Serbia's NATO membership - "red line for Russia"

While that decision is ultimately NOT up to Russia, I think the Russians can rest easy knowing that the vast majority of Serbs would never support NATO membership, and I believe most politicians in Serbia (with any sense of a backbone) feel the same in that regard.

The idea of joining an organization that illegally bombed you, killed your people, destroyed your infrastructure, and effectively occupied/annexed a part of your territory is beyond ridicules...

Everything Ambassador Chepurin said is absolutely bang on! Thank you for speaking the truth, and please keep slapping around our sellout Serbian politicians, who truly are a pathetic lot.
Cheers!!

This is sovereign decision of Serbia and its authorities - we will do what is best for our own interest. USA and Russia should resolve their own problems between themselves.
(danijel, 27 November 2013 16:56)
========================================

It IS in Serbia's interest to stick with Russia and stay clear of NATO.
You want someone to look after Serbia's itnerest in the UNSC but you don't want to give something back. It doesn't work that way.
Please explain to us how is it in Serbia's itnerest to join the very club which has bombed her and caused billions of dollars worth of damage and cost thousands of lives?
Go on, please explain.

Chepurin also spoke about Russia's "second red line" when it came to Serbia - that "nobody should pressure Serbia during the negotiations to 'tie itself to something'," and that any form of integration "must not interfere with the long tradition of cultural, economic, and political Russo-Serbian ties - because that is primarily in the interest of Serbia."

-- Sounds like the first red line is exactly Russia pressuring Serbia not to negotiate with an international organization such as NATO, therefore tying itself with to Putin.

“Russia is shit scared of Serbia joining NATO …”

Sounds very amusing as if it is Serbia that can eliminate all NATO members in an hour. With 1850 charges most of them from 1 to 10 megatons “scared” is a too strong word to be implemented for Russia. So our pants are very dry. What about yours ? Especially now that we piece by piece bite away countries that had obeyed the West. Apparently we love Serbia and even two great Joes (Tito&Stalin) failed to quarrel us. So NATO also should not bar the two peoples. This is what most of the Serbians and Russians mean. Especially after we were treated the same way 15-20 years ago. The West despises the weak so we became strong enough not only to scare them and but even to care them.

"That's the read line that in no way suits Russia..."

It should be red line, not 'read' line.

He is right that Serbia shouldn't join NATO and people here are stupid if they think that Serbia joining NATO will undo all the work the NATO countries did to sever Kosovo. They wanted that and they won't even allow Serbs to go back safely to Kosovo, whether it joins NATO or not. Same with Croatia and the Muslim-Croat part of Bosnia. There are not rights for disenfranchised Serb refugees and the international community won't put any real money into helping Serbs return either.

The problem with Russia is it is not counteracting, but a tiny percent, of what the NATO countries have done to practically ruin Serbia, bring it to its knees and install a puppet government.
Russia is holding firm on the Kosovo decision, but at the same time Russia did not protect the Kosovo Serb population when their soldiers were there. They were outmaneuvered by NATO but Russia could have tried harder.

Russia also voted in or went along with: the UN sanctions on Serbia, the founding of the ICTY court (which is an illegal biased kangaroo court), the bombing of the Bosnian Serbs, and Russian arms merchants were sending shiploads and planeloads of weapons to Slovenia (which then sent them to Bosnia Hercegovina) and also to a special Croatia island.

So Russia should take a good hard look at those decisions which did help the west destroy Serbia and leave it hopeless.

(azir, 27 November 2013 23:13)

This is not 1999. This is 2013 and many things have changed since that time. Next time NATO tries to deposit their areal gifts mushroom clouds will sprout over western Europe and US mate and this is not a joke. Why doesn’t NATO come to Ukraine’s rescue???
If Serbs are losers then what have you gained out of your close association with the west? Kosovo is a dump with unemployment at 80% and given the chance 99% of Albanians would leave.

Serbia do what your masters tell you what to do, don't join nato.

If Serbia wants to join or not NATO is one thing. But it speaks volumes that Russia would see it "unacceptable" that Serbia might join the NATO. It shows clearly that for Moscow Serbia is just a colony which has to crawl according their bidding and orders.

This is not a Russian ambassador, this is the Russian gubernator of Serbia. Pathetic!

China want east Russia. China like Kosova more every day.
(Haitian, 28 November 2013 11:15)
--
He he, China like "Kosovahhh"*. Russia like Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia joined. China and Russia joined. Russia can destory China so China no touch Russia. Ukraine and Serbia separated by one country. China in Hungary and Romania with 10 billion USD to bridge gap. China like Serbia so Kosovo is Serbia. China and Russia agree. Do worry, you like Turkey and Erdogan said "Kosovahhh"* is Turkey. Maybe time to learn Turkish?

Serbia do what your masters tell you what to do, don't join nato.
(bridge, 28 November 2013 12:04)
--
Too true. Our master is God and we are not to join satan.

Well, Germany did the some years after WW2, joining NATO though it was bombed by Allied forces. And sorry, you cannot compare this strategic, selective bombing of YU by NATO with some few dozen people unfortunately killed as collateral damage with the bombing in WW2 where in one night 10.000s of people got killed.
(Comm. Parrisson, 27 November 2013 18:02)

Sorry, but you cannot compare Serbia who was defending itself on its own territory to Germany which invaded over a dozen countries only to lose in the end and be completely occupied/divided by two super powers. Point being, Germany didn't have a CHOICE either way. Also, I can assure you that more than a "few dozen people" were killed by NATO's "strategic and selective" bombing, and don't give me that collateral damage crap, its always "collateral" with them...

Don't that I expect an LDP supporter and NATO apologist to understand the difference.

This is sovereign decision of Serbia and its authorities - we will do what is best for our own interest. USA and Russia should resolve their own problems between themselves.

I agree with Chepurin. South Stream will not only provide energy efficiency Serbia, but this project should be viewed as a large sphere of influence of Russia. On that way, Serbian's protection increases, especially if you are known that Serbia has be surrounded by the member states of NATO. This can only help us in maintaining our military neutrality. After this we had in the past, we see the consequences of all of 1999 onwards. Serbia wont be a member of NATO.

