GAZIMESTAN -- Those who threw objects at Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić at Gazimestan on Saturday were "in fact targeting Serbia," said the SNS party.
GAZIMESTAN -- Those who threw objects at Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić at Gazimestan on Saturday were "in fact targeting Serbia," said the SNS party.
Source: Tanjug
Close the entire text of the article here
"The Serb Progressive Party vehemently condemns today's attacks against the President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolić. The insulting chants and primitive attacks are a disgrace, not only to those who today treated the Serbian president in such an uncivilised manner, but also to Serbia," the SNS said in a statement on Saturday.
The SNS "will do its utmost and fight every day for Serbia to become a modern and orderly society in which incidents such as this one will merely represent a distant, ugly past," the statement said.
On Saturday Nikolić, who stepped down as SNS leader in favor of Aleksandar Vučić when he was elected Serbia's president, held a speech at a ceremony marking Vidovdan (St. Vitus' Day) at Gazimestan - the site of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, fought on Vidovdan between the Serbian medieval state and the invading Ottoman Turks.
Nikolić's speech was interrupted "because of extremist groups that booed and shouted out inappropriate remarks," Tanjug reported.
Gazimestan
Tomislav Nikolić laid a wreath at the memorial honoring the heroes of the Kosovo Battle at Gazimestan, a monument commemorating the historic Battle of Kosovo.
Nikolić said that Serbia will continue fighting for its holy land and negotiating with everyone, but he was forced to break off his speech at one point because of extremist groups that booed and shouted "improper remarks."
At the ceremony marking Saint Vitus' Day, Nikolić pointed out that Gazimestan is a holy site where Kosovo heroes fought the crucial battle for freedom and their homes 625 years ago.
Addressing those who booed and shouted improper comments labeling him as a traitor, the Serbian president said that "feuding Serbian lords joined forces at this site in 1389 to fight against the powerful Ottoman Empire."
In response to the booing crowd which bore the symbols of Obraz and other right-wing organizations, Nikolić said that they were "out of their mind but that he forgives them because they know not what they are doing and are labeling as traitors the people who want to help them."
“If Serbs had booed Prince Lazar in such way when he called on them to go and fight, you would have nowhere to come today,” Nikolić said.
Nikolić said in his speech earlier that Albanian neighbors are also living in the area nowadays and are building their homes and tilling their land here, and he wished them luck, but he also warned them that they should always bear in mind that they are living on Serbian land.
“May they preserve all that they are building forever, but they should know that they are building it on Serbian land,” Nikolić said.
Certain members of the booing crowd shouted out the name of Vojislav Šešelj and slogans such as, "You have betrayed Kosovo."
Nevertheless, Tanjug reported, "Nikolić won a round of applause."
The Serbian president attended the memorial service by Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, Bishop Teodosije of Raška-Prizren and Bishop Pahomije of Vranje.
The commemoration brought together Justice Minister Nikola Selaković, Labor Minister Aleksandar Vulin, Director of the Office for Kosovo Marko Đurić and Kosovo Serb officials.
Before the Serbian president's address, Serbian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Amfilohije called on Serbs and Albanians to live peacefully alongside each other. He underscored that Serbs and Albanians have been living together for centuries and should live in peace.
Amfilohije said that Gazimestan is a holy site where Serb heroes fought for the faith, justice and truth, and noted that the Battle of Kosovo was a battle against tyranny, which was waged by not only Prince Lazar but also many others in Europe.
He noted that "many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area" also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbors.
The bishop qualified as "insane" the shouting and booing during the Serbian president's speech at Gazimestan.
Gračanica
Tomislav Nikolić said at the Serb Orthodox Monastery of Gračanica in Kosovo on Saturday that Serbia should pursue a prudent policy in Kosovo, and underscored that "nyone who deems that the future could be built by making war is seriously mistaken."
Nikolić "told reporters that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo's independence, just as Kosovo authorities will continue to behave as if they were in a sovereign, independent state, so it is in the interest of both Serbs and ethnic Albanians to reach an agreement," Tanjug reported.
He stressed that Serbia should pursue a prudent policy, talk with everyone so as to ensure that Serbs and ethnic Albanians in Kosovo "reach an accord, and not make war."
“I am convinced that, as long as I am president, Serbia will not wage a war,” Nikolić said.
The Serbian president said that his intent was made clear in the resolution that was passed by the Serbian parliament, based on which many fruitful talks were realized with Priština's institutions and the European Union.
Asked what if the EU asked of Serbia to recognize Kosovo's independence for the sake of EU membership, Nikolić replied that "five EU member states have not recognized Kosovo, and have not been excluded from the bloc, so he does not see a reason why Serbia should do that."
Asked "whether there are road blocks in Kosovska Mitrovica," Nikolić said that "Serbs set up a peace park there and that now it is up to ethnic Albanians to accept the offered friendship."
Nikolić met Kosovo Serb officials in Gračanica, and unveiled a plaque on the monument to Milos Obilić, a medieval Serbian knight in the service of Prince Lazar.
