Former Director-General of UNESCO Federico Mayor opposes Kosovo's membership in the organization, and stresses that the UN is in need of deep reforms.
Source: RTS, Tanjug
Close the entire text of the article here
Mayor, who was taking part in a European Center for Peace and Development conference in Belgrade dedicated to globalization, the migrant crisis, and Pristina's UNESCO bid, said that while holding the top UNESCO job, he "five times condemned the NATO military action in Kosovo." He noted that the invasion of Kosovo was not approved by the UN and that such an issue can always be reconsidered.
"For Serbia, but also for the world, it is important to say that the world does not want a plutocracy, an oligarchic rule of rich countries," said the diplomat, who served as UNESCO's director-general from 1987 until 1999.
According to him, the UN should be reformed also through efforts to as soon as possible end the rule of the most powerful, namely, G7, G8, and G20. All countries in the General Assembly, 193 of them - need to be deciding on the future of the world, he said.
Asked whether it is possible to reform the world organization when UNESCO, which deals with education and culture, is, in the Kosovo case, being abused for political purposes, along with a violation of international law, Mayor answered in the affirmative.
"As I consider that the decision on the recognition of Palestine is good, there are other issues, which may again be considered," said he.
Mayor pointed out that he was deeply opposed to foreign military action in Kosovo while he was UNESCO's director.
Asked how he would vote on Pristina's bid to join UNESCO, Mayor said he had not changed his position and would be opposed, "without any doubt."
Peggy: Do you have any quotes from this man that come from his time in office supporting Kosovan UNESCO membership? You seem to be implying that he has changed his stance since leaving office but I had not seen or heard anything from him until now on this issue.
(ned taylor, 26 October 2015 23:47)
===…==
Seeing how he hasn't been with UNESCO since 1999 I doubt he would have been involved. I was saying how former members of UNESCO or any organisation are free to have their own opinion but the current ones aren't.
Can you please commit yourself to sensible questions only?
(Peggy, 28 October 2015 00:13)
Serbia is showing its desperation by dragging out every gutter rat they can find that does not support Kosovo in UNESCO, but none of them are decision makers or form policy for any government.
(Its all a game, 27 October 2015 13:38)
Just what do these Albanians have in Kosovo that is worthy of being included in UNESCO? NOTHING at all.
After thousands of years of so called Illyrian occupation these people have not left even a rock mound that could be classified as worthy of preservation for humanity. Their only “defence” is that Serbs have taken over Churches that Albanian built 2000 years ago and when that was proven to be a figment of their little imaginations then out came the big guns, all these religious structures were built by the Catholic Church, but the Vatican has never made such a claim.
The real reason behind all of this, is the US is p**** off because the Serbs asked Russia to veto the Srebrenica statement in the UN. The Americans need urgent lessons in remedial English to understand what genocide means.
The Albanians think that if they get into UNESCO it will be more money to distribute amongst themselves, too bad they don’t know how it all works LOL. The Americans and Albanians are like that movie Dumb and Dumber.
(sj, 27 October 2015 10:01)
what a joke. Bringing in a more or less unknown obvious Milosevic supporter and calling him an expert on Kosovo and its application to UNECO is like asking a Nazi about the Holocaust. Just shows once more what kind of people are running Serbia these days, and the way they try to manipulate public opinion. Or they use ultra right wing creeps from Austria, or other politicians with a fascist touch, and now this Milosevic supporter to prove their point.. It certainly shows what kind of ideology still prevails in Belgad's political circles.
(observer, 27 October 2015 04:40)
Peggy: Do you have any quotes from this man that come from his time in office supporting Kosovan UNESCO membership? You seem to be implying that he has changed his stance since leaving office but I had not seen or heard anything from him until now on this issue.
(ned taylor, 26 October 2015 23:47)
"FORMER" is right
(UZpyrros, 26 October 2015 17:25)
===…==
Exactly. It certainly shows how scared of the US a lot of countries are that they can only tell what they really think once they are no longer in office.
(Peggy, 26 October 2015 23:05)
When a former French NATO KFOR officer says he's against this, everyone on here was like fu*k him like he wasn't allowed to give his opinion. Same with the President of the FPO, currently Austria's most popular political party. Now again, a former UNESCO Director-General for 12 years is disregarded as if his opinion doesn't matter.
