BELGRADE -- U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton and EU foreign and security policy chief Catherine Ashton met in Belgrade on Tuesday with President Tomislav Nikolić.
BELGRADE -- U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton and EU foreign and security policy chief Catherine Ashton met in Belgrade on Tuesday with President Tomislav Nikolić.
Ivica Dačić was the first to address journalists to say that Serbia will not recognize Kosovo and that it should not be forced to do that by the EU or the United States.
Dačić stressed, however, that Serbia "will do everything possible to normalize relations with Priština for the sake of a joint integration into the European Union".
He also thanked the EU official for confirming that the EU would not force Serbia to do anything it could not do.
Dačić stated that Clinton and Ashton "did not set new ultimatums and conditions", but that they rather traveled to Belgrade "to discuss the issues of life importance to Serbia - continuation and acceleration of European integrations and fulfilment of criteria for getting a date for the start of negotiations".
According to him, the political criteria includes internal reforms and establishment of "visible and sustainable relations" between Belgrade and Priština.
Catherine Aston addressed the news conference next to say that Serbia' future "is in the EU", and that considerable progress had been made, resulting in Serbia's candidate status.
She also said that it was "vital that all agreements reached in negotiations so far be implemented by both sides", and that Dačić had been encouraged to continue on that path. She said that a meeting similar to the recent meeting between Hashim Thaci and Dačić would be repeated soon.
The negotiations should continue in the interest of both sides in order to improve the lives of people, Ashton stated, and added that "Serbia is not being asked to recognize Kosovo".
Hillary Clinton said that the meeting today represented a continuation of consultations started with Nikolić in New York, and that "it is important for people is Serbia to know that we are dedicated to the European path of Serbia and that we support the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština".
The U.S. are also appealing on both sides to implement all reached agreements.
Clinton said that Serbia was not asked to recognize Kosovo, but that this dialogue calls for progress in relations. She welcomed the meeting between Thaci and Dačić and the tendency to raise the level of negotiations to a higher level.
Cinton stated that "Kosovo is an independent state", and that "borders in Europe would not change". According to her, "a great deal can be accomplished" when it comes to improvement of the lives of people.
Yes Lenny Croatia only in world that has successful tourist industry. You must go out and tell Americans your secret – how Croatia does it while the rest of the world is in recession and their tourist industry is suffering while Croatia powers ahead.
No, your wrong Croatian tourism rose 150% no 5% - but you must stop counting those cars that only travel through Croatia on their way somewhere lese as tourists then you find tourism no that high.
You no take medication and that’s’ why you hear voices that tell you all these things.
“We are paying off our debts and stop borrowing” Croatia stopped borrowing because no bank will lend mate. You must tell Milanovic your secret because he very concerned. Lenny investments are made by private companies not government run enterprises as Croatia has had to close all or sell them off. You have to keep up with events there.
(sj, 1 November 2012 02:40)
Lenny here is little secret. Croatia is not too far away from Slovenia’s situation. Maybe you might get Croatian government to say “hey brother have you got a Euro?”. Here is little secret – tourism no go well in Croatia thid year.
(sj, 31 October 2012 10:48) Jealousy will not get you anywhere sj Croatia's tourism is growing by 5% on average every year. Even Serbs are coming in increasing numbers. This year Serbian JAT after a 20 absence is flying in to Pula, Split and Dubrovnik with good number of Serb tourists just cant stay away from beautiful Croatia [link] . We are paying off our debts and stop borrowing and investments are increasing some way the crisis helpt the focus in getting our house in good order.
(Lenard, 31 October 2012 17:41)
"Catherine Aston addressed the news conference next to say that Serbia' future "is in the EU", and that considerable progress had been made, resulting in Serbia's candidate status. "
Really, Lady Aston? This your advice to Serbia at a time when your own ministers and people seemed to be getting more vocal about ridding Britain of the EU?
Cinton stated that "Kosovo is an independent state", and that "borders in Europe would not change". According to her, "a great deal can be accomplished" when it comes to improvement of the lives of people.
At the end it is up to serbia and kosovo albanians to decide.
Clinton will go an holiday after US elections so what she says is off no importance.
Yes independent but they are nowhere now. Palestine took 60 years and more and they still not a real country.
So be patient ....
