Putin signs Crimea's admission to RF, mentions Kosovo

Good move Putin.
Now officially recognize Kosovo and you will be remember as a man of principals.

Congratulations to Russia and Crimea for achieving this union without bloodshed, without bombs and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from NATO and their fellow terrorists.

Russia is a shining example of showing the world how it protects its people from fascism. It is now time to split the Ukraine into two federal units and all will be done. Western Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine while there will be no NATO membership and no EU membership. If those extremists in Kiev had any brains, they would know that is their best option.

There was a great threat of Ukraine ending up like the former Yugoslavia but I am so glad Russia stepped up and prevented another humanitarian catastrophe. Well done!

BTW, The RT Channel has been banned from Youtube. Just goes to show how the western propaganda machine has lost.

"The U.S. says that Kosovo precedent is a unique case, so why do they think that Crimea's situation is not unique?," Putin asked, and concluded: "These are not double standards, this is outright cynicism."

Exactly!! What goes around comes around. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. This is music to my ears. Congratulations to Russia, this is truly a great and historic day for all Russians and all freedom loving people everywhere. You have stood up to the NATO war criminals and their fascist puppets and exposed them for the hypocrites and liars that they are. Putin's speech was right on the money, and he is, as I said before, definitely the leader of the free world. Keep up the great work!

Cheers!!

Yes. Albania should have invaded Kosovo...
(Comm. Parrisson, 18 March 2014 16:00)
--
Get a grip Commie, Albania invade Serbia with what? It's 2nd donkey division? LOL!

It took the world's greatest killing machine, NATO, to have our holy land occupied and terrorised. Somehow I think we will get another chance at correcting that error.

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.

"Congratulations to Russia and Crimea for achieving this union without bloodshed, without bombs and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from NATO and their fellow terrorists. "
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

Yes. Albania should have invaded Kosovo before the bloodshed by Serbian paramilitaries and extremists, three days after Milosevic decided to ban Albanian language in universities, then hold a referendum within two weeks in Kosovo, with Albanian soldiers without insignia patrolling in front of the polling stations, which were decorated with Albanian flags and transparent ballot boxes, and annexed the territory as part of Albania the next day.

thank you Putin for your the indirect recognition of kosova. Lol

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)
--
Forget why? Putin dealt with those regions a long time again. It is finished business as far as he is concerned.

Maybe he should start thinking about Trans-Dniester? It wants to join with Russia also. Check -> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26627236

What do you think ben? Should Moldovo start thinking about joining the EU or NATO?

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)

Don't worry. When the time is ripe, those people will make him remember. Putin started something we will never ever control again and it will end in Russia's total disintegration.

It is no different then Nazi Germany taking Studalands from Chekoslovakia just before WW2. Next on Putins agenda will be all of Ukaraine. Kremlin Russia is nothing but fascist how many other nationaleties have they murdered and even Russians to make a greater Russia. In the 10`s of millions or exsiled hole populations to frozen Siberia from their homelands. To starve ,freeze and die. Chechnia wanted to be free of Russia they voted for independence. They got it from Yelsin. Putin used Chechens http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kug-fRun560 to get in power when he was runing for the Kremlin. When head of KGB Putin had less then 1% support among Russians. Then his criminal KGB started blowing up aparments with Russians in them and blaming the Chechians. Putin is nothing but a bad piece of vile evil in the criminal KGB tridition murderously cold. Dictator Putin in the Russian fascist tradition is leading Russia and its people on the crazy train. It is heading to suffering hell destruction worse then WW2. What is new the more things change the more it riverts back comes back in a full circle to the same old criminal dirty buisnes. The lunatic despots think they are above the law it dose not apply to them.

"Russia does not intend to take other regions after Crimea, and respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, Putin also said, according to the Russian news agency."