The monument to Milos Obilić was previously located in the town of Obilić, where it was damaged in 1999, and was temporarily moved to the churchyard of the Monastery of Gračanica.
That's true Alex,but this happened in the Second Battle of Kosovo which took place in 1448.
George Castrioti was heading to help Huniadi who was fighting turks in Kosovo and was stopped by serbs.
After fighting against the serb army, he arrived in Kosovo when it was too late.
Than,George Castrioti Scanderbeg burnt serbian villages as a revange and accused serbian nobles for abandoning the cause.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 15:56)
Mirel is correct, I've made the same mistake before, failing to remember that it was the second battle of Kosova, that Serbian treachery was used against G.Kastrioti! This Serb treachery was used against G. Kastrioti on several occasions by the Brankovic line of Serbian kings! One very well documented instance that comes to mind, is when Kastrioti with1200 warriors were on their way to defend Constantinople in 1453, They were ambushed by Brankovic & his forces between a gorge near Nis! Brankovic had signed a pact with the sultan, even giving one of his daughters to the sultan for matrimony, as a guarantee from Brankovic, assuring the pact!
[link]
(Rocky, 2 July 2014 20:14)
An important note for some of the Uber Nationalist Serbs here, Scanderbeg was actually on his way to the Battle of Kosovo when it happened and was blocked from entering the area by one of your very own defectors. What your Bishop says is true in this sense. Make no mistake about this, though. None of this will ever change the years upon years upon years that you treated us like dogs. That will never be forgotten.
(Aleks, 2 July 2014 13:27)
That's true Alex,but this happened in the Second Battle of Kosovo which took place in 1448.
George Castrioti was heading to help Huniadi who was fighting turks in Kosovo and was stopped by serbs.
After fighting against the serb army, he arrived in Kosovo when it was too late.
Than,George Castrioti Scanderbeg burnt serbian villages as a revange and accused serbian nobles for abandoning the cause.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 15:56)
An important note for some of the Uber Nationalist Serbs here, Scanderbeg was actually on his way to the Battle of Kosovo when it happened and was blocked from entering the area by one of your very own defectors. What your Bishop says is true in this sense. Make no mistake about this, though. None of this will ever change the years upon years upon years that you treated us like dogs. That will never be forgotten.
(Aleks, 2 July 2014 13:27)
"Nikolle - You dismiss the stories of Kosovo as fiction and myths. Another intersting comment coming from an Albanian whose ancestors sided with the occupier and, therefore, failed to retain thier own cultural identity. If your brethren had had any backbone, they would have resisted the occupier instead of joining them, and perhaps there would be some evidence of an Albanian culture in Kosovo. "
can you not read? i was talking about the battle of kosovo 1389, you know, the one that apparently has shaped you psyche?! everything i wrote is true, historically very little is actually known that we certain of. there is zero credible evidence that obilic existed, none whatsoever. the myth behind the story is to be found much later in literature. so what you're commemorating, is not based on actual historical fact, its based on fables
(Nikolle, 2 July 2014 10:08)
Mirel - You claim that Serbs have been pushing Albanians toward Turkey for centuries. ... They sided with the occupier, unlike the Serbs who resisted for more than 500 years and retained their culure, religion and identity.
@njegos,
Because unlike serbs who fought one afternoon in 1389 against turks and the next day did marry with Sultan,albanians continue to fight against ottomans under Kastrioti and Arianiti fathers and George Castrioti Scanderbeg later for 35 years in a raw,where we won 36 out of 37 battles and kicked two Sultans in their butt.
After the victory of Turks against Albanians in 1478,we endured 100 years ottoman terror where 1/3 of population was killed(not an easy life as you mentioned) our nobels were killed or exiled in Southern Italy.
So Albanians were under the mercy of the Sultan,unlike serbs who had their nobles and their administration as buffer.
Secondly,I am not accusing you for throwing albaninans toward Turkey for several centuries,but for the last 150 years.
If you wouldnt have been so greedy with Kosovo and wanted to get half of todays Albania,I am sure that Albanians didn't need to find allies among Big Powers and Turkey.
We fought together in 1389,and we continue to fight in different ways against turks.
Today,Albanians are on USA-Turkey side and you on Russia-Greek side.
Today finally someone from serbian church is speaking the truth.Hopefully this movement will continue for the sake of peace in the region.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 00:59)
Ari gold you know why. Because vucic dacic nikolic and all leaders of Serbia are strident Kosovo independence supporters who fell Serbs in Kosovo to vote on republic of Kosovo ballots accept ambassadors from Kosovo and send them to Kosovo. Serbia has border guards and customs agents on the border with Kosovo and just worked extremely hard getting Kosovo in seecp.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:47)
Well if not even the country that the Albanians claim to have broken away from is recognizing and working "very hard" for you, can help you get universal recognition, UN membership and investments...then I for one am happy with the grey prospects of ever legitimizing this immoral and unjust occupation :)
Let's hope you're right "Brandon". Because if you are, then the Albanians are getting absolutely the most they can out of everyone. Out of the West, out of Serbia... everyone. And if THIS is your peak and your ceiling with all that support, I for one will take it.
