U.S. envoy denies north comments

Looks like we are all heading towards the path to negotiations. I can't see status being resolved, however, independence is irreversibly blocked. It will end up being more than autonomy, less than independence. Wait and see.

First, this shows that HT isn't running the show, Washington is running the show. Kosovo has nothing to do with Albanians except that they are willing puppets doing whatever Washington tells them to do. Boy, some people will do anything for money, even sell their own souls. Second, there is this mistaken belief that the ICJ ruling is the end all solution. False. Here's what Serbia should do. Be patient. Send your envoys to all important countries and make their decision to recognize Kosovo more difficult. When a basketball player takes a shot, he can either shoot unimpeded or the defender can raise his hands high making the shot more difficult. Serbia, be like the defender. Raise your hands high and keep the pressure on other nations so that when there are recognitions, they will be limited to a few. The more pressure placed on other foreign countries, the more politicians will debate the decision to recognize Kosovo's UDI, the less likely there will be a huge wave of recognitions.
Regarding the north, it will never be an autonomous part of Kosovo; it is and will remain a part of Serbia. That's a done deal.

I sugest they look towards Prishtina rather Belgrade, if they are thinking about the bright future for their children.
(Kosova-USA, 27 July 2010 11:49)

Like Albanians, "if they are thinking about the bright future for their children" - all they looking towards Düsseldorf in first place, Belgrade in second. The common sense is: "Pristina = no jobs". Surprise, you in USA do not know it.

Like Albanians, "if they are thinking about the bright future for their children" - all they looking towards Düsseldorf in first place, Belgrade in second. The common sense is: "Pristina = no jobs". Surprise, you in USA do not know it.
(Ataman, 27 July 2010 12:56

I couldn't agree with you more.If the Kosovan Albanians were allowed free movement to West Thaci would probably be the last one to switch off the lights(if the electricity grid is still working).

USA knows it can do nothing against a Russia China alignment and realises its time time to talk. This is the first offer.

If K-Serbs in northern Mitro don't harry up to take on this offer, they will end up loosing everything. I sugest they look towards Prishtina rather Belgrade, if they are thinking about the bright future for their children.
(Kosova-USA, 27 July 2010 11:49)

Remember this, if the Snake tries anything in the North, you can expect Belgrade to reciprocate and send you lot come tumbling back over the bridge from Mitrovica.

Playing the keyboard warrior, dressing up in combats and simulating an attack on Mitrovica with your playmates using the Action Man-GI Joe figurines just dont cut it anymore.

Your mother is calling you for your dinner. Dont forget to wash your hands after playing in the sandpit.

Hey Thaci! Why North of Kosovo only? Why not the whole Kosovo province? Serbia is offering you "maximum autonomy" but short for independence but you junk it because MOMMY USA promised you.

"...within the boundaries of the united state of Kosovo," the U.S. envoy was quoted.

The united states of Kosovo? ROTFL!

'......... if they are thinking about the bright future for their children'

Hmmmm, we are talking about Kosovo? Until that lego statelet frees itself from those that are suppose to represent the people rather than fleece the people, and fear and intimidation is but a vague memory from the distant past , then the children might have something to look forward too.

The Southern Albanian part of Kosovo will always be an economic wreck without the Serbian North.

This reminds me of another country, hmmmm, Bosnia and Herzegovina anyone.

If K-Serbs in northern Mitro don't harry up to take on this offer, they will end up loosing everything. I sugest they look towards Prishtina rather Belgrade, if they are thinking about the bright future for their children.

Perfect move. All efforts should now be focused in finding a solution for Northern Kosovo within the united Republic of Kosovo.

We can already see the content of the counter-resolution to be proposed by the US and Albania.

Point 1: Discuss practical issues with Serbia.

Point 2: Discuss the status of Northern Kosovo with the the representatives of the Serbs in the north and the Serbian Government.

Sounds perfectly reasonable right? Well, the UN General Assembly usually votes on the option that they percieve to be more reasonable, which is something Serbia has exploited by using words such as 'negociations' 'peace' 'compromise'.