(moris, 31 October 2012 12:17)
Diplomacy is also a business of little signals: to spent the night in Prishtina is a signal, here we are feeling at home with our allies, if you look the photos from Belgrade with a frosty small-talk with Nikolic/Dacic and the warm feelings between the guests and the Albanians in Prishtina, it says a lot. The Serbs have the problem to see their real position. Tachi said just now that Belgrade should be furhter "isolated" if it is not accepting the demands.
(Ben, 31 October 2012 11:07)
Lenny here is little secret. Croatia is not too far away from Slovenia’s situation. Maybe you might get Croatian government to say “hey brother have you got a Euro?”. Here is little secret – tourism no go well in Croatia thid year.
(sj, 31 October 2012 10:48)
Interesting is the echo in the German media today: all articles are stating that Clinton underlined the independence of Kosovo, that the borders will not be changed and also the critics opposite Nikolics comments to BiH. Conerning the EU-fantasies of Serbia the State Broadcasting made clear, that a real perspective for Serbia within the EU, and this only together with Kososovo and BiH, is not visible for a long period ahead. On the other side all articles are expecting th capitulation of Serbia in important questions: abolisment of Serb structures in Northern Kosovoo, de-facto acceptance of the independence and the complete change of the internal legal system within Serbia.
(Peter, 31 October 2012 10:00)
Another piece of news, Slovenia is close to bankruptcy. You know that country that propped up Serbia for all those years with Croatia – as they say lies have a very short life span.
(sj, 30 October 2012 21:55) Ya sj Slovenia the mouse that roared ha ha. Croatia is getting back 100's of millions from the supposedly defunct Ljbubanska bank. I mean the "Nova" Ljubanaska bank now owned by Slovenia government that ran it down in to the ground and stole the ex Yugo depositors money. Also Croatia will be getting billions and I'm not talking dinars either from Serbia. Crime dose not pay especially for Serbia the law is catching up as it should. Now Serbia will be competing with Moldova and Albania who is on the bottom no more billions from Croatian support to make Serbia well off. Look at Ivica already has his hand out saying to Ashton just 50 it's for Serbia really.
(Lenard, 31 October 2012 09:36)
"Clinton and Ashton feel more safer to spend the night in Prishtina than Belgrade. I wonder WHY?
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 20:12)"
Whatever the reason, just don't tell Thaci's wife! Or else they may have to leave minus some of their body organs! Ha ha ha!
(lowe, 31 October 2012 02:39)
"Based on this pic, looks like Clinton is reading the riot act to Toma.
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 17:23)"
Really? Her hands are folded and she's apparently politely leaning forwards towards him -- that's how you read the riot act? And reading without a book or document too -- amazing to say the least. Or maybe you just need to be less subjectively imaginative. Or else visit your optician to get your eyes checked.
(lowe, 31 October 2012 02:34)
If Kosovo is independent why does Serbia need to negotiate. It is clear that Serbia still controls Kosovo thru economic and military power.
(Archie, 31 October 2012 00:07)
It won't even if Serbia recognized Kosovo and sent an ambassador, signed over all of its assets, Kosovo would still be a failure because the people do not trust anyone to govern honestly and the leaders are warlord mobsters.
(marKo, 30 October 2012 22:05)
You should have read my comment below
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 23:56)
It's funny. EU popularity is way down, the pro west alliance is out of power and the EU and the US have less to offer, yet they visit Serbia and ask for more. In one breath Clinton calls Kosovo a independent country, in another she talks about not changing Europe's borders. It is as if they bit off more than they can chew, but they don't know it yet.
The longer they keep Serbia out of the EU, the less Serbia will need the EU and yet they cling to failed EU Kosovo policy.
The Irony is that Serbia's recognition of Kosovo used to be irrelevant to them. They didn't bother consulting with Serbia or negotiating in good faith. Now it is apparent that Kosovo is incapable of standing on its feet, no one is mad enough to invest in a state run by organized crime, and they think that some international legitimacy would wash this away.
It won't even if Serbia recognized Kosovo and sent an ambassador, signed over all of its assets, Kosovo would still be a failure because the people do not trust anyone to govern honestly and the leaders are warlord mobsters.
(marKo, 30 October 2012 22:05)
Now that the US has successfully repaired the damage done by Katrina plus the oil spills of recent in the Gulf of Mexico plus the 200 billion estimated to cost for the damage done by the current storm plus dealing with the near 17 trillion debt plus the fact that the Australia announced a clear policy change from the US to Asia plus the EU dealing with so many bankrupt or near bankrupt entities within it “family”, yes I agree Serbia will be begging the two clowns who arrived in Belgrade fro money LOL.