The thing Serbs do not realize is it is not Serbia blocking UN membership for Kosovo but Russia and at some point in time in order to put Serbia in its place that just might be an appropriate punishment.
(think about it, 27 November 2013 23:22)
============================
There is nothing to think about. We are not delusional and we know that it's Russia and China who are blocking you. The second part about Russia recognzing Kosovo to put Serbia in it's place rally takes the cake.
If you believe that then keep waiting and waiting and waiting.
Even if by some miracle your prayers get answered and Russia does this to punish Serbia, China won't. They will never agree because of Taiwan.

More likely your beloved US will punish you and lose interest.

Joining Nato is the carrot at the end of the stick. Currently there is a huge US military base in Kosovo. If Serbia were to join Nato, the US would relinquish control of Kosovo back to Serbia and transform that base into a Nato base. Join the alliance and have your country back.
(MikeD, 27 November 2013 16:54)

o wow, you are a smart man/woman. You better keep what you have or else, you will go back to original borders, which IS Belgrade pashaluk.

Serbia should stay away from both. NATO (satanic horde) cowardly bombed Serbia and continues to occupy its territory. On the other hand Russia, while during the Kosovo war pushed Milosevic to sign the failed 1999 peace agreement, and when it came time to support us during the peace agreement, they refused to send troops because they claimed they had no way. They are both dogs at the end of the day.

The benefits certainly Serbia would not have with the inclination to one side. She needs to be aside, because she also needs support from Russia. And join in NATO can be qualified like betray.

@Zoran: its sweet that you keep flattering yourself about sending Albanians to Turkey isn't it?

@Zoran: its sweet that you keep flattering yourself about sending Albanians to Turkey isn't it?
(Nikolle, 28 November 2013 13:21)
--
Who said anything about "sending"? I'm not one to interfere with nature. Check -> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25129171

Migrations are peaceful and an act of nature.

However, like I mentioned, we now know the rules of the game. Aparently there is no return if you have a few guns and powerful friends. I'm just an observer sharing my notes. Peace my friend.

Migrations are peaceful and an act of nature.
(Zoran, 28 November 2013 14:14)

It is good to see that you already accepted your peaceful migration to Siberia. LOL!

"The idea of joining an organization that illegally bombed you, killed your people, destroyed your infrastructure, and effectively occupied/annexed a part of your territory is beyond ridicules..."
(Nikad u NATO, 27 November 2013 16:29)

Well, Germany did the some years after WW2, joining NATO though it was bombed by Allied forces. And sorry, you cannot compare this strategic, selective bombing of YU by NATO with some few dozen people unfortunately killed as collateral damage with the bombing in WW2 where in one night 10.000s of people got killed.

The idea of joining an organization that illegally bombed you, killed your people, destroyed your infrastructure, and effectively occupied/annexed a part of your territory is beyond ridicules...
(Nikad u NATO, 27 November 2013 16:29)
Times change , US bombed Nagasaki and Hiroshima with the atom bomb , literally grounded it to zero, now they're the best allies. Both being superpowers.

All the talk of Kosovo's western masters, at least no one flat out tells Kosovo that you will follow your master's orders or else but Russia just did that to Serbia in a public forum for the world to know who is really boss in Serbia.
The thing Serbs do not realize is it is not Serbia blocking UN membership for Kosovo but Russia and at some point in time in order to put Serbia in its place that just might be an appropriate punishment.

Serbia these days is between a rock and Russia.

"... would you like to fraternize with Turkey,"

what a bizarre comment. is he trying to appeal to the anti-turkish sentiment that has been created in serbia (though to be fair, the whole balkans have this phobia) ? for all of Turkey's imperfections, russia is still way ahead of them in human rights abuses and transparency. if one of the arguments against NATO membership is 'fraternising' then its not a good enough reason not to join

"Have you seen the media poll about the popularity of foreign politicians in Serbia? If you have not, I will not tell you who is at the number one spot. And the second to last is the one you were probably referring to. It's like fashion. At first somebody is doing it intentionally, and then many who are chasing after that person, hoping for a banana, show up," Chepurin was quoted as saying by Tanjug. Never heard so much BS Russia is playing Serbia. Russia turned Serbia in to a Banana Republic. When they have you like Ukaraine Serbia will not no which way is up or down that is aproaching very fast. Serbia will join the Russian gulag asylum union that Russia places on all its "freinds" pity. When they wake up decades later from the brain washing trauma they are just crazy traumatized skeletons.

Even if by some miracle your prayers get answered and Russia does this to punish Serbia, China won't. They will never agree because of Taiwan.

More likely your beloved US will punish you and lose interest.
(Peggy, 28 November 2013 02:20)

China says it will control Taiwan by 2020. That is chinese promise.In 6 years no reason for China to not recognize Kosova. Chinese invest lots business in Kosova. Russia getting smaller. China getting bigger. China want east Russia. China like Kosova more every day.

you keep flattering yourself Zoran, I will carry on with my in Prishtina, you keep taking notes that's fine. maybe by the time you reach 113 (if you're lucky enough to live that long) you can share them. this though is being kind to you, sence i know the heavenly people are very patient, but sadly, you wont live 500 years, so these notes you're taking, are a waste of time...for you

(pss, 29 November 2013 15:48)

eThe Russians are more than just friends with Serbs; they have a very close affinity with them unlike the US and Albanians where there is nothing at all. Hey they killed over 10,000 in bombing Kosovo. Sadly for Albos Serbia is the next strategic target for Russia. They have taken Ukraine thus completely neutralising Georgia or the rest of central Asia from being possessed by the west. My statement was that NATO will never touch Serbia again otherwise there could well be a real war and one that the west cannot win either.
When you have nuclear weapons the west avoids picking a fight. Like a school yard bully the US loves a weakling to show off their superior weapons. That’s my point.

Serbia has the potential to be a bridge of trust and friendship between the EU and the Russian Federation. The relationship between Ukraine and Russia is entirely different.

The Russian Federation is picking up a lot of geopolitical momentum, but it is momentum that can be used against it as well. Just because NATO has called itself into question doesn't mean that the Russian Federation has proven itself worthier yet.

The Russians should not be as concerned about fulfilling themselves in relationships with the West and concentrate on solving some real problems that have confounded the West. Bring something new to the table. Start small, take it easy.

