text: >> going to say that I'm happy for the people in Kosovo, and that I hope time and reasonable leaders will further improve the situation. I think this also shows how long these sorts of negotiations can take to resolve. Maybe Iraq and Egypt could learn something from them.
  All this shows is how Serbs gave up everything and got nothing because an outside force was at play! Serbia wants EU membership so decided not to negotiate and give the Albanians everything they wanted so a third party the EU would give them membership. How does this apply in any other situation? How many sides would give up everything like Serbia did?
  uh-oh.
  Looks like MikeyMedic is going to be working overtime today!
  I don't know why! 63% of Serbia recognizes kosova independence! Serbia doesn't care anymore. It wants to be rid of the whole Kosovo issue! TO leave it the past! Serbia has moved on it now sees Kosova as an independent nation that can be in the EU!!!
  It's not even about the EU. The recognition of Kosova by dacic and Vucic and Serbia is about Serbia joining the world mainstream. The EU is a way to that even if it has no benefit by itself. It's why 63% of serbs recognize kosova independence but fewer support EU.
  must you keep saying 'kosova'? its like you are trying to draw reactions from people with your ignorance.
  That's what the Albanians call it and because of Serbia's recognition of all its authority and none of Belgrade it is what it is. It's now kosova.
  yet more ignorance. should i refer to Germany as Deutschland or Japan as Nippon? that, is effectively what you are doing as the term you are using for kosovo is what it is in the albanian language.
  "That's what the Albanians call it and because of Serbia's recognition of all its authority and none of Belgrade it is what it is. It's now kosova."
  Using your argument, I suppose we shall all start calling you Shiptars (this is how Albanians call themselves), right?
  It's Shqipetar ;), you got it wrong like you tend to do with most arguments, cheers
  Not an Albanian - so have no idea but do know that the word used by supporters of Kosova independence in Kosova and that now includes Serbia which stridently and ardently supports kosova independence.
  "It's Shqipetar ;), you got it wrong like you tend to do with most arguments, cheers"
  No problem - I stand corrected. But I am glad that you endorsed that instead of Albanian, in English use, we shall now start using Shqiptar.
  The Economist: kindly take note.
  thanks!
  Kosova is the correct spelling, nothing ignorant about Brian, its the contrary for that matter!
  Fail.
  An agreement of this sort, while not perfect, is better than no agreement at all. For all you Serbian internet warriors, if you really want to protect your 'motherland', leave your parents' basement, wherever that might be in the big bad 'west', and move to Serbia.
  The deal is perfect for the Albanian side because it gives them everything they want including total recognition of kosova independence by Serbia because it says Kosova can be in the EU and the EU is for independent countries. The deal is also perfect for the 63% of serbs who recognize kosova independence. Both sides get everything they want. Serbia gets rid of kosova forever and kosova gets control of all of kosova with serbs having no autonomy on any issue illustrated the best by pristina appointing the police chief of serbs!! Serbs can't even elect their own police chief!! Amazing.
  "An agreement of this sort, while not perfect, is better than no agreement at all"
  Better for whom? This Serbia does not need this agreement.
  " if you really want to protect your 'motherland', leave your parents' basement, wherever that might be in the big bad 'west', and move to Serbia."
  Who are you to say?
  Serbia does need this agreement- It is why it recognized the independence of Kosova. FOr EU membership.
  Hi,
  Serbia and Kosovo. A breakthrough at last. A breakthrough in sin of a burst pipe. There’s little room for optimism. The common goal of EU entry will not hide the corruption, hate and distrust which they bring with them in the EU.
  Serbia has just signed an agreement which gives Serbia and kosova serbs nothing. One side completely gave up in every way imaginable. Serbia and serbs no longer have any opposition to kosova independence in any way. The deal is clear on all issues. Pristina will write all the laws that serbs must follow and appoint the serbs police chief so serbs can't have any power over anybody with guns. It doesn't need the army right away in kosova because it will appoint the police chief! What an amazing deal because serbs now have totally given up on every single thing on every single issue! They have serbs working for them. Serbia is now working for kosova. They just gave up!
  The tragedy with Serbia has been that it is stuck in the past. The more it can start focusing on the future rather than the past the better it will find itself. Consider it a divorce and move on to better and brighter things.
  Exactly- that is why it had decided to move on and recognize in every way the independence of Kosova.
  I agree, but mutual entry into EU is the right and constructive step towards precluding the dispositions you mentioned above. It will take while, but eventually EU membership will have a positive impact in mitigating the animosity among the two.
  Serbia SHOULD now be obliged to give the same rights to the Albanians in southern Serbia (Preshevo Valley)! The international community seems to have forgotten about them (but we never will) just because they happened to be more civilized than the serbs in northern Kosovo whose greatest deeds is building illegal barrikades on the roads and throwing bombs in people's homes whenever they feel like.
  Albanians in south Serbia have far more rights than Serbs in Kosovo - in what country in the world you would be able to erect a monument to rebels against that country? Precisely what Albanians in south Serbia are doing now.
  Compare this to Serbs living in Kosovo behind a barb wire, and schoolchildren driven to schools in bulletproof KFOR's APCs.
  Albanians in Preshevo Valley have no rights whatsoever in comparison to the Kosovoserbs who have far more rights than any other minority in the Balkans and Europe. Yet kosovoserbs constitute only 5 % (!) of the total population in Kosovo. The only people whose lives are at danger are the Albanians living in northern Kosovo and this as because of the Serbian criminals who freely walk around as if they were some sort of gods, doing what they want, whenever they want.
  The monument (now removed)was erected to honour those brave people that fought against the DICTATORIAL regime of Slobodan Milosevic who slaughtered and deported thousands of innocent albanians and other non-serbs in Yugoslavia. No wonder that this monument was an "insult" to the kinds of Dacic ("little Sloba") and Nikolic, who until recently served as vice president of the "Serbian Radical Party" founded by Nikolic and Vojislav Seselj. The letter being accused for war crimes and involvment in crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
  "whatsoever in comparison to the Kosovoserbs who have far more rights than any other minority in the Balkans and Europe."
  You mean - living surrounded by barb wire, and be driven in armored personnel carriers? Sure - these are the 'rights' that no other 'minority' enjoys.
  "The monument (now removed)"
  The monument in front of the municipality (state institution) was removed. Instead, much bigger one is being built on a private property.
  There are no serbs that live "surrounded by barb wire, and be driven in armored personnel carriers?". Thats just pathetic Serbian lies. In reality it's precisely the albanians in northern Kosovo who live like that. They have limited or no freedom of movement, serbs harass and beat them, serbs throw handgranates in their homes etc. Albanian citizens of this place are not being provided with the minimun of the security they need, neither from NATO-troops or anyone else.
  "There are no serbs that live "surrounded by barb wire, and be driven in armored personnel carriers?". Thats just pathetic Serbian lies."
  Sure. Pathetic lies.
  Here is a BBC link:...
  "This is the first time I have been to a church service held behind barbed wire.". And so on...
  I will not be responding to you any longer. Bye.
  The article is from the year 2008 (before declaration of independence)and has nothing to do with the current situation of kosovoserbs. Kosovos independence was founded upon the Martii Ahtisaari plan, which provides the Serbian minority with the greatest rights a minority can have, especially regarding to the Serbian religious and cultural heritage.
  I suggest you to never ever comment on anything that has to do with Kosovo because you only write bullshit.
  Bye.
  Hi.
  During the Unruly Monks' period 2-3 years back a YouTube video appeared showing a monastery in Kosovo being attacked by rebellious young men in cassocks. There was a coil of razor wire, about 8" in diameter, tastefully laid along the front top wall of the courtyard where the bearded youths were blocked by the locked door. So one the more enterprising types got himself driven up to a side wall, hiked up his skirts, climbed up on the top of the truck and from there he scrambled over the wall, where he unlocked the door and allowed his companions to rush in, whereupon a pushing and shoving and beard-pulling melee ensued.
  The point being, the barbed wire is for more for decoration than protection at this point. And for propaganda.
  Serbs in Kosova have no special rights. They must follow all the laws of pristina and Albanians in presevo must follow all the laws of Belgrade. Belgrade would appoint the police chief of presevo under a deal like this? LOL!? Serbia would have MORE MORE control over Presevo if a deal like this was done between Serbia and Presevo like the deal between kosova and Serbia! Read the deal!!!
  Read the agreement! You align presevo Albanians with kosova serbs but look at the deal. Pristina will appoint the police chief of kosova serbs! So under this deal Belgrade would appoint the police chief with presevo Albanians!! Look at the deal. There is no special rights or autonomy for serbs. ALl their rules will be written by pristina. The court cases will be tried by kosova law with pristina judges and no Serbian law is allowed and there is no autonomy on any issue. Serbs wanted to live by Serbia law but now must live under pRistina law. IF this agreement was about presevo and Belgrade Belgrade would write all the rules of court cases and police chiefs and education and healthcare.
  "The point being, the barbed wire is for more for decoration than protection at this point. And for propaganda."
  Sure. And barb wire was also decoration only in Nazi concentration camps.
  Makes me puke when I see who is coming here.