Welcome to the "perceptions" battle Serbia. Lets see who wins in this one.

"But given - recognizing that in the Europe of the 21st century there is room for special status - not status, that's the wrong word - special nature of regions within single countries....."

Hmmmm... sounds like Kosovo before all this started. I guess the north should just declare independence and be done with it. The US should support that fully!

Perfect for Thaci. He can't deliver anything on the domestic front so he must attack the Serbs by any means possible. It is because of Pristina that companies don't want to invest. Maybe the Hash should ask Switzerland for Kosovo south of the Ibar to become a canton! I'm sure they'll be pleased to pay for it.

Maybe a special status like under the Former Yugoslavia. That way they can claim the same status as Kosovo did and declare their own independence one day!

"...I see you never been in north, that place is the poorest part of Kosovo. Its not the place its that noone invest in that part, beside some few Serbian companies operating there are no other investments..."

You mean the serbs up north aren't involved top to bottom in the narcotics and human traffiking trade unlike in Pristina? It's called an honest (relatively) living. Even Kosovo's Central Bank govenor can't keep his hand out of the till.. But no worries, all those arrested by EULEX will be rehabilitated and back in their jobs when EULEX leaves.

Hmmmm... sounds like Kosovo before all this started. I guess the north should just declare independence and be done with it. The US should support that fully!
(Patrik, 27 July 2010 14:49)
--
Northern Kosovo should declare independence from what? Since it's already part of Serbia, it doesn't need to declare anything.

This is the first offer.
(miles, 27 July 2010 13:11)

Specifically first public offer from puppet masters. Unacceptable too. Next.

(Another Canadian Serb, 27 July 2010 14:32)

I see you never been in north, that place is the poorest part of Kosovo. Its not the place its that noone invest in that part, beside some few Serbian companies operating there are no other investments. Had it been as you say, most K-Serbs living south of Ibar river would buy a house up there, its not that its full, its just doesnt have anything to offer, beside selling goods from Serbia into Kosovoar market, smuggled goods that is. That too is nearing an end, we hear daily how smuggles both Serbs and Albanians get cought.

Some form of special status or autonomy for north of Kosovo, is the worst thing that could happen to the state of Kosovo.

As a K. albanian, I even think that would be worse than formal partition because:


1. Maybe not now but in the near future it would lead to actual partition.
2. Anything more than Ahtisaar plan will turn Kosovo into another Bosnia i.e. non-functioning state.
3. It will allow Serbia to continually enforce its parallel structures, cause internal interference and sabotage the Kosovan institutions.
4. Serbia will continue to object the independence of Kosovo in international scene and try and create obstacles.
5. The north will still be outside Prishtina's control since serbs there will see the 'special status' as a first step towards partitioning in the future and unification with Serbia.

So techincally Kosovo doesnt gain anything from it apart from allowing the politicians to state that they have 'kept' Kosovo as a whole.

At least with formal partition / exchange of territory, Serbia would have to recognize Kosovo as a state and Kosovo would be in a position to ask for Presheva, Bujanovc, fast-track admission to EU, grants etc. - after that no more Ahtisaari plan which is already a compromise, and Kosovo should be able to change all state symbols to suit the wish of population, be free to join Albania if it wishes, have a proper army that actually has some military hardware and I could go on and on....

So in my opinion - Kosovan leaders should not compromise further than they have so far....but if this is forced for whatever reason, then politicians from both countris should be honest with the population and take some hard but brave decisions and stop thinking about their own political careers.

Ian UK: "Yes Kosovo would have to change it's flag slightly, but that is a small price to pay."

What planet are you living on? The flag waved in Kosovo is the Albanian flag - not the one which looks like a weird version of the EU flag and map of Australia.

It's like your idea that the ICJ advisory, with its careful wording, supported the actual independence rather than the declaration - it's all thin air. Read deeper and broader.

I cannot be the only one to notice the parallels Pristina finds itself in vis a vis Mitrovica as Belgrade finds/found itself in vis a vis Pristina.

