e premte, shkurt 29, 2008
e enjte, shkurt 28, 2008
Serb Police Deserting Kosovo Force
KUSCE, Kosovo (AP) — Dozens of Serb officers have deserted the Kosovo police force since the new state declared independence, snubbing ethnic Albanian leaders and shattering the only institution in which real cooperation existed between the ethnic groups.
Blast damages U.N. cars in Kosovo Serb stronghold
MITROVICA, Kosovo: An explosion in the Serb stronghold of north Mitrovica in Kosovo on Thursday damaged two U.N. vehicles in a compound housing the police and U.N. court, police said.
Serb president wants Kosovo and EU keys
Serbia will not give up its claim on breakaway province Kosovo or its bid to become a member of the European Union, Serbian President Boris Tadic said in an interview published Thursday.
The Politics of Religion in Kosova
The Serbs, however, are not the only ones who are politicizing religion in Kosova. A controversial Catholic cathedral is currently being built in Pristina. This project had from its beginning the extraordinary support of the late Kosovar President, Ibrahim Rugova, whose office was decorated with the pictures of him with the Pope and the picture of Mother Teresa. Catholicism, the religion of less than 10% of the Albanian population of Kosova, is being marketed politically in attempts to show a perceived cultural shift of Muslim Kosovars towards the West mediated by Catholicism. This process of political marketing of Catholicism was referred to, recently, by a high functionary of the Catholic Church in Kosova, Dom Dode Gjergji, as “cultural baptism.”
This political marketing of Catholicism necessarily requires downplaying the presence of Islam in Kosova. Following debates among devout Kosovars in internet forums, it is common to notice the dissatisfaction with the leaders of the Kosovar Muslim Community, for not reacting more aggressively in response to this “cultural baptism.” There has been at least one known attempt from a political party, the Party of Justice, to politically monopolize Muslim dissatisfaction Following Albanian Muslim forums, however, one is left to believe that in the last elections, the Party of Justice was unsuccessful in attracting large sections of devout voters. One of the main reactions to the current climate of politics of religion in Kosova among many Muslims has been the embrace of forms of piety that detach from the main debates of the society. It is associated with the ideas of Salafism, a wide spread Muslim movement that attracts large funding from the Middle East. Contrary to a common held view, most forms of the Salafism are apolitical. However, these are forms of visible piety and clash with the attempts of the political and cultural establishment of Kosova to shove visible signs of Muslim piety under the rug, fearing loss of much needed Western support.
Ironically, Kosovar society aims at building a pluralistic, democratic, secular new state. The promotion of religious identities as political identities creates the conditions for what French supporters of laicite would call the Balkanization of the society.
If current conditions persist, institutions of Orthodox Christianity that play the tunes of Serb nationalism will be seen as a Trojan horse inside Kosova. The fact is that today Kosova is an independent state recognized by the major Western powers. This new political entity is home to Serbs who will have to think of building a normal life in this newly created state. The Orthodox Church will have to negotiate its position in new Kosova in order to serve the best interests of its flock. It will have to negotiate with the government and other institutions of Kosova and therefore, de facto, recognize those institutions. Albanians on the other hand, cannot afford an antagonistic Orthodox Church in their new country, and therefore they will have to accommodate it as one of the religious communities of the Kosovar state. They will have to guaranty its safety and prosperity.
Embracing Catholicism as a political identity to serve as a European political ID card undermines the values of governance, and secularism that are the hallmark of European models. It also undermines the social cohesion of a newly created country. Ironically, the current American administration, as well as that of President Clinton, has emphasized the Muslimness of the Kosovars in attempts to show that America’s wars in the Middle East are not a war against Islam. I believe in the freedom of individuals to choose forms of piety of their liking, and in the obligation of governments to guaranty that freedom However, I think that current forms of Muslim piety, such as Salafis, that promote detachment from the cultural, political, and social life of the society will effect negatively both the society and the interests of the Muslim community in Kosova.
It is, therefore, in everyone’s interest to see that the government of Kosova creates a climate of freedom of religious expression while refraining from political manipulation of religions. It is the best bet in seeing a celebration of diversity of spiritual traditions, rather than political fragmentations of the kind that have enflamed Balkan history.
e mërkurë, shkurt 27, 2008
One step forward – three steps back
The announcement of the Declaration of Independence and recognition by the US, France, and the United Kingdom is a step forward. Kosova for the first time has been recognized as an independent state from these significant states of the world.
However the Declaration of independence has turned Kosova three steps back
Një hap para – tre hapa mbrapa
Shpallja e Deklaratës së Pavarësisë dhe njohja që pasoi nga ShBA-të, Franca, Britania e Madhe etj. është një hap para. Kosova për herë të parë u njoh si vend i mëvetshëm nga këto shtete të rëndësishme të botës.
Megjithatë deklarata e pavarësisë e ktheu Kosovën edhe tre hapa mbrapa.
Russia's Medvedev warns Kosovo's independence could set Europe ablaze
Medvedev said recognition of Kosovo's declaration Feb. 17, spearheaded by the United States, has "put Europe in a very difficult situation."
"The United States is far away and is not facing any risks, but Europe could go ablaze," he said in a campaign speech in the Volga River city of Nizhny Novgorod. "It's enough to put a match to set everything ablaze."
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
Unfortunately at this time, the foreign policy makers here in the US have little or no understanding of history.
If they had, they never, ever would have backed the independence of Kosovo from Serbia.(MR)
Kosovo warns Serbia as riots continue
Kosovo told Serbia on Tuesday it would not yield one inch of its territory, and a violent protest by ethnic Serbs in Bosnia against Kosovo's secession highlighted continued volatility in the Balkan region.
Kosovo won't be part of Serbia again-US State Dept
They also have no clue about the history of the region, which is going to come back to haunt them, unfortunately.
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
e hënë, shkurt 25, 2008
Russia's NATO envoy says U.S. wants to divide and rule
Russia's ambassador to NATO suggested Sunday that Kosovo's split from Serbia was the result of an imperialistic American effort to "divide and rule."
The Oil factor in Kosovo independenc
Kosovo does not have oil but its location is strategic as the trans-Balkan pipeline - known as AMBO pipeline after its builder and operator the US-registered Albanian Macedonian Bulgarian Oil Corporation - will pass through it.
The pipeline will pump Caspian oil from the Bulgarian port of Burgas via Macedonia to the Albanian port of Vlora, for transport to European countries and the United States. Specifically, the 1.1 billion dollar AMBO pipeline will permit oil companies operating in the Caspian Sea to ship their oil to Rotterdam and the East Coast of the USA at substantially less cost than they are experiencing today.
The Real Story Behind Kosovo's Independence
In the bigger picture, the Bush administration's quick recognition of an independent Kosovo has given us a powerful reminder of a fact that is too often overlooked these days: empire is bipartisan, as are the tactics and rhetoric and bombs used to defend and expand it. Posted Feb 25, 2008 07:46 AM PST
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
Kosovo, the Kremlin, and the Kurds
If the Kosovars can have their own "nation," then why not the South Ossetians? Why not the Abkhazians? Why not the Transdniester Republic? And why not the Kurds?
