Kosovo blues

KV forgot to complete his sentence...:

No Partition OF SERBIAN TERRITORY.

now it´s correctly said.

So we now have a "frozen conflict" situation - has it taken the former US Ambassador 9 years to realise this?

Is it also a "coincidence" that Mr Feith (a dutch diplomat) has been employed by the EU to be their Special Representative of the illegal EULEX ?

A Dutch diplomat (by "coincidence" or design?) is heading the EU body in an attempt to create partition within partition given that the Dutch are in fact the most ardent supporters of this EU default position ( http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=08&dd=28&nav_category=92&nav_id=43332 ) - a partition within partition working under the UN umberella of UNMIK. Looks like the EU are lining up their solution and the US are quitely dropping their imposed solution which has been totally and utterly blocked.

I thought they (the US and those told to follow their illegal lead) said this was all resolved - at least that is what Sediju and Thaci have been duped into believing...oh what a tangled web we weave...

"Despite everything which has transpired thus far, the Western International Community STILL does not fully grasp the extent of the Serbian attachment to Kosovo.

>>don´t worry, they WILL grasp it; it´s just a question of time since serbian will and fortitude are a historical constant.

"Ruecker and Rossin are being replaced. This is now by chance or coincidence."

>>doesn´t matter why, the main thing is that they are gone.

"The realities of the difficulties and dangers of trying to force their way into Serbian areas are becoming more apparent to the EU and U.S. authorities."

>>I´d love to see them try it and get a slap into their faces...symbolically, of course...

they will learn yet with whom they are dealing.

Jovan,

I had the same reaction. It amuses me when non-Serbs come to realizations of realty or epiphanies, meanwhile Serbs have known the reality all along and that is that Kosovo can never be a sovereign much less viable state with Serbian consent. Mr Montgomery, that is a really profound observation you have made. In other news, the sky is blue, birds fly south in the winter, and Kosovo is Serbia. Tell us something we don't know already my learned journalist!

I honestly could not care less if the K Albanians feel "betrayed", "let down", or just simply "disappointed" with the international communities' lack of support for their efforts in believing all of Kosovo is independent and under their control. The facts on the ground today have all but directly facilitated the de facto partition of Kosovo into Serb and Albanian sectors. Thaci realizes this, and Sejdiu just sounds like a fool everytime he tries to exert authority over areas he has no jurisdiction over.

At the end of the day, Belgrade has made a tremendous success in blocking Kosovo's path to real statehood, and will continue to do so until negotiations for a final status of Kosovo are hammered out. I understand the "independence honeymoon" is still alive and kicking on the streets of Pristina, but I fear the hard to swallow realities of a US backed UDI will soon come to light. The price paid for a non-negotiated, completely US dependant, independence movement is territorial and political partition, continued diplomatic blocking at international levels by Russia, and ongoing tension between the two sides on the ground. As far as America is concerned, we got Bondsteel and an overly pro-American regime in Pristina and that's all Washington really cares for. Whether Kosovo prospers or decays is something we'll let Brussels take care of.

I'm all for the EU establishing itself in areas where it's welcome, and I'm also aware the central and southern Serb enclaves will have to cooperate on some level with EULEX, but it's becoming painfully apparent to those most eagerly pushing premature independence that an "independent" Kosovo is far different from either what they envisioned, or what they were promised.

Hence my indifference to Albanian disappointment: this is the price paid for UDI. If a better deal is wanted, those avoided negotiations with Belgrade will have to materialize at one point. Don't expect Washington to make all your dreams come true. We got what we wanted out of this deal.

"Out of sympathy for the Serbian position, caution, or apathy, around 140 UN member-countries have not taken action thus far to recognize Kosovo." You named three reasons, 'forgetting' the fourth, which you probably dislike: respect for international Law...

Daily life shows that when people lost all acceptance and respect, divorce is imminent. Now, if Albanians no longer want to live with the Serbs, why would the Serbs wish to live with Albanians? Is this question not legitimate?

Mr. Montgomery:

How do you suppose the United States would react if ethnic Mexicans tried to take part of Texas or ethnic Cubans declared independence in southern Florida? Would the U.S. government allow this to happen? I didn't think so, yet we have hypocritically supported the partition of Serbia.

Funcakes,
Bragging about Kosovo's vast mineral reserves is not a wise thing to do. Your "friends" from the USA will claim these reserves for a handful of dollars. They want something in return for all these costly bombs dropped on Serbia in 1999...

Dear former US Ambassador wrote: "A philosopher once said that what differentiates humans from all other species on earth was the ability to simultaneously believe in two concepts contradictory to each other..." That comes to mind especially when it comes to the POSITION of United States Administration with regards to question of Kosovo - Respect of Inernational Laws on one hand and Support and Promotion of illegal Unilateral Declaration of Independence on the other.

An admission of failure. According to this "genius", nothing has changed in Kosovo despite the west spending billions of dollars trying to prop up a phoney regime. What everyone (including him) knows is that the us cannot afford Converted Rice's policy of "transformational diplomacy" for much longer. The us cannot fix Iraq and Afghanistan and confront Iran and deal with all of the other problems it caused simultaneously. The only question is will us foreign policy crack before bush leaves office or will he force the next president to retreat around the world?

"Every Kosovo Albanian fully believes..."

By writing this you deny any Albanian to have an opinion of his own. I find this an extremist way of writing.

"... that the entire territory of Kosovo is united and subject to all the rules of regulations of the Kosovo Government"

Many Albanians would be perfectly prepared to trade Northern Mitrovica for Presevo.

"Out of sympathy for the Serbian position, caution, or apathy, around 140 UN member-countries have not taken action thus far to recognize Kosovo."

As Felix said, you forgot the respect for international law and world stability and order.

"Despite everything which has transpired thus far, the Western International Community STILL does not fully grasp the extent of the Serbian attachment to Kosovo"

Neither do you, mr. Montgomery. You are still in denial that the solution that you are promoting means the cleansing of Kosovo's Serbs and that for that reason even the most pro-Western parties can not support it.

