"No sanctions over Kosovo secession - then why over Crimea?"

If Albania had invaded Kosova, like Russia invaded Crimea, Albania would have been sanctioned if not blockaded.

If UN organized talks on the future on Crimea had been held, and the UN appointed envoy recommended independence for Crimea, then Russia would not have been sanctioned.

You can compare apples to oranges based on fact that they are both fruits and both are round, but it does not make them the same thing.

"Gysi thinks it was also a mistake to impose sanctions on Russia because of Crimea became a part of that country, and that "different measures should have been taken."

"After the secession of Kosovo, which was not in accordance with international law, no sanctions were imposed on us in the West."


When did "the West" annex Kosovo like Russia did with Crimea?! Or is this guy suggesting that sanctions should be imposed against the UNSC for taking over control of Kosovo?!

Also, upon Serbia's request, Kosovo's declaration of independence was determined to be in accordance with international law by the ICJ. Whereas Crimea's "referendum" to join Russia was determined to have no validity by the UNGA.

It appears this Gysi guy is pretty ignorant :)

what you don't say in your article is that Gysi was the chief of the former commist party in Germany, called 'Die Linke', which always supports Russia and Putin, no matter what subject is being discussed. His party has support in the former communist east, but only plays a miner role in the rest of Germany. Besides that he no longer is the chief of that communist party, and has basicly no support in Germany. A former politician with the highest unapproval rating in all of Germany.

I love it when anyone exposes the hypocrisy of NATO support for the failed state of "kosovo"* to Russia's annexation of Crimea. But it's no secession, it is an occupation and nothing less.

"No sanctions over Kosovo secession - then why over Crimea?"

Because Crimea is a pure Russian annexation.Before Kosovo declared independence Russia claimed that the will of Kosovo Albanians for independence didn't matter.Russia at that time was part of a troika of three envoys that held talks on Kosovo's future status(the envoys were Frank Wisner from the United States, Alexandar Botsan-Kharchenko from Russia and German Wolfgang Ischinger for the EU).The talks started after the UN envoy the Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide recommended in his report to Kofi Annan that it was time for Kosovo's status to be settled. During the whole process Russia was involved and had a saying. In 2008 Kosovo declared independence, Russia still to this day does not recognize Kosovo. In 2008 Russia recognized S. Ossetia as independent by bypassing UN and all the international mechanisms and processes that Kosovo had gone through but simply stating that S. Ossetia had more rights to be independent then Kosovo. Then after the annexation of Crimea, Russia recognized the will of the Russian Crimeans to join Russia yet again without allowing any of the international factors to get involved.

Poor gysi, that's why you aren't a leader anymore, and your opinions amount to absolutely zilch!!!
Go enjoy the rest of your retirement!
Democracy full speed ahead!!!

Yawn.

What an odd question to be asked by a western politician. According to the Washington windbags Kosovo was a verrrrrrry special case while Crimea is not.
That is why the west is now considered by the rest of the world as a joke.

If you look at what the west and Russia have so far, Moscow beats them every time. Poor western bastards lose at every turn mounting to massive debt and nothing in return. However, the best is they have now lost Turkey as well.

If you look at what the west and Russia have so far, Moscow beats them every time.
(sj, 29 August 2016 12:27)

Of course, the West does not have somebody like the CE of B92 forums sj to change reality in West's favor!
----------

However, the best is they have now lost Turkey as well.
(sj, 29 August 2016 12:27)

Oh, that's marvelous news! Who was the lucky one to win it, btw? :)

P.S. CE = Chief Economist

As often, Gysi is right -- on Kosovo/Krim and also regarding the Russia sanctions where the West shot in own foot.

Gysi thinks it was also a mistake to impose sanctions on Russia because of Crimea became a part of that country, and that "different measures should have been taken."

Yeah, the only problem is that the sanctions on Russia were imposed because of the (more or less hidden) Russian support of violent ethnic separatists and terrorist in eastern Ukraine (with money, military advisors, heavy weapons and soldiers without insignia), and not because of Crimea, and the lifting of the sanctions are bound on implementing the Minsk agreement.

