48% turnout on first day of two-day referendum

Bravo to the Kosovo Serbs for this peacefull democratic referendum. A referendum that the German run EU and their own government tried to stop. We all know that the EU hates democratic referendums, and prefers to install their own Wall Street stooges to implement German dictated austerity measures. And we all know that Tadic's yellow traitors are begging to join this immoral club. The Kosovo Serbs have shown all of them what patriotism and democracy is.

Cheers!!

Kosova-USA

Are you referring to the same Albanians that would leave KOSOVO and relocate to Belgrade,Serbia in a heartbeat?

Demi,The referendum is as legal as the one held by the ethnic albanians back in 2008. You are correct the majority of the world doesn't recognize that one either.

What if Preshevo albanians hold an similar referendum - yes but that is Serbian proper, and therefore illegal. Kosova is according to your master in the West is an exception, or bastard creation, as such is open to all kind of experiments, no precedents - remeber!
if Albanians in other parts of Serbia, beside Kosovo, will decide to go further with referendums - free to go as they do not like to work anyway, but should they try what they did in 2001 - well, I guess old tricks would not work - all unlwful combatants, human shields etc will be dealt accordingly, hopefully...

LOL I don't know what's more hilarious: Albanians complaining this referendum is "unilateral" and "illegal", or that they actually think this could have repercussions in Presevo, Sandzak, AND Vojvodina.

To address the first: who cares whether you think it's illegal or not. You didn't seem to care when you declared independence four years ago and you certainly didn't care what the Serbs thought. Now after four years of comical political and economic management, belligerent rhetoric and Milosevic-era scapegoating of all your problems of "Kosova" on the "lawless" north, you scoff at their referendum, appararently too dense to realize they're doing to you what you did to them.

To address the second, for every Albanian itching for a similar referendum in Presevo - go and do it. Seriously, get off the web, go to Presevo and try to organize something among a group of people that has neither "parallel institutions" or even "barricades". But good luck trying to make it stick, since Kosovo has been deemed a "sui generis" case that cannot apply to Presevo, Sandzak, Vojvodina, RS, Tetovo, or the Outer Hebrides :) As I said before I'd more likely see referenda like this in Kosovo among other Serbs groups as well as the Gorani than any of these other places Albanians like to think are as active and organized.

The referendum will only serve as an official stand of the Serbs in the North (i.e. written down on paper).

There is nothing wrong with the referendum and it's not intended to obstruct the Serbian governments negotiations, and it won't.

It's an advisory plebiscite and is not of a binding purpose.

What's the big deal? Why has everyone got their knickers in a knot?

It will just say that the inhabitants in the North do not recognise the Albanian led government in Pristina. What is the problem? There isn't one.

some in Albanian, which citizens would use on 82 polling stations in northern Kosovo to vote.

Do these morons (organizers) think for a second that Albanians will take part in these farce referendum?

As soon as the snow is gone and we have spring, Presovo, Bujanovac and Medevedja will hold a referendum. Question is:

"Do you accept the institutions of the so-called Republic of Serbia?"

Also, Sandzak and (North-)Vojvodina will most likely have referendums.

This is a sticky situation, but it's in the best interests of the I-Serbs. The crazy sing about this referendum is, no matter how many people here is it's not going to be valid, the truth is that is it going to be valid. Take a look at the USA. Before the civil war started states had to choose between the union and the confederate states. Virginia, being a perfect example, choose to separate from the union and joined the confederate states. People in the west of Virginia didn't like that idea and separated, ultimately forming a new stay called West Virginia, that reunited with the union. So, why can't northern KosovO join Serbia proper. After all, the Americans did it first, so why can't the Serbs?

Dori,

I see that you skipped the years 1940-1944, thats right those are the Skenderbeg SS years when the albanians sided with Hilter. That was the previous land grab of your elders, remeber the result. Also remember "prichaj sprski da te ceo svet razume"

"some in Albanian, which citizens would use on 82 polling stations in northern Kosovo to vote.

Do these morons (organizers) think for a second that Albanians will take part in these farce referendum?
(Kosova-USA, 14 February 2012 11:23) "

If I were you I would have gone to vote NO to alban terror!

The West is trying to reward KAlbs for terrorism by granting them Kosovo. Serbs from NKosovo are not terrorists, so West doesn't want to recognize their rights for self-determination.

It's clear that the internationals are becoming more attentive to the realities on the ground in the north:

http://www.transconflict.com/2012/02/kosovo-referendum-barricades-eu-plans-132/

"So, why would this referendum have any more weight than the referendum of 1992 when Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanovci voted to join Kosova?"
(Adrian Gashi, 14 February 2012 20:29)

Becouse so called "Republic of Kosovo" is not real state like Republic of Serbia ;)
So called "unilateral declaration of independence" was the most violating act against Resolution 1244, so Kosovo Serbs don't must respect this act and institutions created in Pristina after this act. This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia, like they were until "UDI".

Why have the referendum at all ??

We wont belive the outcome of this voting since the referendum is illegal and not supported by any country.

What if Preshevo albanians hold an similar referendum ?? would the serbs accept it ??