The Christian Science Monitor reported that "Peshmerga Gen. Muhammad Mohsen took down his American flag, folded it up, and placed it in his office corner Sunday, reflecting the growing anger in Iraq's Kurdish north with U.S. support for Turkey's campaign against separatist rebels operating in the region." One hopes symbolic actions such as these are sufficient to express the full extent of his anger at his erstwhile American allies, but somehow I doubt it.
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
There will be a wave of actions and reactions to Kosovo having declared its independence that no one in this administration can begin to imagine, and that - in itself - is scary.(MR)
Kosovo Serbs count on Kremlin 'saviour'
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
The Real Story Behind Kosovo’s Independence
News Flash: The Bush administration acknowledges there is a such thing as international law.
e diel, shkurt 24, 2008
Serb official blames U.S. for violence
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
What the US, the EU, and NATO have done here is to declare that any part of any country can, unilaterally and pre-emptively, declare its independence (if we say so), even though it may have been part of another country for centuries.
This would be like Texas, or, let's say, New Hampshire, declaring their independence from the US.
Would the government of the US say, "Gee, that's great: goodbye."?.
Or would every available military person be sent immediately to to the capitals of those states to bring them back into the fold of the Republic?
You know exactly what the answer here would be.
And from this precedent, Palestine may be ready to unilaterally declare their independence from Israel.
And at this point, after the US having supported the independence of Kosovo from Serbia, it's going to be rather hard to explain why Kosovo's independence is good, but Palestine declaring independence from Israel is wrong, bad, and impossible.(MR)
The question is, how far Serbia and Russia are prepared to go to bring Kosovo back to Serbia.
e shtunë, shkurt 23, 2008
e premte, shkurt 22, 2008
Snowstorm blankets NYC, airlines cancel more than 1,000 flights
NEW YORK - The first big storm of the season burdened the metropolitan area with up to 9 inches of snow Friday, forcing airlines to cancel more than 1,100 flights and making travel miserable on highways and sidewalks.
Russia Threatens ‘Brute’ Force Over Kosovo
Moscow - Russia could resort to military force in Kosovo if the situation degenerates and NATO oversteps its boundaries in the region, Russia’s NATO envoy said Friday. “We, I think, will need to assume that in order to be respected we have to resort to brute military force,” Russia’s newly appointed NATO ambassador Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday.
Russian NATO Envoy: Kosovo Independence Funded by Drug Money
Russia’s envoy to NATO charged Friday that Kosovo’s independence fight was funded by local drug-lords as Moscow steps up last-ditch rhetoric aimed at warning the international community against recognising the independence of the former Serb province.
Koštunica: Youth show they want justice
BELGRADE -- Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica has today commented yesterday's mass rally in Belgrade.
One dead, up to 150 injured in riots
BELGRADE -- A peaceful rally in Belgrade that organizers say gathered 250,000 people turned into rioting yesterday.
Tear Gas Fired At North Kosovo Rally
Pristina _ United Nations police fired tear gas at protesters during a rally held by Serbs in north Kosovo's flashpoint town of Mitrovica.
KOSOVO SPARKS THE STRUGGLE FOR A FREE PALESTINE
The United States cannot justify supporting a free Kosovo at the same time it supports Israel's continued occupation and enslavement of the Palestinians.(MR)
If Kosovo, why not Palestine?
In American and EU eyes, a Kosovar declaration of independence from Serbian sovereignty should be recognised, even if Serbia does not agree. However, their attitude was radically different when Palestine declared independence from Israeli occupation on 15 November 1988. Then the US and EU countries (which, in their own eyes, constitute the "international community", to the exclusion of most of mankind) were conspicuously absent as over 100 countries recognised the new State of Palestine, and their non-recognition made this declaration of independence "symbolic", unfortunately for most Palestinians as well.
Russia could use force in Kosovo
Russia's ambassador to Nato, Dmitry Rogozin, has warned that Russia could use military force if the Kosovo independence dispute escalates.
"If the EU develops a unified position or if Nato exceeds its mandate set by the UN, then these organisations will be in conflict with the UN," he said.
In that case Russia would "proceed on the basis that in order to be respected we need to use brute force", he said.
Anyone who couldn't imagine that the declaration of Kosovo's independence wouldn't possibly come to this is both not terribly bright, and also unencumbered with any appreciation of the history of this region.(MR)
This includes the policy wonks wonks at the EU and NATO and the US (who should absolutely have known better, but obviously didn't).
Violence reignites as Kosovan Serbs protest at secession
Here is a quick question. The US supports Kosovo breaking off from Serbia and forming a new nation. Why doesn't the Us support Palestine breaking off from Israel and forming a new nation? (MR)
Body Found at U.S. Embassy in Serbia Amid Riots Over Kosovo Independence
A charred body was found inside the U.S. embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, after rioters stormed the complex Thursday evening in protest of Kosovo's declaration of independence, sources in Belgrade told FOX News.
e mërkurë, shkurt 20, 2008
Should the world recognise an independent Kosovo?
European Union foreign ministers have failed to agree a joint position on Kosovo's declaration of independence. How does this affect Kosovo's new status following Sunday's secession?
Viewpoint: The EU's toughest operation
The Russians have branded the EU's police and justice mission to Kosovo illegal but Roy Reeve, the British diplomat who has been planning it, insists he has not encountered substantial opposition on the ground.
He tells the BBC News website of his hopes for the mission.
Kosovo stirs Balkan neighbours
Bosnian Serb protesters have thrown stones at Western consulates, in a further display of anger at Kosovo's declaration of independence.
Kosovo 'tool kit for separatists'
Kosovo's independence has provided a tool kit for secessionist movements in Europe and beyond, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has said.
'Kosovo's freedom is worth clash with Russia'
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
This is the kind of propaganda that gets put out (as completely nutty as it sounds) to make people believe that the US/EU/NATO-backed "independence" of Kosovo will have absolutely no geopolitical repercussions.
I doubt seriously that this alleged "senior Western official" has ever studied history; because those who do not understand the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.(MR)
Opening a Pandora's Box: Kosovo "Independence" and the Project for a "New Middle East"
Western public opinion has been misled. Unfolding events and realities on the ground in the former Yugoslavia have been carefully manipulated.
Germany and the U.S. have deep-seated geo-strategic interests in dividing Yugoslavia. Washington, D.C. and Berlin have also been the first governments to recognize the secessionist states, which resulted from the breakup of the Yugoslav federation.
A Postmodern Declaration
Parallels between Kosovo in 2008 and Bosnia in 1908 are relevant, but not only because, whatever legal trickery the west uses to override UN security council resolution 1244 – which kept Kosovo in Serbia – the proclamation of the new state will have incalculable long-term consequences: on secessionist movements from Belgium to the Black Sea via Bosnia, on relations with China and Russia, and on the international system as a whole. They are also relevant because the last thing the new state proclaimed in Pristina on Sunday will be is independent. Instead, what has now emerged south of the Ibar river is a postmodern state, an entity that may be sovereign in name but is a US-EU protectorate in practice.
Abbas: PNA to resort to Arab countries if talks with Israel fail/a> Abbas: PNA to resort to Arab countries if talks with Israel fail
Category: PALESTINE
Looks like Palestine is right on the verge of pulling a Kosovo.
But if this is the case, they had better have their ducks in a row in terms of regional and international support, which, of course, Israel will condemn with every bit of firepower they have.
