CP of Bohemia & Moravia, Speech in PA of Council of Europe on Kosovo
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From: Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, Monday, January 28, 2008
http://www.kscm.cz , leftnews@kscm.cz
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Speech by Katerina Konecná (Czech member of GUE/NGL group in the
Council of Europe, Member of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia
and Member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech
Republic) within the debate on Kosovo in the Parliamentary Assembly
Session of the Council of Europe (21st - 25th January 2008).

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Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Let me begin my speech by reminding you that my own country – Czech
Republic - experienced an imposed separation of part of its territory in
the past. Violent separatist efforts supported from outside and boosted
up by pressure by segment of international community we all know it
under name Munich Agreement Let me also note that politics of
appeasement did not result in peace.

The solution of the status of Kosovo must be within boundaries of the
International law. We cannot impose agreements to a sovereign country.
Kosovo is a part of Serbia not only according to all current norms of
the International law, but also following Security Council Resolution n.
1244 and Helsinki Final Accord. The claim that the European Union
mission in Kosovo has not been approved of by Serbian authorities is in
compliance with SC Resolution n. 1244 is not true. It is in fact in
sheer contradiction with the idea of the International law which imposes
that all agreements shell be interpreted in good faith, bona fide.

It is startling that the proponents of separatist efforts use and abuse
an argument of a renewal of violence and armed conflict in the region of
BalkansThis is in fact sheer blackmailing which cannot be tolerated in
times where we face the threat of international terrorism.

The reassuring that the separation of the province of Kosovo from Serbia
would not be perceived as a precedent by other countries is more dream
than reality and it means once again applying politics of double
standard: if it is possible that Albanians separate from Serbia why
shouldn’t it be possible for Serbians to separate from
Bosnia-Herzegovina? And how shell we approach all other separatists
claims in Europe and on ex-soviet territory?

The Article 6 of the Draft resolution which says that "the potential for
finding a compromise has now been exhausted” only copies the opinion
presented by the European Council – and I find such a claim absolutely
unacceptable. It only reflects incompetence and reluctance of EU
negotiators who were to mediate the agreement between Pristina and
Belgrade. How can anyone say that the potential for agreement has been
exhausted? Setting artificial deadlines is another form of blackmail.
Have all possibilities regarding the future of Cyprus or Palestine been
opted for? Why should we always feel obliged to conform to the self-will
of such individuals as High Representative for Common Foreign and
Security Policy Javier Solana whose approach towards Balkans is led by
the need to justify the part he played in the killing of more than 2000
innocent civilians during barbarian Yugoslavia bombing?

These reasons have led me to propose a resolution in my home Parliament,
dealing with the issue of integrity of Serbian territory. Now we in the
Council of Europe should refuse to act under pressure and the final
resolution should respect two following pronciples:

- we have not exhausted all possibilities to find a compromise

- and the principle stressed by the President of the Czech
Republic Vaclav Klaus: that potential independence of the Province of
Kosovo should be preceded by an approval by all parties involved.
Thank you for your attention.

[The Washington Post. January 31, 2008]

The Bush administration has indicated its readiness to recognize a unilateral declaration of independence by ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, a province of the Republic of Serbia that since 1999 has been under United Nations administration and NATO military control.

Such a declaration may take place as early as February. American recognition would be over Serbia's objections, without a negotiated solution between Serbia and Kosovo's Albanians, and without modification by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1244, which reaffirms Serbian sovereignty in Kosovo while providing for the province's "substantial autonomy." U.S. recognition may be joined by that of some members of the European Union, which has been under heavy diplomatic pressure from Washington, though several EU states and a number of countries outside Europe have said they would reject such action.

Attempting to impose a settlement on Serbia would be a direct challenge to the Russian Federation, which opposes any Kosovo settlement not accepted by Belgrade.

We believe an imposed settlement of the Kosovo question and seeking to partition Serbia's sovereign territory without its consent is not in the interest of the United States. The blithe assumption of American policy — that the mere passage of nine years of relative quiet would be enough to lull Serbia and Russia into reversing their positions on a conflict that goes back centuries — has proven to be naive in the extreme.

We believe U.S. policy on Kosovo must be re-examined without delay, and we urge the Bush administration to make it clear that pending the results of such re-examination it would withhold recognition of a Kosovo independence declaration and discourage Kosovo's Albanians from taking that step.

Current U.S. policy relies on the unconvincing claim that Kosovo is "unique" and would set no precedent for other troublespots. Of course every conflict has unique characteristics. However, ethnic and religious minorities in other countries already are signaling their intention to follow a Kosovo example. This includes sizeable Albanian communities in adjoining areas of southern Serbia, Montenegro, and especially the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as the Serbian portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Recognition of Kosovo's independence without Serbia's consent would set a precedent with far-reaching and unpredictable consequences for many other regions of the world. The Kosovo model already has been cited by supporters of the Basque separatist movement in Spain and the Turkish-controlled area of northern Cyprus. Neither the Security Council nor any other international body has the power or authority to impose a change of any country's borders.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the current policy is the dismissive attitude displayed toward Russia's objections. Whatever disagreements the United States may have with Moscow on other issues, and there are many, the United States should not prompt an unnecessary crisis in U.S.-Russia relations. There are urgent matters regarding which the United States must work with Russia, including Iran's nuclear intentions and North Korea's nuclear capability. Such cooperation would be undercut by American action to neutralize Moscow's legitimate concerns regarding Kosovo.

