Russia issues warning to U.S. & EU over Kosovo independence

*BREAKING*

Looks like the first wave of retaliation has started...Someone grenaded the U.N. courthouse in Kosovo...

Blast rocks Serb-Controlled North Kosovo

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA, Kosovo - An explosion rocked a U.N. courthouse in the Serb-controlled north of Kosovo, causing slight damage but no injuries hours after majority ethnic Albanians proclaimed the province's independence.


Full story:
news.yahoo.com...;_ylt=AvR1WKljlHEIPGR2VUxoPyVvaA8F

[edit on 17-2-2008 by DimensionalDetective]

Sri Lanka is now lashing out against Kosovo...


Sri Lanka says Kosovo independence a threat to world peace

The Sri Lankan government, which is battling separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, reacted swiftly against Kosovo's independence, which it said was a violation of the United Nations charter.

"This action by Kosovo is a violation of the Charter of the United Nations, which enshrines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states," the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said in a statement.

It said Kosovo's action "could set an unmanageable precedent in the conduct of international relations, the established global order of sovereign states and could thus pose a grave threat to international peace and security."

Full story:

news.yahoo.com...;_ylt=Am6kLdzRVcq288.VwXoVSJtvaA8F

This is going from ugly to uglier...Hopefull it doesn't escalate into yet another full blown war for us to be tossed into:



Analysis: Kosovo strains U.S.-Russia ties

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) -- American flags flutter almost everywhere in Kosovo, a symbol of how - through successive Democratic and Republican administrations - the U.S. has long been a friend of this nation in the making.

But Washington's stalwart support of statehood in recent months in the face of fierce resistance from Russia has raised the stakes in its increasingly testy relations with a Kremlin increasingly eager to shore up its influence among its former Soviet vassal states.

By backing Kosovo's independence outside the U.N. Security Council, the U.S. and its European allies have taken a calculated risk. They are betting that the turbulent Balkans will not plunge into violence.

Full story:
hosted.ap.org...

With Kosova declaring itself independent of Serbia with the apparent backing of the USA and France, what is then to keep the Serbian Republic in Bosnia from declaring independence from Bosnia and then joining Serbia?

My point is that this action potentially opens up all sorts of disputes throughout the world. Will we then see the partition of Sri Lanka? The partition of the Republic of Georgia? Will the world declare Chechnya independent since everyone that might have done so has been killed by the Russians?

Will the Basques then finally have their independence from the Kingdom of Spain?

Regardless of whether or not it is recognised as the Serbian province of Kosovo or the independent Republic of Kosova, there will be hell to pay in the long run.

Serb Bishop calls for war. Riots are now going on in Belgrade.

www.newkosovareport.com...

Riots in Serbia!!!

In Belgrade and Novi Sad US and Slovene property under attack!

I was in peaceful demonstration in my town, I will upload in YouTube I saved with cell phone and commented in English. We protested in front of Albanian business objects and houses.

I hate B92 but this is only report in English I found:

At least 20 injured, Slovenian embassy ransacked
17 February 2008 | 18:37 -> 22:56 | Source: B92, Tanjug
BELGRADE -- At least 11 policemen and 9 civilians were injured as protesters demonstrated U.S. and EU Kosovo policy.

Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse rioters that attacked them after vandalizing a McDonald's restaurant in downtown Belgrade.

Earlier, the Slovenian embassy came under attack when a group of some 30 people broke a police cordon to smash the windows and ransack the building, tearing and burning the furniture inside and flags displayed on the balcony. Police then managed to contain the situation and push them back.

Previuosly, the protesters, several hundred strong, shortly stopped in front of the Serbian government headquarters, to proceed toward the U.S. embassy.

Police were out to secure the parameter, but although the organizers said the protest would be peaceful, cars were being demolished, while stones and lit flares were flying toward the embassy building and the officers themselves.

Two policemen were injured most likely when someone in the crowd threw stones at them, but then the clashes continued, and the doctors at the emergency center say the 11 injured officers figure is not final.