  Accession talks will allow the EU to put pressure on Serbia to treat its minorities fairly. After all, most of these minorities have parent countries already in the EU. From now on, Serbia is going to have to make real changes, not just dramatic gestures.
  Hardly. The Nazis were Germans - a serious people.
  you have been reported for hate speech.
  "Accession talks will allow the EU to put pressure on Serbia to treat its minorities fairly."
  You mean like - the new EU member Croatia treated Serb minority, and expelled 500,000 of them?
  The Nazis were war criminals.
  you don't know anything. The serbs have no rights in kosova at all in any way! The police chief is going to be appointed by Pristina and all laws must be Pristina's. The presevo fight was after Milosevic left power. NATO allowed the VJ to reclaim the demilitarized zone on May 24, 2001. You don't know anything of what is going on in either Serbia or kosova.
  mikimedic
  Your lies for "Serbs living in Kosovo behind a barb wire, and schoolchildren driven to schools in bulletproof KFOR's APCs" can not convince anyone.
  Albanians in southern Serbia are simply without rights comparing for generous offer for Serbs in Kosovo..
  Ok Fadil,
  ."
  In fact, I agree with granting of all these rights to entire Albanian population/citizens of Serbia, not only those in Presevo valley.
  "Your lies for "Serbs living in Kosovo behind a barb wire, and schoolchildren driven to schools in bulletproof KFOR's APCs" can not convince anyone."
  LOL - these are not mine, but BBC's 'lies'...
  micimedic
  I thank you very much for your "generous" offer. Nevertheless I (an others in Kosovo) prefer living in the Republic of Kosovo.
  Actually if you believe Albanians in southern Serbia have more rights than Serbs in Kosovo, wold you agree exchange of rights??
  mikimedic
  "LOL - these are not mine, but BBC's 'lies'..."
  So by your logic if someone in country X uses drug that mean all citizens of that country are drug consumers??!!!
  I hope, you one day will see how ridiculous you are.
  My logic is - if BBC, who is not extremely pro-Serbian, we will both agree, shows that Serbs live in Kosovo behind barb wires, they (BBC) probably found this fact shocking enough to be worth of reporting.
  If you have any BBC documentaries showing Serbs in Kosovo under Albanian authority 'happily ever after' pls share it with us...
  Yes, I am very ridiculous. Almost like BBC...
  Pristina chooses the police commanders! What are you talking about! SO Belgrade would choose the police commanders of Presevo. Read the agreement. Serbs have no rights to manage education and healthcare unless it conforms with pristina law! Everything is by the dictate of pristina and pristina chooses the police commander not serbs and certainly not Belgrade. You want Belgrade to choose the police commander of Presevo!?!?!
  "Pristina chooses the police commanders!". Not really. It is the Association that receives candidacies and shortlists three, out of which one name is sent to Pristina only for a formal endorsement. You check the agreement.
  Pristina chooses the police commander. It must be acceptable to pristina. Pristina dictates who will be on the list from the very beginning. No one on the list will be unacceptable to pristina. If they are pristina will declare an emergency an invade the north. So pristina chooses who the commander will be and everyone on the list. It is total blackmail from pristina.
  " Pristina dictates who will be on the list from the very beginning. "
  Exactly - how? LOL
  "pristina will declare an emergency an invade the north"
  I think Serbian army will have a say in this case.
  BBC is not "pro Serbian" at all. I think, however, you should UPDATE your old data i.e from year 1999. Now is year 2013.
  I know Some Serbs are unhappy because they live in republic of Kosovo. Albanians in southern Serbia are even more unhappy but this is their destiny.
  BBC is not ridiculous at all but you are for sure.
  I know, BBC is definitely not pro-Serbian. So you can imagine how bad the situation is when even BBC reports about Serbs living behind barb wire.
  Not sure what you mean by 'updating my data' - you mean BBC should update theirs? with what exactly?
  The report is not from 1999 (i.e. Serbs were not behind a barb wire then) but 2008. And pls, don't tell me situation for Serbs in Kosovo has improved since then.
  because they pick the commander and if they can't pick serbs will be blamed and Serbia will be blamed for not cooperating with the agreement. So of course serbs will have to ask Albanians who is acceptable for them to pick and then the serbs will submit a list already consisting of serbs selected by Pristina.
  "if they can't pick serbs will be blamed"
  hahaha yes yes yes, and if Russians don't withdraw from Chechnya Serbs will also be blamed.
  Bye now, Fadil, it has been a pleasure to enjoy your entertainment on this blog.
  In the 2 and a half years I lived in Kosovo as part of KFOR 2008-2012 never did I hear about Serbs needing to be taken in APC's to school. There is sporadic violence and you bet there's a lot of corruption but don't exaggerate.
  Sure - only sporadic violence. True statement of KFOR soldier justifying his failure to protect population he was sent to protect. Here is just one example:
  The killing of Serbian children in Kosovo: the story of a survivorPublished on February 5, 2013, Voice of Russia
  Category: Violence Against Christian Serbs and Their Holy PlacesShare on joliprint
  Timur Blokhin
  At the age of 15 on a riverbank he was shot eight times just for being Serbian. He survived and a few days later during the religious holiday of Transfiguration he was out of his coma. But until now he has not received an answer to his question: who shot the children bathing in the river near the Kosovo village of Gorazdevac on August 13, 2003? In his interview to the Voice of Russia Bogdan Bukumiric tells a wonderful story of his rescue.
  “It is not so scary to die as to be buried alive” - this is the inscription on the monument to the victims of Albanian terrorists and the NATO aggression in the small town of Gorazdevac, an oasis and at the same time a ghetto for the Serbian population in Metohija. There are portraits of two boys on the monument - Panto Dakic and Ivan Jovovic. They died on August 13, 2003 on the bank of the Bistrica River when unknown persons opened fire at the people resting there. Four more teenagers were wounded at that moment. Concerning one of them, Bogdan Bukumiric, 15 years of age, the doctors gave the following forecast: 96% chance of death and 4% chance of survival. He survived. He is 24 now, he lives in Belgrade, and when he read the story about the recent acts of vandalism in Kosovo (the monument in Gorazdevac was shot at) published by the Voice of Russia web site, he agreed to share with our journalists his memories of that horrible crime that nobody has been held responsible for.. There was no end to the Albanian provocations: Bogdan's aunt, Milica Bukumiric, was killed at the doors to her house as somebody threw a grenade into her yard. The youth was isolated from the world – there was no entertainment, no chance to travel from the village; all they had left was only the community at school and around it. There was not even a swimming pool. Why “even”? Perhaps that fact played the lethal role in the whole story…
  more here...
  I wasnt a KFOR soldier, I worked for KFOR as a civilian, I lived among the population, made friends some Serb, Albanian, Macedonian even a couple Roma. The anecdotal evidence you quote is exactly what I say, sporadic violence, ethnic in origin and its horrible. Serbs commited their fair share of atrocities as well. It's easy to paint the picture from your perspective. I personally never had too much of a vested interest, some of my friends where diehard nationalists both Serbian and Albanian, most of them, the young ones at least didn't seem to care all that much they just wanted opportunity and for the whole mess to be over with.
  This is a step in that direction and lets be honest it makes sense.
  Most Kosovo Albanians want EU Membership Serbia wants EU Membership why not bury the hatchet and strive for that?
  Sporadic violence? Above is not one isolated incident, but a constant pattern of intimidation of Serb population (those brave enough that remained). Do you know the figure of how many properties of those who had returned were subsequently burnt?
  "Most Kosovo Albanians want EU Membership Serbia wants EU Membership why not bury the hatchet and strive for that?"
  As far as Serbs are concerned (majority of) they could not care less for EU membership. However, if EU accepts Kosovo status as defined under UN SC 1244 I don't think there would be any issues at all. Unfortunately 22 EU member states have violated the international law and recognized Kosovo - an integral part of another sovereign state.
  Yourself, being civilian working for military mission under UN auspices, am sure you will agree with me that UN SC 1244 has to be respected by all parties, EU included.
  you are so ignorant. Based on what do you believe serbs will not be blamed if pristina says its list of nominees for police chief are unacceptable and t hey can't choose one? Serbs will be pressured to nominated pristina approved nominees for chiefs and probably Albanians.
  I don't work for NATO or KFOR anymore. I agree that the UN SC 1244 stated territorial sovereignty of Serbia. I also think 1244 is flawed in that regard. My personal opinion is that when a state funds militias to target civilians within a minority group the rule of law is broken and the state loses its right to rule.
  If the majority of Serbs don't care for joining the EU why is Serbia going through the EU process?
  Yeah I consider it sporadic violence, ill admit I didnt spend too much time in Mitrovica but the Serbs in the enclaves Silovo, Gracanica and Strpce had a relatively peaceful existance.
  It is not true that serbs don't want to be in the EU. They have had election after election where EU keeps winning! Tadic victories and then Nikloic beats him but he ran on just EU and not EU and Kosovo like tadic did. THe EU parties are all very popular and keep winning all the elections and the Kosovo parties are dead. radical party is dead. all nationalist parties are dead. there is no successful nationalist politician in Serbia.