Now to all that believe this take a very deep breath and don’t lose control of your bowl movements because it’s not going to happen. Yes tadic did try and sell out and yes these two clowns are there to try and “shore up those deals’ but these are non-binding agreements since the Serbian Parliament did not approve them and they are falling through. In short it more of the same status quo for Kosovo. Something the EU/US are DESPERATE to resolve before Kosovo explodes.
Another piece of news, Slovenia is close to bankruptcy. You know that country that propped up Serbia for all those years with Croatia – as they say lies have a very short life span.
(sj, 30 October 2012 21:55)
Cinton stated that "Kosovo is an independent state", and that "borders in Europe would not change". According to her, "a great deal can be accomplished" when it comes to improvement of the lives of people."
Dacic thanks US/EU that they have not to recognize Kosovo BUT Clinton told the Serbs that Kosovo is independent the relations must be improved, what can only mean: Serbia must accept the reality.
And later Clinton said, what is only possible when Dacic speaks about historic agreement: the improvement of the lives of the people, but who lives in Kosovo, mainly Albanians; so Serbia should improve the live of the Albanians
But Daci and Nikolic will not understand this, they are dreaming of the never-coming EU membership
(Dan, 30 October 2012 19:40)
Well, Serbia is in specific period of time, like all countries in the region. This can be a big opportunity for opening a new page in history , in politic and economy. Countries must be together in an effort to make a conditions for peaceful and prosperous future. Serbia should be a good sample of positive leadership. This is the good news.
(Aischylos, 30 October 2012 19:24)
This picture speaks volumes. Indeed, it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Who is in charge of the West, the US or England? Who is speaking to Nikolic and who is speaking to Dacic?
(Daniel, 30 October 2012 17:16)
Ashton's spokesperson Maja Kocijacić said that the visit "represents an expression of joint support for integrations, and especially for the Belgrade-Priština dialogue.
B92
Nothing of the sort.The purpose of the visit of Clinton and Ashton is to tell Nikolic to follow Tadic's sell-out policies regarding Kosovo and the complete surrender of Serbia to corrupt Western market forces.
It sounds good Nato practice to bomb the crap out of Counties on pseudo-humanitarian grounds ,declare freedom then send in the Capitalists
to mop up what is left standing .What a suprise!
May I just remind Nikolic that "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat the same mistakes".
(Leonidas, 30 October 2012 11:39)
"Meanwhile, the Serbian police - some 4,000 of them - will be deployed along the route from the airport to the Palace of Serbia,"
So they are holding the Gay Parade after all? Clinton & Ashton (would have preferred Ellen & Portia). Who would have thought it?
(It Swings Both Ways, 30 October 2012 11:06)
Ashton's spokesperson Maja Kocijacić said that the visit "represents an expression of joint support for integrations, and especially for the Belgrade-Priština dialogue.
B92
Nothing of the sort.The purpose of the visit of Clinton and Ashton is to tell Nikolic to follow Tadic's sell-out policies regarding Kosovo and the complete surrender of Serbia to corrupt Western market forces.
It sounds good Nato practice to bomb the crap out of Counties on pseudo-humanitarian grounds ,declare freedom then send in the Capitalists
to mop up what is left standing .What a suprise!
May I just remind Nikolic that "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat the same mistakes".
(Leonidas, 30 October 2012 11:39)
"Meanwhile, the Serbian police - some 4,000 of them - will be deployed along the route from the airport to the Palace of Serbia,"
So they are holding the Gay Parade after all? Clinton & Ashton (would have preferred Ellen & Portia). Who would have thought it?
(It Swings Both Ways, 30 October 2012 11:06)
It's funny. EU popularity is way down, the pro west alliance is out of power and the EU and the US have less to offer, yet they visit Serbia and ask for more. In one breath Clinton calls Kosovo a independent country, in another she talks about not changing Europe's borders. It is as if they bit off more than they can chew, but they don't know it yet.
The longer they keep Serbia out of the EU, the less Serbia will need the EU and yet they cling to failed EU Kosovo policy.