(sj, 2 December 2013 12:20)
And the US and Japanese military aircraft flew around in what China now calls its air space for more than 2 hours without incident! I think every news agency other than the "sj version of the Enquirer" printed the same thing.
True Russia will protect its pipelines and flow of gas from the west and rogue Serbs. True Russia could care less what Serbia does with the gas it purchases, but gas that only transits through Serbia is not purchased and it is in control of the Russia, I would love to see the result of Serbia trying to tamper with that flow. Except it would harm the poor who only want to heat their homes.

Joining Nato is the carrot at the end of the stick. Currently there is a huge US military base in Kosovo. If Serbia were to join Nato, the US would relinquish control of Kosovo back to Serbia and transform that base into a Nato base. Join the alliance and have your country back.

What will Russia say when all of Serbia's surrounding countries join NATO and Serbia applies?

NATO's spectacular aerial gift deposits over Serbia seems to be missed by Belgrade.

Serbia needs Russia for show. Makeing believe some one supports them........

Russia will capitalized this need with below market ass et purchases (investments).

In the end once again Serbs are repeat losers........

Political clap trap. Typical for an ambassador to say things people want to hear but where the reality is completely different.
For instance; The hot topic of the month namely the South Stream pipeline is supposed to bring in 10x what the EU can bring to Serbia. For one, the company managing the south stream project is registered in an OFF-SHORE company, probably with offices in Belize, Panama or some other criminally friendly jurisdiction, and does not pay taxes.
2ndly, The EU has already DONATED 10x more (1 billion Euros +) than Russia has LENT to Serbia.
Russia is shit scared of Serbia joining NATO because it will loose influence in Serbia and bring NATO that much closer to Russia.
Don't trust anyone, especially not the Americans and the RUSSIANS,

As an outsider, tt seems appallingly arrogant for the Russians to think they can set redlines for the way Serbia conducts Serbia's foreign policy. Russia seems to have more influence in Serbia than they did during the Cold War.

(sj, 2 December 2013 22:59)
Any news is better than the drivel you post but anyway, the planes flew they did not declare war on China it was done to show that they can and will fly through the zone and will not abide by the rules. This was a success and like I said there were never any encounters with the Chinese. You can hurl insults all you want, I am disadvantaged in the fact that if I hurl any back they are immediately edited out.
Serbia does not have the money to buy the gas it ships through. The pipelines flow through several countries does that mean that Serbia buys the gas from the other countries and not Russia? Or does this gas just flow directly to Serbia from Russia without going through the other transit countries?
Of course this is irrelevant as who is it that owns controlling interest in the energy company in Serbia? Is it Russia with 51 percent or Serbia with 49 percent. Who do you think makes all the decisions? Including control over the shut off valves.
Russia will set the prices for ALL customers of its gas not Serbia.
I have come to the conclusion that even if I lived in the most backward part of the US, it must be better than where you get your information from.

(sj, 3 December 2013 13:13) I will ask the same question asked hundreds of times which you have always ignored. Give one credible news source which supports your position, really on anything. Come up with one that supports your version of the China incident or the Serbia gas claims. I will be anxiously awaiting a response.

(sj, 28 November 2013 01:31)
Russia may be friends or more pretend friends of Serbs but they are never going to start a nuclear war based on anything happening in their favorite charity state. They may use a lot of rhetoric and fist pounding, maybe some minor military help but no way they will ever launch a nuclear war head unless they feel their OWN security is threatened. As they also realize that most nuclear missles in the west are already aimed at strategic targets within Russia and any launch they begin would give ample time to push a button that would pretty much destroy themselves.
The only mushrooms in your future are maybe some that you have already enjoyed in order to make such a statement.

Especially now that we piece by piece bite away countries that had obeyed the West.
(rote, 28 November 2013 10:58)

Woow... why do you need to bite away countries ? They don't like Russia ?! I thought they were looking forward to join the Russian paradise!

sj,
Can you not have a discussion based on truth and facts? 10000 Albanians killed by NATO bombing is a lie you know, I know it, the world knows it.
Serbia is not in any danger of being attacked by the west. Serbia forces are not in Kosovo so there is no need. Should Serbia decide to cross over then they WILL be stopped by NATO and it is doubtful Russia will raise a finger. There will be no need for a UNSC resolution for the NATO to stop Serbia in its tracks but it would take a UNSC resolution to prevent it. You are in NATO's backyard the same as Georgia and Ukraine are in Russia's. Russia is not a fool they are not going to risk their existence for a bunch of hooligans.
NO ONE would win a nuclear war and the world powers know it, that is why they are trying to keep the weapons out of the hands of rogue nations, also why you will never see nuclear weapons in an unstable Serbia probably more due to Russia than the west.
You are wrong, it is Russia, China and North Korea that parade their weapons around to convince people they are a formidable force. When is a time you have seen a western country have a parade displaying their weapons to the masses??
Why do you think that Russia requires 51% control over anything they invest in in Serbia? It is pure and simple, they are not going to let Serbia make decisions that could risk Russia's profits, same thing they are not going to allow Serbia to start a war that they have to come to the rescue.

sj,
Both Ukraine and Georgia both former Soviet Republics are perceived as threats to Russian security with too close alliance with the west and especially with any military intervention in those areas. Just as you do not see Russia involving itself with the issues in Catalonia, or Ireland or secessionist movement in Quebec, you are not going to see the west be too aggressive in the Russian sphere. Serbia has a close alliance similar to Cuba but deep in the area within NATO zone. So as you will see strong rhetoric you are not going to see either side pissing in the front yard of the other. Ever hear about the Cuban missile crisis in 1962? The US has a very large military installation in Cuba one of Russia's strongest allies and they want it gone but you do not see Russia intervening other than strong rhetoric. Sound familiar? I repeat NONE of the world powers are going to risk a nuclear war for a third party. Again, Serbia is in no danger of being bombed, you do not have any leaders in office stupid enough to attempt a military take over of Kosovo.

sj, 2 December 2013 10:19
Your whole post is a crock, the US sent in 2 war planes and Japan sent in a few aircraft and China MONITORED the situation, or maybe they sent in their fleet of aircraft carriers which consist of 1 non functional.
What does the "attack on one is an attack on all" have to do with Syria, Syria is not nor is opposition forces a member of NATO and to my knowledge no NATO country has been "attacked" in the Syrian conflict.
The South Stream project is going to hold surprises for many people, esp Serbs who think like you and think Russia is going to allow hooligans to
turn on and off its oil supplies to anywhere. Serbia already pays the highest price in the region for Russian oil, touch that valve and see who has a cold winter!