  "I don't work for NATO or KFOR anymore. I agree that the UN SC 1244 stated territorial sovereignty of Serbia. I also think 1244 is flawed in that regard."
  Well, it is up to the SC to establish whether there was a flaw or not. I also think that it is flawed with granting a return of 1,000 Serbian soldiers only (and not even that took place), but my opinion when it comes to SC issues is irrelevant.
  "My personal opinion is that when a state funds militias to target civilians within a minority group the rule of law is broken and the state loses its right to rule."
  I do not disagree with you on this.But this is not completely applicable to Serbian police in Kosovo in the nineties, if this is what you are suggesting. You don't mention anywhere what was the plight of Serbian population between 1945 and 1990 in Kosovo, when, while Serbian province, Kosovo was completely administered by Albanians - including chiefs of police. So did Serbia fund militias to target civilian population - not really. Regular Serbian police has been conducting anti-terrorist activities throughout nineties. Obviously not too successful, as they allowed Albanian militia - KLA to emerge and start tormenting Serbian population in the very presence of Serbian police. If you are interested, I can present you with UN documents indicating that the number of Albanians fleeing the province before NATO airstrikes was comparable to the number of Serbs. Despite heavy Serbian police presence, these people did not feel safe enough from being terrorized by Albanian militias - KLA, and they sought refuge in inner Serbia, long before airstrikes have started.
  "If the majority of Serbs don't care for joining the EU why is Serbia going through the EU process?"
  Good question - and it remains a bit of a mistery what made the current government turn 180 degrees from their predominantly anti-EU stance. We will see how long this lasts, but all opinion polls in Serbia indicate that majority no longer supports EU integration (if the price of it is a loss of territory).
  "Yeah I consider it sporadic violence, ill admit I didnt spend too much time in Mitrovica but the Serbs in the enclaves Silovo, Gracanica and Strpce had a relatively peaceful existance."
  Ok, I will again not completely disagree with you. I will not however describe situation in Kosovo a 'sporadic violance' far from it.
  the current government of Serbia never ever had an anti-EU stance. It has always said EU was most important thing for Serbia. ALWAYS! They put the border posts up and send the customs agents and have done everything for the EU! THey ran on the EU. LOok at their platforms from the last elections. They are ardently pro EU and that has made them pro independence for Kosova. Look at their platforms and what they have done. They have never done on thing that opposes EU membership in any way at all.
  You are referencing old polls and old attitudes. Serbia is now 63% in recognition of Kosovo independence and has voted for Eu parties in all recent elections. There is no opposition to EU and no opposition to Kosova independence. The polls on EU membership is very clear and even if they waver the election results are always the same. EU EU EU every single election every party.
  free money from EU and US! Makes you wish your country had somekind of fall out and in need of "talks" so EU would shower you with peacefication funds
  Another nail in the coffin of Serbia's claim.
  With its next recognition, the Republic of Kosovo will undisputedly be recognised by half the UN
  Serbia is now pragmatically dealing with the Republic of Kosovo.
  The Republic of Kosovo can now start on the long process of joining the EU. Serbia is quite free to not join, but in the Republic of Kosovo joining is quite popular. That is the difference between looking inward and outward.
  well with this deal meaning serbias recogntition of kosova independence why else would any country oppose it now? Serbia recognizes it. Serbia is now one of the UN countries that recognizes kosova independence.
  No Serbia definitely does NOT recognise the Republic of Kosovo. You are taking a simpleton's approach to international relations if you think it does.
  Recognition between states is a formal legal procedure and this agreement is nothing of the sort. North Korea, though a UN member, is not recognised by Japan or South Korea even though these countries deal with it on issues.
  Serbia doesn't recognise the Republic of Kosovo and honestly it doesn't really matter to the Kosovars as EU accession will probably take 20 years so they have plenty of time.
  : ) EU is a sinking ship, this will only calm the bloody waters for a little before the two countries realize they both wont be a part of the EU because the EU has no future. So Serbs will probably cant handle themselves and attack kosovo, nato will prob send forces, russia will try to play middle man but will not get involved because its not worth it for them to upset those who are against serbs. Serbs will further deplete themselves of the basics, more deaths here and there and serbs will only be that much deeper in the hole they are already in. Serbs were brutal with hungarian vojvodina mass killings of hungarians for there homes, businesses, they killed poles, slovaks, romanians, jews, roma, bulgarians, armenians, germans, croats, and so on. vojvodina is a autonomy but that too when serbia gets further into the hole of fighting for kosovo will haunt them, just time before serbs will be ganged up on then country split up to destabilize them and keep them powerless like they did with hungary.
  Serbia most certainly does recognize kosova independence it says it can be in the EU! Collects customs on the border, has an ambassador named Dejan Pavicevic to kosova. There are procedures for official recognition and Serbia is following all of them for its recognition of kosova independence. Where is there any opposition to kosova independence in the government of Serbia? Kosova being in the EU is opposing independence? Customs are opposing independence? Making serbs go from Belgrade law to pristina law in kosova in opposing independence? Look at what is going on!
  Some Serbian leaders in opposition say "Serbia recognized Kosovo and that should be told to people by Serbian government". I am speaking with opposition leaders who are backing the agreement since in that case their claim is not populist propaganda.
  Of course, Serbia did not recognize Kosovo formally but agreed on some crucial points of statehood such as total government control from Kosovo authorities.
  And that is total recognition of a formal nature of kosova independence from Serbia. It is a total formal independence recognition.
  Remains to be seen if Serbia will do the same for its Albanian and other minorities in Serbia considering her past reputation..
  What does this do for kosova serbs that is so great? They have been stripped of all their autonomy and must follow all pristina laws by dictate of Belgrade and Serbia? Just like Albanians in presevo have to follow all Belgrade laws. ALl kosova serbs have to follow pristina law and all presevo Albanians must follow Belgrade law. There is no special status for serbs in kosova.
  Does every municipality in Kosovo have a president,vice president,assemblies?
  Of course they do. They all have to follow Pristina laws exactly the same. All the subdivisions of Kosova are exactly the same. Serbs must go to pristina run courts and have a chief appointed by pristina and have education and healthcare governed by Pristina law. Where is any special status for serbs anywhere in kosova? It is all exactly the same.
  Municipalities usually have mayors and councils,not presidents and Vice Presidents and assemblies
  The word is predsednik - "fore + sitting," presiding. English has a number of terms - president, chairman, reeve ... , it's not worth getting excited about which equivalent is selected by a non-native speaker of the language.
  Just seems that there are mayors in the municipalities in question in place.10 serbian and now a executive has just been set up to govern them.brian keeps saying tht the Serb municipalities have to answer to pristina,but the same thing could be said about the RS in Bosnia with the EU high rep.and we've seen what that really means.the devil is always in the details.
  "Remains to be seen if Serbia will do the same for its Albanian and other minorities in Serbia considering her past reputation.."
  Do what exactly?
  Minorities in Serbia enjoy fullest possible rights.After all, Serbia is the only country in Balkans where 20% of population are minorities.
  Who did not have to leave like Serbs did from Croatia, and more recently south Kosovo.
  What is the situation with Serbs in Pec and Prizren? Barb wires? KFOR escorting schoolchildren to school?
  The only sad affair here is indeed you. Pathetic, as well.
  RS is really different. There you had two republics established and a weak central government. This is not like that at all. Serbs in Kosova have no autonomy on any issue at all not like serbs in RS. All laws and appointments come from Pristina. Pristina controls everything. The police chief is appointed by Pristina. Their is nothing like RS here at all. It is not really an executive of the municipalities - they have no power at all in any way. It is not a government it is like a club. The Serbian municipalities can all join the same club but they have no power on anything at all.
  Fadil, keep talking to yourself.
  Amazing deal in that serbs get nothing and Albanians everything they want. Serbia wants EU membership and it was really at risk so they agreed that Serbia and serbs in Kosovo get absolutely nothing in this deal and albnanians get everything. ALbanians write the laws on every single issue regarding serbs in the north and even pick their police chief! Amazing Albanian authorities in pristina will pick the police chief of the serb north! They call it a serb north but serbs have no power there so it is really not a serb north anymore. Serbs don't have to deal with having absolutely no power over any part of their lives. They can leave and will leave. Serbia could be in the EU why be in Kosvoo with no power over anything. This article makes a good point that serb life may be very financially lucrative for serbs to stay but why bother for the rest of the serbs who aren't in government? Only serbs in government will stay as they will get so much money but no regular people have any reason to stay.
  All the us and eu officers are patting themselves on the back.LEts see what happens when the first problem arises.should have swapped north kosovo for the Albanian populated parts of presevo.THis I'm afraid is a bandaid that will eventually cause more problems.
  There wont be any problems from Serbia! This deal gave them absolutely nothing and they signed it. It could only be a problem if serbs in the north resist and Belgrade is blamed. But then the article says bribery of serbs will be so common that they should all stop complaining maybe. But most not eligible for bribes will probably leave. So the only serbs in Kosovo will be the ones receiving bribes to stay by pristina and Belgrade I guess but Belgrade doesn't even have any right to give serbs money in this deal?