The USA respects Serbia's territorial integrity, and doesn't intend to give other regions after Kosovo to ethnic minorities

Republica of Crimea is worth of Guinnes Book as it existed less than 24 hours. They had no time to print a new constitution , elect a parliament , appoint a president and do many other formalities. Seems that they are not dissapointedf coz Russia already got it all. One people one state. And they don't look worried about the support of the outside world. Just as if they do not care it. Russians look quite self sufficient and no sanctions can spoil their holiday. Whatever is said here EU is on the stake itself. Cathalonia , Scottland , Bavaria , Venice , Trancylvania ect. Russians sing their Victory songs while Europe is seeking for a path through the mines it had put by itself in KM and other places. I like it.

Putin mentioned Kosovo. Don't say? Ironically, until a few weeks ago, both Putin and Russia's foreign minister, Lavrov, had always loudly called the Kosovo precedent "illegal." In Kosovo for years the international community had no power to intervene while Milosevic carried out his ethnic cleansing. NATO then decided to act alone because Russia continuously blocked any UN mandate on Serbia. That situation is in no way similar to what is happening today in Ukraine. In Crimea, there is no evidence of any similar repression. Efforts by the West to discover any have been rebuffed by unmarked militia. There is no similar dynamic of widespread crimes against humanity in Ukraine or any ethnically exclusive "Greater Ukraine" ideology in play. The Crimea case is barely a month old.

I don't understand how this is good. The Russians told the Europeans and the US that they are going to act exactly like the EU and the US does. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the irony and I enjoy watching Putin outwit the west and rub their noses in the crap they made, but does this mean that the US and Europe are going to stop acting badly, or does it mean that Russia is going to do it to?

In any case, what does all this mean for the small countries? Does this mean they get gobbled up if they take sides against NATO or Russia? If so, Serbia should stay neutral and stay out of this.

(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

LOL Zoran, did you read this from the article:

"Addressing members of the Federal Assembly, regional governors and Crimean leaders, Putin quoted two documents, which cited "Kosovo's right to independence."

He quoted the opinion of the UN International Court of Justice on Kosovo that "no general prohibition against unilateral declarations of independence may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council" and that "general international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence".

Next time you mention the illegality of Kosovo's declaration of independence, I will cite your idol Putin.

I don't often agree with Putin but here he has some valid points and yes the 'West' can at the best of times come accross as arrogant and patronising.
However one thing I fail to understand is while Russia does not accept the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo he not only condones secession of the Crim he glorifies it. He accuses the 'West' of hypocracy but actually he, himself, is behaving exactly that way.
Two wrongs do not make one right.

BTW, The RT Channel has been banned from Youtube. Just goes to show how the western propaganda machine has lost.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05
I think you either meant the Eastern propaganda machine has lost or the western propaganda machine has won.
But no matter you are wrong on the other fronts too.

If those extremists in Kiev had any brains, they would know that is their best option.

-- Sounds like a certain Zoran from Serbia should know that an independent Kosova is your best option as well. Let's see you spin this one. ... And go

Good move Putin.
Now officially recognize Kosovo and you will be remember as a man of principals.
(Mirel from Albania, 18 March 2014 14:48)

Personally I want him to do that just for the pro-Russian Serbs to be doomed and so that North Kosovo Serbs stop hanging Russian flags in the streets! Augh! In that case Serbia will finally be able to join NATO and align with the west.

Zoran and Dragan,

Russia violated the territorial integrity of the Ukraine. Both of you are crazy for congratulating Russia for the annexation of Crimea.

I am very happy that my country, Romania, is a member of NATO and the European Union.

The European Union should take measures to ISOLATE Russia as much as possible.

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)

Places you cannot even find on a map or even spell!

How do you spell Putin in french?

I don't think Mr. Putin remembers the story of David and Golliath. Or if he remembers it, he doesn't believe it.
I also remember an expression related to Russia: "feet of clay". The bad big bear is mighty but ... beware of your wrongdoings. They might overcome your powers when you least expect.
History proved this world cannot be conquered by one man. But I fear it can be destroyed by one man's wrongdoings and greed.
Historically speaking Crimea is a part of Russia. But taking it back this way is so very wrong.
Those Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea have no fault. I hope they will see their families, their homes one day. Oh, they really believe they are home. What about that, Mr. Putin?