From the official EU website:

"In view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in eastern Ukraine, the EU imposed economic sanctions in July 2014 and reinforced them in September 2014. In March 2015, the European Council linked the duration of those economic restrictions to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements."

https://europa.eu/newsroom/highlights/special-coverage/eu_sanctions_en


And be sure if Kosovo after the 'separation' would decide to 'join' Albania after Albania sent soldiers, there would be some reactions, too.

So, to compare Crimea with Kosovo is nonsense.

Whatever

Now if you want that last obstacle removed Albos need to go back to the court and ask it to announce that Kosovo’s independence was legal. To do that would create chaos where every tin pot region could break away. The US would burn every Albo to ashes before they allow that to happen mate.
(sj, 31 August 2016 11:24)

sj aka Ari Gold,
The Albanians are quite satisfied with the decision coming out of the ICJ, and we thank Jeremic, Serbia's leading legal expert, for framing the question. However, Vuk should feel free to resubmit the question in the form Serbia had intended. As far as being burned, I think you'll agree the US put out Serbia's lights in 1999, leaving Serbia in flames. btw, How many of Serbia's bridges are still submerged below the Danube.

I will remind you now that there is another UN resolution still in force UN 1244. While UN 68/262 reaffirms integrity of Ukraine UN 1244 deals with our integrity, but it, also, calls for "for meaningful autonomy and self-administration for Kosovo."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_1244

"UN members have underscored that resolution 1244 remains legally binding to all parties."

It is clear that Kosovo declared independence in violation of our integrity, and that many countries have recognized it in violation of BINDING UN resolution (and, therefor, of international law). And , legally, they should be held responsible. That is exactly what this guy said.

""After the secession of Kosovo, which was not in accordance with international law, no sanctions were imposed on us in the West."

I will remaind you that Serbia respects both UN 68/262 and UN 1244.
You are , appearantly, suggesting that everyone should respect only non-binding resolutions, but not the binding ones, and that this is okay???

So, why Irish are and Swedes are not entitled to self-determination?

Because, Irish were nation (autentic ethnic group) of the country that was called United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Swedes are not of the country Finland. Swedes are nation in Sweden, in Finland they are minority. Important rule was established! Right to self-determination is considered consumed by existence of your national state! Regardless of history, ethnic composition of disputed territory, wishes of population, etc. It was realised that giving right to self-determination to minorities would lead to chaos and conflict. Demographics are changing all the times...In this case INTEGRITY of the country prevails.
Germany belongs to Germans, all of it. Should part of it become more ethnically Turkish then German, can they ask for self-determination and independence? No. Outside Turkey they are minority, and have no right to that.
Another importan rule was set. In 1920, Finland granted wide-reaching cultural and political autonomy to the Åland Islands.The League of Nations considered these measures as satisfying demands to protect the Swedish language and culture there.
Political autonomy is optional, but while minorities have no right to self-determination, they have right to protection of their culture and heritage (such as radio stations in their language, newspapers, etc.)

They have disregarded HELSINKI FINAL ACT entirely, and ruled that Serbs don't have a right to self-determination in Croatia and Bosnia, but are entitled to MINORITY rights. In addition they have declared that internal, administrative borders inside Yugoslavia cannot be changed!

"Legal successors of Yugoslavia are republics of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia."

And..."republic’s territory cannot be altered without the consent of that republic". Integrity of each republic has to be preserved.

And it went ahead, and in 2008 they even spit in the faces of their own legal experts, and recognized altering of the Serbia's borders by recognizing independence of Kosovo. So much for their declared rule of law...
But, appearantly, Russia decide to also spit on international law, and if they do it, it's a terrible crime.

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
Then they would have to deliberate by law. Instead, they used unfortunate formulation of the question, and find an easy way out. They did not say that Kosovo's independence is legal, but that DECLARATION is.
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Sreten,
Apart from looking very stupid, why didn't Serbia resubmit the question in the correct form. Also, why would Serbia want to "find the easy way out", as you said.

Wasn't it Jeremic who posed the question. Isn't he the same guy who wants to be Sec. Gen. of the UN. Wouldn't it be better to wait until he is ready to take the training wheels off.

What gibberish. It's pretty simple. Russia's claims to Crimea are legitimate and born out by history. Albanian claims on Kosovo are bogus and have no basis in history. Not only that, but Albanian claims on Kosovo have no honest basis in nationhood, but instead are a plan of expansion by Albania itself.