  "Serbia in CSTO"
  If NATO and EU will continue to humiliate and disrespect Serbia, they will learn hard way as did Ottoman Empire, Austrohungarian Empire or Nazi Third Reich.
  Double standards, lies and blackmails will not be tolerated anymore.
  What humiliation are you talking about, Serbs never lived in Kosovo, its a myth, so you can incorporate Albanian lands in 1918.
  Albanians own their own land. They do not live in shanty towns. They own their own land. You have massacred enough Albanians in the last century. Enough is Enough. This was the most shameful period of European history, to award 3.5 Albanian souls with their land to Serbia to be massacred or expelled.
  SHAME FOR EUROPE, UK in particular.
  A lot of Bieber fans here, I see...
  Serbian population in Kosovo:
  1961:
  1999:
  2002:
  2004:
  grey-Serbian population
  with strips - Serbian population under terrorist attack
  red - ethnic cleansing of Serbian population
  Serbia can join even tomorrow CSTO, so what?? Look today's news for Serbia public debt, increasing more than 15 millions EUR a DAY. It means almost half billion EUR monthly or 5.6 billion EUR annually. Serbia is sinking in public debt and fate of Greece is inevitable.
  CSTO can't help nothing in this regard so just go on.
  Only shame is your lack of knowledge, evidence of Serbian presence in Kosovo is something you can't deny!
  Cultural and religious buildings, names of tonws, mountains, valeys, there is 140 thousand Serbs there right now, and 250 thousands where exield from 90's to now! Also, a lot of them where moved from Kosovo buy communist regime after WWII!
  Financing Albanian authorities from western countries is main reason why that quasi-state is still existing, but that is not going to last forever! It would simply colapse eventualy...
  "The deal is a huge breakthrough for the two countries"
  This is not an international agreement between the two countries, as Kosovo is not a country. This is the agreement between Serbian government and provisional institutions of the self government in Serbia's southern province (as per UN SC 1244).
  "The 15-point agreement (scroll down for English) is expected to be formally endorsed by the two governments and parliaments in the next 48 hours."
  The agreement has only been initialled, not signed. As such, it bears no legal obligations to parties as yet.
  ."
  Of course it is disputed, as many fake recognitions have been claimed (Mali and Sao Tome and Principe to name some). More than half of UN members do not recognize Kosovo, including permanent members of the Security Council, Russia and China.
  "The essence of the deal is that while Serbia does not recognise Kosovo as a state, it concedes its legal authority over the whole territory."
  It does not - Serbian constitution will recognize Kosovo laws, and therefore recognize these under Serbial legal order (this was so far not the case). Not only the north, the Kosovo as a whole will enjoy autonomy from Serbian legal order, while the north Kosovo will enjoy autonomy from Kosovo judiciary and executive powers.
  "Kosovo Serb leaders in the north have said they will do all they can to oppose the deal, and even talked in the past few weeks of some form of secession from Kosovo."
  This may as well happen, and might be the best solution for all parties. If Kosovo recognizes north, Serbia can recognize Kosovo in return (along with Republika Srpska). Time to redraw Balkan borders!
  "Failure to strike deal could have had dire consequences for Serbia, Kosovo and the rest of the region."
  Not really. The only consequence for Serbia would be slowing down EU integrations, which would certainly be a good news for Serbia, but not for EU (bureaucrats).
  I think Serbia needs the EU more than the EU needs Serbia. The EU has very few bureaucrats and is actually quite efficient. The EU commission has less employees for the 350 million EU citizens than a medium size city has. It pays reasonably well but it is trying to attract some talent. Most EU regulations are dull and boring and easy to characterize as pointless, they are not. Things like harmonized electronic payments regulations are very important. If the next square is going to come from an European start-up they need to be able to scale Europe and not one country.
  Europe needs Serbia insofar as its boost to EU prestige to help bring peace to the Balkans. You seem to be mistaken.
  I think Serbia needs the EU more than the EU needs Serbia.
  ---------
  I think that you need to leave Serbia alone,..and not to send every 50 years war planes to bomb our people and our country. Belgrade is the most bombed city IN HISTORY,...and like we need you,..or you need us?
  We do not need you. We need of YOU to BACK OFF
  This is not about the need and bureaucracy. If you were in Serbia when radioactive rockets and cassette bombs were flying around and no one was blamed you would have understood. But I don't expect you to understand when after all, your sense of reality derives from media. You know nothing about Balkans but feel inclined to preach about the EU.
  And by the way, if you looked at the faces of Serbian prime minister Dacic and brigand Tachi, you would have noticed their grim faces. There is not even a hint of "win-win" situation. Only more problems in the long term. Don't believe in anything you read...
  ..and for anyone info....
  Why Serbia?
  Cause any occupying force(in history) wanting for Balkans and its resources, naturally knows that only people who will not bend over and actually DEFEND against brutality, against military atrocities and robbery,..against colonization and modern imperialism no matter how big or strong that occupying force is, Serbs WILL defend and fight.
  Those around poltroons just change uniforms as always, and every occupying force will reward them, of course. We have seen backs of many, we will eventually see backs of those now too.
  Someone is tetchy.
  All I was saying is the EU is pretty efficient and trying to set up a business I'm very happy it exists. The EU never bombed Serbia so I don't know why you are so aggressive. If Serbia doesn't want to join the EU that's fine I wish them the best.
  Serbia is still applying to join the EU so it looks like it wants to join. Sorry if that doesn't match your view.
  I know a little about Kosovo perhaps more than you think.
  "I think Serbia needs the EU more than the EU needs Serbia."
  Funny - I suppose you are not from Serbia, but yet know better what Serbia needs then Serbs themselves.
  " The EU has very few bureaucrats and is actually quite efficient."
  Yes, this is what people said for the Federal government of the former Yugoslavia. Does the word 'former' ring a bell?
  "The EU commission has less employees for the 350 million EU citizens than a medium size city has."
  Any link to prove this statement?
  "Europe needs Serbia insofar as its boost to EU prestige to help bring peace to the Balkans. You seem to be mistaken."
  The point is, however, not only that Serbia does neet EU, the (majority of) Serbs don't want EU.EU should first try to solve PIGS problems before addressing Serbia's.
  "Serbia is still applying to join the EU "
  Until the referendum...
  this post is so pathetic. Just deal with it. Serbia recognized Kosovo independence in every way for eu membership and as a result neither Kosovo serbs or Serbia has any power over any issue in Kosovo. That is the deal. LOL pristina picks the Serbian police chief! Amazing.
  How were you called before, Brian?
  Serbia did not recognize Kosovo and it never will. Good luck with UN membership. As for 'EU integrations', do you really think that anyone in Serbia cares about it.
  The only pathetic thing here is your nick name.
  Serbia did recognize Kosova. Kosova is for independent nations and Serbia says kosova can be a part of it. The UN is because of Russia and china and because Serbia now recognizes kosova can be in the EU why should they continue to oppose kosova in the UN?
  Fadil,
  The name of the province is Kosovo. Serbia did not and cannot recognize a part of its own territory - like no other country can do so.The agreement that is initialed does not have the power of international agreement under the VCLT. Please don't impute to Serbia something that was never done, as you only make a total fool of yourself. I will not bother answering more than this.
  Fadil,
  Johnathan Moore, a guy working at the State Department for South Central Europe, said that the essence of the agreement has nothing to do with recognition of Kosovo and Metohija. You could have inferred that also from this article.
  Mikimedic and I already told you...you can sleep well :-)
  Serbia says all kosova serbs must follow laws of pristina and pristina says it is Kosova so all the serbs better start saying kosova now. It did recognize that kosova can be in the EU. The EU is for independent countries not provinces of countries. There is no Germany and Berlin or France and Paris.
  There is no Metohija in pristina and Serbia says serbs in kosova must follow all pristina laws and pristina will appoint the police chief. There will be no Metohija in the EU it will just be kosova and Serbia is fine with that. Serbia has totally recognized kosova independence in every way and directed kosova serbs to do the same.
  Maybe you should think about why belgrade is the most bombed city in history as you claim (which I highly doubt is true)? Ever heard of the black hand (the serb mob that assasinated the duke of Autria-Hungary) that started World War 1 and consequently WW2 because of the events of the first war. How about the massacres against non-Serbs of killing women and children throughout Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo. Maybe the day belgrade is not run by hard line nationalists that try slaughtering anything that is not serbian is the day your poor little city is not "bombed". You should be happy belgrade didnt turn into a western and eastern Berlin after what miloshevic tried pulling off. You cant try exterminating your neighbors then think that you will be respected by them. Doesnt work that way. Ask your Big Brother russia.
  I highly doubt Kosovo really cares what serbia thinks, if it did they wouldnt have declared independence and told them we're not under your province. The only problem is that Kosovo does not want to seem unreasonable among its neighbors. Serbia can say it does not recognize it all it wants, Kosovo makes its own laws and has its own government. I'm pretty sure that means its no longer a province.
  Serbia is the country that started all the Jugoslavs wars. And not even that, Servs were also the reason why The Great War started as well.