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)

Dagestan - who knows? But stop thinking about "Ceca" (Svetlana Ražnatović), she does not like you as much as you do love her. Wake up, rather spending time and writing silly things on a remote Serbian web site - take poper care about your neglected Albanian wife.

It took the world's greatest killing machine, NATO, to have our holy land occupied and terrorised. Somehow I think we will get another chance at correcting that error.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 16:57
Yeah mark your calendar so you don't miss it, I think most have put the date somewhere about 500 years from now.

"He quoted the opinion of the UN International Court of Justice on Kosovo that "no general prohibition against unilateral declarations of independence may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council" and that "general international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence". "

Aha, we finally see the correct quote from the ICJ Opinion regarding Kosovo. "general international law" not "international law" (as our dear Serbian friends misquote) contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence. "Special international law" are provisions which apply only to particular countries or situations.

In the case of Ukraine, the "special international law" (which Vladimir forgot to speak about) says that "The Russian Federation [...] reaffirms commitment to Ukraine [...] to respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine" as per the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 which Russia has signed.

Congratulations to Russia and Crimea for achieving this union without bloodshed, without bombs and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from NATO and their fellow terrorists.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

Congratulations to somebody who points a gun to your head and asks for your money and you give it to him. That somebody will achieve taking your money without bloodshed, without firing a shot and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from armed robbers when they attack :)
----------

Russia is a shining example of showing the world how it protects its people from fascism.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

Indeed, the only Russians unprotected by fascism are the Russians living in... Russia.
----------

Western Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine while there will be no NATO membership and no EU membership. If those extremists in Kiev had any brains, they would know that is their best option.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

You mean because Ukrainians want the above or you/Russia want the above, and it does not matter what the Ukrainians want :)
----------

There was a great threat of Ukraine ending up like the former Yugoslavia but I am so glad Russia stepped up and prevented another humanitarian catastrophe. Well done!
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

So, you're saying that NATO did a big error of not stopping Serbia earlier but let things drag until March 1999. I agree with you on that point.

Exactly!! What goes around comes around. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. This is music to my ears. Congratulations to Russia, this is truly a great and historic day for all Russians and all freedom loving people everywhere. You have stood up to the NATO war criminals and their fascist puppets and exposed them for the hypocrites and liars that they are. Putin's speech was right on the money, and he is, as I said before, definitely the leader of the free world. Keep up the great work!
(Dragan, 18 March 2014 16:21)

Just out of curiosity... how much convincing you had to do to yourself to write the above :)

"by free world" or "people everywhere" you must mean Vladimir himself, because no country, not a single one, whether free or not free, supported what Vladimir is doing... Pretty weird for people not to support somebody who supposedly is their leader :)

Putin as out manoeuvred the west on this issue. we supported a coup when we thought Putin had his attention elsewhere. this has since back fired when Putin moved into Crimea. The Kosovo issue unique or not was always going to be a bench mark for similar cases. The west constantly used a term the reality on the ground in kosovo is..... well the reality on the ground is Russia is in Crimea. we in the west will talk big but nothing significant will happen. Moldova could be another flash point with Russian speaking people asking to join Russia. interesting times ahead and a test for the EU and the West.

This comparison between Crimea and Kosovo is making me sick. What about the likes of South Sudan, East Timor or for that matter Abkhazia and South Ossetia?

For some reason the Serb ultranationalists seem to think this has given them a b-12 shot and the future is different. Remember, all this took place in days and weeks.
The Serbia and Kosovo issue is now 15 years and you have words from Russia nothing else, remember the Serbs in North Kosovo did a referendum and requested Russian citizen ship and were given the cold shoulder. Russia uses the rhetoric because that is basically the only justification it can come up with, as far as changing things in Kosovo it will never happen, with the exception that maybe the west will focus on building up military in bases already established.

I think you either meant the Eastern propaganda machine has lost or the western propaganda machine has won.
(a New Day, 18 March 2014 15:29)
--
Yep, doesn't really matter who won those battles because Crimea is now Russia, so Russia won the war.

If we read western propaganda, we get from the BBC -> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26632857

What had happened in Crimea, he said, was the "annexation of part of the sovereign territory of an independent European state through military force" and the "use of force to change borders".