P.S. CB = Chief BigotIt appears this Gysi guy is pretty ignorant :)
(icj1, 29 August 2016 15:15)

---

icj1, the CB of B92, speaks from deep personal experience. Icj1, our CB, epitomizes human ignorance. icj1 is the only commentator on this site who has labeled an ethnic group with a neurological disorder and ignorantly claimed third parties have provided him evidence for his idiotic diagnosis.

P.S. CB= Chief Bigot

In 1947 there were 2 recognized nations (under contraversial Two nation theory) in British India - Muslims and Hindus, both with right to self-determination!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-nation_theory

Muslims were majority in West and East of the country and they formed Pakistan (later East Pakistan became Bangladesh). Rule was reaffirmed with division of province of Punjab. INTERNAL borders are administrative borders, and not international borders and can be changed! Punjab is divided and new international border drawn along ethnic lines between Hindu and Muslims. Internal administrative units don't have integrity right!

All this was later put in HELSINKI FINAL ACT (1975)

Now, let's see where we stand.
Sure, there is 20 million Russians living outside Russia (mostly in former USSR), and therefor a minority with no right to self-determination or independence. INTEGRITY OF Ukraine, or Latvia, or Estonia (nearly half of population is Russian) should stand. But, if Albanians outside Albania should have this right, why shouldn't they?

But, let's forget Russia for a moment. Let's go back to Yugoslavia in 1991.

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
Then they would have to deliberate by law. Instead, they used unfortunate formulation of the question, and find an easy way out. They did not say that Kosovo's independence is legal, but that DECLARATION is.
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Ha ha ha. Unfortunate formulation of the question. Screaming left and right that Kosovo's independence is illegal and then when you go in front of the court you forget to ask: Is Kosovo's independence legal? You serbs are a delusional nation.

Question was "Is Kosovo's declaration of independence legal?"
And the answer was - "Yes.
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Great, we are in agreement :)
----------

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Tell that to Vuk, not to me. It was Vuk who proposed the question!

As for your new proposed question, that makes no sense in English. For which particular action or act of Kosovo you want to know whether it was legal?! "independence" is not an action or act like the "declaration of independence" is...

For an analogy, a person being dead is not illegal. Killing a person is illegal. Come on mate, you don't need to be a lawyer to understand such simple concepts.

No Serbia had not “forgotten” to ask the question. This is what happens when major powers play the game. The US never wanted the question asked because the answer would be that Kosovo’s independence was illegal and to ensure this is not the outcome, a question was phrased to achieve it. The court decided that the act of declaration was not illegal, and that is where it stopped because if it went further the court would declare that the motions to create a separate territory would be illegal.
Now if you want that last obstacle removed Albos need to go back to the court and ask it to announce that Kosovo’s independence was legal. To do that would create chaos where every tin pot region could break away. The US would burn every Albo to ashes before they allow that to happen mate.
(sj, 31 August 2016 11:24)


sj,
Do you realize how ridiculous you sound. You think the US didn't want the question asked, and so they made Serbia, through Jeremic, ask the incorrect form of the question. However, you never fail to remind us how impotent the "windbags" are, but now you are saying the US is all powerful. Your "logic" would befuddle Tweedle Dum and Tweedle De (from Alice In Wonderland). A word of advice, never underestimate your opponent or you may end up looking as stupid as Serbia has on several occasions.

icj1,

It appears he is ignorant?
Let's see.

"Whereas Crimea's "referendum" to join Russia was determined to have no validity by the UNGA. "

You are referring to UN 68/262

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_68/262

"The non-binding resolution, which was supported by 100 United Nations member states, affirmed the General Assembly's commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and underscored the invalidity of the 2014 Crimean referendum."

I respect that. But, let me look at it from legal perspective.
It is a NON-BIDING resolution, which means, that individual countries can choose weather to respect it or not. And, if they don't, they are not in violation of international law. As opposed to NON-BIDING UN resolutions, there are BINDING resolutions (such is...UN embargo on Iraq, during Saddam). ALL UN member states have to respect the sanctions, regardless of their stance, or they are in violation of international law, as BINDING resolutions have a power of international law until they are replaced by another resolution (like the one passed after Saddam's fall, cancelling sanctions on Iraq.