The Irony is that Serbia's recognition of Kosovo used to be irrelevant to them. They didn't bother consulting with Serbia or negotiating in good faith. Now it is apparent that Kosovo is incapable of standing on its feet, no one is mad enough to invest in a state run by organized crime, and they think that some international legitimacy would wash this away.
It won't even if Serbia recognized Kosovo and sent an ambassador, signed over all of its assets, Kosovo would still be a failure because the people do not trust anyone to govern honestly and the leaders are warlord mobsters.
(marKo, 30 October 2012 22:05)
Cinton stated that "Kosovo is an independent state", and that "borders in Europe would not change". According to her, "a great deal can be accomplished" when it comes to improvement of the lives of people."
Dacic thanks US/EU that they have not to recognize Kosovo BUT Clinton told the Serbs that Kosovo is independent the relations must be improved, what can only mean: Serbia must accept the reality.
And later Clinton said, what is only possible when Dacic speaks about historic agreement: the improvement of the lives of the people, but who lives in Kosovo, mainly Albanians; so Serbia should improve the live of the Albanians
But Daci and Nikolic will not understand this, they are dreaming of the never-coming EU membership
(Dan, 30 October 2012 19:40)
This picture speaks volumes. Indeed, it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Who is in charge of the West, the US or England? Who is speaking to Nikolic and who is speaking to Dacic?
(Daniel, 30 October 2012 17:16)
Well, Serbia is in specific period of time, like all countries in the region. This can be a big opportunity for opening a new page in history , in politic and economy. Countries must be together in an effort to make a conditions for peaceful and prosperous future. Serbia should be a good sample of positive leadership. This is the good news.
(Aischylos, 30 October 2012 19:24)
Now that the US has successfully repaired the damage done by Katrina plus the oil spills of recent in the Gulf of Mexico plus the 200 billion estimated to cost for the damage done by the current storm plus dealing with the near 17 trillion debt plus the fact that the Australia announced a clear policy change from the US to Asia plus the EU dealing with so many bankrupt or near bankrupt entities within it “family”, yes I agree Serbia will be begging the two clowns who arrived in Belgrade fro money LOL.
Now to all that believe this take a very deep breath and don’t lose control of your bowl movements because it’s not going to happen. Yes tadic did try and sell out and yes these two clowns are there to try and “shore up those deals’ but these are non-binding agreements since the Serbian Parliament did not approve them and they are falling through. In short it more of the same status quo for Kosovo. Something the EU/US are DESPERATE to resolve before Kosovo explodes.
Another piece of news, Slovenia is close to bankruptcy. You know that country that propped up Serbia for all those years with Croatia – as they say lies have a very short life span.
(sj, 30 October 2012 21:55)
If Kosovo is independent why does Serbia need to negotiate. It is clear that Serbia still controls Kosovo thru economic and military power.
(Archie, 31 October 2012 00:07)
It won't even if Serbia recognized Kosovo and sent an ambassador, signed over all of its assets, Kosovo would still be a failure because the people do not trust anyone to govern honestly and the leaders are warlord mobsters.
(marKo, 30 October 2012 22:05)
You should have read my comment below
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 23:56)
Interesting is the echo in the German media today: all articles are stating that Clinton underlined the independence of Kosovo, that the borders will not be changed and also the critics opposite Nikolics comments to BiH. Conerning the EU-fantasies of Serbia the State Broadcasting made clear, that a real perspective for Serbia within the EU, and this only together with Kososovo and BiH, is not visible for a long period ahead. On the other side all articles are expecting th capitulation of Serbia in important questions: abolisment of Serb structures in Northern Kosovoo, de-facto acceptance of the independence and the complete change of the internal legal system within Serbia.
(Peter, 31 October 2012 10:00)
Another piece of news, Slovenia is close to bankruptcy. You know that country that propped up Serbia for all those years with Croatia – as they say lies have a very short life span.
(sj, 30 October 2012 21:55) Ya sj Slovenia the mouse that roared ha ha. Croatia is getting back 100's of millions from the supposedly defunct Ljbubanska bank. I mean the "Nova" Ljubanaska bank now owned by Slovenia government that ran it down in to the ground and stole the ex Yugo depositors money. Also Croatia will be getting billions and I'm not talking dinars either from Serbia. Crime dose not pay especially for Serbia the law is catching up as it should. Now Serbia will be competing with Moldova and Albania who is on the bottom no more billions from Croatian support to make Serbia well off. Look at Ivica already has his hand out saying to Ashton just 50 it's for Serbia really.