Rewrite the article and change the proper nouns and you get the same story.

At least Hash isn't looking to "integrate" it again.

Even though I oppose the partition of Kosovo, if Belgrade was smart enough they'd recognise the independence of Kosovo, but not over the Northern Serb areas (Leposavic, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Northern Kosovska Mitrovic) and integrate them into Belgrade's administration. I personally don't support the partition of Kosovo, but if I were in Belgrade's position that is what I'd do. Yes Kosovo would have to change it's flag slightly, but that is a small price to pay.

"But now Dell's statement says that he did not call for the north of Kosovo to be given autonomy, and that Thaci never made such a proposal, "either publicly or privately".

-- To Wikileaks!!! :)

"Read deeper and broader.
(kate, 27 July 2010 21:49) "

I read deeper and broader and I come to the following conclusion:

1. The ICJ answered the exact question it was asked. It did not avoid anything. If Serbia wanted an answer to a different issue then it should have asked a different question.
2. The answer was clear with undisputed reference to legal documents.
3. It clearly stated that resolution 1244 did not prevent independence.
4. This whole debacle is a major diplomatic defeat for Serbia and a spectacular owngoal.

You can spin it however you like to try and minimize the significance of this ruling because you do not like the outcome but it is you who is refusing to read and accept the obvious.

"The more pressure placed on other foreign countries, the more politicians will debate the decision to recognize Kosovo's UDI, the less likely there will be a huge wave of recognitions. "
Daniel

With all that "pressure" are you not overestimating the capacities of Serbia?

Sounds like Pristina and Belgrade both have the same problem. They both now that in a practical sense a partition is the best option, but they both also know that their people won't accept any agreement where they can't say that all of Kosovo is theirs.

Mr.Dell should not forget that he is only actinf as if he had the position of an "ambassador"...

he´s walking on serbian territory, temporarily occupied, but without the slightest doubt, serbian soil.

...so, he should be rather calm, with comments of any kind.

If K-Serbs in northern Mitro don't harry up to take on this offer, they will end up loosing everything. I sugest they look towards Prishtina rather Belgrade, if they are thinking about the bright future for their children.

Looks like we are all heading towards the path to negotiations. I can't see status being resolved, however, independence is irreversibly blocked. It will end up being more than autonomy, less than independence. Wait and see.

I sugest they look towards Prishtina rather Belgrade, if they are thinking about the bright future for their children.
(Kosova-USA, 27 July 2010 11:49)

Like Albanians, "if they are thinking about the bright future for their children" - all they looking towards Düsseldorf in first place, Belgrade in second. The common sense is: "Pristina = no jobs". Surprise, you in USA do not know it.

USA knows it can do nothing against a Russia China alignment and realises its time time to talk. This is the first offer.

First, this shows that HT isn't running the show, Washington is running the show. Kosovo has nothing to do with Albanians except that they are willing puppets doing whatever Washington tells them to do. Boy, some people will do anything for money, even sell their own souls. Second, there is this mistaken belief that the ICJ ruling is the end all solution. False. Here's what Serbia should do. Be patient. Send your envoys to all important countries and make their decision to recognize Kosovo more difficult. When a basketball player takes a shot, he can either shoot unimpeded or the defender can raise his hands high making the shot more difficult. Serbia, be like the defender. Raise your hands high and keep the pressure on other nations so that when there are recognitions, they will be limited to a few. The more pressure placed on other foreign countries, the more politicians will debate the decision to recognize Kosovo's UDI, the less likely there will be a huge wave of recognitions.
Regarding the north, it will never be an autonomous part of Kosovo; it is and will remain a part of Serbia. That's a done deal.

Perfect move. All efforts should now be focused in finding a solution for Northern Kosovo within the united Republic of Kosovo.

We can already see the content of the counter-resolution to be proposed by the US and Albania.

Point 1: Discuss practical issues with Serbia.