Someone go tell your comrades in Mitrovica though. They don't seem to agree with you [link]
(Ari Gold, 1 July 2014 18:20)
Mirel - You claim that Serbs have been pushing Albanians toward Turkey for centuries. Interesting comment. Serbs never forced Albanians to convert to Islam, they did that all on their own to lead easier lives. They sided with the occupier, unlike the Serbs who resisted for more than 500 years and retained their culure, religion and identity.
Nikolle - You dismiss the stories of Kosovo as fiction and myths. Another intersting comment coming from an Albanian whose ancestors sided with the occupier and, therefore, failed to retain thier own cultural identity. If your brethren had had any backbone, they would have resisted the occupier instead of joining them, and perhaps there would be some evidence of an Albanian culture in Kosovo.
And finally, Rocky, you speak of the Albanian presence in the Battle of Kosovo with some sort of pride. How can you be proud of a people who converted en masse to Islam after fighting against the Turkish hordes. It is very difficult to understand Albanian culture because Albanians have embraced every occupier they ever faced. That is why Albanians are made up of 3 religions, with no real evidence of any culture. Every time Albanians suggest they are decendants of the Ilyrians, they are unable to provide any real supporting evidence to that claim. This is because when a people assimilate to different cultures time and time and time again over a period of centuries, their culture becomes non-existent. Nice history Rocky.
(njegos, 1 July 2014 18:08)
Amfilohije noted that "many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area" also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbors....
Finally some smart words are coming from Serbian Orthodox Church after deniying that Albanians didnt even fought in 1389.
In my opinion this is a step in the right direction.
Hopefully similar steps will follow Irenej and Nikolic.
Is better to be on the same side like we were in 1389, than push albanians toward Turkey like you have done for at least 150 years.
Unfortunately in Balkans and specially in Serbia folk and legends politics is still very powerful,but this speech from Amfilohije make me more optimistic.
Peace and lets watch the FIFA world cup!
(Mirel from Albania, 1 July 2014 17:09)
are serbs still commemorating the battle of kosovo? do you what historians actually know about this event? two things, that lazar and murad died, thats it. there is no shred of evidence that brankovic ever defected, no shred of evidence that obilic even existed and all that serbs commemorate are myths that have been advanced by serbian literature. the battle of kosovo is a totally insignificant in the history of Europe.
(Nikolle, 1 July 2014 10:52)
Ari gold you know why. Because vucic dacic nikolic and all leaders of Serbia are strident Kosovo independence supporters who fell Serbs in Kosovo to vote on republic of Kosovo ballots accept ambassadors from Kosovo and send them to Kosovo. Serbia has border guards and customs agents on the border with Kosovo and just worked extremely hard getting Kosovo in seecp.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:47)
Thank you mr patriarch, for shedding a little more light into the matter, from a true Serbian leaders view point!!!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
===…==
Hang on here, isn't he a silly old bearded man in a dress? Isn't this the way you Albanians and especially Nikolle describe him?
What's changed?
Oh, yeah, he said something you like this time and now he's ok.
(Peggy, 1 July 2014 02:29)
Basically your coastline isn't yours and should be removed from Albania.
(MikeD, 30 June 2014 21:02)
If you ever step foot in Albania you can see how its possible, how many mountains are in albania just visit and it will become clear to you.
I know Serbia suffers it does not have sea coast this was and is one of biggest wet dreams of Serbian Nationalist to take cost territory.
(Atila, 1 July 2014 01:51)
The place where the Albanian language was formed is uncertain, but analysis has suggested that it was in a mountainous region, rather than in a plain or seacoast. While the words for plants and animals characteristic of mountainous regions are entirely original, the names for fish and for agricultural activities are generally assumed to have been borrowed from other languages. The Slavic loans in Albanian suggest that contacts between two populations took place when Albanians dwelt in forests 600–900 metres above sea level
Here you Rocky, wrestle with this one. According to your train of thought, we should all look way back in time and assume borders from then. Above is an excerpt from Wikipedia. Basically your coastline isn't yours and should be removed from Albania.
(MikeD, 30 June 2014 21:02)
He noted that many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbours.
Shocking yet long overdue, to hear this statement which is a well known fact, coming from the patriarch himself!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
It's only shocking to those who've never paid attention to Serbian history. No one denies the involvement of Albanians at the Battle of Kosovo. In fact, no one denies that Serbs fought alongside Albanians, Bosnians, Italians, Wallachians, Croats, and Hungarians. No one also denies that the Ottoman army came with conscripted Greek and Bulgarian Christians too.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 30 June 2014 20:19)
Can one of the Albanian ultra-nationalists that come on here and pretend Kosovo-Metohija is a real state and heaven on earth (while their comrades actually living there are violently rioting), why did your institutions "allow" Nikolic to come to Kosovo-Metohija?
Nikolic is a 2-faced liar, so I wouldn't take anything he says seriously. But regardless, he came to Kosovo Polje, about 15 minutes from Pristina to say that Albanians need to know they live on Serbian land.
Why would Pristina "allow" him to come? Oh yea, because they really have absolutely 0 control over anything. EULEX and NATO decide who comes in the province, and this time they allowed the legitimate President to come.
As far as hecklers, good that's what democracy is about.
(Ari Gold, 30 June 2014 19:56)
(After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Albania became part of Byzantium, and later these lands became part of the Kingdom of Bulgaria, the Serbian kingdom, the Venetian Republic and Epirus. In 1389, the combined Serbian and Albanian forces were defeated by a new enemy – the Turks – in the battle of Kosovo Pole. Albania only entered the Ottoman Empire at the end of the 15th century, however. The Sublime Porte was forced to make a number of concessions, including the stipulation that the Albanians would serve in the Turkish army only on a voluntary basis and would be granted a number of trade privileges. On the other hand, it was during the years of Turkish rule that Islam spread in Albania.)
If one is patient to analyze the above paragraph carefully, you will clearly see that the author is referring to a much
larger Albanian geographical area at the time, prior to the ottoman onslaught, and even prior to the Slavic migrations into the Balkan region!
[link]
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 16:47)
He noted that many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbours.
Shocking yet long overdue, to hear this statement which is a well known fact, coming from the patriarch himself! Until recently, radical Serbs would not acknowledge the fact that Albanians have been living on these lands for century's, and even longer then that, try 2 millennia's, as it is a more accurate number! Instead, they would claim that Albanians are only recent inhabitants in the Balkans? Well, here is what some of Serbia's closest Allies has to say about the matter!
[link]
Thank you mr patriarch, for shedding a little more light into the matter, from a true Serbian leaders view point!!!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
He noted that many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbours.
Shocking yet long overdue, to hear this statement which is a well known fact, coming from the patriarch himself! Until recently, radical Serbs would not acknowledge the fact that Albanians have been living on these lands for century's, and even longer then that, try 2 millennia's, as it is a more accurate number! Instead, they would claim that Albanians are only recent inhabitants in the Balkans? Well, here is what some of Serbia's closest Allies has to say about the matter!
[link]
Thank you mr patriarch, for shedding a little more light into the matter, from a true Serbian leaders view point!!!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
(After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Albania became part of Byzantium, and later these lands became part of the Kingdom of Bulgaria, the Serbian kingdom, the Venetian Republic and Epirus. In 1389, the combined Serbian and Albanian forces were defeated by a new enemy – the Turks – in the battle of Kosovo Pole. Albania only entered the Ottoman Empire at the end of the 15th century, however. The Sublime Porte was forced to make a number of concessions, including the stipulation that the Albanians would serve in the Turkish army only on a voluntary basis and would be granted a number of trade privileges. On the other hand, it was during the years of Turkish rule that Islam spread in Albania.)
If one is patient to analyze the above paragraph carefully, you will clearly see that the author is referring to a much
larger Albanian geographical area at the time, prior to the ottoman onslaught, and even prior to the Slavic migrations into the Balkan region!
[link]
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 16:47)
are serbs still commemorating the battle of kosovo? do you what historians actually know about this event? two things, that lazar and murad died, thats it. there is no shred of evidence that brankovic ever defected, no shred of evidence that obilic even existed and all that serbs commemorate are myths that have been advanced by serbian literature. the battle of kosovo is a totally insignificant in the history of Europe.
(Nikolle, 1 July 2014 10:52)
Can one of the Albanian ultra-nationalists that come on here and pretend Kosovo-Metohija is a real state and heaven on earth (while their comrades actually living there are violently rioting), why did your institutions "allow" Nikolic to come to Kosovo-Metohija?
Nikolic is a 2-faced liar, so I wouldn't take anything he says seriously. But regardless, he came to Kosovo Polje, about 15 minutes from Pristina to say that Albanians need to know they live on Serbian land.
Why would Pristina "allow" him to come? Oh yea, because they really have absolutely 0 control over anything. EULEX and NATO decide who comes in the province, and this time they allowed the legitimate President to come.
As far as hecklers, good that's what democracy is about.
(Ari Gold, 30 June 2014 19:56)
Basically your coastline isn't yours and should be removed from Albania.
(MikeD, 30 June 2014 21:02)
If you ever step foot in Albania you can see how its possible, how many mountains are in albania just visit and it will become clear to you.
I know Serbia suffers it does not have sea coast this was and is one of biggest wet dreams of Serbian Nationalist to take cost territory.
(Atila, 1 July 2014 01:51)
He noted that many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbours.
Shocking yet long overdue, to hear this statement which is a well known fact, coming from the patriarch himself!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
It's only shocking to those who've never paid attention to Serbian history. No one denies the involvement of Albanians at the Battle of Kosovo. In fact, no one denies that Serbs fought alongside Albanians, Bosnians, Italians, Wallachians, Croats, and Hungarians. No one also denies that the Ottoman army came with conscripted Greek and Bulgarian Christians too.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 30 June 2014 20:19)
The place where the Albanian language was formed is uncertain, but analysis has suggested that it was in a mountainous region, rather than in a plain or seacoast. While the words for plants and animals characteristic of mountainous regions are entirely original, the names for fish and for agricultural activities are generally assumed to have been borrowed from other languages. The Slavic loans in Albanian suggest that contacts between two populations took place when Albanians dwelt in forests 600–900 metres above sea level
Here you Rocky, wrestle with this one. According to your train of thought, we should all look way back in time and assume borders from then. Above is an excerpt from Wikipedia. Basically your coastline isn't yours and should be removed from Albania.
(MikeD, 30 June 2014 21:02)
Ari gold you know why. Because vucic dacic nikolic and all leaders of Serbia are strident Kosovo independence supporters who fell Serbs in Kosovo to vote on republic of Kosovo ballots accept ambassadors from Kosovo and send them to Kosovo. Serbia has border guards and customs agents on the border with Kosovo and just worked extremely hard getting Kosovo in seecp.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:47)
Amfilohije noted that "many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area" also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbors....
Finally some smart words are coming from Serbian Orthodox Church after deniying that Albanians didnt even fought in 1389.
In my opinion this is a step in the right direction.
Hopefully similar steps will follow Irenej and Nikolic.
Is better to be on the same side like we were in 1389, than push albanians toward Turkey like you have done for at least 150 years.
Unfortunately in Balkans and specially in Serbia folk and legends politics is still very powerful,but this speech from Amfilohije make me more optimistic.
Peace and lets watch the FIFA world cup!
(Mirel from Albania, 1 July 2014 17:09)
An important note for some of the Uber Nationalist Serbs here, Scanderbeg was actually on his way to the Battle of Kosovo when it happened and was blocked from entering the area by one of your very own defectors. What your Bishop says is true in this sense. Make no mistake about this, though. None of this will ever change the years upon years upon years that you treated us like dogs. That will never be forgotten.
(Aleks, 2 July 2014 13:27)
That's true Alex,but this happened in the Second Battle of Kosovo which took place in 1448.
George Castrioti was heading to help Huniadi who was fighting turks in Kosovo and was stopped by serbs.
After fighting against the serb army, he arrived in Kosovo when it was too late.
Than,George Castrioti Scanderbeg burnt serbian villages as a revange and accused serbian nobles for abandoning the cause.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 15:56)
That's true Alex,but this happened in the Second Battle of Kosovo which took place in 1448.
George Castrioti was heading to help Huniadi who was fighting turks in Kosovo and was stopped by serbs.
After fighting against the serb army, he arrived in Kosovo when it was too late.
Than,George Castrioti Scanderbeg burnt serbian villages as a revange and accused serbian nobles for abandoning the cause.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 15:56)
Mirel is correct, I've made the same mistake before, failing to remember that it was the second battle of Kosova, that Serbian treachery was used against G.Kastrioti! This Serb treachery was used against G. Kastrioti on several occasions by the Brankovic line of Serbian kings! One very well documented instance that comes to mind, is when Kastrioti with1200 warriors were on their way to defend Constantinople in 1453, They were ambushed by Brankovic & his forces between a gorge near Nis! Brankovic had signed a pact with the sultan, even giving one of his daughters to the sultan for matrimony, as a guarantee from Brankovic, assuring the pact!
[link]
(Rocky, 2 July 2014 20:14)
An important note for some of the Uber Nationalist Serbs here, Scanderbeg was actually on his way to the Battle of Kosovo when it happened and was blocked from entering the area by one of your very own defectors. What your Bishop says is true in this sense. Make no mistake about this, though. None of this will ever change the years upon years upon years that you treated us like dogs. That will never be forgotten.
(Aleks, 2 July 2014 13:27)
"Nikolle - You dismiss the stories of Kosovo as fiction and myths. Another intersting comment coming from an Albanian whose ancestors sided with the occupier and, therefore, failed to retain thier own cultural identity. If your brethren had had any backbone, they would have resisted the occupier instead of joining them, and perhaps there would be some evidence of an Albanian culture in Kosovo. "
can you not read? i was talking about the battle of kosovo 1389, you know, the one that apparently has shaped you psyche?! everything i wrote is true, historically very little is actually known that we certain of. there is zero credible evidence that obilic existed, none whatsoever. the myth behind the story is to be found much later in literature. so what you're commemorating, is not based on actual historical fact, its based on fables
(Nikolle, 2 July 2014 10:08)
Mirel - You claim that Serbs have been pushing Albanians toward Turkey for centuries. ... They sided with the occupier, unlike the Serbs who resisted for more than 500 years and retained their culure, religion and identity.
@njegos,
Because unlike serbs who fought one afternoon in 1389 against turks and the next day did marry with Sultan,albanians continue to fight against ottomans under Kastrioti and Arianiti fathers and George Castrioti Scanderbeg later for 35 years in a raw,where we won 36 out of 37 battles and kicked two Sultans in their butt.
After the victory of Turks against Albanians in 1478,we endured 100 years ottoman terror where 1/3 of population was killed(not an easy life as you mentioned) our nobels were killed or exiled in Southern Italy.