By the reaction of the ethnic albanian trolls on this Serbian media website you have to believe that this referendum is striking a nerve. If its no big deal why are you all here trying to convince us otherwise. Remember teach your young the Serbian language, they will need it in due time. Listen to your elders they tried this land grab before.

"The West is trying to reward KAlbs for terrorism by granting them Kosovo. Serbs from NKosovo are not terrorists, so West doesn't want to recognize their rights for self-determination.
(aaayyy, "

Do you think Hungarians are terrorists?

If not, will you let 70.000 of them vote in a referendum to get away with their own historical territory from the Slavs?
(koko, 14 February 2012 16:38)

I cannot let anybody do or not do anything, I don't represent any authority and I am not a Serb or sitizen of Serbia.

But as far as I know Hungarians in Voevodina are not compact majority and Voevodina is undisputed part of Serbia, while Kosovo is disputed territory.

Do you agree that say the US and Somalia have different statuses? Then why don't you understand that Serbia and "Kosovo" are not equal?

What if Preshevo albanians hold an similar referendum ?? would the serbs accept it ??
(Demi, 14 February 2012 12:37)

But you declare UDI based on the will of the majority of remaining Kosovo inhabitants.

Were Croatian/Slovenian/Bosnian/Montenegring referendums legal?

Also, Sandzak and (North-)Vojvodina will most likely have referendums.
(Berk., 14 February 2012 12:32)

Let them have as many referenda as they like but Belgrade will simply ignore them. :-D

Adrian,

I'm not so sure, see I don't waste my time on albanian websites because nothing that is said there concerns me. Whereas you and your albanian trolls seem to hang on every last word said by the Serbia media and/or politicians. That reeks of your insecurity. Since you are here you might as well start refreshing your Serbian.

Todays Serbian lesson: Kako Si? = How are you?

"The West is trying to reward KAlbs for terrorism by granting them Kosovo. Serbs from NKosovo are not terrorists, so West doesn't want to recognize their rights for self-determination.
(aaayyy, "

Do you think Hungarians are terrorists?

If not, will you let 70.000 of them vote in a referendum to get away with their own historical territory from the Slavs?

Kosovo's Declaration of Independence was a result of a decade of Serbia's discrimination of Albanians, that culminated with violent expulsion of almost a million Albanians into Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro.
(Fluid, 14 February 2012 18:28)
1 decade? Sorry Fluid, but I have to correct you. 1912-1940+1944-1999 are more than 8 decades. The decade of Milosevic was only the last act of oppression but was not the worst one.

Before trying to compare the referendum in Northern Kosovo with the Kosovo Declaration of Independence, you should consider the following:

- Kosovo's Declaration of Independence was a result of a decade of Serbia's discrimination of Albanians, that culminated with violent expulsion of almost a million Albanians into Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro.

- If the residents of Northern Kosovo were exposed to such repression, I would support their referendum. But they were not, so this is just another game for political points of Kostunica and co. before the elections.

If they had any principle, they would reject the money that Kosova sends their way as well. Frankly this is the green light the authorities in Prishtina need to cut their funds.

To all the Albanians,

1) Referendum is NOT illegal. Got it now?

2) I am looking for some Heroin, and also a kidney. Just figured that KosovA is now the 'hub' for the European heroin trade and also illegal organ trade so I thought you might be able to help?

PS: to the person who said Pristina should cut the funds to the North.. HAHAHA! The money that comes from organs and drugs is circulated on the black market silly, you can't declare that! You should have been taught this!

Thanks

After all, the Americans did it first, so why can't the Serbs?
(ZV Truth, 14 February 2012 14:58)

ZV Truth - You fail to recognize the main issue with the Serbs calling for a referendum. You mention the Americans as if its the comparable example, it isn't The confederacy had 9 million people! The north(union) was 22 million! And here we have a bunch of trouble making Serbs in the north that comprise of ONLY 68,000!! Even when the Kosovar's wanted to break away from Serbia there were roughly 3 million! Your comparison is silly. Not only is the Referendum not going to accomplish anything, but its to be ridiculed. Its breath taking that 68,000 people feel entitled to break away because they are unhappy with having to work for their money instead of accepting double handouts from Serbia AND Kosova. 68,000 people is what many small suburbs in America contain. This referendum is internal Serbian politics is what it is. Everyone knows its not going to change anything in Kosova, but it will change things in Serbia in the political arena. Your politicians once again playing the public! Brace yourselves Serbs, you're once again going to be doomed to failure!

To the pro-serb who responded to me:


Serbia accepted the 'integrated border managment' beetwen Kosova and Serbia. It means that they recognize that border beetwen Kosova and Serbia. Serbia can call it what it want but integrated border managment according to european standards are borders beetwen countrys.

It means that Serbia accept the fact that northern Kosova is part of Kosova. And because the goverment of Serbia hold dialoug with the goverment of Kosova that means that Serbia recognize the authoriy of Prishtina as representatives of Kosova. Not only representatives of albanians but also serbs living in Kosova. The dialoug is to make life easier for people in Kosova albanians and serbs.


So in other words northern Kosova has the same right to hold referndum as Preshevo valley. Nothern Kosova is located inside the borders of Kosova while Preshevo valley inside the borders of Serbia. This according to the agreement on 'integrated border managment' beetwen Kosova and Serbia.