"No amount of sham and perverse democratic process or skewed historical references can make up for the fact that this is an incursion in to a sovereign state and a land grab of part of its territory with no respect for the law of that country or for international law," he said.

Here is what we got from Putin. Check -> rt

“Our western partners created the Kosovo precedent with their own hands. In a situation absolutely the same as the one in Crimea they recognized Kosovo’s secession from Serbia legitimate while arguing that no permission from a country’s central authority for a unilateral declaration of independence is necessary,” Putin reminded, adding that the UN International Court of Justice agreed to those arguments.

“That’s what they wrote, that what they trumpeted all over the world, coerced everyone into it – and now they are complaining. Why is that?” he asked.

Where is icj1? ;)

Northern Kosovo and Southern Pristina (Gracanica) have now the precedent. Their citizens have all right to vote, do they want to become the part of Russia or not. We can guess the outcome.

The same time the citizens of the rest of Serbia can vote, would they mind Serbia ceding these parts of it to Russia (or maybe not).

And now of course Russians (Crimea included) can vote, would they accept Northern Kosovo and Southern areas of Pristina in their country or not (we can guess the outcome).

To be fully democratic, the rest of Kosovo can vote, too. Maybe they will outnumber the Russian votes, maybe not, who knows... It's all math.

At the end, the majority of votes should win. This is democratic, merciful and very-very humanitarian (probably even more than the bombing of Yugoslavia by NATO) isn't it?

(Emanuel from Romania, 18 March 2014 22:07)

Emanuel, the EU a) cannot isolate Russia as much as possible because we are dependent on their energy resources and b) won't isolate Russia as much as possible because like always, the EU is drowning in its own inefficiency, lack of unity and bureaucracy while Russia have managed to facilitate an independence referendum, recognize it and annex a part of a country in practically a few days.

They are in the driving seat and have all the cards. The EU would do best to accept it and try and remain neutral and committed to making sure the situation does not escalate. Both our country have lost much land to Russia historically and obviously feel threatened, but Russia has no intention to go further than their own sphere of influence and let us pray that Crimea was the last move.

Obviously, recent history has shown that powers sometimes do not stop at what they say they will (Hitler didn't at the Sudetenland and Memel, despite saying so) and we have to be ready for anything, but we should not be the first to provoke Russia. Ukraine is their backyard, not ours.

From my previous post, Check -> http://rt.com/news/putin-address-parliament-crimea-562/

Ataman, 19 March 2014 07:42)
Your longterm memory is failing you, North Kosovo already had that referendum when they realized Serbia was handing them over to Kosovo and what was the reaction of mother Russia.
A very quick "Sorry but our constitution forbids it" No attempt to change it, apparently no interest in doing so either.
By now Serbs should have gotten the message they are not brethren but more distant cousins.
Just as NATO is resistant to march into Ukraine and especially Crimea, Russia will not set foot in Kosovo militarily for none of their own.

Thanks For Breaking Bad Vlad.
You will be a saint one day!

"Russia does not intend to take other regions after Crimea, and respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, Putin also said, according to the Russian news agency."

The USA respects Serbia's territorial integrity, and doesn't intend to give other regions after Kosovo to ethnic minorities
(Comm. Parrisson, 18 March 2014 14:27)
===========================
News for you comm. Unlike Russia, America had no Americans living in Kosovo to worry about. Maybe that monstrosity called Camp Bondsteel was what they wanted to flourish there but that's a far cry from protecting your own people.

In any case, what does all this mean for the small countries? Does this mean they get gobbled up if they take sides against NATO or Russia? If so, Serbia should stay neutral and stay out of this.
(marKo, 18 March 2014 19:05)
============================
Serbia has already been gobbled up by NATO or at least part of it.
Serbia cannot afford to stay neutral. It needs protection from someone a lot bigger and powerful.

You can't sit on two cheairs with two backsides, for both chairs will slip out from under you. Never forget that.
Serbia is NOT Switzerland and has too many anemies on her doorstep.