So Albanians were under the mercy of the Sultan,unlike serbs who had their nobles and their administration as buffer.
Secondly,I am not accusing you for throwing albaninans toward Turkey for several centuries,but for the last 150 years.
If you wouldnt have been so greedy with Kosovo and wanted to get half of todays Albania,I am sure that Albanians didn't need to find allies among Big Powers and Turkey.
We fought together in 1389,and we continue to fight in different ways against turks.
Today,Albanians are on USA-Turkey side and you on Russia-Greek side.
Today finally someone from serbian church is speaking the truth.Hopefully this movement will continue for the sake of peace in the region.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 00:59)
Thank you mr patriarch, for shedding a little more light into the matter, from a true Serbian leaders view point!!!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
===…==
Hang on here, isn't he a silly old bearded man in a dress? Isn't this the way you Albanians and especially Nikolle describe him?
What's changed?
Oh, yeah, he said something you like this time and now he's ok.
(Peggy, 1 July 2014 02:29)
Mirel - You claim that Serbs have been pushing Albanians toward Turkey for centuries. Interesting comment. Serbs never forced Albanians to convert to Islam, they did that all on their own to lead easier lives. They sided with the occupier, unlike the Serbs who resisted for more than 500 years and retained their culure, religion and identity.
Nikolle - You dismiss the stories of Kosovo as fiction and myths. Another intersting comment coming from an Albanian whose ancestors sided with the occupier and, therefore, failed to retain thier own cultural identity. If your brethren had had any backbone, they would have resisted the occupier instead of joining them, and perhaps there would be some evidence of an Albanian culture in Kosovo.
And finally, Rocky, you speak of the Albanian presence in the Battle of Kosovo with some sort of pride. How can you be proud of a people who converted en masse to Islam after fighting against the Turkish hordes. It is very difficult to understand Albanian culture because Albanians have embraced every occupier they ever faced. That is why Albanians are made up of 3 religions, with no real evidence of any culture. Every time Albanians suggest they are decendants of the Ilyrians, they are unable to provide any real supporting evidence to that claim. This is because when a people assimilate to different cultures time and time and time again over a period of centuries, their culture becomes non-existent. Nice history Rocky.
(njegos, 1 July 2014 18:08)
Ari gold you know why. Because vucic dacic nikolic and all leaders of Serbia are strident Kosovo independence supporters who fell Serbs in Kosovo to vote on republic of Kosovo ballots accept ambassadors from Kosovo and send them to Kosovo. Serbia has border guards and customs agents on the border with Kosovo and just worked extremely hard getting Kosovo in seecp.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:47)
Well if not even the country that the Albanians claim to have broken away from is recognizing and working "very hard" for you, can help you get universal recognition, UN membership and investments...then I for one am happy with the grey prospects of ever legitimizing this immoral and unjust occupation :)
Let's hope you're right "Brandon". Because if you are, then the Albanians are getting absolutely the most they can out of everyone. Out of the West, out of Serbia... everyone. And if THIS is your peak and your ceiling with all that support, I for one will take it.
Someone go tell your comrades in Mitrovica though. They don't seem to agree with you [link]
(Ari Gold, 1 July 2014 18:20)
The place where the Albanian language was formed is uncertain, but analysis has suggested that it was in a mountainous region, rather than in a plain or seacoast. While the words for plants and animals characteristic of mountainous regions are entirely original, the names for fish and for agricultural activities are generally assumed to have been borrowed from other languages. The Slavic loans in Albanian suggest that contacts between two populations took place when Albanians dwelt in forests 600–900 metres above sea level
Here you Rocky, wrestle with this one. According to your train of thought, we should all look way back in time and assume borders from then. Above is an excerpt from Wikipedia. Basically your coastline isn't yours and should be removed from Albania.
(MikeD, 30 June 2014 21:02)
Can one of the Albanian ultra-nationalists that come on here and pretend Kosovo-Metohija is a real state and heaven on earth (while their comrades actually living there are violently rioting), why did your institutions "allow" Nikolic to come to Kosovo-Metohija?
Nikolic is a 2-faced liar, so I wouldn't take anything he says seriously. But regardless, he came to Kosovo Polje, about 15 minutes from Pristina to say that Albanians need to know they live on Serbian land.
Why would Pristina "allow" him to come? Oh yea, because they really have absolutely 0 control over anything. EULEX and NATO decide who comes in the province, and this time they allowed the legitimate President to come.
As far as hecklers, good that's what democracy is about.
(Ari Gold, 30 June 2014 19:56)
Thank you mr patriarch, for shedding a little more light into the matter, from a true Serbian leaders view point!!!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
===…==
Hang on here, isn't he a silly old bearded man in a dress? Isn't this the way you Albanians and especially Nikolle describe him?
What's changed?
Oh, yeah, he said something you like this time and now he's ok.