Nato troops called in as mobs torch checkpoints on Kosovan border
The protesters tipped over metal sheds that housed Customs services, sending them sliding down the hillside, before setting fire to the remaining buildings. A local policeman at the scene reported: “We couldn’t do anything, we just moved away as there were only a few of us compared with the group of very angry Serbs.”
We haven't seen anything yet, in terms of the ramifications of Kosovo having declared its independence.(MR)
After Kosovo, who's next?
Canada stayed on the fence yesterday as the United States led Western recognition of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia, and Russia opposed it.
Canada should recognize Kosovo: Duceppe
MONTREAL -- Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe says recognition of the breakaway state of Kosovo as an independent country would not change the standing Canadian rules for Quebec separation.
Recognize Kosovo
Kosovo's rupture with Serbia was sealed the day Slobodan Milosevic despatched troops to crush the rebellious province in 1999 during the Balkan wars. Some 10,000 Kosovars died. The United States, Canada and European allies bombed Serbia to force an end to the ethnic cleansing, and the United Nations made Kosovo a protectorate.
Canada tips its hand with silence on Kosovo
OTTAWA -- Kosovo has split the nations of the world into two clubs: those who fear their own disintegration and those who do not. The Canadian government has signalled through silence that secession, even in the Balkans, is still too close to home.
Serbian ambassador says Kosovo is dangerous precedent for separatist movements
Serbia's ambassador to Canada says recognizing Kosovo as an independent country is a "worldwide dangerous precedent" and he's hoping Ottawa doesn't follow the lead of other world powers which have quickly embraced the separation of the territory.
This dependent independence is the least worst solution for Kosovo
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands that have connected them with another ... they will do so only solemnly swearing to respect in every particular the conditions of the EU, the OSCE, Nato, the International criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and the comprehensive proposal of the UN special envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, "including through priority adaptation of the legislation included in its annex XII". The American colonies in 1776 and Europe's colony in 2008: compare and contrast.
Kosovo border secured as Serbs turn up heat
Nato troops and UN police moved to secure Kosovo's northern borders yesterday as ethnic Serbs mounted more demonstrations to assert Serbian control of the northern portion of the country.
Serbia to hold rally to vent anger over Kosovo
Serbia plans to stage a mass protest rally in Belgrade on Thursday against Kosovo's declaration of independence, underlining Serb anger at the loss of their religious heartland.
e martë, shkurt 19, 2008
US warns Russia not to encourage Georgian separatists
Apparently, according to US foreign policy, sauce for the goose (i.e., Kosovo) is not sauce for the gander! (MR)
Separatist fears stoke opposition to Kosovo move
The list of countries refusing to recognise Kosovo's sovereignty reads like a global A-Z of separatist strife. Spain, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka and China all oppose Sunday's unilateral move by Kosovo to declare independence.
An even longer list of states in Europe and the Balkans are decidedly underwhelmed about acting as midwife to a new state in a region with a history of instability and conflict since the bloody breakup of the former Yugoslavia in 1991.
World split on Kosovo issue
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
The Raw Story | Serbs attack Kosovo border points as tensions mount
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the United States that Kosovo's independence was "dangerous" for the world but US President George W. Bush insisted the move would bring peace.
Putin has more than a little grasp of history; Bush has absolutely no understanding of history.
And those who do not understand the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.
Decleration of the Annexation of Kosova
BBC-CNN:
New York City- Feb 18. 2008:
In an interview today with the BBC in New York City our correspondent Mark Mardell conducted a short interview with Afrim Begi of the U.S. speaking about the independence of Kosovo and the recognition his country made today supporting the new Republic of Kosova.
BBC-Mark Mardell: Afrimbegi, Kosova has declared independence and today the U.S. has recognized it, what is your take on that?
Afrimbegi: "Well, some of my AUK patriots and brothers and sisters back in Kosova may feel I'm wrong by saying this... (kqyr bre Afrimin po e perdor Communicating in Business method te Kathy to make a buffer here hehe) I was dissapointed with the independence declaration of Kosova.." I wanted the "Motherland" to be the 51st state of America but we'll see what happens."
BBC: Afrimbegi, you advocate something very surprising as far as Kosova is concerned and many have nicknamed your plan as the "Afrimsarri Plan for KS" what is your response to that?
Afrimbegi: Well (ngom diqka) I've nicknamed it the "Afrim-sorry no independence plan for KS. We should make Kosova ours as an American state! Why should we let the E.U. control the new Republic of Kosova? I just feel that instead of the new EULEX team to rule Kosova we should have the "U.S.A ALL THE WAY" team from the U.S. rule Kosova.
BBC: Afrimbegi, you've written articles in the past about joining Kosova to the U.S. and have recently written the "Declaration of Annexation of Kosova to the U.S." however, there has been opposition in Prishtina (although in PR CIA operatives from Granit Hasani to Granit Jakupi have supported you on this), Mitrovica, Bukuviku and even from your Dukagjini roots back in Kosova still show opposition, how do you feel about that?
Afrimbegi: Valla spo ma ndin bash hiq more BBC ndash me dit...
BBC: Excuse me?
Afrimbegi: haha let me chillax-relax a little bit...No i'm kidding, but no look-shiko, I know all of my fellow patriots back in Kosova want to be independent and all but I advocate and support a different view and think that the U.S. can bring a faster degree of Prosperity to Kosova than the E.U. can.
BBC: But Afrimbegu don't you feel that America is too far from Kosova? I also want to discuss a little bit your interesting take on changing the city names of Kosova and the regions within it. Can you elaborate on this?
Afrimbegi Po more of course edhe shpejt bile... listen America is already there in Kosova with a huge military base and should annex the new Reublic of Kosova and bring economic prosperity to the people there. As far as the name changes I thought up for cities in Kosova, they are listed below as follows from my least favorite to my favorite:
Prishtine: "New Rio E BUKUR E Di Kosova"
Mitrovica: "New Metro-Dardania"
Besiana: "New Besian Boston" eventhough my Minister of Cool Yll Latifi demanded I name this city New London...
Gjilan: "New Jaran" although I know a certain Dhurata that would name this New Milano... but no we didn't decide on that...at least from the last time I checked...
Ferizaj: "Nue (new) Feri"
Prizren: "Old Prize" of Kosova
Gjakova: "New Gjak"
Deqan: " Ramush City"
STRELLC: "WOOOO HOOOOOO katun hahaha" wow even in America Strellc would still be a katun! qka me bo?
*mayor here for Strellc will be A guEST from Tirana to rule the breakway Afrimian Strellc seeking to join Albania!
And last but certainly not least...
Peja: New Honolulu-Hawaii ----
BBC: Afrimbegu, will you do everything it takes to make Kosova the 51st U.S. state?
Afrimbegi: You betchya your ass BCC that I will do whatever it takes because I love Kosova like a fat loves cake... we need to improve Kosova...
BBC: Afrimbegu, ti definitivisht sje normal, you are not normal!!! What is is your message to your fellow Albanian patriots!?
Afrimbegi: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, I JUST FIGURE I GIVE YOU ALL SOMETHING FUNNY TO READ AND ENJOY DURING THIS HAPPY MOMENT FOR ALL ALBANIANS.... KALOFSHI SHUME BUKUR.....