Nine rioters were also reported injured. They also attacked B92, Studio B, and RTS television crews.

MUP's riot police, but also elite Gendarmes, wearing crowd dispersal gear, pushed the protesters down the street, away from the embassy.

Afterwards the rioting spread, with groups of hooligans still demolishing cars, traffic signs and containers all over the capital.

www.b92.net...

Pictures are here:
www.b92.net...

reply to post by Vojvoda


As an American I will say that I'm sorry that my government is doing this to your country. I know what Kosovo means to Serbia. In terms of just the religious sites alone that this should have never been allowed to happen. Nato and the EU are wrong and Serbia should fight it anyway possible. Next thing you know the Mexicans will want Texas back.

This could all turn out very very embarrasing to the U.S. Once the Balkans erupt again, there is no one else to blame but the U.S. with the idiotic Kosovo independence. I don't think NATO or UN or EU should carry Kosovo on their shoulders - let U.S. suffer with this mess, and eventually leave. As much as I hope U.S. finally learns its lesson here, I am sure it won't. It will take something on the scale of 1983 Beirut barracks bombing to get the US/NATO to leave, and frankly if it happens they will deserve every bit of it - sad but true.

If US/NATO do leave, then Serbia will take back what rightfully belongs to it. Meanwhile Serbia and Russia should declare Kosovo government as criminals and terrorists, and issue an arrest warrant on Thaci.

And Albanians partying on the streets is just disgusting. A decade ago the bastards were sniping Serbian policemen and civilians with Al-Quida financed weapons. International justice is really farfetched.

reply to post by maloy


I really don't understand the Bush administration or NATO. We need the troops in other places and why must they insist on pissing Russia off. Thats the only reason for them doing this. If most Americans understood that we were protecting a bunch of Muslim terrorist with links to Aq then heads would roll.

Hi There,

Kosovian independence is a political plan to cause instability in the Balkans. It may be that the money-hungry war-mongerers are seeking to open up new areas of conflicts, new markets to bolster the arms trades.

I warned in a number of past postings that Kosovo was a potential flashpoint, and it has nothing to do with prophecies. It's just a matter of following the paths of least resistance to the plan of globalisation. Bush may yet get his 'undefined' emergency crisis to bring in martial law, and specific authoritarian measures. Everthing is interlocked into this global control and globalisation.

I personally do not see independence for Kosovo as leading to an increase of stability in the Balkan area, in fact, it will (as I have always thought and stated) lead to an increase in instability, with the potential to bring US and Russia into flashpoints. These events are very concerning indeed.

I beleive the house of card that is US/EU Imperialism is going to start to fall with this action. It will be their undoing.

Such a hypocritical illegal action on the part of the UN has been seen and witnessed around the world and many will heed the ramifications of such a move before they put forward their own responses.

This WILL be the start of the collapse of the EU, and the UN for everything that they say they stand for, they have just proven otherwise.

If the US wants to lead by example, then give Texas back to the Mexicans, theres enough of them now in the US, so whats going to stop them declaring independance, or for that matter, any other state of the US of A wanting to be independant?

The Wsetern powers have driven a huge wedge into the international community and Im afraid that this will end with war....not just a localised Serbia/Kosovo, but expanded throughout Europe.

It has the makings (almost) of how WW1 began, then Europe turned to crap!

This issue has split the opinions of the international community.

If the were so concerned by the couple thousand deaths in Kosovo last decade, why didnt they send in troops to stop the massacre in Sudna's Darfur region?

WTF?

Lead by example you Imperialist Bastards or shut the %$#@ up and stay at home!

www.liveleak.com...

Russia had to pay a Big price for supporting hezbollah with all those anti-tank rockets during hezbollah/lebanon war.

Some people here - in Slovenia - call this the beginning of the end of the European Union.

And I have to agree with them.

Kosovo Albanians already HAVE a native country.

Now Vojvodina will want their indepedance too?

And what about all the countries of former Soviet Union?

May I suggest that Ireland also declares indepedance from United Kingdom.