(Peggy, 1 July 2014 02:29)
are serbs still commemorating the battle of kosovo? do you what historians actually know about this event? two things, that lazar and murad died, thats it. there is no shred of evidence that brankovic ever defected, no shred of evidence that obilic even existed and all that serbs commemorate are myths that have been advanced by serbian literature. the battle of kosovo is a totally insignificant in the history of Europe.
(Nikolle, 1 July 2014 10:52)
Mirel - You claim that Serbs have been pushing Albanians toward Turkey for centuries. Interesting comment. Serbs never forced Albanians to convert to Islam, they did that all on their own to lead easier lives. They sided with the occupier, unlike the Serbs who resisted for more than 500 years and retained their culure, religion and identity.
Nikolle - You dismiss the stories of Kosovo as fiction and myths. Another intersting comment coming from an Albanian whose ancestors sided with the occupier and, therefore, failed to retain thier own cultural identity. If your brethren had had any backbone, they would have resisted the occupier instead of joining them, and perhaps there would be some evidence of an Albanian culture in Kosovo.
And finally, Rocky, you speak of the Albanian presence in the Battle of Kosovo with some sort of pride. How can you be proud of a people who converted en masse to Islam after fighting against the Turkish hordes. It is very difficult to understand Albanian culture because Albanians have embraced every occupier they ever faced. That is why Albanians are made up of 3 religions, with no real evidence of any culture. Every time Albanians suggest they are decendants of the Ilyrians, they are unable to provide any real supporting evidence to that claim. This is because when a people assimilate to different cultures time and time and time again over a period of centuries, their culture becomes non-existent. Nice history Rocky.
(njegos, 1 July 2014 18:08)
He noted that many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbours.
Shocking yet long overdue, to hear this statement which is a well known fact, coming from the patriarch himself! Until recently, radical Serbs would not acknowledge the fact that Albanians have been living on these lands for century's, and even longer then that, try 2 millennia's, as it is a more accurate number! Instead, they would claim that Albanians are only recent inhabitants in the Balkans? Well, here is what some of Serbia's closest Allies has to say about the matter!
[link]
Thank you mr patriarch, for shedding a little more light into the matter, from a true Serbian leaders view point!!!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
Ari gold you know why. Because vucic dacic nikolic and all leaders of Serbia are strident Kosovo independence supporters who fell Serbs in Kosovo to vote on republic of Kosovo ballots accept ambassadors from Kosovo and send them to Kosovo. Serbia has border guards and customs agents on the border with Kosovo and just worked extremely hard getting Kosovo in seecp.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:47)
Well if not even the country that the Albanians claim to have broken away from is recognizing and working "very hard" for you, can help you get universal recognition, UN membership and investments...then I for one am happy with the grey prospects of ever legitimizing this immoral and unjust occupation :)
Let's hope you're right "Brandon". Because if you are, then the Albanians are getting absolutely the most they can out of everyone. Out of the West, out of Serbia... everyone. And if THIS is your peak and your ceiling with all that support, I for one will take it.
Someone go tell your comrades in Mitrovica though. They don't seem to agree with you [link]
(Ari Gold, 1 July 2014 18:20)
He noted that many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbours.
Shocking yet long overdue, to hear this statement which is a well known fact, coming from the patriarch himself!
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 12:43)
It's only shocking to those who've never paid attention to Serbian history. No one denies the involvement of Albanians at the Battle of Kosovo. In fact, no one denies that Serbs fought alongside Albanians, Bosnians, Italians, Wallachians, Croats, and Hungarians. No one also denies that the Ottoman army came with conscripted Greek and Bulgarian Christians too.
(Balkan Anthropologist, 30 June 2014 20:19)
(After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Albania became part of Byzantium, and later these lands became part of the Kingdom of Bulgaria, the Serbian kingdom, the Venetian Republic and Epirus. In 1389, the combined Serbian and Albanian forces were defeated by a new enemy – the Turks – in the battle of Kosovo Pole. Albania only entered the Ottoman Empire at the end of the 15th century, however. The Sublime Porte was forced to make a number of concessions, including the stipulation that the Albanians would serve in the Turkish army only on a voluntary basis and would be granted a number of trade privileges. On the other hand, it was during the years of Turkish rule that Islam spread in Albania.)
If one is patient to analyze the above paragraph carefully, you will clearly see that the author is referring to a much
larger Albanian geographical area at the time, prior to the ottoman onslaught, and even prior to the Slavic migrations into the Balkan region!
[link]
(Rocky, 30 June 2014 16:47)
Basically your coastline isn't yours and should be removed from Albania.
(MikeD, 30 June 2014 21:02)
If you ever step foot in Albania you can see how its possible, how many mountains are in albania just visit and it will become clear to you.
I know Serbia suffers it does not have sea coast this was and is one of biggest wet dreams of Serbian Nationalist to take cost territory.
(Atila, 1 July 2014 01:51)
Amfilohije noted that "many ancestors of ethnic Albanians currently living in the area" also took part in the Battle of Kosovo, defending their homes and dignity together with their Serb neighbors....
Finally some smart words are coming from Serbian Orthodox Church after deniying that Albanians didnt even fought in 1389.