(pss, 2 December 2013 12:58)

I told you that Americans are the most backward people on earth. Stop watching CNN – it’s the new Pravda.
Yes they flew for two hours (unarmed by the way) before the Chinese fleet arrived in the area and all of a sudden no Piss and Wind. The Americans are full of s***. They don’t control the South China Sea nor do they control the Yellow sea.
Where do you live in this backward place called the US???? Do you think that Russia sells gas door to door in Serbia? What do you think they knock on people’s doors ?????
Gas is sold in bulk to a country. Serbia will buy so many cubic metres each year and the rest will flow onto Europe. Then Serbia will on sell that gas to regional customers - yes that is how it works. As long as the Russians get paid they don’t care what happens or how Serbia uses that gas.
I hope for a change this has cleared it up for you. You need to leave the US and see the real world not just see that BS Washington has created.

(pss, 3 December 2013 05:12)
Your knowledge of how the energy sector works is abysmal and you make it up as you go along. Why wouldn’t I call you backward and ignorant?
Your knowledge of current events involving China and Japan is also abysmal. You rely on US news while I live in the region and the Australian media is up to date.
The main pipeline is called Southstream with a 51%/49% partnership. It will enter Serbia via Bulgaria and exit via Subotica. Branch lines will be constructed by Serbia – not Russia or France. The branch lines will be paid for by Serbia. One will go to the Croatian border; another to RS as far as east Sarajevo (serb part) and a third to the Macedonian border.
Russia does not give one hoot what Serbia does once it buys the gas – its been paid for. The price of gas is set by Russia and that is influenced by the world price for natural gas. If you are a friend of Russia’s you get a very cheap price but if not then that is your problem.
“...gas just flow directly to Serbia from Russia without going through the other transit countries”. What the f*** does this have to do with the price of fish?????? So what if the gas travels via other countries??? The pipeline is big enough to supply all demands.
The Balkan countries will have to sign contracts with Serbia not Russia – now there is a rumour that Russia may build two power stations and run them on gas. If they belong to Russia then Serbia will guarantee delivery.

Backward and getting worse.

[link]
(Peggy, 3 December 2013 21:21)

Same with Australia if not worse.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-poor-reality-of-rich-australia-20131012-2vemb.html
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11142578
http://www.actu.org.au/Media/Mediareleases/ThegapisgrowingbetweenrichandpoorAustraliamustacttoreducelevelsofpoverty.aspx
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-14/1-in-8-australians-living-in-poverty/4312154
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20255904

Not to mention that Australia has a similar to deb per capita to the US.

I find the real Australia rather amazing and shocking. No wonder you keep it hidden from the tourists. It is more of a 'Muriel's Wedding' reality rather than the fake glamorisation portrayed in your crappy soaps.

John Pilger did an interesting documentary called Utopia about the real Australia and the 'First Australians'. It was a real eye opener.

Sj didn't you know Serbia doesn't the physical or mental capacity to create mushroom clouds.

Russia will never attack a Global SuperPower and her Allies ,that will seriously threaten its very existance JUST FOR SERBIA'S SAKE........

Serbia is not worth it............just ask Russia.........lip service max.............that's it........

Sj don't you know any attack on any member is considered an attack on all NATO allies?

Russia is safer keeping quiet and silently wispering to Serbia how "tough Slavs are" without actualy doing much out of fear of the real consequencess.

America VS. Russia is no match and that's not including NATO.

Russia can best exist protecting her borders from further collapse and forget serbia.

Where do you live in this backward place called the US????
==========================

Backward and getting worse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ih9uzNLkz4

I liked the analogy with monkeys and bananas about Montenegrin politicians. It is very diplomatic indeed to compare somebody you don't agree with with animals. This brilliant technique should be taught in all diplomacy schools around the world. It might get the Russian ambassador in Montenegro in trouble though.
The previous Russian ambassador to Serbia also did something similar in another conference a year ago or so. He got up and gave a memorable speech. Only he was talking about Serb politicians at that time and he did not compare them with animals. He implied that they were traitors though.

Also, I can assure you that more than a "few dozen people" were killed by NATO's "strategic and selective" bombing, and don't give me that collateral damage crap, its always "collateral" with them...
(Nikad u NATO, 28 November 2013 22:57)

Well, war is war dear and people are going to get killed. That's why countries should carefully consider the consequences before taking actions that can cause a war.

The only thing Serbia was lucky with was the fact that the bomber was not somebody like Assad, otherwise any discussion about Serbia today would start like this: Once upon a time there was a country called Serbia in the Balkans...

(azir, 1 December 2013 14:22)

Boy are you ignorant. In the last few days we had an incident in the South China Sea over some disputed islands between China and Japan. Your strong Americans sent two unarmed B52 over the islands and the Chinese then sent in their fleet. No more Americans flying over or near those islands. You still think US strong???


The US wanted to attack Syria and wanted NATO countries to join it. What happened? France and two or three others of no consequence put their hands up while the rest even UK said NO. So much for your “any attack on any member is considered an attack on all NATO allies”.
What you think Russia has done in Ukraine????? It’s put a stop to EU or any western expansion.
Watch what happens once South stream is fully operational and see how much Russia tolerates the US if it threatens the supply lines. Why do you think the US has negotiated a deal favourable to Iran????? Because it had to; no other choice, its exhausted and broke from fighting losing wars.

(pss, 2 December 2013 11:47)

I’ve always said you Yanks are backward.. China sent in its fleet and no more US BS. Stop watching CNN.
NATO agreement places an obligation on all members to assist so when the US asked for help with Syria you got nothing. Read up on the NATO agreement – it does not only talk of “ attack on one is an attack on all”.
Serbia will be sold gas in bulk. Now what Serbia does after that the Russians don’t care. If they lean towards the Russians they get cheap gas if not, well ask the Rumanians how much they pay since they favour the west.
The Russians will never allow the west to endanger their pipelines because once South stream is finished Russia will control Europe. They are not investing billions to supply only 20% of EU needs as you can do that easily with bulk tankers.