And I think some people in Belgium also want their own country.

Palestine could also have their own country, don't you think so?

And some North American Indians also.

Hey - let's have 1000+ more countries!

If THEY gave Kosovo indepedance - everybody will want one!



[edit on 18/2/08 by Souljah]

reply to post by Vojvoda


So what is your solution then? You guys don't seem to be able to get along, and, from what I can see, you never really met the definition of a unified country anyway. Of course, you could have become a unified and strong country if you had been able to put aside your ethnic differences and glorified abstract geographical claims and mythologies of great wars and massacres--all BS that only adds more fuel to the fires of race hatred. You and the Albanians are the SAME. Me and you are the same. We are humans.







[edit on 18-2-2008 by Silenceisall]

And the first state which recognized UDI of Kosovo is:

Afghanistan recognizes Kosovo's independence
AP - 1 hour 43 minutes ago

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan on Monday recognized Kosovo's independence, a top government official said.
ADVERTISEMENT

"We support the determination of the people and recognize Kosovo's independence," said Sultan Ahmad Baheen, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leadership announced on Sunday its independence from Serbia. On Monday, Kosovo's leaders sent letters to 192 countries seeking formal recognition of independence.
sg.news.yahoo.com...

Other states
In Asian Reaction to Kosovo Declaration, Fears of Secession

HONG KONG — China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka on Monday criticized Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia while Taiwan and Australia welcomed it, as Kosovo’s move appeared a litmus test of attitudes in Asia toward secession.

The Beijing government, which has threatened military action if Taiwan declares formal independence, voiced “grave concern” at Sunday’s action by the Kosovo Parliament in Pristina.

“China is deeply worried about its severe and negative impact on peace and stability of the Balkan region and the goal of establishing a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo,” said Liu Jianchao, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

----
I also read that New Zealand stated they will not recognize UDI of Kosovo.

Situation in EU

The European Union was split into two camps as Spain led a group of half a dozen member-states countries in saying it would not recognise the province’s declaration of independence.

“The government of Spain will not recognise the unilateral act proclaimed yesterday [on Sunday] by the assembly of Kosovo,” said Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spain’s foreign minister. “We will not recognise, because we consider this does not respect international law,” Mr Moratinos told reporters before a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

The Spanish statement was unusually explicit in exposing the disagreement between those EU countries, such as France, Germany and the UK, that contend there is a legal basis for Kosovo’s independence and others who reject that argument.
...
In refusing to recognise Kosovo, Spain shares a common position with other EU countries such as Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Slovakia.

However, about 20 of the EU’s 27 member-states are expected to recognise Kosovo in a rolling process led by France, Germany and the UK – the three countries that usually have most influence over EU foreign policy. The US, which has most forcefully advocated independence for Kosovo, will follow suit.

Some EU countries that are opposed to recognising Kosovo are concerned about the impact on national minorities within their own borders that are pushing for more autonomy, such as the Basques and Catalans in Spain and the Hungarians in Romania.

Most alarmed of all is the Greek Cypriot government of Cyprus, which fears recognition of Kosovo may bolster the cause of Turkish Cypriot separatists who proclaimed a breakaway state in the northern part of the island 25 years ago.
...
www.ft.com...


Serbian police press charges against Thaci, Sejdiu and Krasniqi

Belgrade, Feb 18, 2008 - The Serbian Ministry of Interior stated today that it has pressed criminal charges against Hasim Thaci, born on April 24, 1968 in Srbica, the Republic of Serbia, Fatmir Sejdiu, born on October 23, 1951 in Podujevo, the Republic of Serbia and Jakup Krasniqi, born on January 1, 1951 in Glogovac, the Republic of Serbia.

The statement by the Serbian police reads that on February 17 in Pristina, Thaci, Sejdiu and Krasniqi organised the proclamation of the phoney state of Kosovo on the territory of Serbia, and thus committed a serious crime against the constitutional order and the security of Serbia from Article 321, paragraph 1, in connection with the criminal act of violating the territorial integrity from Article 307, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law of the Republic of Serbia.