Also, let me clarify something to you.

"Also, upon Serbia's request, Kosovo's declaration of independence was determined to be in accordance with international law by the ICJ."

Read it again, and you will see what it said.

Question was "Is Kosovo's declaration of independence legal?"

And the answer was - "Yes. One has a right to declare anything he/she wants" to put it simply. Kosovo also, has a right to declare that Antartika belogns to it. Declaring something doesn't violate international law.

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
Then they would have to deliberate by law. Instead, they used unfortunate formulation of the question, and find an easy way out. They did not say that Kosovo's independence is legal, but that DECLARATION is.

Oh, that's marvelous news! Who was the lucky one to win it, btw? :)

P.S. CE = Chief Economist
(icj1, 29 August 2016 15:22)

And you dont get any dumber comment than this.

New American ambassador to Ukraine with Serbian-Russian roots.
They don’t want her speak Russian so she talks English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wO5PaE0rjQ&list=PLr1-FC1l_JLG4uDjbR4tf6HzLCZMhBkTp&index=1

no Crimea is mentioned as she is ambassador to Ukrainre not to Russia.

P.S. CB = Chief Bigot

Ha ha ha. Unfortunate formulation of the question. Screaming left and right that Kosovo's independence is illegal and then when you go in front of the court you forget to ask: Is Kosovo's independence legal? You serbs are a delusional nation.
(mark, 30 August 2016 17:59)

No Serbia had not “forgotten” to ask the question. This is what happens when major powers play the game. The US never wanted the question asked because the answer would be that Kosovo’s independence was illegal and to ensure this is not the outcome, a question was phrased to achieve it. The court decided that the act of declaration was not illegal, and that is where it stopped because if it went further the court would declare that the motions to create a separate territory would be illegal.
Now if you want that last obstacle removed Albos need to go back to the court and ask it to announce that Kosovo’s independence was legal. To do that would create chaos where every tin pot region could break away. The US would burn every Albo to ashes before they allow that to happen mate.

I love it when anyone exposes the hypocrisy of NATO support for the failed state of "kosovo"* to Russia's annexation of Crimea. But it's no secession, it is an occupation and nothing less.

What an odd question to be asked by a western politician. According to the Washington windbags Kosovo was a verrrrrrry special case while Crimea is not.
That is why the west is now considered by the rest of the world as a joke.

If you look at what the west and Russia have so far, Moscow beats them every time. Poor western bastards lose at every turn mounting to massive debt and nothing in return. However, the best is they have now lost Turkey as well.

"Gysi thinks it was also a mistake to impose sanctions on Russia because of Crimea became a part of that country, and that "different measures should have been taken."

"After the secession of Kosovo, which was not in accordance with international law, no sanctions were imposed on us in the West."


When did "the West" annex Kosovo like Russia did with Crimea?! Or is this guy suggesting that sanctions should be imposed against the UNSC for taking over control of Kosovo?!

Also, upon Serbia's request, Kosovo's declaration of independence was determined to be in accordance with international law by the ICJ. Whereas Crimea's "referendum" to join Russia was determined to have no validity by the UNGA.

It appears this Gysi guy is pretty ignorant :)

As often, Gysi is right -- on Kosovo/Krim and also regarding the Russia sanctions where the West shot in own foot.

Poor gysi, that's why you aren't a leader anymore, and your opinions amount to absolutely zilch!!!
Go enjoy the rest of your retirement!
Democracy full speed ahead!!!

what you don't say in your article is that Gysi was the chief of the former commist party in Germany, called 'Die Linke', which always supports Russia and Putin, no matter what subject is being discussed. His party has support in the former communist east, but only plays a miner role in the rest of Germany. Besides that he no longer is the chief of that communist party, and has basicly no support in Germany. A former politician with the highest unapproval rating in all of Germany.

"No sanctions over Kosovo secession - then why over Crimea?"