Joining Nato is the carrot at the end of the stick. Currently there is a huge US military base in Kosovo. If Serbia were to join Nato, the US would relinquish control of Kosovo back to Serbia and transform that base into a Nato base. Join the alliance and have your country back.

What will Russia say when all of Serbia's surrounding countries join NATO and Serbia applies?

NATO's spectacular aerial gift deposits over Serbia seems to be missed by Belgrade.

Serbia needs Russia for show. Makeing believe some one supports them........

Russia will capitalized this need with below market ass et purchases (investments).

In the end once again Serbs are repeat losers........

"The idea of joining an organization that illegally bombed you, killed your people, destroyed your infrastructure, and effectively occupied/annexed a part of your territory is beyond ridicules..."
(Nikad u NATO, 27 November 2013 16:29)

Well, Germany did the some years after WW2, joining NATO though it was bombed by Allied forces. And sorry, you cannot compare this strategic, selective bombing of YU by NATO with some few dozen people unfortunately killed as collateral damage with the bombing in WW2 where in one night 10.000s of people got killed.

Chepurin also spoke about Russia's "second red line" when it came to Serbia - that "nobody should pressure Serbia during the negotiations to 'tie itself to something'," and that any form of integration "must not interfere with the long tradition of cultural, economic, and political Russo-Serbian ties - because that is primarily in the interest of Serbia."

-- Sounds like the first red line is exactly Russia pressuring Serbia not to negotiate with an international organization such as NATO, therefore tying itself with to Putin.

"Have you seen the media poll about the popularity of foreign politicians in Serbia? If you have not, I will not tell you who is at the number one spot. And the second to last is the one you were probably referring to. It's like fashion. At first somebody is doing it intentionally, and then many who are chasing after that person, hoping for a banana, show up," Chepurin was quoted as saying by Tanjug. Never heard so much BS Russia is playing Serbia. Russia turned Serbia in to a Banana Republic. When they have you like Ukaraine Serbia will not no which way is up or down that is aproaching very fast. Serbia will join the Russian gulag asylum union that Russia places on all its "freinds" pity. When they wake up decades later from the brain washing trauma they are just crazy traumatized skeletons.

While that decision is ultimately NOT up to Russia, I think the Russians can rest easy knowing that the vast majority of Serbs would never support NATO membership, and I believe most politicians in Serbia (with any sense of a backbone) feel the same in that regard.

The idea of joining an organization that illegally bombed you, killed your people, destroyed your infrastructure, and effectively occupied/annexed a part of your territory is beyond ridicules...

This is sovereign decision of Serbia and its authorities - we will do what is best for our own interest. USA and Russia should resolve their own problems between themselves.

The idea of joining an organization that illegally bombed you, killed your people, destroyed your infrastructure, and effectively occupied/annexed a part of your territory is beyond ridicules...
(Nikad u NATO, 27 November 2013 16:29)
Times change , US bombed Nagasaki and Hiroshima with the atom bomb , literally grounded it to zero, now they're the best allies. Both being superpowers.

Even if by some miracle your prayers get answered and Russia does this to punish Serbia, China won't. They will never agree because of Taiwan.

More likely your beloved US will punish you and lose interest.
(Peggy, 28 November 2013 02:20)

China says it will control Taiwan by 2020. That is chinese promise.In 6 years no reason for China to not recognize Kosova. Chinese invest lots business in Kosova. Russia getting smaller. China getting bigger. China want east Russia. China like Kosova more every day.

If Serbia wants to join or not NATO is one thing. But it speaks volumes that Russia would see it "unacceptable" that Serbia might join the NATO. It shows clearly that for Moscow Serbia is just a colony which has to crawl according their bidding and orders.

This is not a Russian ambassador, this is the Russian gubernator of Serbia. Pathetic!

This is sovereign decision of Serbia and its authorities - we will do what is best for our own interest. USA and Russia should resolve their own problems between themselves.
(danijel, 27 November 2013 16:56)
========================================

It IS in Serbia's interest to stick with Russia and stay clear of NATO.
You want someone to look after Serbia's itnerest in the UNSC but you don't want to give something back. It doesn't work that way.
Please explain to us how is it in Serbia's itnerest to join the very club which has bombed her and caused billions of dollars worth of damage and cost thousands of lives?
Go on, please explain.

"... would you like to fraternize with Turkey,"

what a bizarre comment. is he trying to appeal to the anti-turkish sentiment that has been created in serbia (though to be fair, the whole balkans have this phobia) ? for all of Turkey's imperfections, russia is still way ahead of them in human rights abuses and transparency. if one of the arguments against NATO membership is 'fraternising' then its not a good enough reason not to join

Joining Nato is the carrot at the end of the stick. Currently there is a huge US military base in Kosovo. If Serbia were to join Nato, the US would relinquish control of Kosovo back to Serbia and transform that base into a Nato base. Join the alliance and have your country back.
(MikeD, 27 November 2013 16:54)

o wow, you are a smart man/woman. You better keep what you have or else, you will go back to original borders, which IS Belgrade pashaluk.

All the talk of Kosovo's western masters, at least no one flat out tells Kosovo that you will follow your master's orders or else but Russia just did that to Serbia in a public forum for the world to know who is really boss in Serbia.
The thing Serbs do not realize is it is not Serbia blocking UN membership for Kosovo but Russia and at some point in time in order to put Serbia in its place that just might be an appropriate punishment.

Serbia should stay away from both. NATO (satanic horde) cowardly bombed Serbia and continues to occupy its territory. On the other hand Russia, while during the Kosovo war pushed Milosevic to sign the failed 1999 peace agreement, and when it came time to support us during the peace agreement, they refused to send troops because they claimed they had no way. They are both dogs at the end of the day.

@Zoran: its sweet that you keep flattering yourself about sending Albanians to Turkey isn't it?
(Nikolle, 28 November 2013 13:21)
--
Who said anything about "sending"? I'm not one to interfere with nature. Check -> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25129171

Migrations are peaceful and an act of nature.