According to Article 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, the territory of the Republic of Serbia is integral and indivisible, and the border of the Republic of Serbia is inviolable and can be changed exclusively under the procedure prescribed for the change of the Constitution, it is added in the statement.


P.S.
There a joke in local Blic newspaper (Blic is Dutch owned newspaper in Serbia, one of the most popular):

1. Bush: America support independence of Kosovo! 2. Bush: Will they now finally give me back my watch?

If you want to read statement of my Government you got it . Thanks Euronews, CNN International, BBC World and Sky News which showed yesterday live Prime Minister's speech so the Europe and world could see another side .

Proclamation of phoney state on Serbia’s territory result of US policy of force

Belgrade, Feb 17, 2008 – Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica stressed that the unilateral declaration of the phoney state of Kosovo-Metohija today on Serbia’s territory is unprecedented lawlessness which is the result of a destructive, cruel and immoral US policy of force.

The Serbian government website gives the Prime Minister’s speech in full.

“Dear citizens of Serbia,

Today, on February 17, the phoney state of Kosovo has been declared on the part of Serbia’s territory that is under the military control of NATO. This unprecedented lawlessness is the result of a destructive, cruel and immoral policy of force implemented by the US. This act says to the whole world that America places force above the UN Charter and is ready to willingly, unscrupulously and violently jeopardise international order for the sake of its own military interests.

Placing violence above the principles of international law, the US used reckless force, humiliated and forced the EU to break the very principles that the EU is based on. America forced Europe to follow it in unprecedented violence demonstrated against Serbia. Europe has lowered its head today and that is why it will be responsible for the far-reaching consequences that this violence will have on European and world order. This act has above all humiliated the EU, not Serbia. Serbia refused to be humiliated, firmly respecting the law and refusing to obey force.

The unilateral proclamation of the phoney state under the patronage of the US and the EU represents the final act of a policy of force that started with aggression and the insane bombardment of Serbia and then continued with the arrival of NATO troops in Kosovo-Metohija. Never before has the truth been clearer than it is today, on February 17, as to why Serbia was savagely destroyed with NATO bombs. The real foundations of the phoney state of Kosovo are the bombs that NATO used to destroy Serbia. This is why the real truth needs to be told, that behind this phoney state lie the military interests of NATO, which is also confirmed in Annex 11 of Ahtisaari’s plan. Only in that way could this phoney state be created, and it will for ever remain phoney even if the Western countries sacrifice the entire world order and risk peace for its recognition.

The President of the US, who is responsible for this violence, and his European followers, will be noted in bold letters in Serbian history books, but also in the history of international law and world order that international law guarantees.

We well know how dangerous, cruel and reckless the policy of force implemented by the US is. Knowing that, Serbia has resolutely and once and for all annulled all decisions on the unilateral independence as well as all future acts pertaining to this illegal act. Serbia has also annulled the EU decision to illegally send its mission to the province, which was made as a result of Europe’s lack of power. By this decision, the Serbian government established the basis for a Serbian state and national programme for Kosovo-Metohija following February 17.

Citizens of Serbia, the phoney state of an independent Kosovo on Serbia’s territory does not and will never exist for Serbia. For Serbia, all Serbs and all citizens in the province who respect our state are Serbian citizens enjoying full rights. Therefore all the laws and institutions of the Republic of Serbia apply to them. As of today, we must show greater concern for and solidarity with our people in Kosovo-Metohija. All ministries have been directed to work and provide considerably better living conditions, help create new jobs and launch investments in the province. The state of Serbia will take the greatest possible care of each and every one of it’s citizens in Kosovo-Metohija. And our ministers are with their people in the province today.

We point out that since the arrival of NATO troops in Kosovo-Metohija, many Serbs have been killed and exiled, whereas numerous houses, ancient monasteries and churches have been burnt down. Since NATO came, too much evil and violence has been inflicted upon Serbs. That is why by no means should there be new innocent victims, new exiles and new destruction in Kosovo. There was too much violence against Serbs and those who took on the responsibility for security in the province must absolutely fulfil their obligations.