  You BACK OFF form Albanians - SLAV.
  "I highly doubt Kosovo really cares what serbia thinks,"
  so why they bothered negotiating then?
  Ben the truth I think is that if the Serbs in the north were swapped for the Albanians in presevo and that the serbian monasteries south of the ibar were protected under a unesco type arraignment,Serbia would give a rats ass about Kosovo and her Albanians
  "Maybe you should think about why belgrade is the most bombed city in history as you claim"
  Maybe you should think why 09/11 happened...
  Croatia is the most ethnically "pure" country in Europe and I think the world as well. If you knew a little history, you would have known that Serbs lived on ex-Yu area in great numbers. There were definitely war crimes done by Serbs but there were also crimes of all other sides against Serbs that were completely unaccounted for. You would be surprised with the extent the murders of Serbs were hidden while some murders by Serbs were overblown by numbers. If you want to get an idea why would someone do that, look up the definition of "balkanization."
  -
  As for your history lesson, that's a typical opinion of an uneducated American citizen (although I love American people). I really do not feel like giving you a world history lecture here I just think that you should read some stuff (Wikipedia should do) to understand the context of WW1. Now if you think that WW2 had anything to do with WW1 I will be left speechless. Maybe there is a connection with Wall Street and global crisis that conceived the idea of Hitler's "Uber-Mensch" during the tough days in Europe.
  Just partition already. That way, all the usual suspects can live in their own ethnically pure states and live happily ever after the same way the expulsion of ethnic Germans from Eastern Europe paved the way for eternal peace.
  I can subsribe to that. On Germans expulsion, you forgot to add not expulsion but termination of Jewish in Germany that also contributed...
  Agreed on all points, except one little numerical correction:
  Actually, the EU population is 503 million. Or from the first of July this year (when Croatia joins), 508 million.
  You might have been thinking of the eurozone, which has a population of 333 million (or an estimated 336 million next January after Latvia joins on top of underlying growth).
  The European Commission employs 17,664 people at this moment. All the European institutions (including Commission, Parliament, Courts, European Council staff, ECB, auditors, etc) combined employ 55,000 people.
  That's small - it really is comparable with Glasgow (24,000 employees) or Birmingham (35,000 employees) City Councils.
  As walrusandthecarpenter stated, they are well paid (perhaps too well paid). But they are also the cream - it's extremely competitive to get a job with any of these bodies, and only the best legal people/ best academics/ best business or policy people get a chance. Given political constraints, they do many things very well and do make it far easier to do business across borders (or for individuals to live their lives across borders).
  Funny - I thought it was Glasgow that had 35,000 employees, not Birmingham....
  Hope your figures of the EC are more accurate, since you are not able to give us any evidence what are you quoting.
  Regardless, if you are happy to pay the 'cream' - fine. Your problem, I could not care less.
  Serbia is not a member, and the way things go will not become one before this creature is dissolved. So keep paying your tax money to this 'cream', just don't touch mine.
  Yes - there's a wide distribution in estimates for the number of employees in Glasgow city council. They are not transparent. I read an (old) estimate at 24,0000, there's an official (but undated) estimate at 28,000:
  ... plus the 35,000 estimate you link to.
  There are about 35,000 employees in Birmingham too:
  In any case, it's all in the same ballpark.
  Here's one recent and reliable but indirect source for the 55,000 number on employees across European institutions:
  And I guess if you add in countries that are unilaterally using the euro as their official currency, you reach a "kinda eurozone" population of 341 million, which is a bit closer to you 350 million.
  Then again, if you want a better approximation of the "eurozone", you could add in all the countries with fixed exchange rates to the euro (and in which many loans and business deals are actually denominated in euro):
  - CFA franc zone (pop 136 million)
  - Bulgaria (pop 7.48 million)
  - Lithuania (pop 3.20 million)
  - Macedonia (pop 2.06 million)
  - Bosnia (pop 3.75 million)
  - New Caledonia (pop 0.25 million)
  - Denmark (pop 5.57 million)
  For an effective euro-fixed population of 499 million.
  And is the Swiss franc now fixed to the euro? (Another 7.9 million people.) I also hear that in Syria, a mix of euro, Lebanese pounds and Turkish lira are replacing the Syrian pound.
  Plus, depending on how "banking union" and other reforms play out, there's a pretty high probability of Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania and Croatia will probably join in the next 20 years (and the CFA franc population is booming), giving a "euro plus euro fixed" population of about 750-800 million in 20 years.
  All very uncertain, but "800 million using the euro or fixed to the euro" in 20 years still seems far more credible and probable than any country "exiting" in the intervening time.
  What matters here far more, urgently, is a shift towards entirely online banking (with single providers able to operate over the entire area without having to meet users in-person); a shift towards electronic currency & payments systems; driving down (driving out) transaction mark-ups, etc. Along with the general shift towards government interactions by API, tax payment by API, open taxation (eliminate accountants), etc.
  With shifts like these, it will become increasingly easy for small teams to establish and scale a business rapidly across truly massive markets with minimal barriers or impediments. At least, this is what we should hope for and work for (if we care about freedom & prosperity).
  I'm sure there were war crimes done by both sides, but serbia definitely gets a medal for that regard. As for history lessions, there's no need for you to educate me. I fully understand the context of World War 1 and 2 because I've obtained an adequate college education here in the US. Maybe you should try distinguishing actual events with what you may have been infiltrated with as a child growing up among your serb counterparts. The reason you were left speechless in regards to WW1 and WW2 is because your sense of history is influenced by bias and you more than likely were never exposed to historical facts, but rather biased BS. The main reason Hitler came to power was because of his references to the effects of World War 1 on Germany and its people, along with the current economic status of the country as a result of World War 1. So when you state you were left speechless because I referenced cause and effect of WW1 to WW2 explains your level of education. It's kind of ironic that you state that I'm uneducated. The balkans was always a hotbed of tension and I dont expect much change in the years to come. However, in today's era we should all play a part in limiting any actions of slaughtering of innocent people and ethnic cleansing. There's a reason your leaders (and those of albanian or anyone else) have had to answer for war crimes against humanity. Not everything is a big conspiracy, even though this is the typical opinion of an uneducated serb citizen. War crimes were committed, and they should feel the weights of justice.
  All right Mr. Smartpants, you've asked for it.
  First of all, how blinded with hatred you are against Serbs can be seen in the fact that when I disagreed with you, you accused me of being blind-educated or heavily influenced by Serbian propaganda. Truth is, like you, I got my degree in USA and I graduated with distinction and won multiple awards on national level (in USA). Most Americans cannot even point out Italy on map of Europe, not to mention to distinguish between Serbia and Siberia. Now you feel competent to speak like an expert just because you got a degree in USA. Bravo!
  I have recently looked up at some polls of what Americans believe in and an enormous amount of people still think that Bigfoot, or whatever it is called, is a missing link of human evolution, that it still exists and I met people who claimed they've seen him.
  And you, Mr. Smartpants, you make me even more speechless than kind of people I just mentioned. To provide you with some insight about the infamous "medal" you just talked about I will first talk of the Tribunal of Hague. In the case you have not noticed, 11 days ago there was a big debate in UN whether this "court" is legitimate since Serbs got like 1100 years in prison while the rest of people got around 50. Yet, no body got accounted for ethnic cleansing of Serbs in say, Croatia, when around 200,000-300,000 Serbs were killed or removed (I am sure you will begin to intellectualize it or look for reasons to justify it). My mother owns property in Croatia that was burned down by Croat nationalists, however, we still have documentation that proves that there was once a house there. The Croatian government cannot deny it but even though it consistently promises a refund, does nothing. The point is, your government decided to pick a side and supported non-Serbs in any possible way, including media. That's why Serbs are so often stereotyped while Croats and Bosniaks are seen as victims. I do not deny their casualties but I am 100% sure that the full story is never told.
  And you probably have not even heard of ethnic cleansing of Serbs on Kosovo and Metohija a few years ago. It all started when Serbs were accused of killing two young children. Albanians gathered incredibly quickly and started what they do best...when everything was over, no one spoke of those two kids. Do you know why? They never existed.
  So why don't you go back to CNN. There. Good sheep.
  Four legs good, two legs bad.
  "And is the Swiss franc now fixed to the euro? (Another 7.9 million people.) I also hear that in Syria, a mix of euro, Lebanese pounds and Turkish lira are replacing the Syrian pound."
  This is only to illustrate nonsense you are writing. Keep going, and keep paying the EU burecraucy if you'd like. Not my problem.
  The Swiss central bank has set an official ceiling of the Swiss franc against the euro at 1.20 Swiss franc's per euro. That is official government and central bank policy - the Swiss franc can't get any stronger against the euro than that.
  And the Swiss central bank has bought up several hundred billion euros worth of eurozone assets in order to enforce that ceiling. And any weakening of the Swiss franc against the euro can be (and in practice, almost certainly is) moderated by unwinding of that massive liquid asset accumulation.
  In which case, unless people try to withdraw several hundred billion Swiss francs all at once, it's hard to imagine the Swiss franc moving much below 1.25 per euro.