"There is no doubt that the Kosovo Albanians will feel let down – or even betrayed – by the International Community and will come under strong domestic pressure to "do something about it." "

Nationalists feel ALWAYS the pressure to want more. The only way to stop them is that their friends tell them that enough is enough. Work for you, mr. Montgomery!

"The difficult relationship with Serbia will make trade and other economic ties with what should be its most important partner all but impossible (other than with the Serbian-controlled areas)."

Trade with Serbia went well during the past 9 years. Nowadays Kosovo's government is using nationalism and bureaucratic badgering to halt it. So to see they have your full support. Disgusting!

The author needs to get his facts straight.

No partition, the end.

Another attempt of deceit.

"On February 17, the Kosovo Assembly issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Until today this independence has been recognized by the United States, most of the European Union, and many of the neighboring countries. A total of 43 countries in all. On June 11, its Constitution came into effect and immediately after that, the President of Kosovo signed into force 41 different implementing laws based on the Ahtisaari Plan for the future status of Kosovo.

All of the above was grounded heavily in the Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government in Kosovo promulgated on May 15, 2001 by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Hans Haekkerup. This document laid out the responsibilities of Parliament, the President, and the outlines of various ministries and the judicial system. "

Here is a full text of Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government in Kosovo promulgated on May 15, 2001.

http://www.unmikonline.org/constframework.htm

In Preamble it starts.

"Recalling that UNSCR 1244(1999) envisages the setting-up and development of meaningful self-government in Kosovo pending a final settlement; "

It does not affect final settlement.

"Determining that, within the limits defined by UNSCR 1244(1999), responsibilities will be transferred to Provisional Institutions of Self-Government which shall work constructively towards ensuring conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo, with a view to facilitating the determination of Kosovo's future status through a process at an appropriate future stage which shall, in accordance with UNSCR 1244(1999), take full account of all relevant factors..." etc. etc.

"...in accordance with UNSCR 1244(1999)..."

" Affirming that the exercise of the responsibilities of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo shall not in any way affect or diminish the ultimate authority of the SRSG for the implementation of UNSCR 1244(1999); "

"...should not in any way affect or diminish the ultimate authority..."
What's that about?

and it goes on and on throughout the text.

"...does not affect the status that will be determined in UNSC..." etc.

As we all know UN Security Council did not determine status yet. Ahtisaari Plan was not authorized at UNSC.

Chapter 5 outlines responsabilities of Provisional Institutions of Self-Government .
Youth and Sport, Culture, Health, etc.

Nobody had any objections to this document Mr. Montgomery. Nobody expected UN to fix roads, run healt care in Kosovo , etc. And nobody expect that today.

But, how does that provides ground for Unilateral Declaration of Independence?

"All of the above was grounded heavily in the ..." you say.

All of the above?

"On February 17, the Kosovo Assembly issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Until today this independence has been recognized by the United States, most of the European Union, and many of the neighboring countries. A total of 43 countries in all. On June 11, its Constitution came into effect and immediately after that, the President of Kosovo signed into force 41 different implementing laws based on the Ahtisaari Plan for the future status of Kosovo. "

I would say none of the above.

In fact, not only that this document does not provide any legal ground for any of above, it lines up as another one that is being violated by "all of the above".
Kosovo government have unilaterally taken upon itself responsabilities explicitly given to the SRSG.

Chpter 8

Powers and Responsibilities Reserved to the SRSG

"(m) Concluding agreements with states and international organizations in all matters within the scope of UNSCR 1244 (1999); "

or

"(o) External relations, including with states and international organisations, as may be necessary for the implementation of his mandate."

etc. etc.

I believe that they should actually do this:

"(b) Dissolving the assembly and calling for new elections in circumstances where the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government are deemed to act in a manner which is not in conformity with UNSCR 1244(1999), or in the exercise of the SRSG's responsibilities under that Resolution."

Not that I expect that. I don't actually think that Hans Haekkerup is thrustworthy and don't expect that his signature would have any meaning.

What I found amuzing is how so many are trying to find at least a shred of some legality for those actions.
Appearantly, right to declare independence was given to them on 15th of May, 2001.

But, even a shallow reading of the document reveals that it does not affect the status at all.
Why would we go through years of "standar before status" policy (just to be abandoned when it was obvious that no standard will be achieved), etc. ?

Come on. Seriouslly.

Despite the external comments on the "independence honeymoon" it is noticeable in Kosovo that people think daily on economic survival, is in our perception, the status issue is largely over. The ecnomic improvement on the ground both for Albanians and Serbes will alevuate problems and make Kosovo status issues less relevant to the both sides.
This is why I think it is particurarly Belgrade's fault for creating a frozen conflicts, that hurts the Serbian pupulation in Kosovo the most. The Srbian populated areas have become a stage for black economy, nepotism, with total lack of any control. As an example, see the refusal of previos town mayors to leave their posts after the Serbian elections in Kosovo. Violence had to be used in these cases.
The frozen conflict should not also stop the economic development of Kosovo. Just look at Cyprus. The situation in north of Kosova only serves for interests of mafia heads from both sides, in addition to accomplices in the political world, and the international community. Biggest victimes: Kosovo Serbs.

Johnny,

Please reread my comment again from the point of view of my nationality, which is American. I'm not a Serb. When I say "we got what we wanted", I'm saying that we, as the American govennment, got what we wanted: an overly dependent pro-American regime in Pristina and Camp Bondsteel. That's all that we really care about. The rest (political and economic development) we've placed in the hands of the EU, a 27-headed hydra that can't even agree on a constitution for itself, let alone govern a quasi-sovereign entity that's little more than the property of the EU. I agree with my government that as far as we're concerned, Kosovo is a shut case. But in our own diplomatic language, we've moved on and left you as Europe's problem.