I wish to once again repeat that Serbia is an old state, that the Serbian nation is an old European nation. Through our centuries-long state-building history as a nation, we experienced the evils that foreign force can impose. But throughout our history, we became even more convinced in the power of law and justice and the values of freedom. Law, justice and freedom will guide us until we get the province of Kosovo-Metohija back to where it belongs, the constitutional order of Serbia. And while the policy of force thinks it has triumphed today by creating a phoney state, millions of Serbs are thinking already of the day of freedom that must come. No one has ever managed to prevent the Serbian people from freeing themselves. All that we cannot do today, newer and better generations than us will do tomorrow. Kosovo is Serbia and it must always be like that.

Citizens of Serbia, together we must show the whole world that we oppose the breaking up of our state and that we do not accept the violent creation of a phoney state on our territory. By opposing the policy of violence that is being imposed on Serbia, we must be united and raise our voices as a sign of support to our compatriots and citizens in Kosovo-Metohija. Together the government and parliamentary parties will organise peaceful protests across Serbia as well as the first big protest in Belgrade. During these protests, our dignity must be above the force we are fighting against. We shall leave force to the violators, who, by using it, have disgraced themselves for all time; we shall show the power of law and justice and we shall show how much we love and respect freedom and free Serbia along with our Kosovo-Metohija. As long as the Serbian people exist, Kosovo remains Serbia.”

www.srbija.sr.gov.yu...

[edit on 18-2-2008 by Vojvoda]

Originally posted by Sky watcher
As an American I will say that I'm sorry that my government is doing this to your country. I know what Kosovo means to Serbia. In terms of just the religious sites alone that this should have never been allowed to happen. Nato and the EU are wrong and Serbia should fight it anyway possible. Next thing you know the Mexicans will want Texas back.

Thank you for supporting .

Originally posted by maloy
This could all turn out very very embarrasing to the U.S. Once the Balkans erupt again, there is no one else to blame but the U.S. with the idiotic Kosovo independence. I don't think NATO or UN or EU should carry Kosovo on their shoulders - let U.S. suffer with this mess, and eventually leave. As much as I hope U.S. finally learns its lesson here, I am sure it won't. It will take something on the scale of 1983 Beirut barracks bombing to get the US/NATO to leave, and frankly if it happens they will deserve every bit of it - sad but true.

If US/NATO do leave, then Serbia will take back what rightfully belongs to it. Meanwhile Serbia and Russia should declare Kosovo government as criminals and terrorists, and issue an arrest warrant on Thaci.

And Albanians partying on the streets is just disgusting. A decade ago the bastards were sniping Serbian policemen and civilians with Al-Quida financed weapons. International justice is really farfetched.

Ok, I found what is going on, and I will explain it until tommorow.

Just to reveal a bit - Kosovo is ready for partition/division. In reality Kosovo is already partitioned.

Originally posted by Souljah
Some people here - in Slovenia - call this the beginning of the end of the European Union.

And I have to agree with them.

Are you from Slovenia?

Originally posted by Souljah
Now Vojvodina will want their indepedance too?

Vojvodina will not go anywhere . Serbs are vast majority here.

Originally posted by Silenceisall
So what is your solution then? You guys don't seem to be able to get along, and, from what I can see, you never really met the definition of a unified country anyway. Of course, you could have become a unified and strong country if you had been able to put aside your ethnic differences and glorified abstract geographical claims and mythologies of great wars and massacres--all BS that only adds more fuel to the fires of race hatred. You and the Albanians are the SAME. Me and you are the same. We are humans.

You have right on your opinion and I will not argue with you about it .

Although very serious situation, and I feel bad for giggling my a@@ off, but that cartoon character depicting Condoleezza Rice is hilarious.

Because special police blockaded assault on US embassy, demonstrators demolished car of Brazilian ambassador :



And cars of Portuguese :



US embassy was under siege: