anything Pristina can throw at them.

It is really bad that Serbia is involved in Kosovo/a's internal affairs. It just contribution to turn matters from bad to worst. The next Serbian political move, would be blaming the others for its miserable politics.

Nik - I do appreciate where you are coming from, but I am just stating how it looks from the outside.

As for the apology for Srebrenica, again I can't comment. I don't doubt that there is more to the story and certainly the linked war crimes against Serbian people have not been reported or apologised for.

But quite apart from this, what happened at Srebrenica was horrendous and most certainly a war crime. While I agree that war crimes against Serbs were treated in a very uneven manner by the so-called international community, it is right not to diminish to horrendous sight of those young guys, some of them just boys, being marched away and shot in such a barbaric way.

To the outside world, the apology does not make Tadic appear weak at all, although it does make Serbia appear responsible for events that occured in Bosnia, not Serbia.

PRN, it says

"out of 20,372 registered voters 6,291 cast their ballots in Kosovska Mitrovica, while 900 voted in Novo Brdo, where there are 1,081 registered voters."

Nothing confusing about Novo Brdo, it's about 90% and they even listed how many voted for some parties. As for Kosovska Mitrovica, there are 20,000 registered voters of which 6,300 voted in Kosovska Mitrovica. Now what about the registered voters who are refugees and live in central Serbia? They obviously are not part of that count.

But tell me, where does it say anyone boycotted the election? The only boycotting we'll see is if Pristina attempts to bring elections to the North. As usual your imagination has run wild. Say hi to Mickey Mouse for me.

"...the blgd regime, in clear violation of intl law (per usual) organized these not-free, non-democratic elections, which, in addition, were less than stunning successes.) (roberto)

-- As usual, your soliloquies yield little else other than your opinion, which usually lacks empirical evidence and is generally one-sided, short-sighted, and lopsided. While most of what you wrote is subjectively irrelevant, I am curious to know how these elections were "not free" and "non-democratic" as you wrote. It's somewhat difficult to hold "not-free" elections when over 18 parties participate. Was there ballot stuffing? Voter intimidation? Electoral fraud? These are usual signs of "non-democratic" elections, so if you know something the rest of us don't, please enlighten us. Where there any communities officially banned from voting?

How also is this a violation of international law as you write? I don't recall Belgrade being told not to hold these elections, nor do I recall Belgrade being threatened with repercussions if they do. Most importantly, I fail to see how this has anything to do with Pristina, or the lives or ordinary K-Albanians.

Care also to explain how Pristina was side-lined on this one when they have repeatedly shown their inability in facilitating a multiethnic community beyond rock throwing and rhetorical grandstanding?

Well look who's talking. People should know that most Serbs live in concentration camps and would risk their lives if they went to vote. With no freedom of movement a low turnout is not surprising.
However, I wonder what excuse k-albanians have?

"Analysts say the low turnout, 45 per cent, reflects the disappointment many Kosovars feel in their leaders"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/kosovo/6577723/Turnout-low-in-Kosovos-first-elections-since-independence-as-Serbs-boycott.html

I guess the albanians never heard of the expression "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". In Kosovo the expression goes "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at their Serbian neighbours".

Kate , Tadic is highly regarded by countries whose bidding he slavishly follows.He is highly regarded in the US and EU because he thinks he can convince them via law that the Kosovo recognition can somehow be overturned which is nonsense because The USA EU will not go against its own decisions.
By apologising for Srebrenica he has branded the whole Serb people genocidal when the real story has never been accurately documented apart from te parrot type Western press of 80000 Muslim men and boys which is highly dubious. Look at the evidence ,one suspect witness no independent enquiry.Yet this was forced on him by his western masters. endangering Dayton and RS He doesn't represent real Serb interests but some strange fantasy thoughts if we do this others will do it for us eg The Croats Muslims etc..
Tadic is in the lennist term a useful idiot' The West loves him because they continue to dangle the EU carrot in front of him.

How many votes were casted in Novo Brdo???

No matter who organizes an election, no matter where it is organized, no matter how many, or how few that votes, it is always a thing to celebrate if the election is free, open and fair.

Assuming this was case in Kosovska Mitrovica, I can only congratulate the people that took part in the election.

And I can only condemn the people that tried to stop the election.

As for the legality of an election, I can only repeat what I have said before: An election can not be illegal, it can at worst be irrelevant. Irrelevant in the sense that unless the elected bodies are recognized by the law and the juridical system, then the result have no immediate effect. But even then, any democratically inclined person would do well to examine the result and ask what the people that took part the election tried to accomplish and if it is a worthy goal.
--

only 20% turnout...hahaha
(RKS, 31 May 2010 17:47)
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what only 20% voted in the criminal north? haha what a great success for k-serbs...
(mijari, 31 May 2010 17:13)
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Some people in here have problem with maths?
(PRN, 31 May 2010 15:57)
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PRN, you are correct on that one.

According to this number, the overall turnout was around 33%. In terms of numbers, 7000 Serbs castet their vote.

To call this a poor democratic legitamcy, would be an understatement, not mentioning the fact that it is not recognizied. Belgrade not only completely failed but also exposed that we are dealing in fact with only 7000 Serbs in the North who actively oppose Pristina. Compared to over 2 Million Albanians, everybody can do Mathematics by him-/herself.

Minority Serbs in Kosovo en masse boycotted these elections. Period.
(PRN, 31 May 2010 11:34)
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PRN, elections were only held in Mitrovica because the coalition fell apart. There were no other elections throughout Kosovo so your imagination surpasses you once again.
(Zoran, 31 May 2010 12:45)


'Dr' Zoran,

Do you know that in North Mitrovica more than 70 % didn't vote. Whereas in Novobrdo more than 90% boycotted.

Naturally, the former are getting ready for Kosovo election in a few months time.

The latter didn't bother because they already have their leader Mr Bajrush Ymeri.

what only 20% voted in the criminal north? haha what a great success for k-serbs...

Some people in here have problem with maths?

This thread points out that from over 20,300 only around 6,000 voted in N. Mitovica.

So guess what is the percentage?

While the number for Novobrdo is confusing (from Serbian sources) where majority say that ONLY few bothered to vote. anyway the latter voted ONLY a few monmths ago.

So much for these mickey mouse elections

HAHA what a HUGE turnout, whole of north is a criminal heaven who bosses and their dogs dont give a damn about politics beside their illegal activities. You know when looking at how many can actually vote in north, one might think 80% of Kosovo Serbs live south of Ibar river, I wonder why, why amongst Albanians and not around criminals in north? One asked why there wasnt any elections in Pejë, well my friend we took care of the problem back in -99.

Ah I see, its seen as very funny that the turnout of elections is low.

Forgive my lack of a sense of humour, but isn't this due to the lack of success of internationals and Pristina authorities in enabling Serbs movement necessary to cast their votes? Whether that is Serbs in Kosovo currently or those travelling between Serbia proper and Kosovo, or those unable to return because their houses are too damaged to live in, or they feel threatened (as shown by the rise in attacks in recent weeks).

Unless of course you guys are suggesting that if they were elections for Albanian run authorities the Serbs would all turn out?

Or is it hopelessness that you are rejoycing in?

Either way, to laugh shows you don't care about people you consider citizens of your country. How on earth you expect to ever rule over them with an attitude like that is anybody's guess.

You know PSS, one day an Albanian Serb could become president of Serbia if he or she would actually want to be a citizen of Serbia instead of insisting on independence. When people talk separatism, do you really expect good citizens to support them? In the US we have a black president who is a good American citizen. President Obama is interested in the good will of all citizens, not just African Americans. Other African Americans have failed in their run for presidency because they were not trusted by the majority of Americans. Obama won the election because he is one of us. Perhaps Albanian Serbs should try to fit into society instead of prancing around with the Albanian flag in every protest. Do you think such blatant show of disloyalty would be tolerated in the US? If you think so, then you don't know America. Just ask Mexican Americans about it.

In any democratic society, people have the right to elect their officials by voting in fair and free elections. It is a shame that some individuals want to discriminate against Serbs just because of their ethnicity. Throwing stones at people wanting to exercise their democratic rights in a non-violent fashion is just what the EU wants to see. I can imagine the same thing one day happening in other EU countries if these protesters are allowed free travel throughout EU countries. Those protesters should be arrested for ethnic discrimination. It is clear from the 1999 bombing of Serbia that the west doesn't stand for ethnic discrimination, at least when Serbs are the ones accused of discriminating. Unfortunately, it appears that when others discriminate against Serbs, not doing anything is just because somehow the Serbs are acting provocatively. It reminds me of when several African American students first began attending public schools in Alabama. I recall that the local Whites protested against them heavily and were only modestly reprimanded. See the similarities here? If you don't, you may want to do a bit of reading. Nobody will ever stop Serbs from exercising their democratic rights, just like in the US, all people are free to vote and be their true selves!
(Daniel, 31 May 2010 12:03)
Recommend (+1)Poor comment (-2)What's this

Your comment is totally off base. The problem with the Serb elections were that they were not legal. UNSC1244 gives the authority to hold elections to UNMIK which has the mandate to pass along to the democratically elected govt of Kosovo. No where does it say Serbia can sponsor any elections inside Kosovo.
As far as the comparison to blacks integration into the school system in the US, they were trying integrate into US white world not as in Mitrovica where they are trying to maintain total desegregation.
There is no denying the horrible past of the US, it has taken a lot of work and commitment to come to the world today where a black man can be elected President.
Do you ever see yourself celebrating the election of an Albanian president in Serbia.
By the way the integration of Alabama took place during John F Kennedy's presidency so if you "remember" it you must be in your late 50's or 60's

Nikolic the old radical and supporter of Milosevic's SPS now run by Dacic who is in the current DS coalition where the administration of Tadic touts favours and support from Western countries who recognised Kosovo in the first place.
Wasn't it Nikolic who fought in Krajina Dacic who give a fanatical endorsement of Milosevic at his funeral and Tadic ..let's all be friends who have made Serbs once a highly respected people the pariahs and laughing stock of the world.
PS In kosovo don't expect much from Nikolic Dacic and Tadic.The former two will do anything to come out on top and Tadic is not really at times conversant with Balkans and EU/NATO reality.
Serbs in Kosovo your future is bleak...Who said people get the politicians they deserve?
Perhaps according to Tadic we can all support Serbia in the World Cup and everythinng will be fine! Join Albanian -Serb crowds massing in Pristina...? Hmm I think not somehow!

only 20% turnout...hahaha

Knowing how nationalist the N. Mitrovica Serbs are, I have to believe that the vast majority of them has voted - over 90%. Therefore this leads to a logical conclusion that the number of Serbs in Mistrovica is three times smaller than they have been trying to make us believe.

(Daniel, 1 June 2010 00:32)

Dear Daniel, Albanians are a nation. Blacks in America are American. They have no basis for forming an Independent Black State of America. And let's not go into details about that as I'm sure you do realise now how silly the comparison is.

Our main fight has always been to preserve our culture, language and tradition.

This (miss)education is what causes people like you to make comments like 'by Albanians waving their flag it shows disloyalty towards the Serbs and that should not be tolerated' as if you belong to some kind of a master race that we should be loyal to.

(Daniel, 1 June 2010 00:32) Oh such a simplistic view. Remember it took a bombing campaign and International intervention by the UNSC to come into Kosovo to prevent the largescale cleansing campaign. There is no way to whitewash it into simply the Albanians not wanting to integrate into Serbian society.
It is a necessity that they do whatever possible to prevent the repetition of Milosevic. Would that be possible if the international community were to withdraw today? Over the 10 years, I have not seen any action of Serbia toward the preservation of the people of Kosovo only the land and cultural heritage.

EA, we are still waiting for your link about the "supposed" Albanian documentary in ALSAT TV.
-
Your imagination has hit a wall, friend.

Well look who's talking. People should know that most Serbs live in concentration camps and would risk their lives if they went to vote. With no freedom of movement a low turnout is not surprising.
However, I wonder what excuse k-albanians have?

"Analysts say the low turnout, 45 per cent, reflects the disappointment many Kosovars feel in their leaders"
[link]

I guess the albanians never heard of the expression "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". In Kosovo the expression goes "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at their Serbian neighbours".
(Mikael C, 31 May 2010 18:20)
We read here daily where the Albanians have no control in the north, now you are claiming the Serbs are living in concentration camps where they are afraid to venture out.
I guess the message has to be altered to fit the situation. Ever heard of the word credibility?

Therefore this leads to a logical conclusion that the number of Serbs in Mistrovica is three times smaller than they have been trying to make us believe.
(BH_NYC, 31 May 2010 19:37)

BH_NYC, not at all, the real reason is that the albanian voters in the northerna part of the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohija probably listened to the illegal self proclaimed so called government in Pristina headed by the police murderer Thaci that ordered them to boycott the democratic elections.

@ pss
Re your comment @ DANIEL, final sentence:
"...if you "remember" it you must be in your late 50's or 60's".

What on the earth...???
Kiddo, let's get serious, it's becoming sad.

It is really bad that Serbia is involved in Kosovo/a's internal affairs. It just contribution to turn matters from bad to worst. The next Serbian political move, would be blaming the others for its miserable politics.
(EA, 31 May 2010 10:15)

yes, EA, you are one of the posters here that clearly has it right. the blgd regime, in clear violation of intl law (per usual) organized these not-free, non-democratic elections, which, in addition, were less than stunning successes. this all has NOThing to do with freedom and democracy, and everything to do with the blgd regime's desperate attempt to hold on to its (imaginary) serbo-slavia borders, casting the widest net possible "wherever serbs might be living..."

does this all sound horribly familiar? of course, it is an instant replay of the "glory" days under slobo and his many willing executioners. way too many of whom were operating throughout kosova, way too many of whom appear to have returned there, albeit squeezed into the northern corner.

of course there is an absolute right for free and fair elections throughout kosova, and for these predominantly serb areas to have free and meaningful representation in the govt. this was part of the ahtissari plan by which kosova became officially an independent state, but which tadic and co. continue to fight tooth and nail. those nice pro-western/pro-democratic politicians.

just to make perfectly clear: this has NOThing to do with the betterment of the lives of kosovars of any ethnicity, religion, age, whatever. it's just another disingenous way for the blgd regime to pretend to be "good" while continuing to stir up the pot, shore up criminality (multi-ethnic), and attempt to partition land for itself that belongs to other countries. yes, sadly, we all remember bosnia...

the icj, as i have repeated too many times, will never! rule in favor of serbia - even a few astute persons on the other side are beginning to admit that this is the case. but stirring up trouble and ethnic discord comes so very naturally to this blgd regime, i cannot believe that a mere intl court decision will have much of a deterring or normalizing affect on them.

meanwhile, as i warned, there is utter silence and in-action over the latest mass grave of 250+ albanians, once again "discovered" on serbian soil. this horror wasn't even a blimp on the radar screen for those people.

in fact, if it were possible, i'd suggest side-stepping serbian authorities altogether, and just mounting this as a joint intl-kosovar action.

we really have to continue to demand immediate action -- proper inl monitoring, intl forensic experts, etc -- all of which can be accessed easily and all too readily from either tuzla or pristina. i'm sure dr. ewa would have taken all of two weeks to modify her plans and start the grueling work. instead the blgd regime and their free and indep courts (not) put up delay after delay. if allowed, once again, they will be doling out bodies 5 years from now...

IF we allow it.

roberto
frisco

what a result these illegal election is causing problems for these people living in north (kosovar serbs) but is actualy strengthing the criminals drug users and killers that they live freely in lawlessnes north mitrovica. soon or later they should be wiped out and bring justice on that area that hasn'e seen since 1999.

What on the earth...???
Kiddo, let's get serious, it's becoming sad.
(Logic, 31 May 2010 20:31)
Have no clue where you are going with this. Daniel's post was as if he had first hand knowledge of the time. He may or may not have. I was only dating the time period, I have no idea of his age but he would have to be at least mid 50's to have first hand knowledge. don't know why you jumped on it other than maybe you are clueless.
By the way, thanks for the kiddo remark because I do remember it.

It is really bad that Serbia is involved in Kosovo/a's internal affairs. It just contribution to turn matters from bad to worst. The next Serbian political move, would be blaming the others for its miserable politics.

These are mickey mouse elections recognised ONLY by the Disney land.

Minority Serbs in Kosovo en masse boycotted these elections. Period.

Minority Serbs in Kosovo en masse boycotted these elections. Period.
(PRN, 31 May 2010 11:34)
--
PRN, elections were only held in Mitrovica because the coalition fell apart. There were no other elections throughout Kosovo so your imagination surpasses you once again.
(Zoran, 31 May 2010 12:45)


'Dr' Zoran,

Do you know that in North Mitrovica more than 70 % didn't vote. Whereas in Novobrdo more than 90% boycotted.

Naturally, the former are getting ready for Kosovo election in a few months time.

The latter didn't bother because they already have their leader Mr Bajrush Ymeri.

what only 20% voted in the criminal north? haha what a great success for k-serbs...

who won in Decan,Peja... and other "historic Serbian places"or was this about north ONLY!

"who won in Decan,Peja... and other "historic Serbian places"or was this about north ONLY!"
Oso

Unfortunately those areas are currently under occupation. Hopefully one day all of this Serbian land in Kosovo will once again be free, democratic and free of landgrabers.

Some people in here have problem with maths?

This thread points out that from over 20,300 only around 6,000 voted in N. Mitovica.

So guess what is the percentage?

While the number for Novobrdo is confusing (from Serbian sources) where majority say that ONLY few bothered to vote. anyway the latter voted ONLY a few monmths ago.

So much for these mickey mouse elections

Nikolic the old radical and supporter of Milosevic's SPS now run by Dacic who is in the current DS coalition where the administration of Tadic touts favours and support from Western countries who recognised Kosovo in the first place.
Wasn't it Nikolic who fought in Krajina Dacic who give a fanatical endorsement of Milosevic at his funeral and Tadic ..let's all be friends who have made Serbs once a highly respected people the pariahs and laughing stock of the world.
PS In kosovo don't expect much from Nikolic Dacic and Tadic.The former two will do anything to come out on top and Tadic is not really at times conversant with Balkans and EU/NATO reality.
Serbs in Kosovo your future is bleak...Who said people get the politicians they deserve?
Perhaps according to Tadic we can all support Serbia in the World Cup and everythinng will be fine! Join Albanian -Serb crowds massing in Pristina...? Hmm I think not somehow!

HAHA what a HUGE turnout, whole of north is a criminal heaven who bosses and their dogs dont give a damn about politics beside their illegal activities. You know when looking at how many can actually vote in north, one might think 80% of Kosovo Serbs live south of Ibar river, I wonder why, why amongst Albanians and not around criminals in north? One asked why there wasnt any elections in Pejë, well my friend we took care of the problem back in -99.

It is really bad that Serbia is involved in Kosovo/a's internal affairs. It just contribution to turn matters from bad to worst. The next Serbian political move, would be blaming the others for its miserable politics.
(EA, 31 May 2010 10:15)

yes, EA, you are one of the posters here that clearly has it right. the blgd regime, in clear violation of intl law (per usual) organized these not-free, non-democratic elections, which, in addition, were less than stunning successes. this all has NOThing to do with freedom and democracy, and everything to do with the blgd regime's desperate attempt to hold on to its (imaginary) serbo-slavia borders, casting the widest net possible "wherever serbs might be living..."

does this all sound horribly familiar? of course, it is an instant replay of the "glory" days under slobo and his many willing executioners. way too many of whom were operating throughout kosova, way too many of whom appear to have returned there, albeit squeezed into the northern corner.

of course there is an absolute right for free and fair elections throughout kosova, and for these predominantly serb areas to have free and meaningful representation in the govt. this was part of the ahtissari plan by which kosova became officially an independent state, but which tadic and co. continue to fight tooth and nail. those nice pro-western/pro-democratic politicians.

just to make perfectly clear: this has NOThing to do with the betterment of the lives of kosovars of any ethnicity, religion, age, whatever. it's just another disingenous way for the blgd regime to pretend to be "good" while continuing to stir up the pot, shore up criminality (multi-ethnic), and attempt to partition land for itself that belongs to other countries. yes, sadly, we all remember bosnia...

the icj, as i have repeated too many times, will never! rule in favor of serbia - even a few astute persons on the other side are beginning to admit that this is the case. but stirring up trouble and ethnic discord comes so very naturally to this blgd regime, i cannot believe that a mere intl court decision will have much of a deterring or normalizing affect on them.

meanwhile, as i warned, there is utter silence and in-action over the latest mass grave of 250+ albanians, once again "discovered" on serbian soil. this horror wasn't even a blimp on the radar screen for those people.

in fact, if it were possible, i'd suggest side-stepping serbian authorities altogether, and just mounting this as a joint intl-kosovar action.

we really have to continue to demand immediate action -- proper inl monitoring, intl forensic experts, etc -- all of which can be accessed easily and all too readily from either tuzla or pristina. i'm sure dr. ewa would have taken all of two weeks to modify her plans and start the grueling work. instead the blgd regime and their free and indep courts (not) put up delay after delay. if allowed, once again, they will be doling out bodies 5 years from now...

IF we allow it.

roberto
frisco

How many votes were casted in Novo Brdo???

only 20% turnout...hahaha

EA


If Kosovo was a UN member recognized by the entire world and by Serbia thing would be different. As long as that is not the case who are you to say what right Serbs have in their own land.

Kate , Tadic is highly regarded by countries whose bidding he slavishly follows.He is highly regarded in the US and EU because he thinks he can convince them via law that the Kosovo recognition can somehow be overturned which is nonsense because The USA EU will not go against its own decisions.
By apologising for Srebrenica he has branded the whole Serb people genocidal when the real story has never been accurately documented apart from te parrot type Western press of 80000 Muslim men and boys which is highly dubious. Look at the evidence ,one suspect witness no independent enquiry.Yet this was forced on him by his western masters. endangering Dayton and RS He doesn't represent real Serb interests but some strange fantasy thoughts if we do this others will do it for us eg The Croats Muslims etc..
Tadic is in the lennist term a useful idiot' The West loves him because they continue to dangle the EU carrot in front of him.

In any democratic society, people have the right to elect their officials by voting in fair and free elections. It is a shame that some individuals want to discriminate against Serbs just because of their ethnicity. Throwing stones at people wanting to exercise their democratic rights in a non-violent fashion is just what the EU wants to see. I can imagine the same thing one day happening in other EU countries if these protesters are allowed free travel throughout EU countries. Those protesters should be arrested for ethnic discrimination. It is clear from the 1999 bombing of Serbia that the west doesn't stand for ethnic discrimination, at least when Serbs are the ones accused of discriminating. Unfortunately, it appears that when others discriminate against Serbs, not doing anything is just because somehow the Serbs are acting provocatively. It reminds me of when several African American students first began attending public schools in Alabama. I recall that the local Whites protested against them heavily and were only modestly reprimanded. See the similarities here? If you don't, you may want to do a bit of reading. Nobody will ever stop Serbs from exercising their democratic rights, just like in the US, all people are free to vote and be their true selves!
(Daniel, 31 May 2010 12:03)
Recommend (+1)Poor comment (-2)What's this

Your comment is totally off base. The problem with the Serb elections were that they were not legal. UNSC1244 gives the authority to hold elections to UNMIK which has the mandate to pass along to the democratically elected govt of Kosovo. No where does it say Serbia can sponsor any elections inside Kosovo.
As far as the comparison to blacks integration into the school system in the US, they were trying integrate into US white world not as in Mitrovica where they are trying to maintain total desegregation.
There is no denying the horrible past of the US, it has taken a lot of work and commitment to come to the world today where a black man can be elected President.
Do you ever see yourself celebrating the election of an Albanian president in Serbia.
By the way the integration of Alabama took place during John F Kennedy's presidency so if you "remember" it you must be in your late 50's or 60's

EA, your frustration continues to mount. Serbia is not interested in "Kosova" as we have already provided self-rule to ethnic Albanians. It's not our fault they can't rule and only wish to cause trouble.

We are interested in Kosovo i Metohija, our Southern province and we can look after all those people who reject "Kosova". If you can't rule your own, you certainly can't rule others.

Nik: "Tadic ..let's all be friends who have made Serbs once a highly respected people the pariahs and laughing stock of the world."

I cannot comment on your internal politics in Serbia, but I can comment on the international perspective, and I can tell you that Tadic is regarded as an excellent statesman and someone that all other leaders can do business with.

I'm not saying that he's always right, but overall, and with strong people like Jeremic aboard, he has built strong relations internationally, retained peace and pursued legal and diplomatic solutions in the face of overt aggression and provocation.

How he, Jeremic and others sit and listen to the offensive garbage spewed out about their country from the few arrogant nations who think they own the world is beyond me. Even worse, they have to smile and be polite to careerist politicians who know absolutely nothing about the history of the region, let alone understand or care about the current issues.

On a lighter note (but actually very important), people in 'the West' who have been spoonfed negative and extremely xenophic views of Serbia and Serbians, have really started to see positives for themselves now.

If you speak to other young Europeans they all know about the EXIT Festival and how much fun it is, or the superb Serbian tennis players, or have Serbian friends among the diaspora who they regard highly.

People have started visiting Belgrade and speak about what a great city it is, or if they went further afield how beautiful the countryside and the monasteries are.

This is the sort of true attitude change that even Ruder & Finn can't buy (or stop).

According to this number, the overall turnout was around 33%. In terms of numbers, 7000 Serbs castet their vote.

To call this a poor democratic legitamcy, would be an understatement, not mentioning the fact that it is not recognizied. Belgrade not only completely failed but also exposed that we are dealing in fact with only 7000 Serbs in the North who actively oppose Pristina. Compared to over 2 Million Albanians, everybody can do Mathematics by him-/herself.

It is really bad that Serbia is involved in Kosovo/a's internal affairs. It just contribution to turn matters from bad to worst. The next Serbian political move, would be blaming the others for its miserable politics.
(EA, 31 May 2010 10:15)

My friend,

Don't take this personal but I am really wondering if you really actually know the facts....

Again: Kosovo is a Serbian province ruled by UN. Kosovo is not a state. But part of a state (Serbia).

You finally get it?

In any democratic society, people have the right to elect their officials by voting in fair and free elections. It is a shame that some individuals want to discriminate against Serbs just because of their ethnicity. Throwing stones at people wanting to exercise their democratic rights in a non-violent fashion is just what the EU wants to see. I can imagine the same thing one day happening in other EU countries if these protesters are allowed free travel throughout EU countries. Those protesters should be arrested for ethnic discrimination. It is clear from the 1999 bombing of Serbia that the west doesn't stand for ethnic discrimination, at least when Serbs are the ones accused of discriminating. Unfortunately, it appears that when others discriminate against Serbs, not doing anything is just because somehow the Serbs are acting provocatively. It reminds me of when several African American students first began attending public schools in Alabama. I recall that the local Whites protested against them heavily and were only modestly reprimanded. See the similarities here? If you don't, you may want to do a bit of reading. Nobody will ever stop Serbs from exercising their democratic rights, just like in the US, all people are free to vote and be their true selves!

Minority Serbs in Kosovo en masse boycotted these elections. Period.
(PRN, 31 May 2010 11:34)
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PRN, elections were only held in Mitrovica because the coalition fell apart. There were no other elections throughout Kosovo so your imagination surpasses you once again.

Do you know that in North Mitrovica more than 70 % didn't vote. Whereas in Novobrdo more than 90% boycotted.
(PRN, 31 May 2010 13:55)
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Boycotted? Please provide a link to your source (and your imagination does not count). Even if there was voter apathy, Serbian's most definitely are not loyal to any criminals in Pristina. How many ethnic Albanians "boycotted" your last parallel "elections"? You had something like 70% also right?

Well, all I can say is we have progress when ultra nationalists like yourself, EA and KosovoUSA take a keen interest in Serbian elections.

Well look who's talking. People should know that most Serbs live in concentration camps and would risk their lives if they went to vote. With no freedom of movement a low turnout is not surprising.
However, I wonder what excuse k-albanians have?

"Analysts say the low turnout, 45 per cent, reflects the disappointment many Kosovars feel in their leaders"
[link]

I guess the albanians never heard of the expression "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". In Kosovo the expression goes "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at their Serbian neighbours".
(Mikael C, 31 May 2010 18:20)
We read here daily where the Albanians have no control in the north, now you are claiming the Serbs are living in concentration camps where they are afraid to venture out.
I guess the message has to be altered to fit the situation. Ever heard of the word credibility?

Knowing how nationalist the N. Mitrovica Serbs are, I have to believe that the vast majority of them has voted - over 90%. Therefore this leads to a logical conclusion that the number of Serbs in Mistrovica is three times smaller than they have been trying to make us believe.

EA perhaps you could explain to me why Kosovo Albanians held elections in the 90's when they were illegal?

And maybe you could tell me whether you supported those elections and why haven't Serbs the right to elections?

what a result these illegal election is causing problems for these people living in north (kosovar serbs) but is actualy strengthing the criminals drug users and killers that they live freely in lawlessnes north mitrovica. soon or later they should be wiped out and bring justice on that area that hasn'e seen since 1999.

PRN, it says

"out of 20,372 registered voters 6,291 cast their ballots in Kosovska Mitrovica, while 900 voted in Novo Brdo, where there are 1,081 registered voters."

Nothing confusing about Novo Brdo, it's about 90% and they even listed how many voted for some parties. As for Kosovska Mitrovica, there are 20,000 registered voters of which 6,300 voted in Kosovska Mitrovica. Now what about the registered voters who are refugees and live in central Serbia? They obviously are not part of that count.

But tell me, where does it say anyone boycotted the election? The only boycotting we'll see is if Pristina attempts to bring elections to the North. As usual your imagination has run wild. Say hi to Mickey Mouse for me.

What on the earth...???
Kiddo, let's get serious, it's becoming sad.
(Logic, 31 May 2010 20:31)
Have no clue where you are going with this. Daniel's post was as if he had first hand knowledge of the time. He may or may not have. I was only dating the time period, I have no idea of his age but he would have to be at least mid 50's to have first hand knowledge. don't know why you jumped on it other than maybe you are clueless.
By the way, thanks for the kiddo remark because I do remember it.

(Daniel, 1 June 2010 00:32) Oh such a simplistic view. Remember it took a bombing campaign and International intervention by the UNSC to come into Kosovo to prevent the largescale cleansing campaign. There is no way to whitewash it into simply the Albanians not wanting to integrate into Serbian society.
It is a necessity that they do whatever possible to prevent the repetition of Milosevic. Would that be possible if the international community were to withdraw today? Over the 10 years, I have not seen any action of Serbia toward the preservation of the people of Kosovo only the land and cultural heritage.

Well look who's talking. People should know that most Serbs live in concentration camps and would risk their lives if they went to vote. With no freedom of movement a low turnout is not surprising.
However, I wonder what excuse k-albanians have?

"Analysts say the low turnout, 45 per cent, reflects the disappointment many Kosovars feel in their leaders"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/kosovo/6577723/Turnout-low-in-Kosovos-first-elections-since-independence-as-Serbs-boycott.html

I guess the albanians never heard of the expression "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". In Kosovo the expression goes "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at their Serbian neighbours".

(Daniel, 1 June 2010 00:32)

Dear Daniel, Albanians are a nation. Blacks in America are American. They have no basis for forming an Independent Black State of America. And let's not go into details about that as I'm sure you do realise now how silly the comparison is.

Our main fight has always been to preserve our culture, language and tradition.

This (miss)education is what causes people like you to make comments like 'by Albanians waving their flag it shows disloyalty towards the Serbs and that should not be tolerated' as if you belong to some kind of a master race that we should be loyal to.

Do you know that in North Mitrovica more than 70 % didn't vote. Whereas in Novobrdo more than 90% boycotted.
(PRN)
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Again you fail to post your source, you imagine these numbers as a reality. Unfortunatly they only exsist in your Disney Land that you continue to talk about. Good day

Nik - I do appreciate where you are coming from, but I am just stating how it looks from the outside.

As for the apology for Srebrenica, again I can't comment. I don't doubt that there is more to the story and certainly the linked war crimes against Serbian people have not been reported or apologised for.

But quite apart from this, what happened at Srebrenica was horrendous and most certainly a war crime. While I agree that war crimes against Serbs were treated in a very uneven manner by the so-called international community, it is right not to diminish to horrendous sight of those young guys, some of them just boys, being marched away and shot in such a barbaric way.

To the outside world, the apology does not make Tadic appear weak at all, although it does make Serbia appear responsible for events that occured in Bosnia, not Serbia.

What's really funny about the usual Albanian posters today is that the percentage of Serbs who voted are being interpreted by them as a failure by Belgrade in exerting authority in "Kosova". Yet last year during Pristina-based elections, a similar voter turnout took place amid great exultations of democratic social capital. A day or two later, Dell gushed that democracy is "flourishing".

Now regardless of how many Serbs voted in the north and Novo Brdo (which seems to be about the same), that's more votes in Belgrade's corner than Pristina will ever manifest for them. Regardless of how many times PRN spins it to his imagination (I have no idea who the Hell Bajrush Ymeri is and I'm pretty sure Serbs in Novo Brdo couldn't care less), the fact remains that they voted and these votes will be translated into representative institutions – institutions that will have far more legitimacy and credibility by the world’s “most privileged minority” than anything Pristina can throw at them.

"...the blgd regime, in clear violation of intl law (per usual) organized these not-free, non-democratic elections, which, in addition, were less than stunning successes.) (roberto)

-- As usual, your soliloquies yield little else other than your opinion, which usually lacks empirical evidence and is generally one-sided, short-sighted, and lopsided. While most of what you wrote is subjectively irrelevant, I am curious to know how these elections were "not free" and "non-democratic" as you wrote. It's somewhat difficult to hold "not-free" elections when over 18 parties participate. Was there ballot stuffing? Voter intimidation? Electoral fraud? These are usual signs of "non-democratic" elections, so if you know something the rest of us don't, please enlighten us. Where there any communities officially banned from voting?

How also is this a violation of international law as you write? I don't recall Belgrade being told not to hold these elections, nor do I recall Belgrade being threatened with repercussions if they do. Most importantly, I fail to see how this has anything to do with Pristina, or the lives or ordinary K-Albanians.

Care also to explain how Pristina was side-lined on this one when they have repeatedly shown their inability in facilitating a multiethnic community beyond rock throwing and rhetorical grandstanding?

You know PSS, one day an Albanian Serb could become president of Serbia if he or she would actually want to be a citizen of Serbia instead of insisting on independence. When people talk separatism, do you really expect good citizens to support them? In the US we have a black president who is a good American citizen. President Obama is interested in the good will of all citizens, not just African Americans. Other African Americans have failed in their run for presidency because they were not trusted by the majority of Americans. Obama won the election because he is one of us. Perhaps Albanian Serbs should try to fit into society instead of prancing around with the Albanian flag in every protest. Do you think such blatant show of disloyalty would be tolerated in the US? If you think so, then you don't know America. Just ask Mexican Americans about it.

only 20% turnout...hahaha
(RKS, 31 May 2010 17:47)
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what only 20% voted in the criminal north? haha what a great success for k-serbs...
(mijari, 31 May 2010 17:13)
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Some people in here have problem with maths?
(PRN, 31 May 2010 15:57)
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PRN, you are correct on that one.

Ah I see, its seen as very funny that the turnout of elections is low.

Forgive my lack of a sense of humour, but isn't this due to the lack of success of internationals and Pristina authorities in enabling Serbs movement necessary to cast their votes? Whether that is Serbs in Kosovo currently or those travelling between Serbia proper and Kosovo, or those unable to return because their houses are too damaged to live in, or they feel threatened (as shown by the rise in attacks in recent weeks).

Unless of course you guys are suggesting that if they were elections for Albanian run authorities the Serbs would all turn out?

Or is it hopelessness that you are rejoycing in?

Either way, to laugh shows you don't care about people you consider citizens of your country. How on earth you expect to ever rule over them with an attitude like that is anybody's guess.

No matter who organizes an election, no matter where it is organized, no matter how many, or how few that votes, it is always a thing to celebrate if the election is free, open and fair.

Assuming this was case in Kosovska Mitrovica, I can only congratulate the people that took part in the election.

And I can only condemn the people that tried to stop the election.

As for the legality of an election, I can only repeat what I have said before: An election can not be illegal, it can at worst be irrelevant. Irrelevant in the sense that unless the elected bodies are recognized by the law and the juridical system, then the result have no immediate effect. But even then, any democratically inclined person would do well to examine the result and ask what the people that took part the election tried to accomplish and if it is a worthy goal.
--

@ pss
Re your comment @ DANIEL, final sentence:
"...if you "remember" it you must be in your late 50's or 60's".

What on the earth...???
Kiddo, let's get serious, it's becoming sad.

EA, we are still waiting for your link about the "supposed" Albanian documentary in ALSAT TV.
-
Your imagination has hit a wall, friend.

Therefore this leads to a logical conclusion that the number of Serbs in Mistrovica is three times smaller than they have been trying to make us believe.
(BH_NYC, 31 May 2010 19:37)

BH_NYC, not at all, the real reason is that the albanian voters in the northerna part of the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohija probably listened to the illegal self proclaimed so called government in Pristina headed by the police murderer Thaci that ordered them to boycott the democratic elections.