The referendum is clearly illegal. Belgrade and Prishtina both agree to that.

Congratulations, you want cake after polling is completed?

By the reaction of the ethnic albanian trolls on this Serbian media website you have to believe that this referendum is striking a nerve. If its no big deal why are you all here trying to convince us otherwise. Remember teach your young the Serbian language, they will need it in due time. Listen to your elders they tried this land grab before.
(robert1899, 14 February 2012 19:13)
Funny post. Serbian will soon be similar to Latin something you learn in schools but no one uses. This referendum means nothing to Kosovo nor the world. It may have consequences for Serbia though. Once it is over the govt will have to decide how they want to deal with it. Do they ignore it and further alienate the KSerbs, or do they embrace it and further alienate European support.
What is more important is the upcoming elections in Serbia. Once they are held no one will have a clear mandate so they will have to make alliances to assume power, this could take months and nothing will be happening during this critical time for Serbia. If the pro EU retain power it will accelerate the moves to appease the countries in charge of the EU (which none are the the 5 that do not recognize Kosovo). Should an alliance that is anti EU form then you will see a sudden reverse course of the EU and some here will get their wish. Of course I do not think you have really thought of the consequences. The EU will take a you are either with us or against us approach and this will economically collapse Serbia. Russia will provide enough support to keep Serbia desperate but not desolate.

I don't understand why my co patriot Albanians complain here about.

Why do you think we need those 68,000 Serbian primitive peasants who the most advance technologic knowledge they master is to send an sms?????

It's their right after all to say at least freely what they want. that is honourable and I respect that.

Same should do Presheva valley.

I fully support any democratic political move such as this referendum and the future one in Presheva, Medvegja and Bojanovc.

Le the people freely decide what they want. Let the Serbs in Bosnia also frelly decide with who they want to live and let Sandjak go with Sarajevo just as it is naturally linked to.

@ niklot poland

"This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.
(BT, 14 February 2012 22:28)
===========================

Are you totally insane? How can Serbs be living in Albanian apartments when there is less Serbs in Kosovo now than ever before? So the few Serbs which remain have taken over 10 apartments each?
It's obviously the other way around.

Look on the bright side - since neither Prishtina nor Belgrade conducted a census here, population figures are all over the place for the region. This is one way to get an idea of what it is. (As long as the boxes aren't stuffed, of course. With no monitors, some people might wonder.)

"By the reaction of the ethnic albanian trolls on this Serbian media website you have to believe that this referendum is striking a nerve."

None whatsoever. I haven't heard any nervous statement from the govt in Prishtina, appart from the dry statement that this referendum is illegal, which it is even considering 1244. In fact, this referendum damages mostly Serbia's arguments vis-a-vis Kosova than the other way around. Every body knows that N Serbs would rather live under Serbia just as Presheva Albanians would rather live under Kosova.

So, why would this referendum have any more weight than the referendum of 1992 when Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanovci voted to join Kosova?

You want to go by the referendums? We had one before you, so respect that and we'll respect this other one.

Waste of time in a worthless referendum!. Serbs think of another Dayton but you ain't gonna get it.

"This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.
(BT, 14 February 2012 22:28)

First, they consider themselves living in the Republic of Serbia. "Republic of Kosova" is nowhere to be found up there.

Second, what did they steal up there? A few apartments to house the refugees whose apartments in Pristina, Prizren, Klina, Obilic, and Djakovica they lost to Albanian squatters?

Third, "The holy land of the iilyrians"? When in the name of Hoxha did you people start becoming religious? What Illyrian temples were you people worshiping at? :)

To all my friends and supporters:

I appeal to you for calm and peace during these troubling times. The entire world is against this referendum including Serbia (first time Pristina and Belgrade have agreed on something). We need to just observe and let the events unfold. The last thing we need is violence, anger, and hatred; these minorities have convinced themselves that this referendum is a one solution fits-all.

Let's see if this act has any political weight.

Side note: there are some commentators here who keep implying and interchanging the term "referendum" with a declaration of independence. These are not interchangeable and are two different political acts. They are as similar as "democratic" is to "republicanism" and as different as such.


Sincerely,

Every thing Serbs do in the Regian is bringing to them self now you serbs just show and gave a green light to others to do same thing Preseva, Bujanovc, Medveda, Also, Sandzak and North Vojvodina most likely have referendums. you sebs do not go cry to UN when this Referendums will hopen all over serbia ok

@ niklot poland

"This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.

Also, Sandzak and (North-)Vojvodina will most likely have referendums.
(Berk., 14 February 2012 12:32)

You know that for a fact, or you just trying to sound cool under pressure? :)

This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.

1. Yes - Northern Kosovo is still part of Republic of Serbia despite attempts of illegal institutions from Pristina. And citizens of Northern Kosovo want to be still citizens of Republic of Serbia - on their land.
2. ???? How many houses grabed Albanians since 1999?? Eg. whole village of Svinjare??
3. Where is your mythical Illyrian "holy land"?? In the mixed borderland of ex Illyrian world?? Here lived MIXED THRACO-ILLYRIAN DARDANIANS. So - here is any Illyrian "holy land". Or maybe You are "mixed"?? You are more Illyrian or more Thracian?? ;)
So - here is any mythical Illyrian "holy land" - but real holy land of Serbia - wyth many serbian holy places, with burial places of serbian kings.

I can see that number of Serbs living in a state of denial is very high. Serbs will never learn.

"Do you accept the so called Treaty of Trianon?" Hell, no! But what difference does it make if I don't? Will Hungary get back its territories? I guess you get the message. It is free to whine and moan though about the so-called topic of the so-called RKS.

Waste of time in a worthless referendum!. Serbs think of another Dayton but you ain't gonna get it.
(Nelli_Canada, 14 February 2012 18:59)

LOL of course they are. The international community is basically set to support broad autonomy for northern Kosovo because partition is out of the question and Pristina is incapable of doing anything other than making empty threats against them. A bit hard to see from your position in Canada, but nearly all Serb municipalities in Kosovo run virtually autonomous from Pristina. The north will serve as Kosovo Serbs' de facto capital like Banja Luka. Such is the price you pay for ill-planned independence and years of impotent saber rattling :)

This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.
(BT, 14 February 2012 22:28)

1. Yes - Northern Kosovo is still part of Republic of Serbia, and local citizens still wants to be citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
2. How many serbian property grabed Albanians after 1999?? For example whole villade of Svinjare??
3. In Kosovo is any mythical "holy land" of Illyrians. Here lived MIXED THRACO-ILLYRIAN tribe of Dardanians. You are descendant of this tribe??
But Kosovo is real holy land of Serbs - land of many holy places, holy monasteries, land of burial places of serbian kings.

Let them have as many referenda as they like but Belgrade will simply ignore them. :-D
(Niall O'Doherty, 14 February 2012 21:29)

So much the better, then the further dissolution of Serbia continues, peacefully. Good!

The north will get theirs as envisioned by Ahtisaari, but the statements coming from Pristina are just leveraging the playing field. You never start true negotiations with the position you expect to stop with.
(a New Day, 15 February 2012 16:03)

Take it one step further: the north is basically going to be given "special status" of autonomy that allows it to run its own affairs independent of Pristina, which of course opens the door to equal concessions make to the Serbs south of the Ibar, and even the Gorani of Dragas if they want it. The Albanians know this which explains the reason for this fixation on controlling something they never had, and after today, will be almost impossible to impose their will on. I have no idea what "leverage" you're talking about since every statement made by Pristina paints its leadership as blissfully ignorant of reality with all of their "rejection" of any further concessions the Ahtisaari Plan already forced them to concede to. Independence is pretty expensive, and the more Albanians complain, the more extremist they're going to seem. :)

"Representatives of international community and the government in Priština were against the holding of the referendum saying it would have no legal consequences. "

the international community has no say in internal affairs of Serbia. and those chicken-thieves named Touchy & Co. have no letitimate voice at all.

OL of course they are. The international community is basically set to support broad autonomy for northern Kosovo because partition is out of the question and Pristina is incapable of doing anything other than making empty threats against them. A bit hard to see from your position in Canada, but nearly all Serb municipalities in Kosovo run virtually autonomous from Pristina. The north will serve as Kosovo Serbs' de facto capital like Banja Luka. Such is the price you pay for ill-planned independence and years of impotent saber rattling :)
(Balkan Anthropologist, 15 February 2012 02:17)
I had to laugh when I read your comment, not because it is so untrue but because it is mostly true but no Serb would have dared to write it 2 years ago. You have pretty much described the success of the Ahtisaari Plan which grants broad autonomy for the predominant Serb regions of Kosovo. The north will get theirs as envisioned by Ahtisaari, but the statements coming from Pristina are just leveraging the playing field. You never start true negotiations with the position you expect to stop with.

robert1899, are you entertaining yourself? Because you aren't entertaining anybody else. And neither are these referendumers. The level of comebacks from team Serbia on these pages barely rises to that of a 5 year old child.

If it was up to the serbs, not only N Kosova would've been in Serbia by now, but the rest of it as well. The fact that it is not, shows that it is not up to you. Happy referendum.

This is a sticky situation, but it's in the best interests of the I-Serbs. The crazy sing about this referendum is, no matter how many people here is it's not going to be valid, the truth is that is it going to be valid. Take a look at the USA. Before the civil war started states had to choose between the union and the confederate states. Virginia, being a perfect example, choose to separate from the union and joined the confederate states. People in the west of Virginia didn't like that idea and separated, ultimately forming a new stay called West Virginia, that reunited with the union. So, why can't northern KosovO join Serbia proper. After all, the Americans did it first, so why can't the Serbs?
(ZV Truth, 14 February 2012 14:58)

I agree ZV let north have Referendum but then also Presevo valley let the Referendum be organised and monitored by EU/UN and after referendum either have territory exchange or population exchange.

The issue is that in Balkans there are many such territories like Republik Serb-ska they want to Join Serbia as well. you have portion of Macedonia ... and it will keep on going I think it should be done like that and let people living today decide once and for all how maps should look.

Serbia will agree as they will get Serrbska and some portions they will loose but in the end they will be ok Macedonia and Montenegro might be not so happy with this solutions.

If you keep it between Serbai and Kosovo only ok i worte about it above.

some in Albanian, which citizens would use on 82 polling stations in northern Kosovo to vote.

Do these morons (organizers) think for a second that Albanians will take part in these farce referendum?

Why have the referendum at all ??

We wont belive the outcome of this voting since the referendum is illegal and not supported by any country.

What if Preshevo albanians hold an similar referendum ?? would the serbs accept it ??

As soon as the snow is gone and we have spring, Presovo, Bujanovac and Medevedja will hold a referendum. Question is:

"Do you accept the institutions of the so-called Republic of Serbia?"

Also, Sandzak and (North-)Vojvodina will most likely have referendums.

To the pro-serb who responded to me:


Serbia accepted the 'integrated border managment' beetwen Kosova and Serbia. It means that they recognize that border beetwen Kosova and Serbia. Serbia can call it what it want but integrated border managment according to european standards are borders beetwen countrys.

It means that Serbia accept the fact that northern Kosova is part of Kosova. And because the goverment of Serbia hold dialoug with the goverment of Kosova that means that Serbia recognize the authoriy of Prishtina as representatives of Kosova. Not only representatives of albanians but also serbs living in Kosova. The dialoug is to make life easier for people in Kosova albanians and serbs.


So in other words northern Kosova has the same right to hold referndum as Preshevo valley. Nothern Kosova is located inside the borders of Kosova while Preshevo valley inside the borders of Serbia. This according to the agreement on 'integrated border managment' beetwen Kosova and Serbia.



The referendum is clearly illegal. Belgrade and Prishtina both agree to that.

Every thing Serbs do in the Regian is bringing to them self now you serbs just show and gave a green light to others to do same thing Preseva, Bujanovc, Medveda, Also, Sandzak and North Vojvodina most likely have referendums. you sebs do not go cry to UN when this Referendums will hopen all over serbia ok

Kosovo's Declaration of Independence was a result of a decade of Serbia's discrimination of Albanians, that culminated with violent expulsion of almost a million Albanians into Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro.
(Fluid, 14 February 2012 18:28)
1 decade? Sorry Fluid, but I have to correct you. 1912-1940+1944-1999 are more than 8 decades. The decade of Milosevic was only the last act of oppression but was not the worst one.

"The West is trying to reward KAlbs for terrorism by granting them Kosovo. Serbs from NKosovo are not terrorists, so West doesn't want to recognize their rights for self-determination.
(aaayyy, "

Do you think Hungarians are terrorists?

If not, will you let 70.000 of them vote in a referendum to get away with their own historical territory from the Slavs?

Waste of time in a worthless referendum!. Serbs think of another Dayton but you ain't gonna get it.

What if Preshevo albanians hold an similar referendum ?? would the serbs accept it ??
(Demi, 14 February 2012 12:37)

But you declare UDI based on the will of the majority of remaining Kosovo inhabitants.

Were Croatian/Slovenian/Bosnian/Montenegring referendums legal?

After all, the Americans did it first, so why can't the Serbs?
(ZV Truth, 14 February 2012 14:58)

ZV Truth - You fail to recognize the main issue with the Serbs calling for a referendum. You mention the Americans as if its the comparable example, it isn't The confederacy had 9 million people! The north(union) was 22 million! And here we have a bunch of trouble making Serbs in the north that comprise of ONLY 68,000!! Even when the Kosovar's wanted to break away from Serbia there were roughly 3 million! Your comparison is silly. Not only is the Referendum not going to accomplish anything, but its to be ridiculed. Its breath taking that 68,000 people feel entitled to break away because they are unhappy with having to work for their money instead of accepting double handouts from Serbia AND Kosova. 68,000 people is what many small suburbs in America contain. This referendum is internal Serbian politics is what it is. Everyone knows its not going to change anything in Kosova, but it will change things in Serbia in the political arena. Your politicians once again playing the public! Brace yourselves Serbs, you're once again going to be doomed to failure!

Kosova-USA

Are you referring to the same Albanians that would leave KOSOVO and relocate to Belgrade,Serbia in a heartbeat?

To all my friends and supporters:

I appeal to you for calm and peace during these troubling times. The entire world is against this referendum including Serbia (first time Pristina and Belgrade have agreed on something). We need to just observe and let the events unfold. The last thing we need is violence, anger, and hatred; these minorities have convinced themselves that this referendum is a one solution fits-all.

Let's see if this act has any political weight.

Side note: there are some commentators here who keep implying and interchanging the term "referendum" with a declaration of independence. These are not interchangeable and are two different political acts. They are as similar as "democratic" is to "republicanism" and as different as such.


Sincerely,

This is a sticky situation, but it's in the best interests of the I-Serbs. The crazy sing about this referendum is, no matter how many people here is it's not going to be valid, the truth is that is it going to be valid. Take a look at the USA. Before the civil war started states had to choose between the union and the confederate states. Virginia, being a perfect example, choose to separate from the union and joined the confederate states. People in the west of Virginia didn't like that idea and separated, ultimately forming a new stay called West Virginia, that reunited with the union. So, why can't northern KosovO join Serbia proper. After all, the Americans did it first, so why can't the Serbs?
(ZV Truth, 14 February 2012 14:58)

I agree ZV let north have Referendum but then also Presevo valley let the Referendum be organised and monitored by EU/UN and after referendum either have territory exchange or population exchange.

The issue is that in Balkans there are many such territories like Republik Serb-ska they want to Join Serbia as well. you have portion of Macedonia ... and it will keep on going I think it should be done like that and let people living today decide once and for all how maps should look.

Serbia will agree as they will get Serrbska and some portions they will loose but in the end they will be ok Macedonia and Montenegro might be not so happy with this solutions.

If you keep it between Serbai and Kosovo only ok i worte about it above.

"By the reaction of the ethnic albanian trolls on this Serbian media website you have to believe that this referendum is striking a nerve."

None whatsoever. I haven't heard any nervous statement from the govt in Prishtina, appart from the dry statement that this referendum is illegal, which it is even considering 1244. In fact, this referendum damages mostly Serbia's arguments vis-a-vis Kosova than the other way around. Every body knows that N Serbs would rather live under Serbia just as Presheva Albanians would rather live under Kosova.

So, why would this referendum have any more weight than the referendum of 1992 when Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanovci voted to join Kosova?

You want to go by the referendums? We had one before you, so respect that and we'll respect this other one.

If they had any principle, they would reject the money that Kosova sends their way as well. Frankly this is the green light the authorities in Prishtina need to cut their funds.

Before trying to compare the referendum in Northern Kosovo with the Kosovo Declaration of Independence, you should consider the following:

- Kosovo's Declaration of Independence was a result of a decade of Serbia's discrimination of Albanians, that culminated with violent expulsion of almost a million Albanians into Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro.

- If the residents of Northern Kosovo were exposed to such repression, I would support their referendum. But they were not, so this is just another game for political points of Kostunica and co. before the elections.

What if Preshevo albanians hold an similar referendum - yes but that is Serbian proper, and therefore illegal. Kosova is according to your master in the West is an exception, or bastard creation, as such is open to all kind of experiments, no precedents - remeber!
if Albanians in other parts of Serbia, beside Kosovo, will decide to go further with referendums - free to go as they do not like to work anyway, but should they try what they did in 2001 - well, I guess old tricks would not work - all unlwful combatants, human shields etc will be dealt accordingly, hopefully...

I don't understand why my co patriot Albanians complain here about.

Why do you think we need those 68,000 Serbian primitive peasants who the most advance technologic knowledge they master is to send an sms?????

It's their right after all to say at least freely what they want. that is honourable and I respect that.

Same should do Presheva valley.

I fully support any democratic political move such as this referendum and the future one in Presheva, Medvegja and Bojanovc.

Le the people freely decide what they want. Let the Serbs in Bosnia also frelly decide with who they want to live and let Sandjak go with Sarajevo just as it is naturally linked to.

To all the Albanians,

1) Referendum is NOT illegal. Got it now?

2) I am looking for some Heroin, and also a kidney. Just figured that KosovA is now the 'hub' for the European heroin trade and also illegal organ trade so I thought you might be able to help?

PS: to the person who said Pristina should cut the funds to the North.. HAHAHA! The money that comes from organs and drugs is circulated on the black market silly, you can't declare that! You should have been taught this!

Thanks

Let them have as many referenda as they like but Belgrade will simply ignore them. :-D
(Niall O'Doherty, 14 February 2012 21:29)

So much the better, then the further dissolution of Serbia continues, peacefully. Good!

Dori,

I see that you skipped the years 1940-1944, thats right those are the Skenderbeg SS years when the albanians sided with Hilter. That was the previous land grab of your elders, remeber the result. Also remember "prichaj sprski da te ceo svet razume"

Bravo to the Kosovo Serbs for this peacefull democratic referendum. A referendum that the German run EU and their own government tried to stop. We all know that the EU hates democratic referendums, and prefers to install their own Wall Street stooges to implement German dictated austerity measures. And we all know that Tadic's yellow traitors are begging to join this immoral club. The Kosovo Serbs have shown all of them what patriotism and democracy is.

Cheers!!

The West is trying to reward KAlbs for terrorism by granting them Kosovo. Serbs from NKosovo are not terrorists, so West doesn't want to recognize their rights for self-determination.

@ niklot poland

"This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.

Demi,The referendum is as legal as the one held by the ethnic albanians back in 2008. You are correct the majority of the world doesn't recognize that one either.

"some in Albanian, which citizens would use on 82 polling stations in northern Kosovo to vote.

Do these morons (organizers) think for a second that Albanians will take part in these farce referendum?
(Kosova-USA, 14 February 2012 11:23) "

If I were you I would have gone to vote NO to alban terror!

LOL I don't know what's more hilarious: Albanians complaining this referendum is "unilateral" and "illegal", or that they actually think this could have repercussions in Presevo, Sandzak, AND Vojvodina.

To address the first: who cares whether you think it's illegal or not. You didn't seem to care when you declared independence four years ago and you certainly didn't care what the Serbs thought. Now after four years of comical political and economic management, belligerent rhetoric and Milosevic-era scapegoating of all your problems of "Kosova" on the "lawless" north, you scoff at their referendum, appararently too dense to realize they're doing to you what you did to them.