But nobody knows what is actually going to happen until the vote. I wish the Albanians would focus on their own community in Kosovo-Metohija and not try to steal the rights to Serbian Orthodox property. I don't think this UNESCO attempt is going to contribute to peace between Serbs & Albanians. But we will see if the NATO lobby is strong enough to will this through.
From what I've read, the U.S. can't vote for you because they haven't paid their membership fees over Israel. That's really funny.
(Ari Gold, 26 October 2015 21:35)
I sorta start sensing somebody's hands are trembling right now. Too many spelling mistakes, too much fake emotional involvement here. Why don't you try to directly speak to your Serbian counterpart, proud Kosovars? This means that you and only you are entitled to discuss with Serbs on any issue regarding Kosovo's future. Why do you always hide after whom you perceive as the strongest of the situation, be it mighty EU or Uncle Sam? Can it be that you're aware of the fact that Serbia's claims on Kosovo have always been historically well-grounded? While no 'ancient Albanian cultural heritage' can be successfully tracked down in that area? Besides the beautiful small statues of the various dardans of course. I'm trying to sell some brothers but nobody, I mean nobody among those who count is going to buy any from now on, besides the National Geographic obviously.
(Drymades, 26 October 2015 20:07)
So the UN should be reformed according to this guy. But when it comes to Unesco, which is more democratic than the UN, it should be reformed if it lets Kosovo join, but it should not be reformed if it lets Palestine join. Is this person the best Belgrade managed to get to the conference? Does he have any businesses in common with Moratinos and Vuk "over my dead body" Jeremic?
(Reader, 26 October 2015 19:08)
what a stupid comment. I tell you what, why B92 remove the comment section altogether because apparently, its keeping people from 'improving' their state of affairs. as for your critiques of Kosovo, yes the state of Kosovo has a lot of imperfections, far too many to list here, but, it is still INFINITELY better than it was when the heavenly ruled roost. That is the reference point you need to compare it to. There's no state police going round burning villages these days
(Nikolle, 26 October 2015 18:40)
Instead of making sarcastic comments about the 'heavenly people' at every available opportunity, you would do well to concentrate on improving the deplorable state of your own kind.
A farcical 'Assembly' where delegates brawl, throw plastic bottles, and set off tear gas. Police fighting with rioters on a regular basis. A territory where pilgrims visiting holy sites have their buses stoned. A criminal kleptocracy masquerading as a 'government' propped up by Western taxpayers money and NATO guns. (Remember Camp Bondsteel, or should I say Bond-steal) yes it's still there folks, lending you all the necessary backbone you lack. I could go on, but I guess you get the picture.
(PEN, 26 October 2015 15:47)
Sure it should not be run by the most powerful countries, it should be one vote one country and the budget should be split evenly by 193.
No pay, no vote.
(equality, 26 October 2015 13:03)
"According to him, the UN should be reformed also through efforts to as soon as possible end the rule of the most powerful, namely, G7, G8, and G20. All countries in the General Assembly, 193 of them - need to be deciding on the future of the world, he said."
Well, G7,G8,G20? No, this would at first mean that the powers of the UNSC would be removed, especially the permanent veto powers some countries have, use and often abuse.
On the other hand, with at least 20% of the 193 UN members being prone to corruption and bought decisions (best example were the latest dozen of 'Kosovo recognitions'), I wonder if anything would change.
Furthermore, why shouldn't a country like China or India a billion of people have the only same rights as a tropical island state with not even 1 million population?
(Questioner, 26 October 2015 11:43)
that's it, keep pulling people who are opposed to Kosovo's UNESCO membership. it seems the heavenly people are in need of a moral boost, after all, a state official of Serbia asked them keep their chin up
(Nikolle, 26 October 2015 11:42)
Instead of making sarcastic comments about the 'heavenly people' at every available opportunity, you would do well to concentrate on improving the deplorable state of your own kind.
A farcical 'Assembly' where delegates brawl, throw plastic bottles, and set off tear gas. Police fighting with rioters on a regular basis. A territory where pilgrims visiting holy sites have their buses stoned. A criminal kleptocracy masquerading as a 'government' propped up by Western taxpayers money and NATO guns. (Remember Camp Bondsteel, or should I say Bond-steal) yes it's still there folks, lending you all the necessary backbone you lack. I could go on, but I guess you get the picture.
(PEN, 26 October 2015 15:47)
"According to him, the UN should be reformed also through efforts to as soon as possible end the rule of the most powerful, namely, G7, G8, and G20. All countries in the General Assembly, 193 of them - need to be deciding on the future of the world, he said."
Well, G7,G8,G20? No, this would at first mean that the powers of the UNSC would be removed, especially the permanent veto powers some countries have, use and often abuse.
On the other hand, with at least 20% of the 193 UN members being prone to corruption and bought decisions (best example were the latest dozen of 'Kosovo recognitions'), I wonder if anything would change.
Furthermore, why shouldn't a country like China or India a billion of people have the only same rights as a tropical island state with not even 1 million population?
(Questioner, 26 October 2015 11:43)
that's it, keep pulling people who are opposed to Kosovo's UNESCO membership. it seems the heavenly people are in need of a moral boost, after all, a state official of Serbia asked them keep their chin up
(Nikolle, 26 October 2015 11:42)
what a stupid comment. I tell you what, why B92 remove the comment section altogether because apparently, its keeping people from 'improving' their state of affairs. as for your critiques of Kosovo, yes the state of Kosovo has a lot of imperfections, far too many to list here, but, it is still INFINITELY better than it was when the heavenly ruled roost. That is the reference point you need to compare it to. There's no state police going round burning villages these days
(Nikolle, 26 October 2015 18:40)
So the UN should be reformed according to this guy. But when it comes to Unesco, which is more democratic than the UN, it should be reformed if it lets Kosovo join, but it should not be reformed if it lets Palestine join. Is this person the best Belgrade managed to get to the conference? Does he have any businesses in common with Moratinos and Vuk "over my dead body" Jeremic?
(Reader, 26 October 2015 19:08)
I sorta start sensing somebody's hands are trembling right now. Too many spelling mistakes, too much fake emotional involvement here. Why don't you try to directly speak to your Serbian counterpart, proud Kosovars? This means that you and only you are entitled to discuss with Serbs on any issue regarding Kosovo's future. Why do you always hide after whom you perceive as the strongest of the situation, be it mighty EU or Uncle Sam? Can it be that you're aware of the fact that Serbia's claims on Kosovo have always been historically well-grounded? While no 'ancient Albanian cultural heritage' can be successfully tracked down in that area? Besides the beautiful small statues of the various dardans of course. I'm trying to sell some brothers but nobody, I mean nobody among those who count is going to buy any from now on, besides the National Geographic obviously.
(Drymades, 26 October 2015 20:07)
When a former French NATO KFOR officer says he's against this, everyone on here was like fu*k him like he wasn't allowed to give his opinion. Same with the President of the FPO, currently Austria's most popular political party. Now again, a former UNESCO Director-General for 12 years is disregarded as if his opinion doesn't matter.
But nobody knows what is actually going to happen until the vote. I wish the Albanians would focus on their own community in Kosovo-Metohija and not try to steal the rights to Serbian Orthodox property. I don't think this UNESCO attempt is going to contribute to peace between Serbs & Albanians. But we will see if the NATO lobby is strong enough to will this through.
From what I've read, the U.S. can't vote for you because they haven't paid their membership fees over Israel. That's really funny.
(Ari Gold, 26 October 2015 21:35)
Just what do these Albanians have in Kosovo that is worthy of being included in UNESCO? NOTHING at all.
After thousands of years of so called Illyrian occupation these people have not left even a rock mound that could be classified as worthy of preservation for humanity. Their only “defence” is that Serbs have taken over Churches that Albanian built 2000 years ago and when that was proven to be a figment of their little imaginations then out came the big guns, all these religious structures were built by the Catholic Church, but the Vatican has never made such a claim.
The real reason behind all of this, is the US is p**** off because the Serbs asked Russia to veto the Srebrenica statement in the UN. The Americans need urgent lessons in remedial English to understand what genocide means.
The Albanians think that if they get into UNESCO it will be more money to distribute amongst themselves, too bad they don’t know how it all works LOL. The Americans and Albanians are like that movie Dumb and Dumber.
(sj, 27 October 2015 10:01)
Sure it should not be run by the most powerful countries, it should be one vote one country and the budget should be split evenly by 193.
No pay, no vote.
(equality, 26 October 2015 13:03)
Serbia is showing its desperation by dragging out every gutter rat they can find that does not support Kosovo in UNESCO, but none of them are decision makers or form policy for any government.
(Its all a game, 27 October 2015 13:38)
what a joke. Bringing in a more or less unknown obvious Milosevic supporter and calling him an expert on Kosovo and its application to UNECO is like asking a Nazi about the Holocaust. Just shows once more what kind of people are running Serbia these days, and the way they try to manipulate public opinion. Or they use ultra right wing creeps from Austria, or other politicians with a fascist touch, and now this Milosevic supporter to prove their point.. It certainly shows what kind of ideology still prevails in Belgad's political circles.
(observer, 27 October 2015 04:40)
"FORMER" is right
(UZpyrros, 26 October 2015 17:25)
===…==
Exactly. It certainly shows how scared of the US a lot of countries are that they can only tell what they really think once they are no longer in office.
(Peggy, 26 October 2015 23:05)
Peggy: Do you have any quotes from this man that come from his time in office supporting Kosovan UNESCO membership? You seem to be implying that he has changed his stance since leaving office but I had not seen or heard anything from him until now on this issue.
(ned taylor, 26 October 2015 23:47)
Peggy: Do you have any quotes from this man that come from his time in office supporting Kosovan UNESCO membership? You seem to be implying that he has changed his stance since leaving office but I had not seen or heard anything from him until now on this issue.
(ned taylor, 26 October 2015 23:47)
===…==
Seeing how he hasn't been with UNESCO since 1999 I doubt he would have been involved. I was saying how former members of UNESCO or any organisation are free to have their own opinion but the current ones aren't.
Can you please commit yourself to sensible questions only?
(Peggy, 28 October 2015 00:13)
that's it, keep pulling people who are opposed to Kosovo's UNESCO membership. it seems the heavenly people are in need of a moral boost, after all, a state official of Serbia asked them keep their chin up
(Nikolle, 26 October 2015 11:42)
Instead of making sarcastic comments about the 'heavenly people' at every available opportunity, you would do well to concentrate on improving the deplorable state of your own kind.
A farcical 'Assembly' where delegates brawl, throw plastic bottles, and set off tear gas. Police fighting with rioters on a regular basis. A territory where pilgrims visiting holy sites have their buses stoned. A criminal kleptocracy masquerading as a 'government' propped up by Western taxpayers money and NATO guns. (Remember Camp Bondsteel, or should I say Bond-steal) yes it's still there folks, lending you all the necessary backbone you lack. I could go on, but I guess you get the picture.
(PEN, 26 October 2015 15:47)
what a stupid comment. I tell you what, why B92 remove the comment section altogether because apparently, its keeping people from 'improving' their state of affairs. as for your critiques of Kosovo, yes the state of Kosovo has a lot of imperfections, far too many to list here, but, it is still INFINITELY better than it was when the heavenly ruled roost. That is the reference point you need to compare it to. There's no state police going round burning villages these days
(Nikolle, 26 October 2015 18:40)
"According to him, the UN should be reformed also through efforts to as soon as possible end the rule of the most powerful, namely, G7, G8, and G20. All countries in the General Assembly, 193 of them - need to be deciding on the future of the world, he said."
Well, G7,G8,G20? No, this would at first mean that the powers of the UNSC would be removed, especially the permanent veto powers some countries have, use and often abuse.
On the other hand, with at least 20% of the 193 UN members being prone to corruption and bought decisions (best example were the latest dozen of 'Kosovo recognitions'), I wonder if anything would change.
Furthermore, why shouldn't a country like China or India a billion of people have the only same rights as a tropical island state with not even 1 million population?
(Questioner, 26 October 2015 11:43)
what a joke. Bringing in a more or less unknown obvious Milosevic supporter and calling him an expert on Kosovo and its application to UNECO is like asking a Nazi about the Holocaust. Just shows once more what kind of people are running Serbia these days, and the way they try to manipulate public opinion. Or they use ultra right wing creeps from Austria, or other politicians with a fascist touch, and now this Milosevic supporter to prove their point.. It certainly shows what kind of ideology still prevails in Belgad's political circles.