Good move Putin.
Now officially recognize Kosovo and you will be remember as a man of principals.

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.

"Russia does not intend to take other regions after Crimea, and respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, Putin also said, according to the Russian news agency."

The USA respects Serbia's territorial integrity, and doesn't intend to give other regions after Kosovo to ethnic minorities

It is no different then Nazi Germany taking Studalands from Chekoslovakia just before WW2. Next on Putins agenda will be all of Ukaraine. Kremlin Russia is nothing but fascist how many other nationaleties have they murdered and even Russians to make a greater Russia. In the 10`s of millions or exsiled hole populations to frozen Siberia from their homelands. To starve ,freeze and die. Chechnia wanted to be free of Russia they voted for independence. They got it from Yelsin. Putin used Chechens http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kug-fRun560 to get in power when he was runing for the Kremlin. When head of KGB Putin had less then 1% support among Russians. Then his criminal KGB started blowing up aparments with Russians in them and blaming the Chechians. Putin is nothing but a bad piece of vile evil in the criminal KGB tridition murderously cold. Dictator Putin in the Russian fascist tradition is leading Russia and its people on the crazy train. It is heading to suffering hell destruction worse then WW2. What is new the more things change the more it riverts back comes back in a full circle to the same old criminal dirty buisnes. The lunatic despots think they are above the law it dose not apply to them.

BTW, The RT Channel has been banned from Youtube. Just goes to show how the western propaganda machine has lost.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05
I think you either meant the Eastern propaganda machine has lost or the western propaganda machine has won.
But no matter you are wrong on the other fronts too.

Yes. Albania should have invaded Kosovo...
(Comm. Parrisson, 18 March 2014 16:00)
--
Get a grip Commie, Albania invade Serbia with what? It's 2nd donkey division? LOL!

It took the world's greatest killing machine, NATO, to have our holy land occupied and terrorised. Somehow I think we will get another chance at correcting that error.

Congratulations to Russia and Crimea for achieving this union without bloodshed, without bombs and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from NATO and their fellow terrorists.

Russia is a shining example of showing the world how it protects its people from fascism. It is now time to split the Ukraine into two federal units and all will be done. Western Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine while there will be no NATO membership and no EU membership. If those extremists in Kiev had any brains, they would know that is their best option.

There was a great threat of Ukraine ending up like the former Yugoslavia but I am so glad Russia stepped up and prevented another humanitarian catastrophe. Well done!

BTW, The RT Channel has been banned from Youtube. Just goes to show how the western propaganda machine has lost.

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)

Don't worry. When the time is ripe, those people will make him remember. Putin started something we will never ever control again and it will end in Russia's total disintegration.

"Congratulations to Russia and Crimea for achieving this union without bloodshed, without bombs and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from NATO and their fellow terrorists. "
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

Yes. Albania should have invaded Kosovo before the bloodshed by Serbian paramilitaries and extremists, three days after Milosevic decided to ban Albanian language in universities, then hold a referendum within two weeks in Kosovo, with Albanian soldiers without insignia patrolling in front of the polling stations, which were decorated with Albanian flags and transparent ballot boxes, and annexed the territory as part of Albania the next day.

thank you Putin for your the indirect recognition of kosova. Lol

If those extremists in Kiev had any brains, they would know that is their best option.

-- Sounds like a certain Zoran from Serbia should know that an independent Kosova is your best option as well. Let's see you spin this one. ... And go

"The U.S. says that Kosovo precedent is a unique case, so why do they think that Crimea's situation is not unique?," Putin asked, and concluded: "These are not double standards, this is outright cynicism."

Exactly!! What goes around comes around. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. This is music to my ears. Congratulations to Russia, this is truly a great and historic day for all Russians and all freedom loving people everywhere. You have stood up to the NATO war criminals and their fascist puppets and exposed them for the hypocrites and liars that they are. Putin's speech was right on the money, and he is, as I said before, definitely the leader of the free world. Keep up the great work!

Cheers!!