To address the second, for every Albanian itching for a similar referendum in Presevo - go and do it. Seriously, get off the web, go to Presevo and try to organize something among a group of people that has neither "parallel institutions" or even "barricades". But good luck trying to make it stick, since Kosovo has been deemed a "sui generis" case that cannot apply to Presevo, Sandzak, Vojvodina, RS, Tetovo, or the Outer Hebrides :) As I said before I'd more likely see referenda like this in Kosovo among other Serbs groups as well as the Gorani than any of these other places Albanians like to think are as active and organized.

Look on the bright side - since neither Prishtina nor Belgrade conducted a census here, population figures are all over the place for the region. This is one way to get an idea of what it is. (As long as the boxes aren't stuffed, of course. With no monitors, some people might wonder.)

I can see that number of Serbs living in a state of denial is very high. Serbs will never learn.

By the reaction of the ethnic albanian trolls on this Serbian media website you have to believe that this referendum is striking a nerve. If its no big deal why are you all here trying to convince us otherwise. Remember teach your young the Serbian language, they will need it in due time. Listen to your elders they tried this land grab before.
(robert1899, 14 February 2012 19:13)
Funny post. Serbian will soon be similar to Latin something you learn in schools but no one uses. This referendum means nothing to Kosovo nor the world. It may have consequences for Serbia though. Once it is over the govt will have to decide how they want to deal with it. Do they ignore it and further alienate the KSerbs, or do they embrace it and further alienate European support.
What is more important is the upcoming elections in Serbia. Once they are held no one will have a clear mandate so they will have to make alliances to assume power, this could take months and nothing will be happening during this critical time for Serbia. If the pro EU retain power it will accelerate the moves to appease the countries in charge of the EU (which none are the the 5 that do not recognize Kosovo). Should an alliance that is anti EU form then you will see a sudden reverse course of the EU and some here will get their wish. Of course I do not think you have really thought of the consequences. The EU will take a you are either with us or against us approach and this will economically collapse Serbia. Russia will provide enough support to keep Serbia desperate but not desolate.

"Do you accept the so called Treaty of Trianon?" Hell, no! But what difference does it make if I don't? Will Hungary get back its territories? I guess you get the message. It is free to whine and moan though about the so-called topic of the so-called RKS.

It's clear that the internationals are becoming more attentive to the realities on the ground in the north:

http://www.transconflict.com/2012/02/kosovo-referendum-barricades-eu-plans-132/

By the reaction of the ethnic albanian trolls on this Serbian media website you have to believe that this referendum is striking a nerve. If its no big deal why are you all here trying to convince us otherwise. Remember teach your young the Serbian language, they will need it in due time. Listen to your elders they tried this land grab before.

Also, Sandzak and (North-)Vojvodina will most likely have referendums.
(Berk., 14 February 2012 12:32)

Let them have as many referenda as they like but Belgrade will simply ignore them. :-D

"The West is trying to reward KAlbs for terrorism by granting them Kosovo. Serbs from NKosovo are not terrorists, so West doesn't want to recognize their rights for self-determination.
(aaayyy, "

Do you think Hungarians are terrorists?

If not, will you let 70.000 of them vote in a referendum to get away with their own historical territory from the Slavs?
(koko, 14 February 2012 16:38)

I cannot let anybody do or not do anything, I don't represent any authority and I am not a Serb or sitizen of Serbia.

But as far as I know Hungarians in Voevodina are not compact majority and Voevodina is undisputed part of Serbia, while Kosovo is disputed territory.

Do you agree that say the US and Somalia have different statuses? Then why don't you understand that Serbia and "Kosovo" are not equal?

Adrian,

I'm not so sure, see I don't waste my time on albanian websites because nothing that is said there concerns me. Whereas you and your albanian trolls seem to hang on every last word said by the Serbia media and/or politicians. That reeks of your insecurity. Since you are here you might as well start refreshing your Serbian.

Todays Serbian lesson: Kako Si? = How are you?

Congratulations, you want cake after polling is completed?

This is a sticky situation, but it's in the best interests of the I-Serbs. The crazy sing about this referendum is, no matter how many people here is it's not going to be valid, the truth is that is it going to be valid. Take a look at the USA. Before the civil war started states had to choose between the union and the confederate states. Virginia, being a perfect example, choose to separate from the union and joined the confederate states. People in the west of Virginia didn't like that idea and separated, ultimately forming a new stay called West Virginia, that reunited with the union. So, why can't northern KosovO join Serbia proper. After all, the Americans did it first, so why can't the Serbs?

"So, why would this referendum have any more weight than the referendum of 1992 when Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanovci voted to join Kosova?"
(Adrian Gashi, 14 February 2012 20:29)

Becouse so called "Republic of Kosovo" is not real state like Republic of Serbia ;)
So called "unilateral declaration of independence" was the most violating act against Resolution 1244, so Kosovo Serbs don't must respect this act and institutions created in Pristina after this act. This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia, like they were until "UDI".

The referendum will only serve as an official stand of the Serbs in the North (i.e. written down on paper).

There is nothing wrong with the referendum and it's not intended to obstruct the Serbian governments negotiations, and it won't.

It's an advisory plebiscite and is not of a binding purpose.

What's the big deal? Why has everyone got their knickers in a knot?

It will just say that the inhabitants in the North do not recognise the Albanian led government in Pristina. What is the problem? There isn't one.

"This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.
(BT, 14 February 2012 22:28)

First, they consider themselves living in the Republic of Serbia. "Republic of Kosova" is nowhere to be found up there.