(Lenard, 31 October 2012 09:36)
Diplomacy is also a business of little signals: to spent the night in Prishtina is a signal, here we are feeling at home with our allies, if you look the photos from Belgrade with a frosty small-talk with Nikolic/Dacic and the warm feelings between the guests and the Albanians in Prishtina, it says a lot. The Serbs have the problem to see their real position. Tachi said just now that Belgrade should be furhter "isolated" if it is not accepting the demands.
(Ben, 31 October 2012 11:07)
Lenny here is little secret. Croatia is not too far away from Slovenia’s situation. Maybe you might get Croatian government to say “hey brother have you got a Euro?”. Here is little secret – tourism no go well in Croatia thid year.
(sj, 31 October 2012 10:48) Jealousy will not get you anywhere sj Croatia's tourism is growing by 5% on average every year. Even Serbs are coming in increasing numbers. This year Serbian JAT after a 20 absence is flying in to Pula, Split and Dubrovnik with good number of Serb tourists just cant stay away from beautiful Croatia [link] . We are paying off our debts and stop borrowing and investments are increasing some way the crisis helpt the focus in getting our house in good order.
(Lenard, 31 October 2012 17:41)
"Catherine Aston addressed the news conference next to say that Serbia' future "is in the EU", and that considerable progress had been made, resulting in Serbia's candidate status. "
Really, Lady Aston? This your advice to Serbia at a time when your own ministers and people seemed to be getting more vocal about ridding Britain of the EU?
"Based on this pic, looks like Clinton is reading the riot act to Toma.
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 17:23)"
Really? Her hands are folded and she's apparently politely leaning forwards towards him -- that's how you read the riot act? And reading without a book or document too -- amazing to say the least. Or maybe you just need to be less subjectively imaginative. Or else visit your optician to get your eyes checked.
(lowe, 31 October 2012 02:34)
"Clinton and Ashton feel more safer to spend the night in Prishtina than Belgrade. I wonder WHY?
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 20:12)"
Whatever the reason, just don't tell Thaci's wife! Or else they may have to leave minus some of their body organs! Ha ha ha!
(lowe, 31 October 2012 02:39)
Yes Lenny Croatia only in world that has successful tourist industry. You must go out and tell Americans your secret – how Croatia does it while the rest of the world is in recession and their tourist industry is suffering while Croatia powers ahead.
No, your wrong Croatian tourism rose 150% no 5% - but you must stop counting those cars that only travel through Croatia on their way somewhere lese as tourists then you find tourism no that high.
You no take medication and that’s’ why you hear voices that tell you all these things.
“We are paying off our debts and stop borrowing” Croatia stopped borrowing because no bank will lend mate. You must tell Milanovic your secret because he very concerned. Lenny investments are made by private companies not government run enterprises as Croatia has had to close all or sell them off. You have to keep up with events there.
(sj, 1 November 2012 02:40)
Cinton stated that "Kosovo is an independent state", and that "borders in Europe would not change". According to her, "a great deal can be accomplished" when it comes to improvement of the lives of people.
At the end it is up to serbia and kosovo albanians to decide.
Clinton will go an holiday after US elections so what she says is off no importance.
Yes independent but they are nowhere now. Palestine took 60 years and more and they still not a real country.
So be patient ....
(moris, 31 October 2012 12:17)
Lenny here is little secret. Croatia is not too far away from Slovenia’s situation. Maybe you might get Croatian government to say “hey brother have you got a Euro?”. Here is little secret – tourism no go well in Croatia thid year.
(sj, 31 October 2012 10:48)
Ashton's spokesperson Maja Kocijacić said that the visit "represents an expression of joint support for integrations, and especially for the Belgrade-Priština dialogue.
B92
Nothing of the sort.The purpose of the visit of Clinton and Ashton is to tell Nikolic to follow Tadic's sell-out policies regarding Kosovo and the complete surrender of Serbia to corrupt Western market forces.
It sounds good Nato practice to bomb the crap out of Counties on pseudo-humanitarian grounds ,declare freedom then send in the Capitalists
to mop up what is left standing .What a suprise!
May I just remind Nikolic that "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat the same mistakes".
(Leonidas, 30 October 2012 11:39)
"Meanwhile, the Serbian police - some 4,000 of them - will be deployed along the route from the airport to the Palace of Serbia,"
So they are holding the Gay Parade after all? Clinton & Ashton (would have preferred Ellen & Portia). Who would have thought it?