TUNGJATJETA------Afrimbegi---------------
Full text: Kosovo declaration
Here is the text of Kosovo's declaration of independence, signed in parliament by Speaker Jakup Krasniqi, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and President Fatmir Sejdiu:
Convened in an extraordinary meeting on February 17, 2008, in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo,
Answering the call of the people to build a society that honours human dignity and affirms the pride and purpose of its citizens,
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci (right) and MPs applaud during parliament session (17/02/08)
Kosovo's parliament unanimously approved the historic declaration
Committed to confront the painful legacy of the recent past in a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness,
Dedicated to protecting, promoting and honouring the diversity of our people,
Reaffirming our wish to become fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic family of democracies,
Observing that Kosovo is a special case arising from Yugoslavia's non-consensual breakup and is not a precedent for any other situation,
Recalling the years of strife and violence in Kosovo, that disturbed the conscience of all civilized people,
Grateful that in 1999 the world intervened, thereby removing Belgrade's governance over Kosovo and placing Kosovo under United Nations interim administration,
Proud that Kosovo has since developed functional, multiethnic institutions of democracy that express freely the will of our citizens,
Recalling the years of internationally sponsored negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina over the question of our future political status,
Regretting that no mutually acceptable status outcome was possible, in spite of the good-faith engagement of our leaders,
Confirming that the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari provide Kosovo with a comprehensive framework for its future development and are in line with the highest European standards of human rights and good governance,
Determined to see our status resolved in order to give our people clarity about their future, move beyond the conflicts of the past and realize the full democratic potential of our society,
Honouring all the men and women who made great sacrifices to build a better future for Kosovo,
We, the democratically elected leaders of our people, hereby declare Kosovo to be an independent and sovereign state. This declaration reflects the will of our people and it is in full accordance with the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and his Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement.
We declare Kosovo to be a democratic, secular and multiethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law. We shall protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo and create the conditions necessary for their effective participation in political and decision-making processes.
We accept fully the obligations for Kosovo contained in the Ahtisaari Plan, and welcome the framework it proposes to guide Kosovo in the years ahead. We shall implement in full those obligations including through priority adoption of the legislation included in its Annex XII, particularly those that protect and promote the rights of communities and their members.
We shall adopt as soon as possible a Constitution that enshrines our commitment to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all our citizens, particularly as defined by the European Convention on Human Rights. The Constitution shall incorporate all relevant principles of the Ahtisaari Plan and be adopted through a democratic and deliberative process.
We welcome the international community's continued support of our democratic development through international presences established in Kosovo on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999). We invite and welcome an international civilian presence to supervise our implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan, and a European Union-led rule of law mission. We also invite and welcome the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to retain the leadership role of the international military presence in Kosovo and to implement responsibilities assigned to it under UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Ahtisaari Plan, until such time as Kosovo institutions are capable of assuming these responsibilities. We shall cooperate fully with these presences to ensure Kosovo's future peace, prosperity and stability.
6. For reasons of culture, geography and history, we believe our future lies with the European family. We therefore declare our intention to take all steps necessary to facilitate full membership in the European Union as soon as feasible and implement the reforms required for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
7. We express our deep gratitude to the United Nations for the work it has done to help us recover and rebuild from war and build institutions of democracy. We are committed to working constructively with the United Nations as it continues its work in the period ahead.
8. With independence comes the duty of responsible membership in the international community. We accept fully this duty and shall abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, other acts of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the international legal obligations and principles of international comity that mark the relations among states. Kosovo shall have its international borders as set forth in Annex VIII of the Ahtisaari Plan, and shall fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all our neighbours. Kosovo shall also refrain from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.
9. We hereby undertake the international obligations of Kosovo, including those concluded on our behalf by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and treaty and other obligations of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to which we are bound as a former constituent part, including the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations. We shall cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We intend to seek membership in international organizations, in which Kosovo shall seek to contribute to the pursuit of international peace and stability.
10. Kosovo declares its commitment to peace and stability in our region of southeast Europe. Our independence brings to an end the process of Yugoslavia's violent dissolution. While this process has been a painful one, we shall work tirelessly to contribute to a reconciliation that would allow southeast Europe to move beyond the conflicts of our past and forge new links of regional cooperation. We shall therefore work together with our neighbours to advance a common European future.
11. We express, in particular, our desire to establish good relations with all our neighbours, including the Republic of Serbia with whom we have deep historical, commercial and social ties that we seek to develop further in the near future. We shall continue our efforts to contribute to relations of friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Serbia, while promoting reconciliation among our people.
12. We hereby affirm, clearly, specifically, and irrevocably, that Kosovo shall be legally bound to comply with the provisions contained in this Declaration, including, especially, the obligations for it under the Ahtisaari Plan. In all of these matters, we shall act consistent with principles of international law and resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, including resolution 1244 (1999). We declare publicly that all states are entitled to rely upon this declaration, and appeal to them to extend to us their support and friendship.
FACTBOX-Where do countries stand on Kosovo?
The United States and Europe's leading powers said on Monday they were recognising the independence of Kosovo, a day after the majority Albanian territory seceded from Serbia.
U.N. police quit destroyed Kosovo border post
U.N. police pulled out from a Kosovo border post that was destroyed on Tuesday by Serbs who vowed never to submit to the authority of Kosovo's Albanian government and its Western backers.
NATO Peacekeepers Intervene as Serbs Protest in Northern Kosovo
NATO peacekeepers in northern Kosovo have intervened as Serbs, protesting the declaration of independence by the area's ethnic Albanian lawmakers, burned down two border posts on the frontier with Serbia.
Russia warns U.S. of dangers of Kosovo independence
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned his U.S. counterpart Condoleezza Rice that Kosovo's declaration of independence endangers international stability, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Serbs protest Kosovo's independence move
Checkpoints torched, sporadic explosions as new nation draws recognition
Serb mob destroys two checkpoints on Kosovo-Serbia border
Gangs of angry Serbs destroyed two checkpoints on the Kosovo-Serbia border in arson attacks today, prompting NATO forces to intervene for the first time since Kosovo declared independence.
Bush Backs Kosovo Independence
President Bush says he is backing independence for Kosovo because he believes it will bring peace to the Balkans. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports Russia and Serbia say Kosovo's unilateral declaration sets a dangerous precedent for separatist movements, worldwide.
More countries give mixed responses to Kosovo's declaration of independence
More countries gave mixed responses on Tuesday to Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence on Sunday.
e hënë, shkurt 18, 2008
Kosovo Declares Independence From Serbia
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Revelers fired guns, waved red-and-black Albanian flags and set off fireworks over Kosovo Sunday after parliament proclaimed independence in defiance of Serbia and Russia, which condemned the declaration of the world's newest nation.
e shtunë, shkurt 16, 2008
Kosovo Independence: "End of Europe"
"Kosovo resembles Bosnia in the period 1878 - 1914. In 1878, the Treaty of Berlin put Bosnia under provisional Austrian administration while stipulating that it remained part of the Ottoman empire. In 1908, Austria violated the terms of the Treaty and annexed the territory directly. Serbia protested, but in vain. Ten years later the Archduke Franz-Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serb patriot in Sarajevo. The rest, as they say, is history." - John Laughland, author.
Russia overshadows Kosovo independence bid
With the United States entrenched as Kosovo's most powerful friend, Russia said yesterday that the new state's split from Serbia would force it to reconsider its own position on territorial disputes.
As a first step, Russia's foreign ministry announced it would review its relations with two breakaway regions of neighbouring Western-backed Georgia.
Government ready to support independent Kosovo: government
LONDON (AFP) — Britain is ready to support an independent Kosovo and provide military back-up if required, the government said Saturday as the majority ethnic-Albanian province prepared to secede from Serbia.
Serbia's president prepares for loss of Kosovo
The pro-western Boris Tadic was sworn in for a second term as Serbia's president yesterday, and immediately began preparing his people for the impact of Kosovo's likely declaration of independence tomorrow.
Albanian triumph and Serb anger as Kosovo secedes
PRISTINA - Kosovo Albanians will proclaim independence from Serbia on Sunday, ending a long chapter in the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia.
e premte, shkurt 15, 2008
Lajmërohet konferencë donatorësh për Kosovën
Bashkimi Evropian dhe Banka Botërore planifikojnë të mbajnë konferencë ndërkombëtare të donatorëve për Kosovën, njoftoi Komisioni Evropian.
"Mund të konfirmojë se Komisioni Evropian së bashku me Bankën Botërore po përgatisin konferencën e donatorëve, më së largu në qershor", tha zëdhënësja e Komisionit Evropian, Kristina Nagy.
Kosovo edges closer to historic declaration of independence
The red Albanian flags with their two-headed eagles are fluttering across Kosovo as the Serbian province edges closer to a historic declaration of independence, which is expected tomorrow.
US Wants 'Final Conclusion' to Kosovo Status
The United States said Friday it wants to see an early end to deliberations over Kosovo's final status. The Bush administration is widely expected to join European allies in recognizing an independence move by Kosovo, which reportedly could come on Sunday. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.
Ripple effect warning of Kosovo independence
After nine years of UN administration, nine years of uncertainty and fruitless negotiations, Kosovo is poised go its own way with a unilateral declaration of independence. But, in the international arena at least, the debate is not over with heated discussion on the possible ramifactions of the breakaway.
Independent Kosovo? Why not Vermont?
Sean Connery thinks a Scottish nation is a bonnie notion. How about Spain's Basque country becoming a REAL country? And what's wrong with a People's Republic of Vermont?
Kosovo Serbs to form own parly
Kosovska Mitrovica - Serb leaders in Kosovo, who reject independence, said on Friday they have decided to accept a proposal by Belgrade to form their own parliament.
EU Prepares for Kosovo Independence Despite Divisions
The EU is working to reach agreement to help ease the transition to Kosovo's independence despite continuing divisions among member states over recognizing the breakaway Serbian province.
Kosovo's difficult road ahead
Giant red signs outside a local hotel in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo province, reflect the prevailing mood among the ethnic Albanian majority.
"Welcome to the newborn country," they read in bold, black letters.
Q&A: Kosovo's future
Kosovo is poised to declare independence in the next few days.
Many countries are likely to recognise an independent Kosovo but Serbia has already rejected it out of hand.
What will happen next?
Kosovo vow as independence looms
Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has vowed to protect the rights of all minorities as the province prepares to declare independence from Serbia.
Kosovar PM: Our independent nation will not be Islamic
"I love Israel," said Thaci in December 2007 to a JTA reporter.
Nationalism and State Creation: The Kosovar Case
Islamonline.net posted this from NewKosovareport.com, nkr is growing !
e enjte, shkurt 14, 2008
5 shot dead, including gunman, at Northern Illinois University
# NEW: Illinois governor declares state of emergency after shooting
# 18 people shot, 5 are dead, including gunman, police say
# Gunman "just kicked the door open, just started shooting," witness says
# At least six in critical condition; two admitted; three others discharged
CNN: Romney to Endorse McCain for GOP Nomination
Former Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney plans to announce Thursday that he is backing Sen. John McCain in his bid for the Oval Office, two sources familiar with the decision said.
John McCain armed Kosovo Islamic terrorists
"He did everything that we asked of him, including arming the KLA", said Albanian lobbyist Joe DioGuardi. The Albanians collected one million dollars for the presidential campaign of this senator.
EULEX të shtunën mbërrinë në Kosovë?
1800 pjesëtarët e misionit të Bashkimit Evropian pritet të vendosen në Kosovë, në mëngjesin e së shtunës më 16 shkurt. Kështu shkruan E-Observer duke bërë të ditur se tashmë është miratuar plani operacinal. Në kuadër të misionit të BE-së, do të vijnë policë, prokurorë dhe gjykatës.
Kosovo PM Rebukes Energy Utility
Thaci has lashed out against the management of the local energy utility, blaming it for shortages of power and demanding greater accountability.
Kostunica tells Serbia Kosovo can't be held
BELGRADE - Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica went on national television on Thursday to tell Serbia to brace for the imminent secession of Kosovo province, which their government would never accept.
Serbian minister urges Security Council to oppose Kosovo independence
Serbia's foreign minister urged the U.N. Security Council Thursday to oppose Kosovo's expected declaration of independence and called on the secretary-general to order that any proclamation be declared null and void.
Serbia threatens sanctions over Kosovo
Serbia bluntly told the UN Security Council that it will undertake diplomatic, political and economic measures against Kosovo if the province were to declare independence.
Serbia, Russia make UN stand before Kosovo independence
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — Serbia and Russia urged the UN Security Council Thursday to oppose Kosovo's planned unilateral declaration of independence from Belgrade, a move they view as "null and void" and a violation of international law.
Bosnia Serbs play up secession threats over Kosovo
Bosnian Serb nationalists stepped up threats on Thursday to secede from Bosnia if Kosovo declares independence from Serbia on Sunday.
FACTBOX: Main challenges for Kosovo's nascent economy
Serbia's breakaway Kosovo province is preparing to declare independence this weekend after eight years under United Nations stewardship. Here is a look at the main economic challenges facing the new state.
Putin warns the West on missile plans and Kosovo on independence
Putin spoke on a wide range of issues. On Kosovo he said: "We feel the unilateral independence of Kosovo is both immoral and illegal. We have a plan and if and when it occurs we know what we will do."
FACTBOX: Breakaway regions look to Kosovo precedent
Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica went on national television on Thursday to brace Serbia for the imminent secession of its historic Kosovo province, which he said Serbs would never accept.
Why Kosovo's independence bid is unique
As Kosovo prepares to be Europe's newest state on Sunday – supported by the United States and most of Europe – it is doing so without United Nations Security Council approval, the guarantor of legality among nations.
e mërkurë, shkurt 13, 2008
Some predict Kosovo's split 'will be a problem'
LONDON — A decade ago, Kosovo may have been the biggest foreign policy problem facing the United States. Tensions in the troubled Balkan region are about to flare up again.
CIA aided Kosovo guerrilla army
AMERICAN intelligence agents have admitted they helped to train the Kosovo Liberation Army before Nato's bombing of Yugoslavia.
Serbs block roads in north Kosovo
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
Serbia braced for Kosovo loss Russia can't prevent
Serbia braced itself on Wednesday for the loss of Kosovo province, with its ally Russia apparently resigned to the territory's independence proclamation.
New Kosovo faces long fight to rein in Serb north
Partition is the reality on the ground, regardless of its rejection by Western powers who stand ready to recognise Kosovo
Russian FM: UN Security Council to meet on Kosovo on Thursday
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that U.N. Security Council members would meet to discuss the status of Kosovo on Thursday.
Lavrov: Russia not to punish EU for recognizing Kosovo
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said here on Wednesday that Russia was not planning to take any punitive measures against the European Union if the 27-nation bloc recognized a unilateral declaration of independence for Kosovo.
Russia has no plan for Kosovo sanctions: foreign minister
LJUBLJANA (AFP) — Russia does not plan any punitive measures if Kosovo unilaterally declares independence from Serbia but is demanding an emergency UN Security Council meeting on the province, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
Balkans: Kosovo And Serbia Enter A New Era
The government of Kosovo is widely expected to declare independence shortly on the basis of a UN-sponsored plan, with the backing of the United States and most of the EU. Serbia's election for a largely ceremonial presidency is now behind it, but the country is moving into a period of political uncertainty. It is Serbia, rather than Kosovo, that merits particularly close watching.
Russian officials indirectly warn Austria about Kosovo
Russian EU Ambassador Vladimir Chishov has warned Austrian journalists in Brussels that Austrian participation in EU recognition of the independence of Serb province Kosovo could have a negative impact on Austrian-Russian relations.
EU confident of peaceful Kosovo birth
Kosovo’s anticipated declaration of independence this weekend is not expected to lead to widespread violence or an exodus of Serbs from the province, say senior European Union officials.
Belgrade refuses to recognise Kosovo's statehood claim
The Serbian government today urged Serbs living in Kosovo to stay put as it vowed not to recognise any declaration of independence by its breakaway province.
Rice says US hopes Serbia will accept resolution of Kosovo status and move forward
WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the U.S. hopes Serbians will accept a resolution of Kosovo's status and move forward.
Jeremić travels to New York
Though no UN SC session has been called, Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić has traveled to New York to oppose Kosovo independence.
E VERTETA4_U: Ah last ditch effort serbia is puting out all the stops now. Can Kosovo hold on ?
Roger Cohen: Here comes Kosovo
Europe will get a new state, Kosovo, on Sunday and the long, bloody unraveling of Yugoslavia will be concluded 17 years after the first war of its dissolution broke out in Slovenia. That is cause for celebration.
e martë, shkurt 12, 2008
Serbs bitter over U.S. Kosovo policy
STOP it at 1:07 SOUNDBITE: Albatros Rexhaj, playwright ( good friend of mine )
Welcome to Albanian World!
Albanian World is a TV show produced and hosted by Mr. Arben Kamberi. It is an informative, cultural and musical program that airs weekly on WCCA Channel 13 - the Public Access TV of Worcester, Massachusetts in the U.S.
Kosovo independence sparks fears of 'domino effect' in Europe
(MADRID) - Kosovo's imminent declaration of independence from Serbia has sparked fears of a "domino effect" in other parts of Europe, from the Basque Country to Flanders and to Scotland.
Serbian president calls for unity in face of Kosovo independence
Serbian President Boris Tadic Tuesday called on political leaders and officials in the country to take united and responsible action as the country moves ever closer toward Kosovo independence.
the daily whatreallyhappened radio show
Tuesday's show: Rodney Stich on defrauding America on the whatreallyhappened radio show !
Thaçi calls for auditing of three major public companies in Kosovo
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi has called on the justice institutions to start deep auditing of three public companies: power company KEK, telecom PTK, and the Prishtina Airport.
Baby held in locked room at airport dies
Category: DICTATORSHIP
Can Kosovo survive on its own?
Once again, leaders in Kosovo are planning to declare independence -- and this time, the announcement could come as early as this Sunday.
Serbia makes fresh Kosovo threat
Serbia intends to pronounce any declaration of independence by Kosovo annulled even before any declaration has been made, its PM has said.
Ron Paul Calls For March On Washington DC
Congressman Ron Paul has called on his supporters to organize a march on Washington DC, admitting that such a move would be "risky" but impossible for the media to ignore and could have a big impact on the eve of the Republican convention.
Ron Paul: Going the Distance
Now,m after you watch the video, take a look at the YouTube numbers. 3936 ratings, 3173 comments, favorited 1639 times, yet only 213 views?????????
Serbia, Russia bid to stave off Kosovo independence
The moment Kosovo does declare its independence, things here are going to get very ugly, to the point of military confrontation.
"Serbia would win legal action over Kosovo"
BELGRADE -- Serbia has an excellent chance of winning a case against states recognizing Kosovo independence, says Thomas Fleiner.
Albania: No Delay on Kosovo
Tirana _ Albania’s Foreign Minister has said there should be no further delays to Kosovo’s independence, saying any postponement would be detrimental to regional stability.
ANALYSIS-Russia ready for re-match over Kosovo
SLATINA, Serbia, Feb 12 (Reuters) - When the Russians tangled with the West over Kosovo nine years ago, they bit off more than they could chew and eventually backed down.
A far more confident Russia now is poised for a re-match on behalf of its Serb ally, after Kosovo Albanians declare the province independent of Serbia on Sunday.
Russia Warns West on Kosovo Independence
Russia warned the West on Tuesday against recognizing a unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo, saying it could set off a chain reaction of secessionist movements in Europe and around the world.
Could an Independent Kosovo Sustain Itself Economically?
Would an independent Kosovo be able to survive on its own? The World Bank hopes the country would be able to support itself through its coal deposits. Some economists are not convinced it will be that easy.
Serbia will declare unilateral independence Kosovo invalid
Serbia would declare as invalid a unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo as Belgrade considered such a move illegal, Associated Press (AP) quoted a statement issued after a meeting between Serbian president Boris Tadic and prime minister Vojislav Kostunica
e hënë, shkurt 11, 2008
EU prepares for Kosovo independence
-- A European Union official said Monday it is "likely" the union will authorize a "security and justice" force for Kosovo this week, ahead of an expected declaration of independence by the state's newly elected leader.
OSCE may stay in Kosovo with narrower mandate
Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva said on Monday he was optimistic Europe's main election watchdog will be able to stay in Kosovo, perhaps with a narrower mandate, if the region declares independence.
EU to launch Kosovo mission before independence
The European Union is set to complete authorization of a big supervisory mission in Kosovo this week, just before the territory is expected to declare independence from Serbia, diplomats and EU officials said.
Yugoslav time capsule
Feb. 11 - As Kosovo prepares to declare independence, a psychiatric hospital in the province maintains the same ethnic mix that was Yugoslavia.
Stimlje mental institution is the only institution in Kosovo where Serbian is the first language, ahead of Albanian.
Stuart McDill reports.
John McCain Is He Even Eligible To Be President?
“No person except a natural born citizen,
shall be eligible to the office of President”
John McCain was born August 29, 1936 in Panama
Serbia braces for Kosovo independence
However this comes down in the next couple of weeks, the potential for a truly ugly military confrontation between Russia, the UN, and NATO is very possible here.
Let's hope that cool heads prevail; but given the historical geopolitical instability of the whole region (coupled with its vast mineral wealth), we could be in for some nastiness once Kosovo declares its independence.
Russia warns as Kosovo independence looms
Kosovo is expected to declare independence from Serbia next Sunday, but a top Russian official warned that Europe could open a "Pandora's box" if it recognized the move over Belgrade's objections.
Russia Sees `Hell of a Problem' in Kosovo Statehood
Russia warned that statehood for the breakaway Serbian province of Kosovo would unleash separatist movements elsewhere, pouring fuel on ethnic conflicts around the world.
e diel, shkurt 10, 2008
British general holds key to Kosovo's future
A British general given the key task of preventing bloodshed in Kosovo has warned of the "high stakes" involved as the province prepares to declare independence from Serbia this week.
e shtunë, shkurt 09, 2008
Kosovo to proclaim independence on Feb. 17
The Kosovo parliament will adopt a statement of intent to proclaim independence on Feb. 17, just ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers, and the proclamation will take effect in early March, local media reported on Saturday.
The Kosovo tug-of-war
With Kosovo on the verge of declaring independence from Serbia, ending years of political limbo, Mark Tran looks at the likely impact of the move
Kosovo awaits nod on independence
Kosovo’s leaders are ready to declare independence on February 17 but are awaiting the final go-ahead from Brussels and Washington to make the historic parliamentary vote that Sunday afternoon, officials in Pristina, the provisional capital, say.
Let's Avoid Another Kosovo Crisis
Small events in the Balkans have a way of getting out of hand, as Emperor Franz Joseph might once have remarked.
e premte, shkurt 08, 2008
US and Nato condemned by Putin
Category: RUSSIA
Kosovo to declare independence on Feb 17, says Serbia
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
And, how are the US, NATO, and the EU prepared to respond militarily if Kosovo does this on the 17th, and Serbia and Russia attack Kosovo to prevent this from happening? (MR)
Could Ron Paul become the “Cinderella Man”?
With Mitt Romney dropping out of the Presidential race and Mike Huckabee likely to join him very soon, the mainstream media will soon be faced with a situation they never thought possible (and tried their best to avoid), a head-to-head between John McCain and the “people´s champion” Ron Paul!
Dodik Backs Kosovo's Partition
Banja Luka _ The prime minister of the Bosnian Serb entity has said that although Bosnia’s Serbs remain opposed to Kosovo’s independence, partitioning the UN-administered territory could be a viable option.
Kosovo Leaders Discuss Security
Pristina _ Kosovo’s president and its top UN official have said they are coordinating security measures, as the UN-administered territory prepares to declare its independence from Serbia.
Kosovo Recognition by "100 States"
Pristina _ Over 100 countries have confirmed they plan to recognize Kosovo when it declares its independence from Serbia, according to the UN-administered territory’s Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci.
EU: Kosovo Independence "by Feb 17"
Brussels _ Kosovo’s independence from Serbia will be declared next weekend, most probably on Sunday, February 17, Balkan Insight can reveal.
Kosovo set to declare independence February 17
Serbian officials expected Kosovo to declare independence by February 17 2008, based on intelligence data, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported on February 8 2008.
With independence looming, Kosovo to pick a flag
The province, expected to declare statehood in coming days, is also drafting a constitution and will choose an anthem.
Kosovo may soon assert independence
Diplomats at the United Nations say the ethnic Albanian-majority Serbian province plans to unilaterally break away Feb. 17.
e enjte, shkurt 07, 2008
Romney Withdraws from White House Race
Mitt Romney today withdrew from the Republican presidential race today, effectively ceding the contest to frontrunner John McCain.
Ron Paul speech at CPAC 2/7/8 part 1 of 3
Dr. Paul speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
"Euros Accepted" signs pop up in New York City
In the latest example that the U.S. dollar just ain't what it used to be, some shops in New York City have begun accepting euros and other foreign currency as payment for merchandise.
Russia warns EU, NATO of "illegal" Kosovo moves
Russian ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov said the EU had no basis in international law to deploy a police and justice mission in the breakaway Serbian province, since that required a United Nations mandate.
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
And of course, there's the little "fact" about Kosovo that no one wants to acknowledge: Kosovo has the richest mineral resources in all of Europe west of Russia. The currently Serbian-owned Trepca mining complex is worth at least 5 billion dollars, which makes it an urgently wanted prize by the West. (MR)
Kosovo art show in Belgrade cancelled after attack
An exhibition of works by Kosovo Albanian artists in Belgrade was shut down on Thursday after a group of Serb nationalists protesting against Kosovo's independence aspirations attacked the gallery on opening night.
Kosovo readies independence celebrations
Kosovo Finance Minister Ahmet Shala has set aside one million euros (1.45 million dollars) for the celebrations, according to local newspapers.
Serbia needs more time, Slovenian officials say
BELGRADE -- Serbia needs more time to prepare for signing the political deal with the EU, says the Slovenian EU presidency.
Albania: Cash for Oil Company
Tirana _ Canadian-based Bankers Petroleum Ltd said on Wednesday it had completed a €40 million deal for the private placement of stock to finance oil exploration and asset purchase in Albania.
Kosovo Activist Kurti Released
Kurti, who is Vetevendosje’s leader, was rearrested last week for what police said was his “failure to turn up at his own trial,”, and was ordered to be detained for 30 days.
Several human rights campaigners criticised the move and said the proceedings against Kurti were “politically motivated”.
They also slammed the judiciary for imposing defence counsel on the accused, without his consent.
Serbia's PM blocks EU pact in protest over Kosovo declaration
Serbia's nationalist prime minister yesterday blocked the signing of a landmark pact between Belgrade and the EU in an attempt to delay the secession of Kosovo.
e mërkurë, shkurt 06, 2008
Iran Oil Bourse to deal blow to dollar
The long-awaited Iranian Oil Bourse, a place for trading oil, petrochemicals and gas in various non-dollar currencies, will soon open.
The Power of Israel in the United States
Petras explains the root of the Lobby's power lies in the high proportion of Jewish families who are among the wealthiest and most influential ones in the country. He cites Forbes magazine that reported 25 - 30% of the wealthiest families here are Jewish despite the small percentage of Jews in the population overall. They include billionaires with enormous influence, and along with all others comprising the Jewish Lobby, have created a "tyranny of Israel over the US" with consequences grave enough to threaten world peace and stability, the global economy, and the very future of democracy in this country.
Serbia deadlocked over EU, Kosovo mission
Serbia's pro-European President Boris Tadic and nationalist Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica clashed Wednesday over EU plans for Belgrade and its breakaway Kosovo province.
Albania and Kosovo will not unify- Albanian PM
Kosovo leaders will proclaim independence by the end of February 2008, Albanian prime minister Sali Berisha said.
Prosecutor Salustro, insults Kurti and all Kosovo lawyers (dailies)
By raising his voice and using strong language the court room during the trial of “Vetëvendosja” leader Albin Kurti, Italian Prosecutor Maurizzio Salustro has undermined his commitment to doing his job properly, dailies report.
“Kurti will wait for you in jail until you get ready. I hope you will keep your promise to show up to the session on Thursday. In case you don’t show up, expect the possible punishment, we will appoint the president of the Chamber of Lawyers of Kosovo, Ramë Gashi to protect Kurti,” Salustro told Kurti’s lawyer, Fetije Uka. Uka refused to handle Kurti’s case prior to his agreement, but after being ‘threatened’ by the Italian prosecutor Salustro, she accepted her assignment saying, “I will defend Albin Kurti regardless if he wants it or not,” according to dailies.