Recognizing Kosovo as an independent state also does not mean those states that do are going to go out of their way to help it. The US recognizes the sovereignty of dozens of states and does little to help them. I have no animosity towards Albanians, nor do I particularly want to see the Kosovo region suffer any more than it already has, but I truly believe that your leaders in Pristina placed all ther eggs in one basket and that basket, dependency on US foreign policy, has proven to be incredibly cynical and self-serving in the past. We will not help you claim northern Kosovo. We will not fight to get you Presevo. We will not actively seek to dismantle the upcoming Serbian government in Mitrovica. We will not force Belgrade to relent. In short, we will not be the "Uncle Sam to the rescue" if you think we're going to fight your battles for you. Take a look at all the other troubled spots in the world and you'll see that once the US gets what it wants, the rest of the country can drift into oblivion if it wishes.

Again, I'm not vindictive, I'm sadly realistic.

Nik, you are right. No ethnic lines. No partitions.
In 1994 in interview. Mr. Eagleberger who was undersecretary of state said that US will never support partiton of the former Yugoslavian republics.
"I'm not a laywer" he said, "but layers interpreted the laws for us".
And Badinter's commision of experts said that republics are indivisable.
Eagleberger siad "not one inch. We will not step away one inch from the law. What would the world come to if people would be allowed to break the law just because they have a gun?"
When asked about possiblility of air strikes, he answered:
"We have every right to use force to uphold the law."
He's right. No separations from the republics. No division of Croatia, Bosnia or Serbia. Period.
And just as Americans, we have every right to use force to uphold the law, too.

Radical wrote: "Nik, you are right. No ethnic lines. No partitions.
In 1994 in interview. Mr. Eagleberger who was undersecretary of state said that US will never support partiton of the former Yugoslavian republics."

That is correct. Kosovo as part of Serbia IS the legal solution!
No question about it.
But the problem is taht it does not work.

Who is right and who is to blame, is irrelavant.
If Kosovars get Serbian citrizenship and vote in the Serbian election, they will get part of the power in Serbia. Serbia will turn into a 2-national state, like Cyprus after the eventual reunification.
That will be a mortal threat to the Serbian character of the State! With all Kosovars citizens of Serbia, the chance to get off the the Schengen White List will become remote.

Radical, you can't get Kosovo without the Kosovars. You do not need the Kosovars.
Just let Kosovo go!

The usage of the words should be more appropriate. The word independance should not be used, simply because Kosovo just changed their administrator from Belgrade to Brussels. Of course they would like that.
In fact not many things will change crucialy/strategicaly from period from 1999-2008.
Why then was it important to the West to call it independance on paper and to rush with that? They wanted to please the Kosovo Albanians? Or to hide their responsibilities for that region?
Pristina just do not have the capacity to run a souvereign country on its own.
Also any governing from Serbia is out of the question, at least for a generation.
So, this solution came up not by a coincidence, but because it was a reality on the ground at this moment.
But mr.Montgomery is right in pointing out that Kosovo Albanians will have a period of sobbering up to that reality. Problem was they had, or were given too high expectations. Thats why it is important to call things by its name. Otherwise a confusion, maybe even a conflict can rise up from misunderstanding.
As for Serbia's acceptance, the plan of the west seems to be in a manner 'to cook the frog and the frog won't notice it if you just slightly increase the temperature'.

"Hence my indifference to Albanian disappointment: this is the price paid for UDI. If a better deal is wanted, those avoided negotiations with Belgrade will have to materialize at one point. Don't expect Washington to make all your dreams come true. We got what we wanted out of this deal.
(Mike, 23 June 2008 02:54) "

I don't think Serbia got what it wanted at all. That is just you trying to put yourself at ease.

1. Before 1999 Serbia had total control over Kosova. It controlled the army, it controlled the institutions and it controlled the economy.

Now Serbia controls half a town, or about 20-30 thousand people.

2. Before 1999 no country whatsoever even questioned Serbian sovereignty over Kosova.

Now the most powerful countries of the world and the biggest economies of the world recognize Kosova as an independent state. Not only that but this number is growing, and will continue to grow. Time is on our side.

3. We have countermeasures. The more time passes and the more countries recognize us, it makes it much easier for us to turn the Presheva Valley into a North Mitrovica.

Mike do not be a hypocrite. I am willing to put my hand on fire when I say this. No Serb ever wanted to see Kosova be recognized as independent by the Western World, under any circumstances. You did not get what you wanted. If you did there would be no need for your ministers to leave international conferences as a sign of protest, you would not need to set up parallel institutions, you would not need to enlist Russia on your side and sell your natural resources for less than half of their price. You would not need to come here and tell us that you got what you wanted. You would not need to repeat over and over how Kosova is Serbia.
The matter of the fact is that neither us Albanians nor you Serbs got what you wanted. However us Albanians are much much happier now with 43 countries recognizing us then we would ever be in any form or shape under Serbia. As a matter of fact, worse case scenario for us is that we lose half a town or 20 thousand people which had no control over anyway.
Do not be fooled under any circumstances whatsoever into thinking that the key to the happiness for us Albanians passes through Belgrade. As a matter of fact history has shown us that Belgrade brings only pain and sorrow to us. That is the reason why we orient ourselves towards the west. The west stood for us when our existence in Kosova was put to question, and if the west cant stop half a town from seceding, then good riddance. One less headache for us.
What you and other posters need to once and forever put through your heads is that Serbia will have total control over Kosova only if it can completely exterminate us Albanians. I know that your government has detailed plans on how to do just that. I know that it has had plans like this for around 150 years and that it has unsuccessfully tried to follow them. Until then, keep walking out international meetings and keep setting fire to border posts.

Johny,

“… I don't think Serbia got what it wanted at all…”

I agree with you on this. Kosovo and Metohija belongs to Serbia. Kosovo Albanians are intitled to equal rights as any other citizen of course, and we are prepared to grant you autonomy.

“… Time is on our side…”

Who knows, life is full of surprises. It certainly looked that way just a couple of years ago, but situation is changing. Consider this:

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/
http://en.rian.ru/business/20070911/78010350.html

”…No Serb ever wanted to see Kosova be recognized as independent by the Western World, under any circumstances. You did not get what you wanted…”

True.

“….total control over Kosova only if it can completely exterminate us Albanians. I know that your government has detailed plans on how to do just that. I know that it has had plans like this for around 150 years and that it has unsuccessfully tried to follow them…”

Not truth. There were individuals with extremists ideas but that was never state policy. In the SFR Yugoslavia, Albanians had equal rights as any other citizen, (plus autonomy), and actually greatly prosper. (As all other ethnic groups did).

Mike as a US citizen myself, I do agree that the US got what we wanted. I do not know if there's a lot of Mikes here posting under that name. I must have mistaken you for one of them.
We have no delusions for the US fighting our battles whatsoever. We also know that we need allies too, and the US is our natural ally.

Kosovo does not need Serbia at all. Kosovo is a coastal country, unlike Serbia. What Kosovo is busy doing is re-routing it's tradeways to accomodate this new reality.

Meanwhile, a highway that connects Kosovo to it's coast is set to be complete in the summer of 2009, moving at a great and astonishing rate.

Kosovo's future is moving Westward. On the other hand, Serbia's "excellent" diplomacy is driving that country into isolation and more embarassement in the world stage.

This article comes before Africa and OIC have cast their recognitions. Once that magic number of 97 is reached, how will Russia and Serbia be able to claim that the international law is being breached, when the majority of the international community will have recognized Kosovo as a state?

Serbia can keep wishing that recognitions have halted and Kosovo will be unable to sustain itself, leading to conflicts, but the trade routes are moving Westward, the OIC, Africa and the Pacific still hasn't spoken, and oh yeah, shall we mention the vast mineral reserves that Kosovo has?

With all these things going for it, the title of this article should be Kosovo jingles!

“Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo would retain the sole right to preserve and reconstruct its religious, historical, and cultural sites in Kosovo and will remain under the direct authority of its religious seat in Belgrade”. (Montgomery)

I though Kosova is the cradle of the Serbian nation? Hence it should be Belgrade under authority of the SOCH religious seat in Kosova.

This is a blunt example of the Serbian hypocrisy in the Kosova issue. Even their Church does not want to live in Kosova but they pretend to keep Kosova part of Serbia just as matter of luxury essentially- since basically no Serb wants and ever wanted to live in the “holly” “Serbian” Kosova neither their Church wants to have the seat in the land where their nation “born”. Greatest hypocrisy can’t be seen in any other case of the human history.

Hence Mr Montgomery the “rights” of the Republic of Serbia in sovereign Republic of Kosova are nil and the LEGITIMATE rights of the K-Serbs are guaranteed by the International Community- hence by you Mr Montgomery (we Albanians never had that privilege).

Here the issue is the destabilising structures of MUP that operate in Kosova that need to be deported from Kosova and in their own time K-Serbs will start to accept the reality of republic of Kosova- they will start to pay for international phone calls when they will dial the number of Kostunica and Tadic, will have to posses Kosovar documents etc... in their own time- no hurry.

(Jon Campbell, USA, 23 June 2008 16:23)

Jon I "don't" know howe are things in America but in Europe the natives live in SOUTH- immigrants in NORTH. This is historical fact and guess what, ligical too Jon.

Mike wrote: "At the end of the day, Belgrade has made a tremendous success in blocking Kosovo's path to real statehood, and will continue to do so until negotiations for a final status of Kosovo are hammered out."

What would that status be? If Kosovo remains part of Serbia, that would mean that the Kosovo Albanians will be entitled to Serbian citizenship and that will be a serious threat to the Serbian character of the state.
Why Serbian nationalist could not understand it? The Israeli government does and completly rules out Israel that would include all Palestinian areas, because that will be a thret to the Jewish character of the state.
Partition? Partition on what grounds?
If it is on ethnic lines, Serbs will be entitled to parts of Kosovo, but may well lose other more important territories. They want to somehow square the circle: What is ours is ours, whta Kosovo Albanians get is what we give them! They firmly believe they are entitled to an advantage in their relations with their neibours due to past "internationaly recognized" territorial decisions.
There is a huge flow in this strategy.
Living with the enemy is a costly affair. Presuming the Albanians (and other) to be eternal enemies brings the country in deep isolation. The token support given by Russia, China etc. does not compensate for the humiliating visa regime. As time passes Serbia will continue to retard its development. (20 years ago Serbia's living standard was way ahead of this of Romania, Bulgaria and even Hungary. Now things have changed. If that treand continues for other few decades that will have devastating consequences for the Serbs.
Many believe that this is not a problem, because the world tide may turn. The Globalization and the Eurointegration will fade away and a new system of national states will emerge.

The prospects of that happening in Europe are remote. But even if that happens, the consequences will be so dire thatit will be a pyrhic victory for the Serbs.

To the respect to Mr. Montgomery and all the sad “realists”, the situation in Kosova is drastically changing in terms of infrastructure. Major highways are being built that will make Kosova a major transit point (except to Serbia, where there will be naturally political obstacles to achieve this goal)
As for US and EU assistance it will not diminish for some time. Balkans, including Croatia, Bulgaria, FYROM, Greece, Kosova, and some day Serbia have become in geo-strategically important not to NATO but also to EU, as it wishes stability on its territorial borders. As long as this stands a priority, donor assistance to Kosova will be huge, considering that it is the country most in need.
Legally, Serbs in the north would the right to split, but that would open the question of Albanins in Preseve, Macedonia, and Montenegro. So, if Serbs in north of Kosova split, then territorial integration of all these lands to Albania eventually will become inevitable. I don’t think this is viable for FYROM and MNE, but in case of Kosova and south Serbia, for sure.

I already commented on this issue in Serbian version, and whoever reads Serbian can understand that I am pro Albanian independence and am a Serb. I also gave the reasons. But in the United Nations I would prohibit the countries that recognised Albanian state on Kosovo to call it Kosovo. The name must be changed and without any discussion now. Kosovo is linguisticly a Serbian word, designing Serbian territory, with roots in Serbian historical heritage, today a lost territory and we know why. Territory can be invaded military or demographically through time and history, as it happened on Kosovo, but culture not. That is why Albanians have no right to call their country Kosovo.

Despite the external comments on the "independence honeymoon" it is noticeable in Kosovo that people think daily on economic survival, is in our perception, the status issue is largely over. The ecnomic improvement on the ground both for Albanians and Serbes will alevuate problems and make Kosovo status issues less relevant to the both sides.
This is why I think it is particurarly Belgrade's fault for creating a frozen conflicts, that hurts the Serbian pupulation in Kosovo the most. The Srbian populated areas have become a stage for black economy, nepotism, with total lack of any control. As an example, see the refusal of previos town mayors to leave their posts after the Serbian elections in Kosovo. Violence had to be used in these cases.
The frozen conflict should not also stop the economic development of Kosovo. Just look at Cyprus. The situation in north of Kosova only serves for interests of mafia heads from both sides, in addition to accomplices in the political world, and the international community. Biggest victimes: Kosovo Serbs.

Kosovo does not need Serbia at all. Kosovo is a coastal country, unlike Serbia. What Kosovo is busy doing is re-routing it's tradeways to accomodate this new reality.

Meanwhile, a highway that connects Kosovo to it's coast is set to be complete in the summer of 2009, moving at a great and astonishing rate.

Kosovo's future is moving Westward. On the other hand, Serbia's "excellent" diplomacy is driving that country into isolation and more embarassement in the world stage.

This article comes before Africa and OIC have cast their recognitions. Once that magic number of 97 is reached, how will Russia and Serbia be able to claim that the international law is being breached, when the majority of the international community will have recognized Kosovo as a state?

Serbia can keep wishing that recognitions have halted and Kosovo will be unable to sustain itself, leading to conflicts, but the trade routes are moving Westward, the OIC, Africa and the Pacific still hasn't spoken, and oh yeah, shall we mention the vast mineral reserves that Kosovo has?

With all these things going for it, the title of this article should be Kosovo jingles!

The author needs to get his facts straight.

No partition, the end.

"Despite everything which has transpired thus far, the Western International Community STILL does not fully grasp the extent of the Serbian attachment to Kosovo.

>>don´t worry, they WILL grasp it; it´s just a question of time since serbian will and fortitude are a historical constant.

"Ruecker and Rossin are being replaced. This is now by chance or coincidence."

>>doesn´t matter why, the main thing is that they are gone.

"The realities of the difficulties and dangers of trying to force their way into Serbian areas are becoming more apparent to the EU and U.S. authorities."

>>I´d love to see them try it and get a slap into their faces...symbolically, of course...

they will learn yet with whom they are dealing.

KV forgot to complete his sentence...:

No Partition OF SERBIAN TERRITORY.

now it´s correctly said.

I honestly could not care less if the K Albanians feel "betrayed", "let down", or just simply "disappointed" with the international communities' lack of support for their efforts in believing all of Kosovo is independent and under their control. The facts on the ground today have all but directly facilitated the de facto partition of Kosovo into Serb and Albanian sectors. Thaci realizes this, and Sejdiu just sounds like a fool everytime he tries to exert authority over areas he has no jurisdiction over.

At the end of the day, Belgrade has made a tremendous success in blocking Kosovo's path to real statehood, and will continue to do so until negotiations for a final status of Kosovo are hammered out. I understand the "independence honeymoon" is still alive and kicking on the streets of Pristina, but I fear the hard to swallow realities of a US backed UDI will soon come to light. The price paid for a non-negotiated, completely US dependant, independence movement is territorial and political partition, continued diplomatic blocking at international levels by Russia, and ongoing tension between the two sides on the ground. As far as America is concerned, we got Bondsteel and an overly pro-American regime in Pristina and that's all Washington really cares for. Whether Kosovo prospers or decays is something we'll let Brussels take care of.

I'm all for the EU establishing itself in areas where it's welcome, and I'm also aware the central and southern Serb enclaves will have to cooperate on some level with EULEX, but it's becoming painfully apparent to those most eagerly pushing premature independence that an "independent" Kosovo is far different from either what they envisioned, or what they were promised.

Hence my indifference to Albanian disappointment: this is the price paid for UDI. If a better deal is wanted, those avoided negotiations with Belgrade will have to materialize at one point. Don't expect Washington to make all your dreams come true. We got what we wanted out of this deal.

“Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo would retain the sole right to preserve and reconstruct its religious, historical, and cultural sites in Kosovo and will remain under the direct authority of its religious seat in Belgrade”. (Montgomery)

I though Kosova is the cradle of the Serbian nation? Hence it should be Belgrade under authority of the SOCH religious seat in Kosova.

This is a blunt example of the Serbian hypocrisy in the Kosova issue. Even their Church does not want to live in Kosova but they pretend to keep Kosova part of Serbia just as matter of luxury essentially- since basically no Serb wants and ever wanted to live in the “holly” “Serbian” Kosova neither their Church wants to have the seat in the land where their nation “born”. Greatest hypocrisy can’t be seen in any other case of the human history.

Hence Mr Montgomery the “rights” of the Republic of Serbia in sovereign Republic of Kosova are nil and the LEGITIMATE rights of the K-Serbs are guaranteed by the International Community- hence by you Mr Montgomery (we Albanians never had that privilege).

Here the issue is the destabilising structures of MUP that operate in Kosova that need to be deported from Kosova and in their own time K-Serbs will start to accept the reality of republic of Kosova- they will start to pay for international phone calls when they will dial the number of Kostunica and Tadic, will have to posses Kosovar documents etc... in their own time- no hurry.

(Jon Campbell, USA, 23 June 2008 16:23)

Jon I "don't" know howe are things in America but in Europe the natives live in SOUTH- immigrants in NORTH. This is historical fact and guess what, ligical too Jon.

I already commented on this issue in Serbian version, and whoever reads Serbian can understand that I am pro Albanian independence and am a Serb. I also gave the reasons. But in the United Nations I would prohibit the countries that recognised Albanian state on Kosovo to call it Kosovo. The name must be changed and without any discussion now. Kosovo is linguisticly a Serbian word, designing Serbian territory, with roots in Serbian historical heritage, today a lost territory and we know why. Territory can be invaded military or demographically through time and history, as it happened on Kosovo, but culture not. That is why Albanians have no right to call their country Kosovo.