In my opinion this is a step in the right direction.
Hopefully similar steps will follow Irenej and Nikolic.
Is better to be on the same side like we were in 1389, than push albanians toward Turkey like you have done for at least 150 years.
Unfortunately in Balkans and specially in Serbia folk and legends politics is still very powerful,but this speech from Amfilohije make me more optimistic.
Peace and lets watch the FIFA world cup!
(Mirel from Albania, 1 July 2014 17:09)
Ari gold you know why. Because vucic dacic nikolic and all leaders of Serbia are strident Kosovo independence supporters who fell Serbs in Kosovo to vote on republic of Kosovo ballots accept ambassadors from Kosovo and send them to Kosovo. Serbia has border guards and customs agents on the border with Kosovo and just worked extremely hard getting Kosovo in seecp.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:47)
Mirel - You claim that Serbs have been pushing Albanians toward Turkey for centuries. ... They sided with the occupier, unlike the Serbs who resisted for more than 500 years and retained their culure, religion and identity.
@njegos,
Because unlike serbs who fought one afternoon in 1389 against turks and the next day did marry with Sultan,albanians continue to fight against ottomans under Kastrioti and Arianiti fathers and George Castrioti Scanderbeg later for 35 years in a raw,where we won 36 out of 37 battles and kicked two Sultans in their butt.
After the victory of Turks against Albanians in 1478,we endured 100 years ottoman terror where 1/3 of population was killed(not an easy life as you mentioned) our nobels were killed or exiled in Southern Italy.
So Albanians were under the mercy of the Sultan,unlike serbs who had their nobles and their administration as buffer.
Secondly,I am not accusing you for throwing albaninans toward Turkey for several centuries,but for the last 150 years.
If you wouldnt have been so greedy with Kosovo and wanted to get half of todays Albania,I am sure that Albanians didn't need to find allies among Big Powers and Turkey.
We fought together in 1389,and we continue to fight in different ways against turks.
Today,Albanians are on USA-Turkey side and you on Russia-Greek side.
Today finally someone from serbian church is speaking the truth.Hopefully this movement will continue for the sake of peace in the region.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 00:59)
"Nikolle - You dismiss the stories of Kosovo as fiction and myths. Another intersting comment coming from an Albanian whose ancestors sided with the occupier and, therefore, failed to retain thier own cultural identity. If your brethren had had any backbone, they would have resisted the occupier instead of joining them, and perhaps there would be some evidence of an Albanian culture in Kosovo. "
can you not read? i was talking about the battle of kosovo 1389, you know, the one that apparently has shaped you psyche?! everything i wrote is true, historically very little is actually known that we certain of. there is zero credible evidence that obilic existed, none whatsoever. the myth behind the story is to be found much later in literature. so what you're commemorating, is not based on actual historical fact, its based on fables
(Nikolle, 2 July 2014 10:08)
An important note for some of the Uber Nationalist Serbs here, Scanderbeg was actually on his way to the Battle of Kosovo when it happened and was blocked from entering the area by one of your very own defectors. What your Bishop says is true in this sense. Make no mistake about this, though. None of this will ever change the years upon years upon years that you treated us like dogs. That will never be forgotten.
(Aleks, 2 July 2014 13:27)
An important note for some of the Uber Nationalist Serbs here, Scanderbeg was actually on his way to the Battle of Kosovo when it happened and was blocked from entering the area by one of your very own defectors. What your Bishop says is true in this sense. Make no mistake about this, though. None of this will ever change the years upon years upon years that you treated us like dogs. That will never be forgotten.
(Aleks, 2 July 2014 13:27)
That's true Alex,but this happened in the Second Battle of Kosovo which took place in 1448.
George Castrioti was heading to help Huniadi who was fighting turks in Kosovo and was stopped by serbs.
After fighting against the serb army, he arrived in Kosovo when it was too late.
Than,George Castrioti Scanderbeg burnt serbian villages as a revange and accused serbian nobles for abandoning the cause.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 15:56)
That's true Alex,but this happened in the Second Battle of Kosovo which took place in 1448.
George Castrioti was heading to help Huniadi who was fighting turks in Kosovo and was stopped by serbs.
After fighting against the serb army, he arrived in Kosovo when it was too late.
Than,George Castrioti Scanderbeg burnt serbian villages as a revange and accused serbian nobles for abandoning the cause.
(Mirel from Albania, 2 July 2014 15:56)
Mirel is correct, I've made the same mistake before, failing to remember that it was the second battle of Kosova, that Serbian treachery was used against G.Kastrioti! This Serb treachery was used against G. Kastrioti on several occasions by the Brankovic line of Serbian kings! One very well documented instance that comes to mind, is when Kastrioti with1200 warriors were on their way to defend Constantinople in 1453, They were ambushed by Brankovic & his forces between a gorge near Nis! Brankovic had signed a pact with the sultan, even giving one of his daughters to the sultan for matrimony, as a guarantee from Brankovic, assuring the pact!
[link]
(Rocky, 2 July 2014 20:14)