BELGRADE, BRUSSELS -- Instead of introducing legal standards of their countries to Kosovo, international prosecutors and judges serving there "have adopted local ways."
Allegations of corruption shake EU mission in Kosovo
BELGRADE, BRUSSELS -- Instead of introducing legal standards of their countries to Kosovo, international prosecutors and judges serving there "have adopted local ways."
Source: Politika, Tanjug
Close the entire text of the article here
The first blow suffered by the EU mission in Kosovo, EULEX, was when Albanian language daily Koha Ditore on Monday reported that British prosecutor Maria Bamieh "obtained evidence that two senior officials of the EULEX mission received bribes to dismiss at least three major criminal cases."
According to the report, "the Task Force Against Corruption eavesdropped on participants in several criminal operations when they intercepted conversations of chief EULEX prosecutor, Jaroslava Novotna, and President of the Assembly of EULEX Judges Francesco Flori, who met with various intermediaries in order to cover up serious crimes."
The two officials have denied these accusations.
The report noted that "it is believed that they contributed to the closure of criminal proceedings against prominent former KLA commander and later minister Fatmir Limaj, as well as former Secretary General of the Kosovo Ministry of Health Ilir Tolaja," and in the case concerning the explosion in a bar owned by Enver Sekiraqa, where the suspects included "members of a special Kosovo police unit."
Prosecutor Maria Bamieh "collected concrete evidence against the two officials, but also against former Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution of Kosovo Jonathan Ratel, who allegedly interfered in the investigation against Novotna and Flori," writes the paper.
However, instead of gaining recognition "for her conscientious and responsible work" Bamieh is being punished, said the daily, adding that "procedures were launched against her for a parking violation and her daughter's arrivals to the office of the prosecutor."
Politika quoted unnamed sources from "international circles in Kosovo" as saying that procedures against Fatmir Limaj have been "particularly unsuccessful" as well as witness protection in these and other cases.
The article quoted a statement of former Council of Europe Rapporteur Dick Marty, who investigated allegations that the KLA kidnapped Serb civilians and traded in their organs, as saying he would "not disclose any sensitive information such as the identity of witnesses and their statements until there are absolute guarantees that the information will be strictly guarded."
In particular, said the newspaper, Marty mentioned the inability of EULEX and UNMIK to develop instruments for implementing the protection of identity of witnesses or to prevent leaks of intelligence reports.
"Unrelated"
EULEX suspended one of its staff members before media reports of alleged corruption among the mission's top officials were published, and it is a separate case, unrelated to a suspected disclosure of information, says Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson of EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.
The person had been suspended before all this was published, and EULEX did it with full discretion, but it is a separate case and there is no direct link, Kocijancic said when asked by a reporter to explain why EULEX has suspended a person suspected of having disclosed secret information to journalists even though the presumption of innocence also applies to the European rule of law mission in Kosovo.
Commenting on the reports about corruption among top EULEX officials, published by the Priština-based Koha Ditore daily, Kocijancic said in a press release on Wednesday that Brussels is aware of the reports, but that the legal principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty also applies to EULEX.
Asked how persons suspected of corruption have survived a restructuring of the EULEX mission while someone with a flawless track record regarding corruption has been suspended, Kocijancic said on Thursday that she cannot make comments about persons named in press reports while the investigation is underway, but noted that the restructuring of the mission is a separate process.
A restructuring of the mission is clearly underway as a separate process and it is a result of a long analysis in cooperation with the Kosovo authorities, because the mission will not stay in Kosovo forever, she said.
Asked by a reporter to reveal who has been suspended and why, she reiterated that she cannot comment on an investigation that is underway.
She echoed Wednesday's press release, in which she said that her service is monitoring closely the developments in Kosovo regarding present and former EULEX officials.
We also confirmed that EULEX and Kosovo's judicial authorities have been conducting a joint investigation into these accusations since 2013, Kocijancic said.
We are taking action with all means available, and an investigation is underway, she noted.
For several days, the Koha Ditore daily has been publishing reports accusing several senior EULEX officials of having taken bribe to protect some Kosovo politicians and associated individuals from prosecution for corruption or even murder.
When Koha ditore started publishing the reports, EULEX suspended British prosecutor Maria Bamieh on suspicion of leaking secret information to media and threatened to criminally prosecute the daily's journalists.
Both Bamieh and the Koha Ditore journalists say that she was not the source of the information published by the daily.
Bamieh has announced that she is ready to publicize a series of documents that would expose corruption within EULEX in a WikiLeaks-type revelation unless she is returned to work.