Because Crimea is a pure Russian annexation.Before Kosovo declared independence Russia claimed that the will of Kosovo Albanians for independence didn't matter.Russia at that time was part of a troika of three envoys that held talks on Kosovo's future status(the envoys were Frank Wisner from the United States, Alexandar Botsan-Kharchenko from Russia and German Wolfgang Ischinger for the EU).The talks started after the UN envoy the Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide recommended in his report to Kofi Annan that it was time for Kosovo's status to be settled. During the whole process Russia was involved and had a saying. In 2008 Kosovo declared independence, Russia still to this day does not recognize Kosovo. In 2008 Russia recognized S. Ossetia as independent by bypassing UN and all the international mechanisms and processes that Kosovo had gone through but simply stating that S. Ossetia had more rights to be independent then Kosovo. Then after the annexation of Crimea, Russia recognized the will of the Russian Crimeans to join Russia yet again without allowing any of the international factors to get involved.

New American ambassador to Ukraine with Serbian-Russian roots.
They don’t want her speak Russian so she talks English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wO5PaE0rjQ&list=PLr1-FC1l_JLG4uDjbR4tf6HzLCZMhBkTp&index=1

no Crimea is mentioned as she is ambassador to Ukrainre not to Russia.

They have disregarded HELSINKI FINAL ACT entirely, and ruled that Serbs don't have a right to self-determination in Croatia and Bosnia, but are entitled to MINORITY rights. In addition they have declared that internal, administrative borders inside Yugoslavia cannot be changed!

"Legal successors of Yugoslavia are republics of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia."

And..."republic’s territory cannot be altered without the consent of that republic". Integrity of each republic has to be preserved.

And it went ahead, and in 2008 they even spit in the faces of their own legal experts, and recognized altering of the Serbia's borders by recognizing independence of Kosovo. So much for their declared rule of law...
But, appearantly, Russia decide to also spit on international law, and if they do it, it's a terrible crime.

What gibberish. It's pretty simple. Russia's claims to Crimea are legitimate and born out by history. Albanian claims on Kosovo are bogus and have no basis in history. Not only that, but Albanian claims on Kosovo have no honest basis in nationhood, but instead are a plan of expansion by Albania itself.

Yawn.

Also, let me clarify something to you.

"Also, upon Serbia's request, Kosovo's declaration of independence was determined to be in accordance with international law by the ICJ."

Read it again, and you will see what it said.

Question was "Is Kosovo's declaration of independence legal?"

And the answer was - "Yes. One has a right to declare anything he/she wants" to put it simply. Kosovo also, has a right to declare that Antartika belogns to it. Declaring something doesn't violate international law.

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
Then they would have to deliberate by law. Instead, they used unfortunate formulation of the question, and find an easy way out. They did not say that Kosovo's independence is legal, but that DECLARATION is.

If you look at what the west and Russia have so far, Moscow beats them every time.
(sj, 29 August 2016 12:27)

Of course, the West does not have somebody like the CE of B92 forums sj to change reality in West's favor!
----------

However, the best is they have now lost Turkey as well.
(sj, 29 August 2016 12:27)

Oh, that's marvelous news! Who was the lucky one to win it, btw? :)

P.S. CE = Chief Economist

P.S. CB = Chief Bigot

Oh, that's marvelous news! Who was the lucky one to win it, btw? :)

P.S. CE = Chief Economist
(icj1, 29 August 2016 15:22)

And you dont get any dumber comment than this.

In 1947 there were 2 recognized nations (under contraversial Two nation theory) in British India - Muslims and Hindus, both with right to self-determination!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-nation_theory

Muslims were majority in West and East of the country and they formed Pakistan (later East Pakistan became Bangladesh). Rule was reaffirmed with division of province of Punjab. INTERNAL borders are administrative borders, and not international borders and can be changed! Punjab is divided and new international border drawn along ethnic lines between Hindu and Muslims. Internal administrative units don't have integrity right!

All this was later put in HELSINKI FINAL ACT (1975)

Now, let's see where we stand.
Sure, there is 20 million Russians living outside Russia (mostly in former USSR), and therefor a minority with no right to self-determination or independence. INTEGRITY OF Ukraine, or Latvia, or Estonia (nearly half of population is Russian) should stand. But, if Albanians outside Albania should have this right, why shouldn't they?

But, let's forget Russia for a moment. Let's go back to Yugoslavia in 1991.