Radical wrote: "Nik, you are right. No ethnic lines. No partitions.
In 1994 in interview. Mr. Eagleberger who was undersecretary of state said that US will never support partiton of the former Yugoslavian republics."

That is correct. Kosovo as part of Serbia IS the legal solution!
No question about it.
But the problem is taht it does not work.

Who is right and who is to blame, is irrelavant.
If Kosovars get Serbian citrizenship and vote in the Serbian election, they will get part of the power in Serbia. Serbia will turn into a 2-national state, like Cyprus after the eventual reunification.
That will be a mortal threat to the Serbian character of the State! With all Kosovars citizens of Serbia, the chance to get off the the Schengen White List will become remote.

Radical, you can't get Kosovo without the Kosovars. You do not need the Kosovars.
Just let Kosovo go!

Jovan,

I had the same reaction. It amuses me when non-Serbs come to realizations of realty or epiphanies, meanwhile Serbs have known the reality all along and that is that Kosovo can never be a sovereign much less viable state with Serbian consent. Mr Montgomery, that is a really profound observation you have made. In other news, the sky is blue, birds fly south in the winter, and Kosovo is Serbia. Tell us something we don't know already my learned journalist!

So we now have a "frozen conflict" situation - has it taken the former US Ambassador 9 years to realise this?

Is it also a "coincidence" that Mr Feith (a dutch diplomat) has been employed by the EU to be their Special Representative of the illegal EULEX ?

A Dutch diplomat (by "coincidence" or design?) is heading the EU body in an attempt to create partition within partition given that the Dutch are in fact the most ardent supporters of this EU default position ( http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=08&dd=28&nav_category=92&nav_id=43332 ) - a partition within partition working under the UN umberella of UNMIK. Looks like the EU are lining up their solution and the US are quitely dropping their imposed solution which has been totally and utterly blocked.

I thought they (the US and those told to follow their illegal lead) said this was all resolved - at least that is what Sediju and Thaci have been duped into believing...oh what a tangled web we weave...

An admission of failure. According to this "genius", nothing has changed in Kosovo despite the west spending billions of dollars trying to prop up a phoney regime. What everyone (including him) knows is that the us cannot afford Converted Rice's policy of "transformational diplomacy" for much longer. The us cannot fix Iraq and Afghanistan and confront Iran and deal with all of the other problems it caused simultaneously. The only question is will us foreign policy crack before bush leaves office or will he force the next president to retreat around the world?

"Out of sympathy for the Serbian position, caution, or apathy, around 140 UN member-countries have not taken action thus far to recognize Kosovo." You named three reasons, 'forgetting' the fourth, which you probably dislike: respect for international Law...

Daily life shows that when people lost all acceptance and respect, divorce is imminent. Now, if Albanians no longer want to live with the Serbs, why would the Serbs wish to live with Albanians? Is this question not legitimate?

Funcakes,
Bragging about Kosovo's vast mineral reserves is not a wise thing to do. Your "friends" from the USA will claim these reserves for a handful of dollars. They want something in return for all these costly bombs dropped on Serbia in 1999...

Mr. Montgomery:

How do you suppose the United States would react if ethnic Mexicans tried to take part of Texas or ethnic Cubans declared independence in southern Florida? Would the U.S. government allow this to happen? I didn't think so, yet we have hypocritically supported the partition of Serbia.

Dear former US Ambassador wrote: "A philosopher once said that what differentiates humans from all other species on earth was the ability to simultaneously believe in two concepts contradictory to each other..." That comes to mind especially when it comes to the POSITION of United States Administration with regards to question of Kosovo - Respect of Inernational Laws on one hand and Support and Promotion of illegal Unilateral Declaration of Independence on the other.

"Hence my indifference to Albanian disappointment: this is the price paid for UDI. If a better deal is wanted, those avoided negotiations with Belgrade will have to materialize at one point. Don't expect Washington to make all your dreams come true. We got what we wanted out of this deal.
(Mike, 23 June 2008 02:54) "

I don't think Serbia got what it wanted at all. That is just you trying to put yourself at ease.

1. Before 1999 Serbia had total control over Kosova. It controlled the army, it controlled the institutions and it controlled the economy.

Now Serbia controls half a town, or about 20-30 thousand people.

2. Before 1999 no country whatsoever even questioned Serbian sovereignty over Kosova.

Now the most powerful countries of the world and the biggest economies of the world recognize Kosova as an independent state. Not only that but this number is growing, and will continue to grow. Time is on our side.

3. We have countermeasures. The more time passes and the more countries recognize us, it makes it much easier for us to turn the Presheva Valley into a North Mitrovica.

Mike do not be a hypocrite. I am willing to put my hand on fire when I say this. No Serb ever wanted to see Kosova be recognized as independent by the Western World, under any circumstances. You did not get what you wanted. If you did there would be no need for your ministers to leave international conferences as a sign of protest, you would not need to set up parallel institutions, you would not need to enlist Russia on your side and sell your natural resources for less than half of their price. You would not need to come here and tell us that you got what you wanted. You would not need to repeat over and over how Kosova is Serbia.
The matter of the fact is that neither us Albanians nor you Serbs got what you wanted. However us Albanians are much much happier now with 43 countries recognizing us then we would ever be in any form or shape under Serbia. As a matter of fact, worse case scenario for us is that we lose half a town or 20 thousand people which had no control over anyway.
Do not be fooled under any circumstances whatsoever into thinking that the key to the happiness for us Albanians passes through Belgrade. As a matter of fact history has shown us that Belgrade brings only pain and sorrow to us. That is the reason why we orient ourselves towards the west. The west stood for us when our existence in Kosova was put to question, and if the west cant stop half a town from seceding, then good riddance. One less headache for us.
What you and other posters need to once and forever put through your heads is that Serbia will have total control over Kosova only if it can completely exterminate us Albanians. I know that your government has detailed plans on how to do just that. I know that it has had plans like this for around 150 years and that it has unsuccessfully tried to follow them. Until then, keep walking out international meetings and keep setting fire to border posts.