Point 2: Discuss the status of Northern Kosovo with the the representatives of the Serbs in the north and the Serbian Government.

Sounds perfectly reasonable right? Well, the UN General Assembly usually votes on the option that they percieve to be more reasonable, which is something Serbia has exploited by using words such as 'negociations' 'peace' 'compromise'.

Welcome to the "perceptions" battle Serbia. Lets see who wins in this one.

"The more pressure placed on other foreign countries, the more politicians will debate the decision to recognize Kosovo's UDI, the less likely there will be a huge wave of recognitions. "
Daniel

With all that "pressure" are you not overestimating the capacities of Serbia?

Hey Thaci! Why North of Kosovo only? Why not the whole Kosovo province? Serbia is offering you "maximum autonomy" but short for independence but you junk it because MOMMY USA promised you.

If K-Serbs in northern Mitro don't harry up to take on this offer, they will end up loosing everything. I sugest they look towards Prishtina rather Belgrade, if they are thinking about the bright future for their children.
(Kosova-USA, 27 July 2010 11:49)

Remember this, if the Snake tries anything in the North, you can expect Belgrade to reciprocate and send you lot come tumbling back over the bridge from Mitrovica.

Playing the keyboard warrior, dressing up in combats and simulating an attack on Mitrovica with your playmates using the Action Man-GI Joe figurines just dont cut it anymore.

Your mother is calling you for your dinner. Dont forget to wash your hands after playing in the sandpit.

Maybe a special status like under the Former Yugoslavia. That way they can claim the same status as Kosovo did and declare their own independence one day!

(Another Canadian Serb, 27 July 2010 14:32)

I see you never been in north, that place is the poorest part of Kosovo. Its not the place its that noone invest in that part, beside some few Serbian companies operating there are no other investments. Had it been as you say, most K-Serbs living south of Ibar river would buy a house up there, its not that its full, its just doesnt have anything to offer, beside selling goods from Serbia into Kosovoar market, smuggled goods that is. That too is nearing an end, we hear daily how smuggles both Serbs and Albanians get cought.

Some form of special status or autonomy for north of Kosovo, is the worst thing that could happen to the state of Kosovo.

As a K. albanian, I even think that would be worse than formal partition because:


1. Maybe not now but in the near future it would lead to actual partition.
2. Anything more than Ahtisaar plan will turn Kosovo into another Bosnia i.e. non-functioning state.
3. It will allow Serbia to continually enforce its parallel structures, cause internal interference and sabotage the Kosovan institutions.
4. Serbia will continue to object the independence of Kosovo in international scene and try and create obstacles.
5. The north will still be outside Prishtina's control since serbs there will see the 'special status' as a first step towards partitioning in the future and unification with Serbia.

So techincally Kosovo doesnt gain anything from it apart from allowing the politicians to state that they have 'kept' Kosovo as a whole.

At least with formal partition / exchange of territory, Serbia would have to recognize Kosovo as a state and Kosovo would be in a position to ask for Presheva, Bujanovc, fast-track admission to EU, grants etc. - after that no more Ahtisaari plan which is already a compromise, and Kosovo should be able to change all state symbols to suit the wish of population, be free to join Albania if it wishes, have a proper army that actually has some military hardware and I could go on and on....

So in my opinion - Kosovan leaders should not compromise further than they have so far....but if this is forced for whatever reason, then politicians from both countris should be honest with the population and take some hard but brave decisions and stop thinking about their own political careers.

Perfect for Thaci. He can't deliver anything on the domestic front so he must attack the Serbs by any means possible. It is because of Pristina that companies don't want to invest. Maybe the Hash should ask Switzerland for Kosovo south of the Ibar to become a canton! I'm sure they'll be pleased to pay for it.

Like Albanians, "if they are thinking about the bright future for their children" - all they looking towards Düsseldorf in first place, Belgrade in second. The common sense is: "Pristina = no jobs". Surprise, you in USA do not know it.
(Ataman, 27 July 2010 12:56

I couldn't agree with you more.If the Kosovan Albanians were allowed free movement to West Thaci would probably be the last one to switch off the lights(if the electricity grid is still working).