(It Swings Both Ways, 30 October 2012 11:06)
It's funny. EU popularity is way down, the pro west alliance is out of power and the EU and the US have less to offer, yet they visit Serbia and ask for more. In one breath Clinton calls Kosovo a independent country, in another she talks about not changing Europe's borders. It is as if they bit off more than they can chew, but they don't know it yet.
The longer they keep Serbia out of the EU, the less Serbia will need the EU and yet they cling to failed EU Kosovo policy.
The Irony is that Serbia's recognition of Kosovo used to be irrelevant to them. They didn't bother consulting with Serbia or negotiating in good faith. Now it is apparent that Kosovo is incapable of standing on its feet, no one is mad enough to invest in a state run by organized crime, and they think that some international legitimacy would wash this away.
It won't even if Serbia recognized Kosovo and sent an ambassador, signed over all of its assets, Kosovo would still be a failure because the people do not trust anyone to govern honestly and the leaders are warlord mobsters.
(marKo, 30 October 2012 22:05)
Cinton stated that "Kosovo is an independent state", and that "borders in Europe would not change". According to her, "a great deal can be accomplished" when it comes to improvement of the lives of people."
Dacic thanks US/EU that they have not to recognize Kosovo BUT Clinton told the Serbs that Kosovo is independent the relations must be improved, what can only mean: Serbia must accept the reality.
And later Clinton said, what is only possible when Dacic speaks about historic agreement: the improvement of the lives of the people, but who lives in Kosovo, mainly Albanians; so Serbia should improve the live of the Albanians
But Daci and Nikolic will not understand this, they are dreaming of the never-coming EU membership
(Dan, 30 October 2012 19:40)
This picture speaks volumes. Indeed, it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Who is in charge of the West, the US or England? Who is speaking to Nikolic and who is speaking to Dacic?
(Daniel, 30 October 2012 17:16)
Now that the US has successfully repaired the damage done by Katrina plus the oil spills of recent in the Gulf of Mexico plus the 200 billion estimated to cost for the damage done by the current storm plus dealing with the near 17 trillion debt plus the fact that the Australia announced a clear policy change from the US to Asia plus the EU dealing with so many bankrupt or near bankrupt entities within it “family”, yes I agree Serbia will be begging the two clowns who arrived in Belgrade fro money LOL.
Now to all that believe this take a very deep breath and don’t lose control of your bowl movements because it’s not going to happen. Yes tadic did try and sell out and yes these two clowns are there to try and “shore up those deals’ but these are non-binding agreements since the Serbian Parliament did not approve them and they are falling through. In short it more of the same status quo for Kosovo. Something the EU/US are DESPERATE to resolve before Kosovo explodes.
Another piece of news, Slovenia is close to bankruptcy. You know that country that propped up Serbia for all those years with Croatia – as they say lies have a very short life span.
(sj, 30 October 2012 21:55)
Well, Serbia is in specific period of time, like all countries in the region. This can be a big opportunity for opening a new page in history , in politic and economy. Countries must be together in an effort to make a conditions for peaceful and prosperous future. Serbia should be a good sample of positive leadership. This is the good news.
(Aischylos, 30 October 2012 19:24)
"Clinton and Ashton feel more safer to spend the night in Prishtina than Belgrade. I wonder WHY?
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 20:12)"
Whatever the reason, just don't tell Thaci's wife! Or else they may have to leave minus some of their body organs! Ha ha ha!
(lowe, 31 October 2012 02:39)
If Kosovo is independent why does Serbia need to negotiate. It is clear that Serbia still controls Kosovo thru economic and military power.
(Archie, 31 October 2012 00:07)
Lenny here is little secret. Croatia is not too far away from Slovenia’s situation. Maybe you might get Croatian government to say “hey brother have you got a Euro?”. Here is little secret – tourism no go well in Croatia thid year.
(sj, 31 October 2012 10:48)
"Catherine Aston addressed the news conference next to say that Serbia' future "is in the EU", and that considerable progress had been made, resulting in Serbia's candidate status. "
Really, Lady Aston? This your advice to Serbia at a time when your own ministers and people seemed to be getting more vocal about ridding Britain of the EU?
"Based on this pic, looks like Clinton is reading the riot act to Toma.