(observer, 27 October 2015 04:40)
When a former French NATO KFOR officer says he's against this, everyone on here was like fu*k him like he wasn't allowed to give his opinion. Same with the President of the FPO, currently Austria's most popular political party. Now again, a former UNESCO Director-General for 12 years is disregarded as if his opinion doesn't matter.
But nobody knows what is actually going to happen until the vote. I wish the Albanians would focus on their own community in Kosovo-Metohija and not try to steal the rights to Serbian Orthodox property. I don't think this UNESCO attempt is going to contribute to peace between Serbs & Albanians. But we will see if the NATO lobby is strong enough to will this through.
From what I've read, the U.S. can't vote for you because they haven't paid their membership fees over Israel. That's really funny.
(Ari Gold, 26 October 2015 21:35)
"FORMER" is right
(UZpyrros, 26 October 2015 17:25)
===…==
Exactly. It certainly shows how scared of the US a lot of countries are that they can only tell what they really think once they are no longer in office.
(Peggy, 26 October 2015 23:05)
I sorta start sensing somebody's hands are trembling right now. Too many spelling mistakes, too much fake emotional involvement here. Why don't you try to directly speak to your Serbian counterpart, proud Kosovars? This means that you and only you are entitled to discuss with Serbs on any issue regarding Kosovo's future. Why do you always hide after whom you perceive as the strongest of the situation, be it mighty EU or Uncle Sam? Can it be that you're aware of the fact that Serbia's claims on Kosovo have always been historically well-grounded? While no 'ancient Albanian cultural heritage' can be successfully tracked down in that area? Besides the beautiful small statues of the various dardans of course. I'm trying to sell some brothers but nobody, I mean nobody among those who count is going to buy any from now on, besides the National Geographic obviously.
(Drymades, 26 October 2015 20:07)
So the UN should be reformed according to this guy. But when it comes to Unesco, which is more democratic than the UN, it should be reformed if it lets Kosovo join, but it should not be reformed if it lets Palestine join. Is this person the best Belgrade managed to get to the conference? Does he have any businesses in common with Moratinos and Vuk "over my dead body" Jeremic?
(Reader, 26 October 2015 19:08)
Just what do these Albanians have in Kosovo that is worthy of being included in UNESCO? NOTHING at all.
After thousands of years of so called Illyrian occupation these people have not left even a rock mound that could be classified as worthy of preservation for humanity. Their only “defence” is that Serbs have taken over Churches that Albanian built 2000 years ago and when that was proven to be a figment of their little imaginations then out came the big guns, all these religious structures were built by the Catholic Church, but the Vatican has never made such a claim.
The real reason behind all of this, is the US is p**** off because the Serbs asked Russia to veto the Srebrenica statement in the UN. The Americans need urgent lessons in remedial English to understand what genocide means.
The Albanians think that if they get into UNESCO it will be more money to distribute amongst themselves, too bad they don’t know how it all works LOL. The Americans and Albanians are like that movie Dumb and Dumber.
(sj, 27 October 2015 10:01)
Sure it should not be run by the most powerful countries, it should be one vote one country and the budget should be split evenly by 193.
No pay, no vote.
(equality, 26 October 2015 13:03)
Serbia is showing its desperation by dragging out every gutter rat they can find that does not support Kosovo in UNESCO, but none of them are decision makers or form policy for any government.
(Its all a game, 27 October 2015 13:38)
Peggy: Do you have any quotes from this man that come from his time in office supporting Kosovan UNESCO membership? You seem to be implying that he has changed his stance since leaving office but I had not seen or heard anything from him until now on this issue.
(ned taylor, 26 October 2015 23:47)
Peggy: Do you have any quotes from this man that come from his time in office supporting Kosovan UNESCO membership? You seem to be implying that he has changed his stance since leaving office but I had not seen or heard anything from him until now on this issue.
(ned taylor, 26 October 2015 23:47)
===…==
Seeing how he hasn't been with UNESCO since 1999 I doubt he would have been involved. I was saying how former members of UNESCO or any organisation are free to have their own opinion but the current ones aren't.
Can you please commit yourself to sensible questions only?
(Peggy, 28 October 2015 00:13)