Second, what did they steal up there? A few apartments to house the refugees whose apartments in Pristina, Prizren, Klina, Obilic, and Djakovica they lost to Albanian squatters?

Third, "The holy land of the iilyrians"? When in the name of Hoxha did you people start becoming religious? What Illyrian temples were you people worshiping at? :)

robert1899, are you entertaining yourself? Because you aren't entertaining anybody else. And neither are these referendumers. The level of comebacks from team Serbia on these pages barely rises to that of a 5 year old child.

If it was up to the serbs, not only N Kosova would've been in Serbia by now, but the rest of it as well. The fact that it is not, shows that it is not up to you. Happy referendum.

Also, Sandzak and (North-)Vojvodina will most likely have referendums.
(Berk., 14 February 2012 12:32)

You know that for a fact, or you just trying to sound cool under pressure? :)

@ niklot poland

"This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.
(BT, 14 February 2012 22:28)
===========================

Are you totally insane? How can Serbs be living in Albanian apartments when there is less Serbs in Kosovo now than ever before? So the few Serbs which remain have taken over 10 apartments each?
It's obviously the other way around.

This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.

1. Yes - Northern Kosovo is still part of Republic of Serbia despite attempts of illegal institutions from Pristina. And citizens of Northern Kosovo want to be still citizens of Republic of Serbia - on their land.
2. ???? How many houses grabed Albanians since 1999?? Eg. whole village of Svinjare??
3. Where is your mythical Illyrian "holy land"?? In the mixed borderland of ex Illyrian world?? Here lived MIXED THRACO-ILLYRIAN DARDANIANS. So - here is any Illyrian "holy land". Or maybe You are "mixed"?? You are more Illyrian or more Thracian?? ;)
So - here is any mythical Illyrian "holy land" - but real holy land of Serbia - wyth many serbian holy places, with burial places of serbian kings.

Waste of time in a worthless referendum!. Serbs think of another Dayton but you ain't gonna get it.
(Nelli_Canada, 14 February 2012 18:59)

LOL of course they are. The international community is basically set to support broad autonomy for northern Kosovo because partition is out of the question and Pristina is incapable of doing anything other than making empty threats against them. A bit hard to see from your position in Canada, but nearly all Serb municipalities in Kosovo run virtually autonomous from Pristina. The north will serve as Kosovo Serbs' de facto capital like Banja Luka. Such is the price you pay for ill-planned independence and years of impotent saber rattling :)

"Representatives of international community and the government in Priština were against the holding of the referendum saying it would have no legal consequences. "

the international community has no say in internal affairs of Serbia. and those chicken-thieves named Touchy & Co. have no letitimate voice at all.

OL of course they are. The international community is basically set to support broad autonomy for northern Kosovo because partition is out of the question and Pristina is incapable of doing anything other than making empty threats against them. A bit hard to see from your position in Canada, but nearly all Serb municipalities in Kosovo run virtually autonomous from Pristina. The north will serve as Kosovo Serbs' de facto capital like Banja Luka. Such is the price you pay for ill-planned independence and years of impotent saber rattling :)
(Balkan Anthropologist, 15 February 2012 02:17)
I had to laugh when I read your comment, not because it is so untrue but because it is mostly true but no Serb would have dared to write it 2 years ago. You have pretty much described the success of the Ahtisaari Plan which grants broad autonomy for the predominant Serb regions of Kosovo. The north will get theirs as envisioned by Ahtisaari, but the statements coming from Pristina are just leveraging the playing field. You never start true negotiations with the position you expect to stop with.

This referendum - will only show, that Kosovo Serbs wants to be citizens of Republic of Serbia "
They can be citizen of " republic of serbia " IN serbia!
Second is: Serbs to return all the apartments that belonged to the Albanians wich serbs stole.
Third: Leave The holy land of the iilyrians.
(BT, 14 February 2012 22:28)

1. Yes - Northern Kosovo is still part of Republic of Serbia, and local citizens still wants to be citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
2. How many serbian property grabed Albanians after 1999?? For example whole villade of Svinjare??
3. In Kosovo is any mythical "holy land" of Illyrians. Here lived MIXED THRACO-ILLYRIAN tribe of Dardanians. You are descendant of this tribe??
But Kosovo is real holy land of Serbs - land of many holy places, holy monasteries, land of burial places of serbian kings.

The north will get theirs as envisioned by Ahtisaari, but the statements coming from Pristina are just leveraging the playing field. You never start true negotiations with the position you expect to stop with.
(a New Day, 15 February 2012 16:03)

Take it one step further: the north is basically going to be given "special status" of autonomy that allows it to run its own affairs independent of Pristina, which of course opens the door to equal concessions make to the Serbs south of the Ibar, and even the Gorani of Dragas if they want it. The Albanians know this which explains the reason for this fixation on controlling something they never had, and after today, will be almost impossible to impose their will on. I have no idea what "leverage" you're talking about since every statement made by Pristina paints its leadership as blissfully ignorant of reality with all of their "rejection" of any further concessions the Ahtisaari Plan already forced them to concede to. Independence is pretty expensive, and the more Albanians complain, the more extremist they're going to seem. :)