Republica of Crimea is worth of Guinnes Book as it existed less than 24 hours. They had no time to print a new constitution , elect a parliament , appoint a president and do many other formalities. Seems that they are not dissapointedf coz Russia already got it all. One people one state. And they don't look worried about the support of the outside world. Just as if they do not care it. Russians look quite self sufficient and no sanctions can spoil their holiday. Whatever is said here EU is on the stake itself. Cathalonia , Scottland , Bavaria , Venice , Trancylvania ect. Russians sing their Victory songs while Europe is seeking for a path through the mines it had put by itself in KM and other places. I like it.

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)
--
Forget why? Putin dealt with those regions a long time again. It is finished business as far as he is concerned.

Maybe he should start thinking about Trans-Dniester? It wants to join with Russia also. Check -> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26627236

What do you think ben? Should Moldovo start thinking about joining the EU or NATO?

Putin mentioned Kosovo. Don't say? Ironically, until a few weeks ago, both Putin and Russia's foreign minister, Lavrov, had always loudly called the Kosovo precedent "illegal." In Kosovo for years the international community had no power to intervene while Milosevic carried out his ethnic cleansing. NATO then decided to act alone because Russia continuously blocked any UN mandate on Serbia. That situation is in no way similar to what is happening today in Ukraine. In Crimea, there is no evidence of any similar repression. Efforts by the West to discover any have been rebuffed by unmarked militia. There is no similar dynamic of widespread crimes against humanity in Ukraine or any ethnically exclusive "Greater Ukraine" ideology in play. The Crimea case is barely a month old.

(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

LOL Zoran, did you read this from the article:

"Addressing members of the Federal Assembly, regional governors and Crimean leaders, Putin quoted two documents, which cited "Kosovo's right to independence."

He quoted the opinion of the UN International Court of Justice on Kosovo that "no general prohibition against unilateral declarations of independence may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council" and that "general international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence".

Next time you mention the illegality of Kosovo's declaration of independence, I will cite your idol Putin.

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)

Places you cannot even find on a map or even spell!

I don't understand how this is good. The Russians told the Europeans and the US that they are going to act exactly like the EU and the US does. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the irony and I enjoy watching Putin outwit the west and rub their noses in the crap they made, but does this mean that the US and Europe are going to stop acting badly, or does it mean that Russia is going to do it to?

In any case, what does all this mean for the small countries? Does this mean they get gobbled up if they take sides against NATO or Russia? If so, Serbia should stay neutral and stay out of this.

Good move Putin.
Now officially recognize Kosovo and you will be remember as a man of principals.
(Mirel from Albania, 18 March 2014 14:48)

Personally I want him to do that just for the pro-Russian Serbs to be doomed and so that North Kosovo Serbs stop hanging Russian flags in the streets! Augh! In that case Serbia will finally be able to join NATO and align with the west.

Zoran and Dragan,

Russia violated the territorial integrity of the Ukraine. Both of you are crazy for congratulating Russia for the annexation of Crimea.

I am very happy that my country, Romania, is a member of NATO and the European Union.

The European Union should take measures to ISOLATE Russia as much as possible.

It took the world's greatest killing machine, NATO, to have our holy land occupied and terrorised. Somehow I think we will get another chance at correcting that error.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 16:57
Yeah mark your calendar so you don't miss it, I think most have put the date somewhere about 500 years from now.

For some reason the Serb ultranationalists seem to think this has given them a b-12 shot and the future is different. Remember, all this took place in days and weeks.
The Serbia and Kosovo issue is now 15 years and you have words from Russia nothing else, remember the Serbs in North Kosovo did a referendum and requested Russian citizen ship and were given the cold shoulder. Russia uses the rhetoric because that is basically the only justification it can come up with, as far as changing things in Kosovo it will never happen, with the exception that maybe the west will focus on building up military in bases already established.

And he forgot to mention Cecenija and Degastan.
(ben, 18 March 2014 13:45)

Dagestan - who knows? But stop thinking about "Ceca" (Svetlana Ražnatović), she does not like you as much as you do love her. Wake up, rather spending time and writing silly things on a remote Serbian web site - take poper care about your neglected Albanian wife.