  Look at the dynamic since January 2012:....
  The Swiss franc cannot strengthen beyond 1.20 per euro, and has not at any point been weaker than 1.247 per euro.
  So, while the official policy is only a "ceiling", the reality in practice is that the Swiss franc is fixed against the euro (in the 1.20-1.25 range), and is essentially just another name for the euro. I didn't include it in the list of fixed exchange rate countries since that is not exactly the formal commitment, but a long term fixed exchange rate is the real-world effect of the Swiss central bank's ceiling.
  ___________________________________________________
  As it happens, I'd obviously prefer for courts to work for pennies (e.g. by moving all court processes online and selling off the buildings). And I'd love for an online democracy, policy discussion and open negotiations with minimal permanent staff. Etc. So no, I can't really describe myself as "happy" with the prevailing framework. Yet it is far far better than any realistic alternatives today. European cooperation & coordination is already far less bureaucratic than most other branches of government, but it should still be less so.
  I am perfectly aware of Swiss central bank regulation, as I live in Switzerland. This is however a total nonsense discussion which I have no intention of continuing.
  Bye.
  It cares what the EU and the US think.
  I would really like to find out what 'EU' thinks.
  Especially those five members that don't recognize Kosovo.
  Is 'EU' thinking on their behalf as well?
  And what about the countless Serbians that had been either killed or expelled in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo? They have yet to receive any justice from either the Croatian generals that killed thousands of Serbs in the Krajina during operation storm and the hundreds of thousands of serbs that were either killed or expelled in kosovo. So please tell where the justice was for those people cause I have yet to see any of those perpatrators be arrested by the ICTY. On a final note for your limited thinking on the "so-called" uneducated serb citizens, we are some of the brightest people on Earth, evidence Tesla inventing electrcity and thus revolutionizing the world. KOSOVO & METHOLIJA JE SRBJA
  Finally someone that makes sense, I just wish that people saw Serbia and Belgrade for what they truly are!!
  Way to go, you show this guy that Serbs are no push overs and that we don't take any crap from these bigots!!
  Way to go, you show this guy that Serbs are no push overs and that we don't take any crap from these bigots!!
  Way to go, you show this guy that Serbs are no push overs and that we don't take any crap11
  mikimedic,
  Game is over. You are just wasting time. Do you really think Dacic and Vucic just signed the agreement so easy. Not at all. Serbia is sinking in public debt, with more than EUR 15 million a day or almost half billion EURO per month. This means Greek scenario is too close for Serbia.
  Of course Dacic is more pragmatic than you. He had to be blamed and loose power in case of not being able to pay salaries for teachers, doctors, judges, police, military, government employees etc.
  As Serbia is sinking in public debt the only solution is saving what can be saved (as Dacic would say frequently).
  So no border change. Serbia signed the deal in which will not make any obstacles for Kosovo path to the EU and that means one day even UN. Of course when the famous five of the EU members will definitely recognize Kosovo. I expect Slovakia is the first.
  "Game is over. "
  Ok, Brian.
  "and that means one day even UN"
  You are right about some things you said in this post, except for, say, mikimedic's quote as well as the one standing above. In case you forgot, that UN clause was removed from the agreement before Dacic and Tachi agreed upon everything. If that clause weren't important, it would not have been there at all. Formal recognition is the most important thing and while Serbia was under immense pressure to sign the deal (which I suspect was agreed upon many months ago), Serbian people know very well of things such as 1389 battle of Serbs against Turks on Kosovo or churches that are hundreds of years old and protected by UNESCO. I really do not see which politician would have guts to formally recognize K&M since everyone knows that.
  You have to understand that if Spain recognized K&M that would have triggered a lot of internal problems to them. They literally cannot afford such problems and they will not be able to afford it for a very long time. Cyprus and Greece? No chance because there is some heavy resentment going on between them and the EU and they love Serbia. Slovakia? All they want to do is not hurt relations with Serbia and at the same time, Kosovo if everyone else recognized it. Romania? No clue but I think they lean towards Belgrade. Overall, that is still 3-4 very solid countries that would not recognize.
  Now, let us think of possible scenarios for the next few years. Things could get problematic with the following scenario: Serbia gets to join EU, but EU says that K&M is not part of Serbia and not ready to join. How do you think the Serbian people would have reacted in such a scenario? I know that you could care less about it, but believe it or not, EU does. So they would either really need to speed up K&M's progress meaning that someone would have to pour in a ton of money or they would have to slow down Serbia's progress. Who can afford to pour so much money into a corrupt system that is going on at Kosovo&Metohija or who would justify reasons why Serbia cannot enter the EU for such a long time? If Serbia said "no" to EU, EU would have been disappointed. Not because Serbia is a big market or has a strong industry but because they really want to unite the entire area so EU can become one big state. They do not want a "hole" in the Balkans, given the strategic importance of the area and given the historical connection between Serbia and Russia. Where I am going with this? It appears that the only feasible scenario for EU is for Serbia and Kosovo&Metohija to enter together at the same time. Now keep in mind the idea about Spain,Cyprus and Greece. Do you really think the tides could change so fast that the area would receive membership while the countries recognized K&M at the same time? Think again. This is a labyrinth and no one seems to know what they are doing. And when SHTF, I really wonder what would be your reaction.
  Given the fact that 63% of Serbia recognizes kosova independence I would assume that Serbs would be just fine joining the EU without Kosova! LOL! They view it as an independent country separate from Serbia! There is no connection anymore between Serbia and Kosovo in any way at all!
  Slovakia did recognize Kosovo independence just yesterday or some people in the government did. It's going to be official very soon.
  Next time you interpret data, try not to distort the meaning of the polls.
  63% percent of people did not recognize K&M as a recognized state, merely, they said that the area functions as an independent state which is in fact true. There is a subtle but crucial meaning between those two things. There is a difference between how people see Kosovo and Metohija, and whether they recognize it as an independent state...
  You are dreaming too much. I told you many times.
  "Romania recognizes Kosovo". Five days ago, Roamian prime minister Viktor Ponta was cited saying that "Romania must go together with Europe's family, in regard to the question of recognition of Kosovo. This is what matters and not your dreams. There was also reaction of former Slovak prime minister who said that after normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, Slovakia doesn't have any reasons not to recognize Kosovo.
  Here is the news for Romanian reaction....
  I must admit that I have not seen that but still, my predictions were in place because I said 3-4 countries. So I am not "dreaming" as you like to mock me, or anyone else who disagrees with you.
  Moreover, the president of Romania thinks otherwise and if you look carefully at the article you posted, the president of Romania said himself that "recognition of Kosovo and Metohija as an independent state is not in accordance with international law." This article is merely a speculation at this point today. No one can either say it is, or it is not going to happen. Once again, my prediction of 3-4 countries stands firmly.
  You keep using manipulation or free interpretation of polls to make an argument. First you said that "63%" rubbish, then you ignore the other, minimum three countries that won't recognize K&M. Do you think some EU countries would rather trade their relations with Spain, Greece and Cyprus for something that everyone knows is illegal? Also, If 63% of Serbs in fact, said that K&M should be independent, Serbian politicians would have no other excuse but make a formal recognition. But such a high number of people would not think that because as I said in my previous long post, Serbian people know very well about the true history of Kosovo and Metohija that dates to Medieval days. There are too many books like Seobe, Na Drini Cuprija or many other foreign documents, such as those from, say, Congress of Berlin, that support the whole history of the area since there are many official maps made. There is also international law, there is foreign support of Serbia by the fast developing countries and God knows what else.
  There is no difference where you say there is one. I write that 63% recognize Kosovo as independent and that is a true fact. They recognize it as independent. You say they recognize it as independent from Serbia. It's the same thing it can't be independent except from Serbia or act independently of Serbia. It's the same thing.
  you are wrong because the current constitution of Serbia still says "Kosovo" is part of Serbia. But that wont always be the case. EU will demand a new constitution and serbs are already discussing removing Kosovo from the constitution. This deal is Serbia recognizing Kosovo as far as it can without violating the still existing constitution. Serbs as a people will have no problem with Serbia recognizing Kosovo independence and haven't so far in any way been protesting it. But the constitution still has to be changed and that is being discussed. The 63% is a fact you are splitting hairs.
  OK, if you don't want to believe me then time will show. I never denied that 63% says that K&M functions as an independent state; all I am saying is that does not mean that 63% of Serbs recognize Kosovo and Metohija as state. What does that mean? If there were a referendum asking Serbs "Should Kosovo be an independent state" vast majority of Serbs would not say "yes."
  They (EU five non recognizer of Kosovo) have to recognize because Serbia, its prime minister, signed the deal not to make obstacles for Kosovo toward EU path. This means, Serbia agreed that Kosovo is becoming part of EU as SEPARATE STATE. Even kids know that EU member could become only STATES.
  Having this agreement Kosovo now has CLEAR path toward EU since NON of EU members can't block Kosovo becoming EU member because of Serbia. You see, European Commission recommended starting of SAA agreement. This agreement EU - Kosovo should tell you something since it can be possible ONLY with countries.