However, like I mentioned, we now know the rules of the game. Aparently there is no return if you have a few guns and powerful friends. I'm just an observer sharing my notes. Peace my friend.

you keep flattering yourself Zoran, I will carry on with my in Prishtina, you keep taking notes that's fine. maybe by the time you reach 113 (if you're lucky enough to live that long) you can share them. this though is being kind to you, sence i know the heavenly people are very patient, but sadly, you wont live 500 years, so these notes you're taking, are a waste of time...for you

Political clap trap. Typical for an ambassador to say things people want to hear but where the reality is completely different.
For instance; The hot topic of the month namely the South Stream pipeline is supposed to bring in 10x what the EU can bring to Serbia. For one, the company managing the south stream project is registered in an OFF-SHORE company, probably with offices in Belize, Panama or some other criminally friendly jurisdiction, and does not pay taxes.
2ndly, The EU has already DONATED 10x more (1 billion Euros +) than Russia has LENT to Serbia.
Russia is shit scared of Serbia joining NATO because it will loose influence in Serbia and bring NATO that much closer to Russia.
Don't trust anyone, especially not the Americans and the RUSSIANS,

Serbia do what your masters tell you what to do, don't join nato.
(bridge, 28 November 2013 12:04)
--
Too true. Our master is God and we are not to join satan.

Serbia these days is between a rock and Russia.

Serbia do what your masters tell you what to do, don't join nato.

(azir, 27 November 2013 23:13)

This is not 1999. This is 2013 and many things have changed since that time. Next time NATO tries to deposit their areal gifts mushroom clouds will sprout over western Europe and US mate and this is not a joke. Why doesn’t NATO come to Ukraine’s rescue???
If Serbs are losers then what have you gained out of your close association with the west? Kosovo is a dump with unemployment at 80% and given the chance 99% of Albanians would leave.

The thing Serbs do not realize is it is not Serbia blocking UN membership for Kosovo but Russia and at some point in time in order to put Serbia in its place that just might be an appropriate punishment.
(think about it, 27 November 2013 23:22)
============================
There is nothing to think about. We are not delusional and we know that it's Russia and China who are blocking you. The second part about Russia recognzing Kosovo to put Serbia in it's place rally takes the cake.
If you believe that then keep waiting and waiting and waiting.
Even if by some miracle your prayers get answered and Russia does this to punish Serbia, China won't. They will never agree because of Taiwan.

More likely your beloved US will punish you and lose interest.

China want east Russia. China like Kosova more every day.
(Haitian, 28 November 2013 11:15)
--
He he, China like "Kosovahhh"*. Russia like Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia joined. China and Russia joined. Russia can destory China so China no touch Russia. Ukraine and Serbia separated by one country. China in Hungary and Romania with 10 billion USD to bridge gap. China like Serbia so Kosovo is Serbia. China and Russia agree. Do worry, you like Turkey and Erdogan said "Kosovahhh"* is Turkey. Maybe time to learn Turkish?

@Zoran: its sweet that you keep flattering yourself about sending Albanians to Turkey isn't it?

Migrations are peaceful and an act of nature.
(Zoran, 28 November 2013 14:14)

It is good to see that you already accepted your peaceful migration to Siberia. LOL!

Well, Germany did the some years after WW2, joining NATO though it was bombed by Allied forces. And sorry, you cannot compare this strategic, selective bombing of YU by NATO with some few dozen people unfortunately killed as collateral damage with the bombing in WW2 where in one night 10.000s of people got killed.
(Comm. Parrisson, 27 November 2013 18:02)

Sorry, but you cannot compare Serbia who was defending itself on its own territory to Germany which invaded over a dozen countries only to lose in the end and be completely occupied/divided by two super powers. Point being, Germany didn't have a CHOICE either way. Also, I can assure you that more than a "few dozen people" were killed by NATO's "strategic and selective" bombing, and don't give me that collateral damage crap, its always "collateral" with them...

Don't that I expect an LDP supporter and NATO apologist to understand the difference.

(pss, 2 December 2013 12:58)

I told you that Americans are the most backward people on earth. Stop watching CNN – it’s the new Pravda.
Yes they flew for two hours (unarmed by the way) before the Chinese fleet arrived in the area and all of a sudden no Piss and Wind. The Americans are full of s***. They don’t control the South China Sea nor do they control the Yellow sea.
Where do you live in this backward place called the US???? Do you think that Russia sells gas door to door in Serbia? What do you think they knock on people’s doors ?????
Gas is sold in bulk to a country. Serbia will buy so many cubic metres each year and the rest will flow onto Europe. Then Serbia will on sell that gas to regional customers - yes that is how it works. As long as the Russians get paid they don’t care what happens or how Serbia uses that gas.
I hope for a change this has cleared it up for you. You need to leave the US and see the real world not just see that BS Washington has created.

"That's the read line that in no way suits Russia..."

It should be red line, not 'read' line.

He is right that Serbia shouldn't join NATO and people here are stupid if they think that Serbia joining NATO will undo all the work the NATO countries did to sever Kosovo. They wanted that and they won't even allow Serbs to go back safely to Kosovo, whether it joins NATO or not. Same with Croatia and the Muslim-Croat part of Bosnia. There are not rights for disenfranchised Serb refugees and the international community won't put any real money into helping Serbs return either.

The problem with Russia is it is not counteracting, but a tiny percent, of what the NATO countries have done to practically ruin Serbia, bring it to its knees and install a puppet government.
Russia is holding firm on the Kosovo decision, but at the same time Russia did not protect the Kosovo Serb population when their soldiers were there. They were outmaneuvered by NATO but Russia could have tried harder.

Russia also voted in or went along with: the UN sanctions on Serbia, the founding of the ICTY court (which is an illegal biased kangaroo court), the bombing of the Bosnian Serbs, and Russian arms merchants were sending shiploads and planeloads of weapons to Slovenia (which then sent them to Bosnia Hercegovina) and also to a special Croatia island.

So Russia should take a good hard look at those decisions which did help the west destroy Serbia and leave it hopeless.

Serbia has the potential to be a bridge of trust and friendship between the EU and the Russian Federation. The relationship between Ukraine and Russia is entirely different.

The Russian Federation is picking up a lot of geopolitical momentum, but it is momentum that can be used against it as well. Just because NATO has called itself into question doesn't mean that the Russian Federation has proven itself worthier yet.

The Russians should not be as concerned about fulfilling themselves in relationships with the West and concentrate on solving some real problems that have confounded the West. Bring something new to the table. Start small, take it easy.