(icj1, 3 November 2014 03:24) What the West successfully achieved is giving Libyans the opportunity to built democracy and human rights. But that's where West's mission stops
---…--
The "West's" mission is apparently different in scope and extends far beyond Libya in both operation and strategy. According to many other political analysts the inetersts of the "West" are poorly spun to an ignorant public with fairy tales of democracy and human rights. The underlying motive is a state of perpetual war that is an aid to (and is promoted by) the powerful members of dominant political and economic classes, helping maintain their positions of economic and political superiority.
(Amnesty Yugoslavia, 4 November 2014 09:26)
It does not matter that they did not choose him, whatever initiative Thaci may well want to take, will still need to be signed off by EULEX, hence they are the true rulers. I should add that I am not against this arrangement, I only wish they would do what their mission states and not be bogged down in corruption themselves
(Nikolle, 3 November 2014 10:19)
To better illustrate what I think I'll mention Libya.
Official goal of western involvement there was to bring democracy and human rights to Libyans, and even in some statements "stability to north Africa".
In this, mission was spectacular failure...
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
Well, nobody can bring democracy and human rights; those must be built. What the West successfully achieved is giving Libyans the opportunity to built democracy and human rights. But that's where West's mission stops - it's up to the Libyans now to take that opportunity and, yes, you are correct it's so far been a failure for the Libyans to take that opportunity.
----------
But, if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
That actually has been a failure so far. Libya produced more oil before the war.
(icj1, 3 November 2014 03:24)
What will be truly 'shocking' is if there is evidence for what is being claimed. Anyone can make an allegation about anything at any time but corroborating the allegations is another matter. Should it transpire that corruption has taken place within EULEX then the perpetrators should be punished not just by having to leave their posts but by suffering the full force of the law. However, I still believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty and certainly were I to be one of the people against whom wrongdoing was being alleged I would expect this standard to apply to me.
(ned taylor, 2 November 2014 17:20)
if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
Think about it. Do you really think they are simply incompetent in so many places around the globe?
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
Do you recall the time when Cameron arriving as a liberator Caesar in Benghazi in September 2011 applauding the overthrow of Gaddafi and telling the crowds "your city was an example to the world as you threw off a dictator and chose freedom"?
But for Cameron, toppling Gaddafi and allowing him to be cruelly butchered to death was a great idea! The Libyan people must be thanking him on bended knees for the anarchy they now endure. No schools, hospitals, pensions, electricity, water, armed gangs shooting everything up non stop. So much better than the horrid dictator who supplied a relatively liveable life. But hey; That's Western Democracy.
(Leonidas, 2 November 2014 12:30)
Nikolle, you often make a good point , although I disagree with you...
This is one such case.
"Every single industry that was privatised should be investigated yet they have been let off, sold for peanuts and not a single reaction raised. Bizarre."
Absolutely right.
"Maybe the EU should send us more competent personnel next time eh?"
This statement I disagree with. They are, absolutely incompetent if we assume they are there to build rule of law, care about human rights and teach you a thing or two about fighting corruption...
I'm afraid those are just declared goals, and their real goals are to have your every industry bought for peanuts without any reaction. Just take a look at what Madeleine Albright and general Wesley Clark own today in Kosovo.
In this - their real mission as I see it - they show remarkable skill and competence.
To better illustrate what I think I'll mention Libya.
Official goal of western involvement there was to bring democracy and human rights to Libyans, and even in some statements "stability to north Africa".
In this, mission was spectacular failure...
But, if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
Think about it. Do you really think they are simply incompetent in so many places around the globe?
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
why bother stating the obvious, everyone is corrupt.. Democracy is the tool used to control the masses. Feed us with the same crap over and over again and people will believe it. As for Kosovo, this is definitely the most backward primitive region in Europe, why expect better?
(Bulgar of Ohrid, 1 November 2014 11:49)
"I can't believe I am saying it but Nikolle is right. If you are not elected, and yet you hold political power, then you are above the law and above the electorate. This is the corruption that comes with unchecked power."
(marKo, 31 October 2014 20:16)
I agree, but still it is two sides. Corruption is not only EULEX officials who accept bribes, but Kosovo 'politicians' who pay the bribes to escape the law as well.
And sorry, as I wrote below, I wouldn't expect some EULEX-officials to risk their lives only to prosecute the Kosovo mafia bosses and war criminals who turned into politicians (which one of them being know and certified by a judge for silencing witnesses to avoid being convicted by the Hague).
@Nikolle: I didn't know the EULEX decided about Mr. T being prime minister, who might be replaced in future by not less dubious person, let's call him Mr. L.
(Comm. Parrisson, 1 November 2014 10:48)
I can't believe I am saying it but Nikolle is right. If you are not elected, and yet you hold political power, then you are above the law and above the electorate. This is the corruption that comes with unchecked power.
(marKo, 31 October 2014 20:16)
Your nonsense Comm seriously knows no bounds. Whatever figure we elect, will still need the approval of EULUEX officials, who are not elected but appointed. No law can be passed without their say so. That you don't know this, is an obvious testimony to your ignorance.
As for your other point, that somehow Kosovars are to blame, no doubt that a lot of that is true, but in case you failed to notice what the mission of EULEX is, to implement law and order, to fight corruption, to train policeman, all which are under the auspices of EULEX, for them now to be alleged to have their hands dirty, with impunity I should add, people who enjoy immunity from local prosecution, well, it doesn't say much for those who set out to teach us a thing or two about fighting corruption does it ? Maybe the EU should send us more competent personnel next time eh?
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 19:12)
"For several days, the Koha Ditore daily has been publishing reports accusing several senior EULEX officials of having taken bribe to protect some Kosovo politicians and associated individuals from prosecution for corruption or even murder."
Is it surprising that EULEX officials don't dare in to investigate in crimes of the Kosovo mafia a.k.a freedom fighters a.k.a 'politicians'? I think most of them want to leave this place alive and not in a coffin.
"Why did it shake them? Truth is, its EULEX that runs this place. No law can be enacted without their say so, which pretty much makes a mockery of any election held here."
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 13:57)
Little joke, eh? Do you really think the few EULEX people can do anything aginst the Kosovo mafia clans? The opposite is true! There should have been a much MORE powerful international organization who manages to clean up this pit of mud called Kosovo.
And no, the elections are not a mockery, but it's the 'people of Kosovo' who again and again elect those more than dubious characters (I don't have to mention their names) and their parties. And another no, the national extremists who dream of Greater Albania, who call themselves 'Self determination movement' but refuse
to give self-determination to Serbs, ironically, are not a solution to overcome this heap of corruption and crime.
As long as the Kosovars don't change, there's no hope for this peace of land to become country like others in Europe.
(Comm. Parrisson, 31 October 2014 17:41)
Why did it shake them? Truth is, its EULEX that runs this place. No law can be enacted without their say so, which pretty much makes a mockery of any election held here. They have tolerated corruption to reach incredibly levels for reasons which I can't quite fathom. Maybe the Self-Determionation movement is right, the EU fears stability and to chase after the big fish will cause trouble so they let of scott free. Every single industry that was privatised should be investigated yet they have been let off, sold for peanuts and not a single reaction raised. Bizarre. Thank goodness we're now having international whistleblowers unmasking the blatant misuse of the executive powers that the international presence here enjoys.
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 13:57)
Why did it shake them? Truth is, its EULEX that runs this place. No law can be enacted without their say so, which pretty much makes a mockery of any election held here. They have tolerated corruption to reach incredibly levels for reasons which I can't quite fathom. Maybe the Self-Determionation movement is right, the EU fears stability and to chase after the big fish will cause trouble so they let of scott free. Every single industry that was privatised should be investigated yet they have been let off, sold for peanuts and not a single reaction raised. Bizarre. Thank goodness we're now having international whistleblowers unmasking the blatant misuse of the executive powers that the international presence here enjoys.
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 13:57)
"For several days, the Koha Ditore daily has been publishing reports accusing several senior EULEX officials of having taken bribe to protect some Kosovo politicians and associated individuals from prosecution for corruption or even murder."
Is it surprising that EULEX officials don't dare in to investigate in crimes of the Kosovo mafia a.k.a freedom fighters a.k.a 'politicians'? I think most of them want to leave this place alive and not in a coffin.
"Why did it shake them? Truth is, its EULEX that runs this place. No law can be enacted without their say so, which pretty much makes a mockery of any election held here."
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 13:57)
Little joke, eh? Do you really think the few EULEX people can do anything aginst the Kosovo mafia clans? The opposite is true! There should have been a much MORE powerful international organization who manages to clean up this pit of mud called Kosovo.
And no, the elections are not a mockery, but it's the 'people of Kosovo' who again and again elect those more than dubious characters (I don't have to mention their names) and their parties. And another no, the national extremists who dream of Greater Albania, who call themselves 'Self determination movement' but refuse
to give self-determination to Serbs, ironically, are not a solution to overcome this heap of corruption and crime.
As long as the Kosovars don't change, there's no hope for this peace of land to become country like others in Europe.
(Comm. Parrisson, 31 October 2014 17:41)
I can't believe I am saying it but Nikolle is right. If you are not elected, and yet you hold political power, then you are above the law and above the electorate. This is the corruption that comes with unchecked power.
(marKo, 31 October 2014 20:16)
Nikolle, you often make a good point , although I disagree with you...
This is one such case.
"Every single industry that was privatised should be investigated yet they have been let off, sold for peanuts and not a single reaction raised. Bizarre."
Absolutely right.
"Maybe the EU should send us more competent personnel next time eh?"
This statement I disagree with. They are, absolutely incompetent if we assume they are there to build rule of law, care about human rights and teach you a thing or two about fighting corruption...
I'm afraid those are just declared goals, and their real goals are to have your every industry bought for peanuts without any reaction. Just take a look at what Madeleine Albright and general Wesley Clark own today in Kosovo.
In this - their real mission as I see it - they show remarkable skill and competence.
To better illustrate what I think I'll mention Libya.
Official goal of western involvement there was to bring democracy and human rights to Libyans, and even in some statements "stability to north Africa".
In this, mission was spectacular failure...
But, if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
Think about it. Do you really think they are simply incompetent in so many places around the globe?
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
why bother stating the obvious, everyone is corrupt.. Democracy is the tool used to control the masses. Feed us with the same crap over and over again and people will believe it. As for Kosovo, this is definitely the most backward primitive region in Europe, why expect better?
(Bulgar of Ohrid, 1 November 2014 11:49)
Your nonsense Comm seriously knows no bounds. Whatever figure we elect, will still need the approval of EULUEX officials, who are not elected but appointed. No law can be passed without their say so. That you don't know this, is an obvious testimony to your ignorance.
As for your other point, that somehow Kosovars are to blame, no doubt that a lot of that is true, but in case you failed to notice what the mission of EULEX is, to implement law and order, to fight corruption, to train policeman, all which are under the auspices of EULEX, for them now to be alleged to have their hands dirty, with impunity I should add, people who enjoy immunity from local prosecution, well, it doesn't say much for those who set out to teach us a thing or two about fighting corruption does it ? Maybe the EU should send us more competent personnel next time eh?
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 19:12)
if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
Think about it. Do you really think they are simply incompetent in so many places around the globe?
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
Do you recall the time when Cameron arriving as a liberator Caesar in Benghazi in September 2011 applauding the overthrow of Gaddafi and telling the crowds "your city was an example to the world as you threw off a dictator and chose freedom"?
But for Cameron, toppling Gaddafi and allowing him to be cruelly butchered to death was a great idea! The Libyan people must be thanking him on bended knees for the anarchy they now endure. No schools, hospitals, pensions, electricity, water, armed gangs shooting everything up non stop. So much better than the horrid dictator who supplied a relatively liveable life. But hey; That's Western Democracy.
(Leonidas, 2 November 2014 12:30)
"I can't believe I am saying it but Nikolle is right. If you are not elected, and yet you hold political power, then you are above the law and above the electorate. This is the corruption that comes with unchecked power."
(marKo, 31 October 2014 20:16)
I agree, but still it is two sides. Corruption is not only EULEX officials who accept bribes, but Kosovo 'politicians' who pay the bribes to escape the law as well.
And sorry, as I wrote below, I wouldn't expect some EULEX-officials to risk their lives only to prosecute the Kosovo mafia bosses and war criminals who turned into politicians (which one of them being know and certified by a judge for silencing witnesses to avoid being convicted by the Hague).
@Nikolle: I didn't know the EULEX decided about Mr. T being prime minister, who might be replaced in future by not less dubious person, let's call him Mr. L.
(Comm. Parrisson, 1 November 2014 10:48)
To better illustrate what I think I'll mention Libya.
Official goal of western involvement there was to bring democracy and human rights to Libyans, and even in some statements "stability to north Africa".
In this, mission was spectacular failure...
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
Well, nobody can bring democracy and human rights; those must be built. What the West successfully achieved is giving Libyans the opportunity to built democracy and human rights. But that's where West's mission stops - it's up to the Libyans now to take that opportunity and, yes, you are correct it's so far been a failure for the Libyans to take that opportunity.
----------
But, if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
That actually has been a failure so far. Libya produced more oil before the war.
(icj1, 3 November 2014 03:24)
(icj1, 3 November 2014 03:24) What the West successfully achieved is giving Libyans the opportunity to built democracy and human rights. But that's where West's mission stops
---…--
The "West's" mission is apparently different in scope and extends far beyond Libya in both operation and strategy. According to many other political analysts the inetersts of the "West" are poorly spun to an ignorant public with fairy tales of democracy and human rights. The underlying motive is a state of perpetual war that is an aid to (and is promoted by) the powerful members of dominant political and economic classes, helping maintain their positions of economic and political superiority.
(Amnesty Yugoslavia, 4 November 2014 09:26)
What will be truly 'shocking' is if there is evidence for what is being claimed. Anyone can make an allegation about anything at any time but corroborating the allegations is another matter. Should it transpire that corruption has taken place within EULEX then the perpetrators should be punished not just by having to leave their posts but by suffering the full force of the law. However, I still believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty and certainly were I to be one of the people against whom wrongdoing was being alleged I would expect this standard to apply to me.
(ned taylor, 2 November 2014 17:20)
It does not matter that they did not choose him, whatever initiative Thaci may well want to take, will still need to be signed off by EULEX, hence they are the true rulers. I should add that I am not against this arrangement, I only wish they would do what their mission states and not be bogged down in corruption themselves
(Nikolle, 3 November 2014 10:19)
"For several days, the Koha Ditore daily has been publishing reports accusing several senior EULEX officials of having taken bribe to protect some Kosovo politicians and associated individuals from prosecution for corruption or even murder."
Is it surprising that EULEX officials don't dare in to investigate in crimes of the Kosovo mafia a.k.a freedom fighters a.k.a 'politicians'? I think most of them want to leave this place alive and not in a coffin.
"Why did it shake them? Truth is, its EULEX that runs this place. No law can be enacted without their say so, which pretty much makes a mockery of any election held here."
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 13:57)
Little joke, eh? Do you really think the few EULEX people can do anything aginst the Kosovo mafia clans? The opposite is true! There should have been a much MORE powerful international organization who manages to clean up this pit of mud called Kosovo.
And no, the elections are not a mockery, but it's the 'people of Kosovo' who again and again elect those more than dubious characters (I don't have to mention their names) and their parties. And another no, the national extremists who dream of Greater Albania, who call themselves 'Self determination movement' but refuse
to give self-determination to Serbs, ironically, are not a solution to overcome this heap of corruption and crime.
As long as the Kosovars don't change, there's no hope for this peace of land to become country like others in Europe.
(Comm. Parrisson, 31 October 2014 17:41)
"I can't believe I am saying it but Nikolle is right. If you are not elected, and yet you hold political power, then you are above the law and above the electorate. This is the corruption that comes with unchecked power."
(marKo, 31 October 2014 20:16)
I agree, but still it is two sides. Corruption is not only EULEX officials who accept bribes, but Kosovo 'politicians' who pay the bribes to escape the law as well.
And sorry, as I wrote below, I wouldn't expect some EULEX-officials to risk their lives only to prosecute the Kosovo mafia bosses and war criminals who turned into politicians (which one of them being know and certified by a judge for silencing witnesses to avoid being convicted by the Hague).
@Nikolle: I didn't know the EULEX decided about Mr. T being prime minister, who might be replaced in future by not less dubious person, let's call him Mr. L.
(Comm. Parrisson, 1 November 2014 10:48)
To better illustrate what I think I'll mention Libya.
Official goal of western involvement there was to bring democracy and human rights to Libyans, and even in some statements "stability to north Africa".
In this, mission was spectacular failure...
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
Well, nobody can bring democracy and human rights; those must be built. What the West successfully achieved is giving Libyans the opportunity to built democracy and human rights. But that's where West's mission stops - it's up to the Libyans now to take that opportunity and, yes, you are correct it's so far been a failure for the Libyans to take that opportunity.
----------
But, if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
That actually has been a failure so far. Libya produced more oil before the war.
(icj1, 3 November 2014 03:24)
why bother stating the obvious, everyone is corrupt.. Democracy is the tool used to control the masses. Feed us with the same crap over and over again and people will believe it. As for Kosovo, this is definitely the most backward primitive region in Europe, why expect better?
(Bulgar of Ohrid, 1 November 2014 11:49)
Your nonsense Comm seriously knows no bounds. Whatever figure we elect, will still need the approval of EULUEX officials, who are not elected but appointed. No law can be passed without their say so. That you don't know this, is an obvious testimony to your ignorance.