  Jesus Christ. You really do not seem to understand how EU and agreement work. First of all, every country in the EU has a right to decide whether new member should join. Each country has its own interests (Spain) or preference (Greece and Cyprus). Just because Serbia will not interfere with K&M does not mean now that all other countries cannot interfere. As I already said, they all have their own interests. And last but not least, here is a link for you from B92 to which you are so fond of:...
  This individual, Mr. Crawford is NOT the person to DECIDE anything. I never take into account opinions of individuals.
  Even former minister of foreign affairs, Jeremic, did admit OPENLY that at least FOUR ministers of EU countries told him that Serbia has to recognize Kosovo before entry to EU as full member.
  Of course, each EU country has its own interests but they can't be bigger Serbs then Serbs themselves so they will recognize Kosovo.
  When you say "every country in the EU has a right to decide whether new member should join", I agree totally on this. Its true. But just remember that 27 of EU countries recognize Serbia as independent state but WHICH Serbia? Serbia with Kosovo or without Kosovo?? Serbia signed agreement so Kosovo as separate state joins EU so what happens if Serbia doesn't change Constitution which claims Kosovo as part of Serbia??
  If Serbia enters EU, what happens with Kosovo?? Serbia says "Kosovo is my province" and signed agreement allowing Kosovo to go as SEPARATE state!!
  Is this childish game or what?? EU countries are NOT banana republics so Serbia can play games with them. If you believe that Germany is banana republic than I don't think there is more discussion with you. It's just wasting of time.
  I do not agree over what is going to happen because I think that the signed document does not oblige Serbia to change the constitution (hierarchy of legal documents) unless Serbia want to join EU. Obviously, for both Serbia and Kosovo to join the union, Serbia would have to formally recognize Kosovo. That is given and we all know that. For that to happen, Serbia would have to change the constitution, people would have to vote on referendum "EU or K&M" and EU would have to win. The main flaw with this idea, in my personal opinion, is that you assume that Serbian people prefer EU over Kosovo. It is not that I refute the "63%" because I am in denial, I am honestly telling you that such information is rubbish. Can you please show me the link of the poll or the news agency that announced such a result so we can see what was the question about Kosovo? I honestly think that you misinterpreted the poll and that the situation is much more complicated.
  P.S. For that link I posted, you said it is only one person's opinion but when you posted the link about Romanian prime minister's opinion (and not president or the government) you took it as a done deal. Don't you think that you are taking everything the way that only suits you?
  Good to see that you accept something. As for changing of Serbian Constitution I think you should hear what minister of justice, Nikola Selakovic (Kažiprst - 23.04.2013 on B92) says for it. He clearly says - Serbian Constitution will be changed. He doesn't mention Kosovo, of course, but never mind - Kosovo will be part of that change i.e not being part of new Constitution.
  Serbia may choose to abandon EU integration. That's fine for Kosovo. Since Serbia signed that Kosovo has CLEAR path toward EU then no problem - Serbia may continue sinking in public debt. Did you read? Serbia is sinking every day by INCREASING its public debt by 15.6 million EUR per day and that is more than 7 (seven) billion of US dollars per year. Serbia is going the fate of Greece.
  Kosovo, in other side, will continue its EU integration process.
  That's why Mr. Tadic would say this:"The MAIN problem of my country IS NOT Kosovo, not because still isn't part of EU, but ECONOMY"....
  I am fully aware of a possible change in the constitution, debt problems and so on. Let me just ask you, how do you know for sure that the change in constitution would include Kosovo change? How soon you think it (the change) would happen? The thing is, I have not accepted anything so far, I just try very hard to see your point "This will happen, that will happen." I think I understand what would have to happen for both to join EU, I have explained it in my previous post. However, I have not said that such a scenario would happen for sure, I only said "for A to happen, B is needed." Is your main argument that makes you feel confident about this whole thing the economic situation in Serbia and that there is no alternative way for Serbia to recover?
  And one more thing, I do not think that EU can let Kosovo join the union without formal recognition because to be a legitimate country it would have to become a permanent member of UN. Without it, Kosovo is not a formal country.
  P.S. I am still waiting to see that poll.
  Why is it going to happen?? I mean change of Constitution of Serbia, removing Kosovo from it?? The answer is Dacic's visit to Moscow. The answer is Serbian public debt rising every day, tremendously. The answer is Greece and almost failure of that state (without more than 200 billion EUR, failure would be reality).
  As Mr. Tadic rightfully said, Kosovo is NOT the main issue for Serbia but economy. Why I said Greece is the answer?? Because Greece avoided bankruptcy because of the EU funding.
  Do you know that total Russian budget is less than money the EU gave to Greece?? So you understand that Russia can't save Serbian economy because of lack of capital and because is too far from Serbia.
  Serbian economy is dependent from the EU economy not that of Russia. Serbian minister of finance said that 62% of Serbia's export goes to the EU. Can you imagine what happens if Serbia breaks relations with the EU??
  So its apparent that Dacic went to Moscow and told this to Mr. Putin. Dacic said to Russians: "we love you but you are too far form us so we have to be part of Europe (where we do belong geographically) and we are surrounded by NATO countries".
  What kind of poll you are talking about??
  Yes they would. They want EU membership. That is why they have been voting for tadic and dacic and nikolic. They would absolutely by over 60% vote for Kosova independence. It is why the government is saying Kosova can be in EU and customs on the border and cefta and everything. It is not going far at all to say "Kosova acts independent and I accept that to kosova is independent."...
  The poll is here and it is totally explicit in every way imaginable. Acknowledge kosova independence!
  Countries that oppose Kosovo independence are irrelevant to Serbia being in the EU. Only countries that support kosova independence are important in serbia getting in because they are the majority,. Serbs must please the majority. ALl the countries you mention accept kosova passports. Spain may not recognize kosova but it accepts its passports and it being in the EU if Serbia does. Serbia is supposedly the main opponent of kosova independence but that is not true. it does not oppose kosova independence and in fact no country actually does.
  This is not about whether I recognize Kosovo, it is about what people think. Notice that in the article you linked, there is a phrase "in practice." This confirms what I have already said. If I were asked the same question I would have said "Yes" but does not mean I would said "Yes" on referendum. The proof that I am not an isolated example can be seen in the same article where it says:
  "While most Serbs accept the status quo in Kosovo, the survey shows that most Serbians would still rather see Kosovo as part of Serbia, than Serbia as a part of the EU."
  If you disagree with me, that is OK. As I said, time will show. No need for you and I to be hostile against each other...
  Indeed, such a scenario seems to be more and more likely. Greece owes 450B while Serbia owes 19B but regardless I am not sure it has a big difference at this point. Also, are you suggesting that if Serbia does not recognize Kosovo, Serbia would get an embargo? I find that hard to believe.
  Also, are you suggesting, that Dacic, Nikolic and Vucic are lying to the nation, when they say "Serbia will never officially recognize Kosovo"? They said this just a few days ago.
  CharlieSheen,
  Serbia, toady, has almost 30 billion of US dollars as public debt. The debt is INCREASING tremendously by more than half billion US dollars monthly. Now Serbia has to pay more interest to debtors. But this increase in public debt is not helping recovery of economy but it worsens the situation. Once the debt reaches 100% of Serbia's GDP (by this trend just within a year pr maximum a year and a half), bankruptcy of Serbia is hardly avoidable. I hope you have read the link I provided in regard to this issue.
  Do you know what caused the last world crisis, which is lasting since 2008? Answer is: public debt.
  I am not saying that Serbia will get embargo because of non recognition of Kosovo but for sure will not become EU member if doesn't fulfill ALL provisions of last agreement so Serbia could not make ANY obstacles toward EU path for Kosovo.
  So WHICHEVER obstacle gets in light, related with Serbia, and Kosovo can't advance toward the EU, Serbia must REMOVE such obstacle.
  So if EU says: Kosovo can't be part of the EU because it is not UN member then Kosovo will ask UN membership. If any of UN members vetoes UN SC recommendation, because of non approval from Serbia, then Serbia will be asked to fulfill its obligation NOT to make obstacles for Kosovo membership to the EU.
  Since you are giving to me some reactions of individuals I would urge you reading evidence of a member of Serbian paramilitary groups who killed innocent Albanian civilians on 1999 with no reason and expelled them forcibly from Kosovo.
  Reading this may help you pretty much understanding the whole situation....
  When I said 19B for Serbia and 450B debt for Greece I've meant Euros. 19B euros is approximately 25B USD. If you don't believe me, the evidence is here (Serbian ministry of finance):
  I have clicked at the link and looked at the structure of the debt, and you can look it up too, it was over 1.5B euros in past three months so you were right about it. There are few things that you have to keep in mind about the debt. First, Serbia got cheap credit from Russia, and (as seen on B92) the analysts think that Dinar will rise, allowing Serbia to issue debt at cheaper costs. Moreover, the debt is "artificially" 57%. The reason is, the GDP of Serbia was lower in 2012 because of that massive drought that affected agriculture (and thus receipts on exports). The decrease was around 5-6B, going from 38B to 33B GDP. So if there is no drought this year, the current debt would represent around 50% of the GDP. Naturally, that does not mean that things are rosy, only that things are not as bad as originally thought. It will be interesting by how much the tax receipts of the government would increase if the foreign investments start to pour in. Keep in mind that investors are pleased for this deal not because they are sure that Serbia will join EU (nobody can guarantee that at this point) but because they are more confident that there will be no violence in the region.