“Russia is shit scared of Serbia joining NATO …”

Sounds very amusing as if it is Serbia that can eliminate all NATO members in an hour. With 1850 charges most of them from 1 to 10 megatons “scared” is a too strong word to be implemented for Russia. So our pants are very dry. What about yours ? Especially now that we piece by piece bite away countries that had obeyed the West. Apparently we love Serbia and even two great Joes (Tito&Stalin) failed to quarrel us. So NATO also should not bar the two peoples. This is what most of the Serbians and Russians mean. Especially after we were treated the same way 15-20 years ago. The West despises the weak so we became strong enough not only to scare them and but even to care them.

(sj, 28 November 2013 01:31)
Russia may be friends or more pretend friends of Serbs but they are never going to start a nuclear war based on anything happening in their favorite charity state. They may use a lot of rhetoric and fist pounding, maybe some minor military help but no way they will ever launch a nuclear war head unless they feel their OWN security is threatened. As they also realize that most nuclear missles in the west are already aimed at strategic targets within Russia and any launch they begin would give ample time to push a button that would pretty much destroy themselves.
The only mushrooms in your future are maybe some that you have already enjoyed in order to make such a statement.

Everything Ambassador Chepurin said is absolutely bang on! Thank you for speaking the truth, and please keep slapping around our sellout Serbian politicians, who truly are a pathetic lot.
Cheers!!

I agree with Chepurin. South Stream will not only provide energy efficiency Serbia, but this project should be viewed as a large sphere of influence of Russia. On that way, Serbian's protection increases, especially if you are known that Serbia has be surrounded by the member states of NATO. This can only help us in maintaining our military neutrality. After this we had in the past, we see the consequences of all of 1999 onwards. Serbia wont be a member of NATO.

(pss, 29 November 2013 15:48)

eThe Russians are more than just friends with Serbs; they have a very close affinity with them unlike the US and Albanians where there is nothing at all. Hey they killed over 10,000 in bombing Kosovo. Sadly for Albos Serbia is the next strategic target for Russia. They have taken Ukraine thus completely neutralising Georgia or the rest of central Asia from being possessed by the west. My statement was that NATO will never touch Serbia again otherwise there could well be a real war and one that the west cannot win either.
When you have nuclear weapons the west avoids picking a fight. Like a school yard bully the US loves a weakling to show off their superior weapons. That’s my point.

(pss, 2 December 2013 11:47)

I’ve always said you Yanks are backward.. China sent in its fleet and no more US BS. Stop watching CNN.
NATO agreement places an obligation on all members to assist so when the US asked for help with Syria you got nothing. Read up on the NATO agreement – it does not only talk of “ attack on one is an attack on all”.
Serbia will be sold gas in bulk. Now what Serbia does after that the Russians don’t care. If they lean towards the Russians they get cheap gas if not, well ask the Rumanians how much they pay since they favour the west.
The Russians will never allow the west to endanger their pipelines because once South stream is finished Russia will control Europe. They are not investing billions to supply only 20% of EU needs as you can do that easily with bulk tankers.

The benefits certainly Serbia would not have with the inclination to one side. She needs to be aside, because she also needs support from Russia. And join in NATO can be qualified like betray.

(pss, 3 December 2013 05:12)
Your knowledge of how the energy sector works is abysmal and you make it up as you go along. Why wouldn’t I call you backward and ignorant?
Your knowledge of current events involving China and Japan is also abysmal. You rely on US news while I live in the region and the Australian media is up to date.
The main pipeline is called Southstream with a 51%/49% partnership. It will enter Serbia via Bulgaria and exit via Subotica. Branch lines will be constructed by Serbia – not Russia or France. The branch lines will be paid for by Serbia. One will go to the Croatian border; another to RS as far as east Sarajevo (serb part) and a third to the Macedonian border.
Russia does not give one hoot what Serbia does once it buys the gas – its been paid for. The price of gas is set by Russia and that is influenced by the world price for natural gas. If you are a friend of Russia’s you get a very cheap price but if not then that is your problem.
“...gas just flow directly to Serbia from Russia without going through the other transit countries”. What the f*** does this have to do with the price of fish?????? So what if the gas travels via other countries??? The pipeline is big enough to supply all demands.
The Balkan countries will have to sign contracts with Serbia not Russia – now there is a rumour that Russia may build two power stations and run them on gas. If they belong to Russia then Serbia will guarantee delivery.

Where do you live in this backward place called the US????
==========================

Backward and getting worse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ih9uzNLkz4

Also, I can assure you that more than a "few dozen people" were killed by NATO's "strategic and selective" bombing, and don't give me that collateral damage crap, its always "collateral" with them...
(Nikad u NATO, 28 November 2013 22:57)

Well, war is war dear and people are going to get killed. That's why countries should carefully consider the consequences before taking actions that can cause a war.

The only thing Serbia was lucky with was the fact that the bomber was not somebody like Assad, otherwise any discussion about Serbia today would start like this: Once upon a time there was a country called Serbia in the Balkans...

Especially now that we piece by piece bite away countries that had obeyed the West.
(rote, 28 November 2013 10:58)

Woow... why do you need to bite away countries ? They don't like Russia ?! I thought they were looking forward to join the Russian paradise!

sj,
Can you not have a discussion based on truth and facts? 10000 Albanians killed by NATO bombing is a lie you know, I know it, the world knows it.
Serbia is not in any danger of being attacked by the west. Serbia forces are not in Kosovo so there is no need. Should Serbia decide to cross over then they WILL be stopped by NATO and it is doubtful Russia will raise a finger. There will be no need for a UNSC resolution for the NATO to stop Serbia in its tracks but it would take a UNSC resolution to prevent it. You are in NATO's backyard the same as Georgia and Ukraine are in Russia's. Russia is not a fool they are not going to risk their existence for a bunch of hooligans.
NO ONE would win a nuclear war and the world powers know it, that is why they are trying to keep the weapons out of the hands of rogue nations, also why you will never see nuclear weapons in an unstable Serbia probably more due to Russia than the west.
You are wrong, it is Russia, China and North Korea that parade their weapons around to convince people they are a formidable force. When is a time you have seen a western country have a parade displaying their weapons to the masses??
Why do you think that Russia requires 51% control over anything they invest in in Serbia? It is pure and simple, they are not going to let Serbia make decisions that could risk Russia's profits, same thing they are not going to allow Serbia to start a war that they have to come to the rescue.