KEK’s director to be dismissed? (Express)
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi has received the “blessing” of UNMIK chief Joachim Rücker to dismiss the current director of KEK, Remzi Shahini. The decision, however, is expected to be reached after the constitution of the new KEK board, the paper says quoting sources in the government.
Bus stoned in Mitrovica (Zëri, Koha Ditore)
Papers report that unidentified persons have stoned a bus in the northern part of Mitrovica that was transporting residents from “Kodra e Minatorëve” in the north to the south part. Zëri quotes an unnamed person traveling in the bus saying that is it suspected the bus was attacked by Serbs. The incident - the third in four days according to Zëri - has been condemned by Mitrovica Mayor, Bajram Rexhepi.
OSCE Kosovo Chief's Future In Doubt
Pristina _ The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Tim Guldimann may be dismissed because of his differing views on Kosovo's independence, a Pristina daily reported Wednesday.
Albania Secures Japanese Loan
Tirana_ Albania will receive 11.1 billion yen (€73 million) in soft loans from Japan to construct sewage treatment facilities, the government announced Wednesday.
e martë, shkurt 05, 2008
Willie Nelson: Twin Towers Were Imploded On 9/11
Straight talking American icon Willie Nelson today told a national radio show that he thought the twin towers were imploded like condemned Las Vegas casino buildings, as the country music superstar forcefully voiced his doubts about the official 9/11 story.
Albania Seeks Japanese Investment
Tirana_ Half of Albania’s cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Sali Berisha, left for Japan on Tuesday, on a four-day visit to lure Japanese investment to their fast-growing but still poor country.
Serbia's Ruling Coalition In Crisis
Belgrade _ Serbia's ruling coalition edged closer to collapse on Tuesday after the European Union approved the deployment of a police and justice mission in Kosovo.
Report: Kosovo Independent on Feb 17
Pristina _ February 17 is being eyed as the date for Kosovo's declaration of independence, a Pristina daily claimed Tuesday.
Stay in Kosovo, prime minister urges Serbs
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, a former guerrilla fighter, made a rare visit to a Serb family on Tuesday to urge Serbs to stay on after the Albanian majority declares independence from Serbia.
Kosovo is ready
Independence is here. In close coordination with our U.S. and EU allies, my government and the Kosovo Parliament will declare it in days.
e hënë, shkurt 04, 2008
Kosovo secession linked to NATO expansion
The creation of Kosovo as an “independent” state would be a precedent for other schemes U.S. imperialism could take advantage of to break away areas of other sovereign nations, including China and Russia, applying the old “divide and conquer” strategy perfected by British imperialism.
Category: CURRENT EVENTS
"Those Ron Paul signs are everywhere"
E Verteta4_U: Just today I was at the police station taking care of a few things :) and on my way out I saw a bunch of Ron Paul signs in the trash. I took one and its now in front of my house !
Green light for EU Kosovo mission
An EU police and justice mission to Kosovo has been agreed by all 27 member states within 24 hours of Serbia's presidential election coming to an end.
EU Kosovo Mission Gets Preliminary Nod
European Union nations gave preliminary approval Monday to plans to send a 1,800-member mission to Kosovo to replace the current U.N. mission, diplomats said.
EU adopts Kosovo mission plan in urgent procedure
BRUSSELS -- The European Union adopted Monday a document to define its planned mission to Kosovo.
YouTube - Israel's WMD Facilities pt 1 of 5
A documentary about Israel's "secret" and illegal nuclear weapons program.
Serbia leader's narrow victory eases fears on fate of Kosovo
The European Union was quick to congratulate Mr Tadic.
The election outcome will alleviate fears in the West that Serbia will react violently to the expected declaration of independence from Kosovo.
Both Mr Tadic and Mr Nikolic oppose Kosovo's independence, but Mr Tadic has ruled out the use of force and would probably seek to preserve close ties with the EU and the US even if they recognise Kosovo statehood.
In Kosovo, Serbs vote in pivotal presidential election
The breakaway province is expected to declare independence from Serbia imminently.
e shtunë, shkurt 02, 2008
Serbs split over where their future lies
Last May, hours after ultra-nationalist Tomislav Nikolic was forced to resign as speaker of Serbia's parliament, tens of thousands of young people massed in Belgrade to welcome home Marija Serifovic, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Serbia's Western Path at Stake in Vote
An ally of late hardline President Slobodan Milosevic could return to power in Serbia's closely contested runoff election Sunday, ahead of a potentially explosive split by the province of Kosovo.
Serbia in crunch vote for president amid Kosovo tensions
BELGRADE (AFP) — Serbia goes to the polls Sunday in a closely fought presidential election runoff amid tensions ahead of a looming independence declaration by its Albanian-majority Kosovo province.
Russia sends bombers, fighters to Atlantic, Arctic
Category: RUSSIA
I'm not really certain, however, that anyone in Washinton or Brussells is listening.
Presidenti Sejdiu takon sot Papa Benediktin e 16-të
E Verteta4_U: feja e shiqptarit oshte shiqptarija !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
e premte, shkurt 01, 2008
Terry Jeffrey Defends Ron Paul over McCain
On MSNBC's Hardball, Terry Jeffrey mentions, and defends, Ron Paul against a McCain supporter.
Ron Paul interview post CNN debate
CNN's Melissa Long talks to Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul after the California CNN GOP debate.
Kosovo Activist's Trial Slammed
Pristina _ The trial and renewed detention of the Kosovar political activist, Albin Kurti, have been criticised by a Norwegian human rights watchdog.
EBRD Cash for Tirana Airport
Tirana _ The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD, said on Friday it was considering financing the extension a new terminal at Tirana’s Mother Teresa International Airport, TIA.
Macedonia, Albania to Scrap Visas
Skopje _ Macedonia and Albania have agreed to establish a visa-free regime, Macedonian government spokesman Ivica Bocevski told local media on Friday.
Pristina Hotel Backs Independence
Pristina _ A hotel in Pristina has offered a 20% discount to guests from countries that are ready to recognize Kosovo’s independence.
Exclusive: EU Calls its Kosovo Mission "EULEX"
Pristina _ The European Union’s forthcoming police and justice mission in Kosovo is to be called EULEX
Independence near for Kosovo?
One thought dominates all others in this provincial capital that dreams of independence: Almost nine years after the U.S. and NATO waged a bombing campaign on behalf of Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority, when will the province make the risky decision to pull free of Serbia?
Some EU states oppose Kosovo bid
Romania and Cyprus have warned that they will not recognise any unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.
Slovakia not ready to recognize independent Kosovo, FM says
Slovak Foreign Minister Jan Kubis said Friday his country was not ready to recognize Kosovo if the breakaway Serbian province declares independence.
Serbia says it will use 'all peaceful means' to keep Kosovo
BRATISLAVA (AFP) — Serbia will use all peaceful means to protect the country's territorial integrity if the province of Kosovo declares independence, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Friday.
E Verteta4_U: Mr. Jeremic what if Nikolic wins. Will he use peaceful means ? I dont think so !
EU Readies Mission for Independent Kosovo
Kosovo has promised to declare independence after the Serbian election
E Verteta4_U: I doubt this will happen.
East or West? Kosovo dominates Serbian elections
East or west? Brussels or Moscow? That is the question facing voters as Serbia's Presidential election campaign reaches its final moments.