  The story you posted is disturbing and I can only say (I mean it honestly) that I am sorry it happened. That does not give the whole story though because I can start posting articles of the same kind but when roles are different and we can keep on going for a very long time. As I already said numerous times, I do not deny murders done by some Serbs. However, I am sure that you either do not want to talk about death of Serbs on Kosovo and Metohija or you are not aware of them. Regardless, we were talking about the the scenarios about the recognition of Kosovo as well as Serbian finances.
  I do not think that you are right about the UN recommendation scenario because that UN-clause was removed from the agreement. It only has to do with EU. That is just my impression though, I am not a lawyer. We will see. Keeping everything I said thus far, that is why I said this whole thing about the agreement is a labyrinth and no one seems to know where it is all going.
  Finally, there is one thing that came out on RT regarding NATO (long term):
  The agreement says EU PATH! So anything that involves Kosova's EU Path is in the agreement. If Kosova must be part of UN than Serbia has to endorse Kosova in the UN. EU Path was brilliant language and a major success for the Albanians on every level because anything and everything can be a part of the EU path. Most countries in the EU support kosova independence and they are important not the countries that oppose It.
  BUt 63% of serbs already view kosova as independent so that whole thing about "Kosovo rather than Eu membership" means nothing because they know that is not going to ever happen because they view Kosova as independent! Serbs do! Serbs are saying it is independent!
  You can act like a demagogue as much as you want, but guess what: other then a few people plus a moderator, nobody is reading this anymore. So you will not convince me with your unsubstantiated claim. Look at Fadil, not even he is talking about the so-called referendum. Even better yet, in the case you missed it, Catherine Ashton yesterday that Serbia does not need to recognize Kosovo. She only said that things should develop as they do now and that "we will see what we will do about it." Sorry to burst your bubble but she is basically saying that Kosovo and Metohija is a part of Serbia. As far as the EU talks are concerned, you are wrong. The UN is a higher organization than EU meaning that EU cannot force anyone to do such a thing when UN says otherwise. You can get angry at me as much as you want but it will do no good to you. Time will only show what will happen...
  Congratulations to them all.
  very true- Serbia gets Eu membership and so does kosova with Belgrade support. Kosova gets Belgrades total recognition as the only legitimate authority in kosova and directs all serbs to follow pristina laws and accept pristina appointed police chiefs who will report to kosova.
  Fadil, isn't it just great when you keep recommending your own comment?
  the name is brian not fadil - read the agreement on kosova and Serbia. I used to write Kosovo but that doesn't make any sense anymore.
  Ok, Fadil.
  you are so pathetic! 63% of serbs and the government recognize kosova independence in every way and you are like "NO it didn't! Kosova is not independent! Serbs won!" So pathetic!!! 63% of Serbia recognizes kosova independence dacic appointed an ambassador to kosova named dejan pavicevic!! Everyone in Serbia joining in support of kosova independence and you aren't and are denying what it is doing!
  Ok, Fadil.
  you are so pathetic
  Lets just see how implementation goes.
  Lets just see how implementation goes.
  Where did you get these facts from cause no Serb would ever support Kosovo independence!
  "you are so pathetic"
  Ok, Fadil.
  63% of Serbia recognizes Kosovo independence! It is right here!...
  The leaders in the world of recognition of kosova are serbs. It is in the rearview mirror! They are now stridently pro kosova independence!
  Good. Well done to Lady Ashton. A very much patronised and ignored official.
  It would be pleasant to think that British Media would pat themselves on the back for sending a quietly effective high official to Brussels.
  But you know what? I bet it will be hardly reported. Years of application of "soft power", patient but relentless negotiation. Something the EU does well.
  But it doesn't suit the "narrative" in the british media, unfortunately.
  Indeed. Nothing sensational? Not even a rape? It's not about to "explode" or "collapse"? Inconsistent with customary rhetorical terms? No villain?
  .
  Boring - not worth reporting. It didn't feature on today's evening news (they somehow consider 4 deaths in Boston to be more newsworthy than the future of 9 million people, though the latter is so clearly so much more relevant to future peace and prosperity here in Britain). And on the front pages of tomorrow's papers, we're more likely to hear of a celebrity divorce, some random pedophile teacher or a lost dog being returned to its owner.
  .
  The sooner the last newspaper goes out of print, the better.
  .
  It's exceptionally depressing to see the whole Tory cabinet chase after for better coverage in the ignorant, de-educating & sociopathic press.
  "Good. Well done to Lady Ashton. A very much patronised and ignored official."
  Well done - what exactly? Do you really believe that this 'agreement' will survive? It will end sooner than the British membership in the 'EU'.
  Serbia strongly supports a deal that gives Albanians everything and Serbia and serbs in kosova nothing. So who is going to threaten its survival? LOL?
  Agreement gives - what exactly to Albanians?
  Are you serious? They will appointed the Serbian police chiefs. They will be writing all the laws on Serbian education and healthcare. Everything serbs do must be in line with pristina law. There is nothing they didn't get. They will get Serbian support for being in the EU. Serbs endorse kosova EU membership! EU is for independent countries! Albanians have the right to send troops to north when they declare an emergency there.
  Bye, Fadil.
  you are so bizarre calling me a fake name. that you can't even see Serbia recognized kosova independence here! Just give it up already! No one in the Serbia government sees Kosova as part of Serbia! The EU is for independent countries! Serbia says Kosova can be a member! 63% of serbs in Serbia recognize kosova independence. GO there and talk to the voters and the people!
  Internationally recognized control over of all of its territory. When it's time to define its borders in its EU membership application, it won't have any problem. Can Serbia say the same?
  " it won't have any problem"
  Yes it will, at least from five countries.
  4 as Slovakia has turned. And it's going to be all 4 of the rest too. There is no more opposition of kosova independence from Serbia anymore so why should anyone else oppose it?
  i think that the 5 eu countries have already stated if there is no OFFICIAL RECOGNITION by Serbia they will not recognize kosovo.
  i think that the 5 eu countries have already stated if there is no OFFICIAL RECOGNITION by Serbia they will not recognize kosovo.
  mikimedic,
  Doesn't matter whether agreement will survive. For Kosovo that is enough to have full control over entire territory. I mean Kosovo authorities had been patient doing this through agreement.
  Well, Kosovo does not have an authority over North, not even under the agreement.
  What agreement are you reading? They appoint the police commander! They have total dictatorial power over all elements of the northern life. Serbs have no autonomy in any way on anything at all. If it does not have authority it will declare an emergency and send the army in. But it already controls all the police with guns as they appoint the police commander.
  No, they don't. The association of municipalities presents three candidates choosen by them, and nominates one, which is then simply endorsed by Pristina (PISG).
  "If it does not have authority it will declare an emergency and send the army in." - which army exactly? the only army that can intervene in Kosovo, apart from NATO lead KFOR, is Serbian army.
  No that is incorrect. I do not know what you are reading at all.
  "Pristina's interior ministry will pick the chiefs from among the nominees"
  So they also dictate the nominees as well! If they do not pick it is an emergency. If Pristina declares an emergency NATO will follow. The issue is that this means pristina will also control who is on the list in the first place. '
  You just don't know all that is going on at all.
  "So they also dictate the nominees as well"
  Haha - how? LOL.
  "If Pristina declares an emergency NATO will follow"
  Fadil, we already discussed this elsewhere. No need to dwell on ten different threads.
  LOL.
  At the end of the day the police commander is picked by the Serbs the List is sent to pristina but its a formality .I'm also reading up on the appellate courts in the north not sure it's as mr serwer and others are saying.
  You are totally wrong. Kosovo police is under unique command in the entire territory of Kosovo. All what association will do is just PROPOSAL of three names for regional police commander. Appointment, chain of command is entirely business of Kosovo ministry of interior.
  Judicial system is entirely under Kosovo authorities and there is just one panel of appeal court, which will deal with cases when Serbs are unsatisfied with decisions of first level courts.
  Serbian municipalities in the north will continue as those in the sooth exclusively by Kosovo laws and Constitution.
  Yes the appellate court I believe so what does that tell you?
  Yes, appellate court. I heard minister of Justice of Serbia, Selakovic, saying that point 10 of the agreement (dealing with courts) is :very hard" as this means Serbian judges must work with Kosovo laws.
  What it tells to me??
  By this agreement Serbia acknowledged that in the whole territory of Kosovo ONLY Kosovo Constitution is valid an not Serbian Constitution.
  Serbia agreed that the only security forces in Kosovo are those from Kosovo and NOT from Serbia.
  Serbia agreed that in the whole territory of Kosovo there are ONLY Kosovo institutions and ONLY Kosovo elections.
  By this agreement Serbia recognized that entire territory of Kosovo is governed by Kosovo government and recognized government of Kosovo as ONLY legitimate one.