Johny,

“… I don't think Serbia got what it wanted at all…”

I agree with you on this. Kosovo and Metohija belongs to Serbia. Kosovo Albanians are intitled to equal rights as any other citizen of course, and we are prepared to grant you autonomy.

“… Time is on our side…”

Who knows, life is full of surprises. It certainly looked that way just a couple of years ago, but situation is changing. Consider this:

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/
http://en.rian.ru/business/20070911/78010350.html

”…No Serb ever wanted to see Kosova be recognized as independent by the Western World, under any circumstances. You did not get what you wanted…”

True.

“….total control over Kosova only if it can completely exterminate us Albanians. I know that your government has detailed plans on how to do just that. I know that it has had plans like this for around 150 years and that it has unsuccessfully tried to follow them…”

Not truth. There were individuals with extremists ideas but that was never state policy. In the SFR Yugoslavia, Albanians had equal rights as any other citizen, (plus autonomy), and actually greatly prosper. (As all other ethnic groups did).

Johnny,

Please reread my comment again from the point of view of my nationality, which is American. I'm not a Serb. When I say "we got what we wanted", I'm saying that we, as the American govennment, got what we wanted: an overly dependent pro-American regime in Pristina and Camp Bondsteel. That's all that we really care about. The rest (political and economic development) we've placed in the hands of the EU, a 27-headed hydra that can't even agree on a constitution for itself, let alone govern a quasi-sovereign entity that's little more than the property of the EU. I agree with my government that as far as we're concerned, Kosovo is a shut case. But in our own diplomatic language, we've moved on and left you as Europe's problem.

Recognizing Kosovo as an independent state also does not mean those states that do are going to go out of their way to help it. The US recognizes the sovereignty of dozens of states and does little to help them. I have no animosity towards Albanians, nor do I particularly want to see the Kosovo region suffer any more than it already has, but I truly believe that your leaders in Pristina placed all ther eggs in one basket and that basket, dependency on US foreign policy, has proven to be incredibly cynical and self-serving in the past. We will not help you claim northern Kosovo. We will not fight to get you Presevo. We will not actively seek to dismantle the upcoming Serbian government in Mitrovica. We will not force Belgrade to relent. In short, we will not be the "Uncle Sam to the rescue" if you think we're going to fight your battles for you. Take a look at all the other troubled spots in the world and you'll see that once the US gets what it wants, the rest of the country can drift into oblivion if it wishes.

Again, I'm not vindictive, I'm sadly realistic.

Mike as a US citizen myself, I do agree that the US got what we wanted. I do not know if there's a lot of Mikes here posting under that name. I must have mistaken you for one of them.
We have no delusions for the US fighting our battles whatsoever. We also know that we need allies too, and the US is our natural ally.

Another attempt of deceit.

"On February 17, the Kosovo Assembly issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Until today this independence has been recognized by the United States, most of the European Union, and many of the neighboring countries. A total of 43 countries in all. On June 11, its Constitution came into effect and immediately after that, the President of Kosovo signed into force 41 different implementing laws based on the Ahtisaari Plan for the future status of Kosovo.

All of the above was grounded heavily in the Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government in Kosovo promulgated on May 15, 2001 by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Hans Haekkerup. This document laid out the responsibilities of Parliament, the President, and the outlines of various ministries and the judicial system. "

Here is a full text of Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government in Kosovo promulgated on May 15, 2001.

http://www.unmikonline.org/constframework.htm

In Preamble it starts.

"Recalling that UNSCR 1244(1999) envisages the setting-up and development of meaningful self-government in Kosovo pending a final settlement; "

It does not affect final settlement.

"Determining that, within the limits defined by UNSCR 1244(1999), responsibilities will be transferred to Provisional Institutions of Self-Government which shall work constructively towards ensuring conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo, with a view to facilitating the determination of Kosovo's future status through a process at an appropriate future stage which shall, in accordance with UNSCR 1244(1999), take full account of all relevant factors..." etc. etc.

"...in accordance with UNSCR 1244(1999)..."

" Affirming that the exercise of the responsibilities of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo shall not in any way affect or diminish the ultimate authority of the SRSG for the implementation of UNSCR 1244(1999); "

"...should not in any way affect or diminish the ultimate authority..."
What's that about?

and it goes on and on throughout the text.

"...does not affect the status that will be determined in UNSC..." etc.

As we all know UN Security Council did not determine status yet. Ahtisaari Plan was not authorized at UNSC.

Chapter 5 outlines responsabilities of Provisional Institutions of Self-Government .
Youth and Sport, Culture, Health, etc.

Nobody had any objections to this document Mr. Montgomery. Nobody expected UN to fix roads, run healt care in Kosovo , etc. And nobody expect that today.

But, how does that provides ground for Unilateral Declaration of Independence?

"All of the above was grounded heavily in the ..." you say.

All of the above?

"On February 17, the Kosovo Assembly issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Until today this independence has been recognized by the United States, most of the European Union, and many of the neighboring countries. A total of 43 countries in all. On June 11, its Constitution came into effect and immediately after that, the President of Kosovo signed into force 41 different implementing laws based on the Ahtisaari Plan for the future status of Kosovo. "

I would say none of the above.

In fact, not only that this document does not provide any legal ground for any of above, it lines up as another one that is being violated by "all of the above".
Kosovo government have unilaterally taken upon itself responsabilities explicitly given to the SRSG.

Chpter 8

Powers and Responsibilities Reserved to the SRSG

"(m) Concluding agreements with states and international organizations in all matters within the scope of UNSCR 1244 (1999); "

or

"(o) External relations, including with states and international organisations, as may be necessary for the implementation of his mandate."

etc. etc.

I believe that they should actually do this:

"(b) Dissolving the assembly and calling for new elections in circumstances where the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government are deemed to act in a manner which is not in conformity with UNSCR 1244(1999), or in the exercise of the SRSG's responsibilities under that Resolution."