Sj didn't you know Serbia doesn't the physical or mental capacity to create mushroom clouds.

Russia will never attack a Global SuperPower and her Allies ,that will seriously threaten its very existance JUST FOR SERBIA'S SAKE........

Serbia is not worth it............just ask Russia.........lip service max.............that's it........

Sj don't you know any attack on any member is considered an attack on all NATO allies?

Russia is safer keeping quiet and silently wispering to Serbia how "tough Slavs are" without actualy doing much out of fear of the real consequencess.

America VS. Russia is no match and that's not including NATO.

Russia can best exist protecting her borders from further collapse and forget serbia.

(azir, 1 December 2013 14:22)

Boy are you ignorant. In the last few days we had an incident in the South China Sea over some disputed islands between China and Japan. Your strong Americans sent two unarmed B52 over the islands and the Chinese then sent in their fleet. No more Americans flying over or near those islands. You still think US strong???


The US wanted to attack Syria and wanted NATO countries to join it. What happened? France and two or three others of no consequence put their hands up while the rest even UK said NO. So much for your “any attack on any member is considered an attack on all NATO allies”.
What you think Russia has done in Ukraine????? It’s put a stop to EU or any western expansion.
Watch what happens once South stream is fully operational and see how much Russia tolerates the US if it threatens the supply lines. Why do you think the US has negotiated a deal favourable to Iran????? Because it had to; no other choice, its exhausted and broke from fighting losing wars.

As an outsider, tt seems appallingly arrogant for the Russians to think they can set redlines for the way Serbia conducts Serbia's foreign policy. Russia seems to have more influence in Serbia than they did during the Cold War.

(sj, 2 December 2013 22:59)
Any news is better than the drivel you post but anyway, the planes flew they did not declare war on China it was done to show that they can and will fly through the zone and will not abide by the rules. This was a success and like I said there were never any encounters with the Chinese. You can hurl insults all you want, I am disadvantaged in the fact that if I hurl any back they are immediately edited out.
Serbia does not have the money to buy the gas it ships through. The pipelines flow through several countries does that mean that Serbia buys the gas from the other countries and not Russia? Or does this gas just flow directly to Serbia from Russia without going through the other transit countries?
Of course this is irrelevant as who is it that owns controlling interest in the energy company in Serbia? Is it Russia with 51 percent or Serbia with 49 percent. Who do you think makes all the decisions? Including control over the shut off valves.
Russia will set the prices for ALL customers of its gas not Serbia.
I have come to the conclusion that even if I lived in the most backward part of the US, it must be better than where you get your information from.

(sj, 3 December 2013 13:13) I will ask the same question asked hundreds of times which you have always ignored. Give one credible news source which supports your position, really on anything. Come up with one that supports your version of the China incident or the Serbia gas claims. I will be anxiously awaiting a response.

I liked the analogy with monkeys and bananas about Montenegrin politicians. It is very diplomatic indeed to compare somebody you don't agree with with animals. This brilliant technique should be taught in all diplomacy schools around the world. It might get the Russian ambassador in Montenegro in trouble though.
The previous Russian ambassador to Serbia also did something similar in another conference a year ago or so. He got up and gave a memorable speech. Only he was talking about Serb politicians at that time and he did not compare them with animals. He implied that they were traitors though.

sj,
Both Ukraine and Georgia both former Soviet Republics are perceived as threats to Russian security with too close alliance with the west and especially with any military intervention in those areas. Just as you do not see Russia involving itself with the issues in Catalonia, or Ireland or secessionist movement in Quebec, you are not going to see the west be too aggressive in the Russian sphere. Serbia has a close alliance similar to Cuba but deep in the area within NATO zone. So as you will see strong rhetoric you are not going to see either side pissing in the front yard of the other. Ever hear about the Cuban missile crisis in 1962? The US has a very large military installation in Cuba one of Russia's strongest allies and they want it gone but you do not see Russia intervening other than strong rhetoric. Sound familiar? I repeat NONE of the world powers are going to risk a nuclear war for a third party. Again, Serbia is in no danger of being bombed, you do not have any leaders in office stupid enough to attempt a military take over of Kosovo.

sj, 2 December 2013 10:19
Your whole post is a crock, the US sent in 2 war planes and Japan sent in a few aircraft and China MONITORED the situation, or maybe they sent in their fleet of aircraft carriers which consist of 1 non functional.
What does the "attack on one is an attack on all" have to do with Syria, Syria is not nor is opposition forces a member of NATO and to my knowledge no NATO country has been "attacked" in the Syrian conflict.
The South Stream project is going to hold surprises for many people, esp Serbs who think like you and think Russia is going to allow hooligans to
turn on and off its oil supplies to anywhere. Serbia already pays the highest price in the region for Russian oil, touch that valve and see who has a cold winter!

(sj, 2 December 2013 12:20)
And the US and Japanese military aircraft flew around in what China now calls its air space for more than 2 hours without incident! I think every news agency other than the "sj version of the Enquirer" printed the same thing.
True Russia will protect its pipelines and flow of gas from the west and rogue Serbs. True Russia could care less what Serbia does with the gas it purchases, but gas that only transits through Serbia is not purchased and it is in control of the Russia, I would love to see the result of Serbia trying to tamper with that flow. Except it would harm the poor who only want to heat their homes.

Backward and getting worse.

[link]
(Peggy, 3 December 2013 21:21)

Same with Australia if not worse.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-poor-reality-of-rich-australia-20131012-2vemb.html
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11142578
http://www.actu.org.au/Media/Mediareleases/ThegapisgrowingbetweenrichandpoorAustraliamustacttoreducelevelsofpoverty.aspx
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-14/1-in-8-australians-living-in-poverty/4312154
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20255904

Not to mention that Australia has a similar to deb per capita to the US.

I find the real Australia rather amazing and shocking. No wonder you keep it hidden from the tourists. It is more of a 'Muriel's Wedding' reality rather than the fake glamorisation portrayed in your crappy soaps.

John Pilger did an interesting documentary called Utopia about the real Australia and the 'First Australians'. It was a real eye opener.