Whatever

If Albania had invaded Kosova, like Russia invaded Crimea, Albania would have been sanctioned if not blockaded.

If UN organized talks on the future on Crimea had been held, and the UN appointed envoy recommended independence for Crimea, then Russia would not have been sanctioned.

You can compare apples to oranges based on fact that they are both fruits and both are round, but it does not make them the same thing.

icj1,

It appears he is ignorant?
Let's see.

"Whereas Crimea's "referendum" to join Russia was determined to have no validity by the UNGA. "

You are referring to UN 68/262

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_68/262

"The non-binding resolution, which was supported by 100 United Nations member states, affirmed the General Assembly's commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and underscored the invalidity of the 2014 Crimean referendum."

I respect that. But, let me look at it from legal perspective.
It is a NON-BIDING resolution, which means, that individual countries can choose weather to respect it or not. And, if they don't, they are not in violation of international law. As opposed to NON-BIDING UN resolutions, there are BINDING resolutions (such is...UN embargo on Iraq, during Saddam). ALL UN member states have to respect the sanctions, regardless of their stance, or they are in violation of international law, as BINDING resolutions have a power of international law until they are replaced by another resolution (like the one passed after Saddam's fall, cancelling sanctions on Iraq.

So, why Irish are and Swedes are not entitled to self-determination?

Because, Irish were nation (autentic ethnic group) of the country that was called United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Swedes are not of the country Finland. Swedes are nation in Sweden, in Finland they are minority. Important rule was established! Right to self-determination is considered consumed by existence of your national state! Regardless of history, ethnic composition of disputed territory, wishes of population, etc. It was realised that giving right to self-determination to minorities would lead to chaos and conflict. Demographics are changing all the times...In this case INTEGRITY of the country prevails.
Germany belongs to Germans, all of it. Should part of it become more ethnically Turkish then German, can they ask for self-determination and independence? No. Outside Turkey they are minority, and have no right to that.
Another importan rule was set. In 1920, Finland granted wide-reaching cultural and political autonomy to the Åland Islands.The League of Nations considered these measures as satisfying demands to protect the Swedish language and culture there.
Political autonomy is optional, but while minorities have no right to self-determination, they have right to protection of their culture and heritage (such as radio stations in their language, newspapers, etc.)

P.S. CB = Chief BigotIt appears this Gysi guy is pretty ignorant :)
(icj1, 29 August 2016 15:15)

---

icj1, the CB of B92, speaks from deep personal experience. Icj1, our CB, epitomizes human ignorance. icj1 is the only commentator on this site who has labeled an ethnic group with a neurological disorder and ignorantly claimed third parties have provided him evidence for his idiotic diagnosis.

P.S. CB= Chief Bigot

I will remind you now that there is another UN resolution still in force UN 1244. While UN 68/262 reaffirms integrity of Ukraine UN 1244 deals with our integrity, but it, also, calls for "for meaningful autonomy and self-administration for Kosovo."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_1244

"UN members have underscored that resolution 1244 remains legally binding to all parties."

It is clear that Kosovo declared independence in violation of our integrity, and that many countries have recognized it in violation of BINDING UN resolution (and, therefor, of international law). And , legally, they should be held responsible. That is exactly what this guy said.

""After the secession of Kosovo, which was not in accordance with international law, no sanctions were imposed on us in the West."

I will remaind you that Serbia respects both UN 68/262 and UN 1244.
You are , appearantly, suggesting that everyone should respect only non-binding resolutions, but not the binding ones, and that this is okay???

Gysi thinks it was also a mistake to impose sanctions on Russia because of Crimea became a part of that country, and that "different measures should have been taken."

Yeah, the only problem is that the sanctions on Russia were imposed because of the (more or less hidden) Russian support of violent ethnic separatists and terrorist in eastern Ukraine (with money, military advisors, heavy weapons and soldiers without insignia), and not because of Crimea, and the lifting of the sanctions are bound on implementing the Minsk agreement.

From the official EU website:

"In view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in eastern Ukraine, the EU imposed economic sanctions in July 2014 and reinforced them in September 2014. In March 2015, the European Council linked the duration of those economic restrictions to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements."

https://europa.eu/newsroom/highlights/special-coverage/eu_sanctions_en


And be sure if Kosovo after the 'separation' would decide to 'join' Albania after Albania sent soldiers, there would be some reactions, too.

So, to compare Crimea with Kosovo is nonsense.

Ha ha ha. Unfortunate formulation of the question. Screaming left and right that Kosovo's independence is illegal and then when you go in front of the court you forget to ask: Is Kosovo's independence legal? You serbs are a delusional nation.
(mark, 30 August 2016 17:59)

No Serbia had not “forgotten” to ask the question. This is what happens when major powers play the game. The US never wanted the question asked because the answer would be that Kosovo’s independence was illegal and to ensure this is not the outcome, a question was phrased to achieve it. The court decided that the act of declaration was not illegal, and that is where it stopped because if it went further the court would declare that the motions to create a separate territory would be illegal.
Now if you want that last obstacle removed Albos need to go back to the court and ask it to announce that Kosovo’s independence was legal. To do that would create chaos where every tin pot region could break away. The US would burn every Albo to ashes before they allow that to happen mate.

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
Then they would have to deliberate by law. Instead, they used unfortunate formulation of the question, and find an easy way out. They did not say that Kosovo's independence is legal, but that DECLARATION is.
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Ha ha ha. Unfortunate formulation of the question. Screaming left and right that Kosovo's independence is illegal and then when you go in front of the court you forget to ask: Is Kosovo's independence legal? You serbs are a delusional nation.

Now if you want that last obstacle removed Albos need to go back to the court and ask it to announce that Kosovo’s independence was legal. To do that would create chaos where every tin pot region could break away. The US would burn every Albo to ashes before they allow that to happen mate.
(sj, 31 August 2016 11:24)

sj aka Ari Gold,
The Albanians are quite satisfied with the decision coming out of the ICJ, and we thank Jeremic, Serbia's leading legal expert, for framing the question. However, Vuk should feel free to resubmit the question in the form Serbia had intended. As far as being burned, I think you'll agree the US put out Serbia's lights in 1999, leaving Serbia in flames. btw, How many of Serbia's bridges are still submerged below the Danube.

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
Then they would have to deliberate by law. Instead, they used unfortunate formulation of the question, and find an easy way out. They did not say that Kosovo's independence is legal, but that DECLARATION is.
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Sreten,
Apart from looking very stupid, why didn't Serbia resubmit the question in the correct form. Also, why would Serbia want to "find the easy way out", as you said.

Wasn't it Jeremic who posed the question. Isn't he the same guy who wants to be Sec. Gen. of the UN. Wouldn't it be better to wait until he is ready to take the training wheels off.

Question was "Is Kosovo's declaration of independence legal?"
And the answer was - "Yes.
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Great, we are in agreement :)
----------

The question should have been "Is Kosovo's independence legal?"
(Sreten, 30 August 2016 04:30)

Tell that to Vuk, not to me. It was Vuk who proposed the question!

As for your new proposed question, that makes no sense in English. For which particular action or act of Kosovo you want to know whether it was legal?! "independence" is not an action or act like the "declaration of independence" is...

For an analogy, a person being dead is not illegal. Killing a person is illegal. Come on mate, you don't need to be a lawyer to understand such simple concepts.

No Serbia had not “forgotten” to ask the question. This is what happens when major powers play the game. The US never wanted the question asked because the answer would be that Kosovo’s independence was illegal and to ensure this is not the outcome, a question was phrased to achieve it. The court decided that the act of declaration was not illegal, and that is where it stopped because if it went further the court would declare that the motions to create a separate territory would be illegal.
Now if you want that last obstacle removed Albos need to go back to the court and ask it to announce that Kosovo’s independence was legal. To do that would create chaos where every tin pot region could break away. The US would burn every Albo to ashes before they allow that to happen mate.
(sj, 31 August 2016 11:24)


sj,
Do you realize how ridiculous you sound. You think the US didn't want the question asked, and so they made Serbia, through Jeremic, ask the incorrect form of the question. However, you never fail to remind us how impotent the "windbags" are, but now you are saying the US is all powerful. Your "logic" would befuddle Tweedle Dum and Tweedle De (from Alice In Wonderland). A word of advice, never underestimate your opponent or you may end up looking as stupid as Serbia has on several occasions.