Not that I expect that. I don't actually think that Hans Haekkerup is thrustworthy and don't expect that his signature would have any meaning.

What I found amuzing is how so many are trying to find at least a shred of some legality for those actions.
Appearantly, right to declare independence was given to them on 15th of May, 2001.

But, even a shallow reading of the document reveals that it does not affect the status at all.
Why would we go through years of "standar before status" policy (just to be abandoned when it was obvious that no standard will be achieved), etc. ?

Come on. Seriouslly.

To the respect to Mr. Montgomery and all the sad “realists”, the situation in Kosova is drastically changing in terms of infrastructure. Major highways are being built that will make Kosova a major transit point (except to Serbia, where there will be naturally political obstacles to achieve this goal)
As for US and EU assistance it will not diminish for some time. Balkans, including Croatia, Bulgaria, FYROM, Greece, Kosova, and some day Serbia have become in geo-strategically important not to NATO but also to EU, as it wishes stability on its territorial borders. As long as this stands a priority, donor assistance to Kosova will be huge, considering that it is the country most in need.
Legally, Serbs in the north would the right to split, but that would open the question of Albanins in Preseve, Macedonia, and Montenegro. So, if Serbs in north of Kosova split, then territorial integration of all these lands to Albania eventually will become inevitable. I don’t think this is viable for FYROM and MNE, but in case of Kosova and south Serbia, for sure.

"Every Kosovo Albanian fully believes..."

By writing this you deny any Albanian to have an opinion of his own. I find this an extremist way of writing.

"... that the entire territory of Kosovo is united and subject to all the rules of regulations of the Kosovo Government"

Many Albanians would be perfectly prepared to trade Northern Mitrovica for Presevo.

"Out of sympathy for the Serbian position, caution, or apathy, around 140 UN member-countries have not taken action thus far to recognize Kosovo."

As Felix said, you forgot the respect for international law and world stability and order.

"Despite everything which has transpired thus far, the Western International Community STILL does not fully grasp the extent of the Serbian attachment to Kosovo"

Neither do you, mr. Montgomery. You are still in denial that the solution that you are promoting means the cleansing of Kosovo's Serbs and that for that reason even the most pro-Western parties can not support it.

"There is no doubt that the Kosovo Albanians will feel let down – or even betrayed – by the International Community and will come under strong domestic pressure to "do something about it." "

Nationalists feel ALWAYS the pressure to want more. The only way to stop them is that their friends tell them that enough is enough. Work for you, mr. Montgomery!

"The difficult relationship with Serbia will make trade and other economic ties with what should be its most important partner all but impossible (other than with the Serbian-controlled areas)."

Trade with Serbia went well during the past 9 years. Nowadays Kosovo's government is using nationalism and bureaucratic badgering to halt it. So to see they have your full support. Disgusting!

Mike wrote: "At the end of the day, Belgrade has made a tremendous success in blocking Kosovo's path to real statehood, and will continue to do so until negotiations for a final status of Kosovo are hammered out."

What would that status be? If Kosovo remains part of Serbia, that would mean that the Kosovo Albanians will be entitled to Serbian citizenship and that will be a serious threat to the Serbian character of the state.
Why Serbian nationalist could not understand it? The Israeli government does and completly rules out Israel that would include all Palestinian areas, because that will be a thret to the Jewish character of the state.
Partition? Partition on what grounds?
If it is on ethnic lines, Serbs will be entitled to parts of Kosovo, but may well lose other more important territories. They want to somehow square the circle: What is ours is ours, whta Kosovo Albanians get is what we give them! They firmly believe they are entitled to an advantage in their relations with their neibours due to past "internationaly recognized" territorial decisions.
There is a huge flow in this strategy.
Living with the enemy is a costly affair. Presuming the Albanians (and other) to be eternal enemies brings the country in deep isolation. The token support given by Russia, China etc. does not compensate for the humiliating visa regime. As time passes Serbia will continue to retard its development. (20 years ago Serbia's living standard was way ahead of this of Romania, Bulgaria and even Hungary. Now things have changed. If that treand continues for other few decades that will have devastating consequences for the Serbs.
Many believe that this is not a problem, because the world tide may turn. The Globalization and the Eurointegration will fade away and a new system of national states will emerge.

The prospects of that happening in Europe are remote. But even if that happens, the consequences will be so dire thatit will be a pyrhic victory for the Serbs.

Nik, you are right. No ethnic lines. No partitions.
In 1994 in interview. Mr. Eagleberger who was undersecretary of state said that US will never support partiton of the former Yugoslavian republics.
"I'm not a laywer" he said, "but layers interpreted the laws for us".
And Badinter's commision of experts said that republics are indivisable.
Eagleberger siad "not one inch. We will not step away one inch from the law. What would the world come to if people would be allowed to break the law just because they have a gun?"
When asked about possiblility of air strikes, he answered:
"We have every right to use force to uphold the law."
He's right. No separations from the republics. No division of Croatia, Bosnia or Serbia. Period.
And just as Americans, we have every right to use force to uphold the law, too.

The usage of the words should be more appropriate. The word independance should not be used, simply because Kosovo just changed their administrator from Belgrade to Brussels. Of course they would like that.
In fact not many things will change crucialy/strategicaly from period from 1999-2008.
Why then was it important to the West to call it independance on paper and to rush with that? They wanted to please the Kosovo Albanians? Or to hide their responsibilities for that region?
Pristina just do not have the capacity to run a souvereign country on its own.
Also any governing from Serbia is out of the question, at least for a generation.
So, this solution came up not by a coincidence, but because it was a reality on the ground at this moment.
But mr.Montgomery is right in pointing out that Kosovo Albanians will have a period of sobbering up to that reality. Problem was they had, or were given too high expectations. Thats why it is important to call things by its name. Otherwise a confusion, maybe even a conflict can rise up from misunderstanding.
As for Serbia's acceptance, the plan of the west seems to be in a manner 'to cook the frog and the frog won't notice it if you just slightly increase the temperature'.