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 17:23)"
Really? Her hands are folded and she's apparently politely leaning forwards towards him -- that's how you read the riot act? And reading without a book or document too -- amazing to say the least. Or maybe you just need to be less subjectively imaginative. Or else visit your optician to get your eyes checked.
(lowe, 31 October 2012 02:34)
Diplomacy is also a business of little signals: to spent the night in Prishtina is a signal, here we are feeling at home with our allies, if you look the photos from Belgrade with a frosty small-talk with Nikolic/Dacic and the warm feelings between the guests and the Albanians in Prishtina, it says a lot. The Serbs have the problem to see their real position. Tachi said just now that Belgrade should be furhter "isolated" if it is not accepting the demands.
(Ben, 31 October 2012 11:07)
Another piece of news, Slovenia is close to bankruptcy. You know that country that propped up Serbia for all those years with Croatia – as they say lies have a very short life span.
(sj, 30 October 2012 21:55) Ya sj Slovenia the mouse that roared ha ha. Croatia is getting back 100's of millions from the supposedly defunct Ljbubanska bank. I mean the "Nova" Ljubanaska bank now owned by Slovenia government that ran it down in to the ground and stole the ex Yugo depositors money. Also Croatia will be getting billions and I'm not talking dinars either from Serbia. Crime dose not pay especially for Serbia the law is catching up as it should. Now Serbia will be competing with Moldova and Albania who is on the bottom no more billions from Croatian support to make Serbia well off. Look at Ivica already has his hand out saying to Ashton just 50 it's for Serbia really.
(Lenard, 31 October 2012 09:36)
Cinton stated that "Kosovo is an independent state", and that "borders in Europe would not change". According to her, "a great deal can be accomplished" when it comes to improvement of the lives of people.
At the end it is up to serbia and kosovo albanians to decide.
Clinton will go an holiday after US elections so what she says is off no importance.
Yes independent but they are nowhere now. Palestine took 60 years and more and they still not a real country.
So be patient ....
(moris, 31 October 2012 12:17)
Yes Lenny Croatia only in world that has successful tourist industry. You must go out and tell Americans your secret – how Croatia does it while the rest of the world is in recession and their tourist industry is suffering while Croatia powers ahead.
No, your wrong Croatian tourism rose 150% no 5% - but you must stop counting those cars that only travel through Croatia on their way somewhere lese as tourists then you find tourism no that high.
You no take medication and that’s’ why you hear voices that tell you all these things.
“We are paying off our debts and stop borrowing” Croatia stopped borrowing because no bank will lend mate. You must tell Milanovic your secret because he very concerned. Lenny investments are made by private companies not government run enterprises as Croatia has had to close all or sell them off. You have to keep up with events there.
(sj, 1 November 2012 02:40)
It won't even if Serbia recognized Kosovo and sent an ambassador, signed over all of its assets, Kosovo would still be a failure because the people do not trust anyone to govern honestly and the leaders are warlord mobsters.
(marKo, 30 October 2012 22:05)
You should have read my comment below
(Ardi Asllani, 30 October 2012 23:56)
Interesting is the echo in the German media today: all articles are stating that Clinton underlined the independence of Kosovo, that the borders will not be changed and also the critics opposite Nikolics comments to BiH. Conerning the EU-fantasies of Serbia the State Broadcasting made clear, that a real perspective for Serbia within the EU, and this only together with Kososovo and BiH, is not visible for a long period ahead. On the other side all articles are expecting th capitulation of Serbia in important questions: abolisment of Serb structures in Northern Kosovoo, de-facto acceptance of the independence and the complete change of the internal legal system within Serbia.
(Peter, 31 October 2012 10:00)
Lenny here is little secret. Croatia is not too far away from Slovenia’s situation. Maybe you might get Croatian government to say “hey brother have you got a Euro?”. Here is little secret – tourism no go well in Croatia thid year.
(sj, 31 October 2012 10:48) Jealousy will not get you anywhere sj Croatia's tourism is growing by 5% on average every year. Even Serbs are coming in increasing numbers. This year Serbian JAT after a 20 absence is flying in to Pula, Split and Dubrovnik with good number of Serb tourists just cant stay away from beautiful Croatia [link] . We are paying off our debts and stop borrowing and investments are increasing some way the crisis helpt the focus in getting our house in good order.
(Lenard, 31 October 2012 17:41)