(Emanuel from Romania, 18 March 2014 22:07)

Emanuel, the EU a) cannot isolate Russia as much as possible because we are dependent on their energy resources and b) won't isolate Russia as much as possible because like always, the EU is drowning in its own inefficiency, lack of unity and bureaucracy while Russia have managed to facilitate an independence referendum, recognize it and annex a part of a country in practically a few days.

They are in the driving seat and have all the cards. The EU would do best to accept it and try and remain neutral and committed to making sure the situation does not escalate. Both our country have lost much land to Russia historically and obviously feel threatened, but Russia has no intention to go further than their own sphere of influence and let us pray that Crimea was the last move.

Obviously, recent history has shown that powers sometimes do not stop at what they say they will (Hitler didn't at the Sudetenland and Memel, despite saying so) and we have to be ready for anything, but we should not be the first to provoke Russia. Ukraine is their backyard, not ours.

I think you either meant the Eastern propaganda machine has lost or the western propaganda machine has won.
(a New Day, 18 March 2014 15:29)
--
Yep, doesn't really matter who won those battles because Crimea is now Russia, so Russia won the war.

If we read western propaganda, we get from the BBC -> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26632857

What had happened in Crimea, he said, was the "annexation of part of the sovereign territory of an independent European state through military force" and the "use of force to change borders".

"No amount of sham and perverse democratic process or skewed historical references can make up for the fact that this is an incursion in to a sovereign state and a land grab of part of its territory with no respect for the law of that country or for international law," he said.

Here is what we got from Putin. Check -> rt

“Our western partners created the Kosovo precedent with their own hands. In a situation absolutely the same as the one in Crimea they recognized Kosovo’s secession from Serbia legitimate while arguing that no permission from a country’s central authority for a unilateral declaration of independence is necessary,” Putin reminded, adding that the UN International Court of Justice agreed to those arguments.

“That’s what they wrote, that what they trumpeted all over the world, coerced everyone into it – and now they are complaining. Why is that?” he asked.

Where is icj1? ;)

I don't think Mr. Putin remembers the story of David and Golliath. Or if he remembers it, he doesn't believe it.
I also remember an expression related to Russia: "feet of clay". The bad big bear is mighty but ... beware of your wrongdoings. They might overcome your powers when you least expect.
History proved this world cannot be conquered by one man. But I fear it can be destroyed by one man's wrongdoings and greed.
Historically speaking Crimea is a part of Russia. But taking it back this way is so very wrong.
Those Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea have no fault. I hope they will see their families, their homes one day. Oh, they really believe they are home. What about that, Mr. Putin?

Congratulations to Russia and Crimea for achieving this union without bloodshed, without bombs and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from NATO and their fellow terrorists.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

Congratulations to somebody who points a gun to your head and asks for your money and you give it to him. That somebody will achieve taking your money without bloodshed, without firing a shot and without the type of aggression we have seen so frequently coming from armed robbers when they attack :)
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Russia is a shining example of showing the world how it protects its people from fascism.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

Indeed, the only Russians unprotected by fascism are the Russians living in... Russia.
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Western Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine while there will be no NATO membership and no EU membership. If those extremists in Kiev had any brains, they would know that is their best option.
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

You mean because Ukrainians want the above or you/Russia want the above, and it does not matter what the Ukrainians want :)
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There was a great threat of Ukraine ending up like the former Yugoslavia but I am so glad Russia stepped up and prevented another humanitarian catastrophe. Well done!
(Zoran, 18 March 2014 15:05)

So, you're saying that NATO did a big error of not stopping Serbia earlier but let things drag until March 1999. I agree with you on that point.