'......... if they are thinking about the bright future for their children'

Hmmmm, we are talking about Kosovo? Until that lego statelet frees itself from those that are suppose to represent the people rather than fleece the people, and fear and intimidation is but a vague memory from the distant past , then the children might have something to look forward too.

The Southern Albanian part of Kosovo will always be an economic wreck without the Serbian North.

This reminds me of another country, hmmmm, Bosnia and Herzegovina anyone.

Hmmmm... sounds like Kosovo before all this started. I guess the north should just declare independence and be done with it. The US should support that fully!
(Patrik, 27 July 2010 14:49)
--
Northern Kosovo should declare independence from what? Since it's already part of Serbia, it doesn't need to declare anything.

"But given - recognizing that in the Europe of the 21st century there is room for special status - not status, that's the wrong word - special nature of regions within single countries....."

Hmmmm... sounds like Kosovo before all this started. I guess the north should just declare independence and be done with it. The US should support that fully!

"...within the boundaries of the united state of Kosovo," the U.S. envoy was quoted.

The united states of Kosovo? ROTFL!

Even though I oppose the partition of Kosovo, if Belgrade was smart enough they'd recognise the independence of Kosovo, but not over the Northern Serb areas (Leposavic, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Northern Kosovska Mitrovic) and integrate them into Belgrade's administration. I personally don't support the partition of Kosovo, but if I were in Belgrade's position that is what I'd do. Yes Kosovo would have to change it's flag slightly, but that is a small price to pay.

"...I see you never been in north, that place is the poorest part of Kosovo. Its not the place its that noone invest in that part, beside some few Serbian companies operating there are no other investments..."

You mean the serbs up north aren't involved top to bottom in the narcotics and human traffiking trade unlike in Pristina? It's called an honest (relatively) living. Even Kosovo's Central Bank govenor can't keep his hand out of the till.. But no worries, all those arrested by EULEX will be rehabilitated and back in their jobs when EULEX leaves.

Ian UK: "Yes Kosovo would have to change it's flag slightly, but that is a small price to pay."

What planet are you living on? The flag waved in Kosovo is the Albanian flag - not the one which looks like a weird version of the EU flag and map of Australia.

It's like your idea that the ICJ advisory, with its careful wording, supported the actual independence rather than the declaration - it's all thin air. Read deeper and broader.

This is the first offer.
(miles, 27 July 2010 13:11)

Specifically first public offer from puppet masters. Unacceptable too. Next.

I cannot be the only one to notice the parallels Pristina finds itself in vis a vis Mitrovica as Belgrade finds/found itself in vis a vis Pristina.

Rewrite the article and change the proper nouns and you get the same story.

At least Hash isn't looking to "integrate" it again.

"But now Dell's statement says that he did not call for the north of Kosovo to be given autonomy, and that Thaci never made such a proposal, "either publicly or privately".

-- To Wikileaks!!! :)

"Read deeper and broader.
(kate, 27 July 2010 21:49) "

I read deeper and broader and I come to the following conclusion:

1. The ICJ answered the exact question it was asked. It did not avoid anything. If Serbia wanted an answer to a different issue then it should have asked a different question.
2. The answer was clear with undisputed reference to legal documents.
3. It clearly stated that resolution 1244 did not prevent independence.
4. This whole debacle is a major diplomatic defeat for Serbia and a spectacular owngoal.

You can spin it however you like to try and minimize the significance of this ruling because you do not like the outcome but it is you who is refusing to read and accept the obvious.

Sounds like Pristina and Belgrade both have the same problem. They both now that in a practical sense a partition is the best option, but they both also know that their people won't accept any agreement where they can't say that all of Kosovo is theirs.

Mr.Dell should not forget that he is only actinf as if he had the position of an "ambassador"...

he´s walking on serbian territory, temporarily occupied, but without the slightest doubt, serbian soil.

...so, he should be rather calm, with comments of any kind.