As for your other point, that somehow Kosovars are to blame, no doubt that a lot of that is true, but in case you failed to notice what the mission of EULEX is, to implement law and order, to fight corruption, to train policeman, all which are under the auspices of EULEX, for them now to be alleged to have their hands dirty, with impunity I should add, people who enjoy immunity from local prosecution, well, it doesn't say much for those who set out to teach us a thing or two about fighting corruption does it ? Maybe the EU should send us more competent personnel next time eh?
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 19:12)
What will be truly 'shocking' is if there is evidence for what is being claimed. Anyone can make an allegation about anything at any time but corroborating the allegations is another matter. Should it transpire that corruption has taken place within EULEX then the perpetrators should be punished not just by having to leave their posts but by suffering the full force of the law. However, I still believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty and certainly were I to be one of the people against whom wrongdoing was being alleged I would expect this standard to apply to me.
(ned taylor, 2 November 2014 17:20)
It does not matter that they did not choose him, whatever initiative Thaci may well want to take, will still need to be signed off by EULEX, hence they are the true rulers. I should add that I am not against this arrangement, I only wish they would do what their mission states and not be bogged down in corruption themselves
(Nikolle, 3 November 2014 10:19)
Why did it shake them? Truth is, its EULEX that runs this place. No law can be enacted without their say so, which pretty much makes a mockery of any election held here. They have tolerated corruption to reach incredibly levels for reasons which I can't quite fathom. Maybe the Self-Determionation movement is right, the EU fears stability and to chase after the big fish will cause trouble so they let of scott free. Every single industry that was privatised should be investigated yet they have been let off, sold for peanuts and not a single reaction raised. Bizarre. Thank goodness we're now having international whistleblowers unmasking the blatant misuse of the executive powers that the international presence here enjoys.
(Nikolle, 31 October 2014 13:57)
if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
Think about it. Do you really think they are simply incompetent in so many places around the globe?
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
Do you recall the time when Cameron arriving as a liberator Caesar in Benghazi in September 2011 applauding the overthrow of Gaddafi and telling the crowds "your city was an example to the world as you threw off a dictator and chose freedom"?
But for Cameron, toppling Gaddafi and allowing him to be cruelly butchered to death was a great idea! The Libyan people must be thanking him on bended knees for the anarchy they now endure. No schools, hospitals, pensions, electricity, water, armed gangs shooting everything up non stop. So much better than the horrid dictator who supplied a relatively liveable life. But hey; That's Western Democracy.
(Leonidas, 2 November 2014 12:30)
Nikolle, you often make a good point , although I disagree with you...
This is one such case.
"Every single industry that was privatised should be investigated yet they have been let off, sold for peanuts and not a single reaction raised. Bizarre."
Absolutely right.
"Maybe the EU should send us more competent personnel next time eh?"
This statement I disagree with. They are, absolutely incompetent if we assume they are there to build rule of law, care about human rights and teach you a thing or two about fighting corruption...
I'm afraid those are just declared goals, and their real goals are to have your every industry bought for peanuts without any reaction. Just take a look at what Madeleine Albright and general Wesley Clark own today in Kosovo.
In this - their real mission as I see it - they show remarkable skill and competence.
To better illustrate what I think I'll mention Libya.
Official goal of western involvement there was to bring democracy and human rights to Libyans, and even in some statements "stability to north Africa".
In this, mission was spectacular failure...
But, if we assume real purpose of it was to take Libyan oil, then mission was a stunning success!
Think about it. Do you really think they are simply incompetent in so many places around the globe?
(Sreten, 1 November 2014 17:28)
I can't believe I am saying it but Nikolle is right. If you are not elected, and yet you hold political power, then you are above the law and above the electorate. This is the corruption that comes with unchecked power.
(marKo, 31 October 2014 20:16)
(icj1, 3 November 2014 03:24) What the West successfully achieved is giving Libyans the opportunity to built democracy and human rights. But that's where West's mission stops
---…--
The "West's" mission is apparently different in scope and extends far beyond Libya in both operation and strategy. According to many other political analysts the inetersts of the "West" are poorly spun to an ignorant public with fairy tales of democracy and human rights. The underlying motive is a state of perpetual war that is an aid to (and is promoted by) the powerful members of dominant political and economic classes, helping maintain their positions of economic and political superiority.
(Amnesty Yugoslavia, 4 November 2014 09:26)