Exactly!! What goes around comes around. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. This is music to my ears. Congratulations to Russia, this is truly a great and historic day for all Russians and all freedom loving people everywhere. You have stood up to the NATO war criminals and their fascist puppets and exposed them for the hypocrites and liars that they are. Putin's speech was right on the money, and he is, as I said before, definitely the leader of the free world. Keep up the great work!
(Dragan, 18 March 2014 16:21)

Just out of curiosity... how much convincing you had to do to yourself to write the above :)

"by free world" or "people everywhere" you must mean Vladimir himself, because no country, not a single one, whether free or not free, supported what Vladimir is doing... Pretty weird for people not to support somebody who supposedly is their leader :)

Putin as out manoeuvred the west on this issue. we supported a coup when we thought Putin had his attention elsewhere. this has since back fired when Putin moved into Crimea. The Kosovo issue unique or not was always going to be a bench mark for similar cases. The west constantly used a term the reality on the ground in kosovo is..... well the reality on the ground is Russia is in Crimea. we in the west will talk big but nothing significant will happen. Moldova could be another flash point with Russian speaking people asking to join Russia. interesting times ahead and a test for the EU and the West.

From my previous post, Check -> http://rt.com/news/putin-address-parliament-crimea-562/

This comparison between Crimea and Kosovo is making me sick. What about the likes of South Sudan, East Timor or for that matter Abkhazia and South Ossetia?

Northern Kosovo and Southern Pristina (Gracanica) have now the precedent. Their citizens have all right to vote, do they want to become the part of Russia or not. We can guess the outcome.

The same time the citizens of the rest of Serbia can vote, would they mind Serbia ceding these parts of it to Russia (or maybe not).

And now of course Russians (Crimea included) can vote, would they accept Northern Kosovo and Southern areas of Pristina in their country or not (we can guess the outcome).

To be fully democratic, the rest of Kosovo can vote, too. Maybe they will outnumber the Russian votes, maybe not, who knows... It's all math.

At the end, the majority of votes should win. This is democratic, merciful and very-very humanitarian (probably even more than the bombing of Yugoslavia by NATO) isn't it?

I don't often agree with Putin but here he has some valid points and yes the 'West' can at the best of times come accross as arrogant and patronising.
However one thing I fail to understand is while Russia does not accept the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo he not only condones secession of the Crim he glorifies it. He accuses the 'West' of hypocracy but actually he, himself, is behaving exactly that way.
Two wrongs do not make one right.

How do you spell Putin in french?

"He quoted the opinion of the UN International Court of Justice on Kosovo that "no general prohibition against unilateral declarations of independence may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council" and that "general international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence". "

Aha, we finally see the correct quote from the ICJ Opinion regarding Kosovo. "general international law" not "international law" (as our dear Serbian friends misquote) contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence. "Special international law" are provisions which apply only to particular countries or situations.

In the case of Ukraine, the "special international law" (which Vladimir forgot to speak about) says that "The Russian Federation [...] reaffirms commitment to Ukraine [...] to respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine" as per the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 which Russia has signed.

Ataman, 19 March 2014 07:42)
Your longterm memory is failing you, North Kosovo already had that referendum when they realized Serbia was handing them over to Kosovo and what was the reaction of mother Russia.
A very quick "Sorry but our constitution forbids it" No attempt to change it, apparently no interest in doing so either.
By now Serbs should have gotten the message they are not brethren but more distant cousins.
Just as NATO is resistant to march into Ukraine and especially Crimea, Russia will not set foot in Kosovo militarily for none of their own.

Thanks For Breaking Bad Vlad.
You will be a saint one day!

"Russia does not intend to take other regions after Crimea, and respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, Putin also said, according to the Russian news agency."

The USA respects Serbia's territorial integrity, and doesn't intend to give other regions after Kosovo to ethnic minorities
(Comm. Parrisson, 18 March 2014 14:27)
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News for you comm. Unlike Russia, America had no Americans living in Kosovo to worry about. Maybe that monstrosity called Camp Bondsteel was what they wanted to flourish there but that's a far cry from protecting your own people.

In any case, what does all this mean for the small countries? Does this mean they get gobbled up if they take sides against NATO or Russia? If so, Serbia should stay neutral and stay out of this.
(marKo, 18 March 2014 19:05)
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Serbia has already been gobbled up by NATO or at least part of it.
Serbia cannot afford to stay neutral. It needs protection from someone a lot bigger and powerful.

You can't sit on two cheairs with two backsides, for both chairs will slip out from under you. Never forget that.
Serbia is NOT Switzerland and has too many anemies on her doorstep.