If the U.S. moves forward with recognizing Kosovo, Moscow's passivity cannot be taken for granted. It may have been one thing in 1999 for the United States and NATO to take action against Yugoslavia over the objections of a weak Russia.

Today, it would be unwise to dismiss Russia's willingness and ability to assist Serbia. On an issue of minor importance to the United States, is this a useful expenditure of significant political capital with Russia?

Our Kosovo policy is hardly less problematic for our friends and allies in Europe. While some European countries, notably members of the EU, may feel themselves obligated to join us in recognizing Kosovo's independence, a number of those countries would do so reluctantly because of Washington's inflexibility and insistence. No more than the United States, Europe would not benefit from an avoidable confrontation with Russia.

Even if Kosovo declared itself an independent state, it would be a dysfunctional one and a ward of the international community for the indefinite future. Corruption and organized crime are rampant. The economy, aside from international largesse and criminal activities, is nonviable. Law enforcement, integrity of the courts, protection of persons and property, and other prerequisites for statehood are practically nonexistent. While these failures are often blamed on Kosovo's uncertain status, a unilateral declaration of independence recognized by some countries and rejected by many others would hardly remedy that fact.

The result would be a new "frozen conflict," with Kosovo's status still unresolved. The risk of renewed violence would further impede Kosovo's development. Moreover, heightened tensions might require reinforcing the U.S. presence in Kosovo when we can least afford it due to other commitments.

Serbia has made great strides in democratic development and economic revitalization since the fall of the regime of Slobodan Milosevic. Current policy with respect to Kosovo risks complete reversal of these gains. Faced with a choice between Western partnership and defense of their sovereign territory and constitution, there is little doubt what Serbia would decide.

The current positive trend could falter in the face of political radicalization and possible internal destabilization. Serbia's relations with countries that had recognized Kosovo would be impaired. Serbia would inevitably move closer to Russia as its only protector.

We do not underestimate the difficulty and complexity of the Kosovo question nor do we suggest the status quo can endure indefinitely. As with thorny questions elsewhere, viable and enduring settlements should result from negotiation and compromise. Such an outcome has been undermined by a U.S. promise to the Kosovo Albanians that their demands will be satisfied if they remain adamant and no agreement is reached with Belgrade. Such a promise cannot be justified by the claim, often heard from proponents of independence, that the Albanians' "patience" is running out, so independence must be granted without delay. This is nothing less than appeasing a threat of violence.

A reassessment of America's Kosovo policy is long overdue. We hope a policy that would set a very dangerous international precedent can still be averted if that reassessment begins now. In the meantime, it is imperative that no unwarranted or hasty action be taken that would turn what is now a relatively small problem into a large one.

-- John Bolton (former permanent U.S. representative to the United Nations);
Lawrence Eagleburger (former U.S. secretary of state);
Peter Rodman (former assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs).

Serbia PM claims EU overtures are a "trap"

Serbia's prime minister has denounced plans to sign a political agreement with the European Union over eventual membership of the bloc. Vojislav Kostunica claims it is a trick intended to trap the former Yugoslav republic into accepting independence in Kosovo.

His statement exposes deepening rifts in his coalition government and with the newly re-elected president, Boris Tadic who supports closer ties with the European Union.

Yesterday the bloc agreed to send a police and civil administration to Kosovo, which is expected to officially declare independence any day now.

The province is expected to win backing from Brussels and the US despite firm opposition from Serbia and its ally Russia.

source: http://www.euronews.net/index.php?page=info&article=468430&lng=1

2008-02-05, vtorek. Serbju perv-ministr, Vojislav Kosxtunica, protistanijt planis om marionetnik Tadicx, ktor bil prosxlju nedelek, usled masaju podpor ot zagrancju medialis, vnov-izvolilju takak Serbju prezident. Kosxtunica skazal zxe podpisenie novju dogvoruf s Europsoiuz faktuo prinajt otdelenie om Kosovo. Es mozxju zxe esli marionetnik Tadicx i jegoi polit-parta bu prinat planitju dogvor s Europsoiuz, Serbju guverie bu raz-lomit i bu oglositju novju parlamentju izvolba v ktor mozxuo Kosxtunica bu so-trudit s Nikolicx abi obronali celost svoi krainuf.

Half a century ago it was the fascist powers of Italy and Germany that marched into Kosovo with plans for the ethnic cleansing of the Serbs. Now the European Union is following in their footsteps...

WORKERS, FEB 2008 ISSUE

THE EUROPEAN Union is preparing for the annexation of part of a sovereign country, egged on by the USA. Having encouraged the break-up of Yugoslavia by offering first German and then EU recognition to a breakaway Croatia, the EU then offered Slovenia membership, sent troops to Macedonia and along with the US encouraged Muslim separatists in Bosnia Herzegovina with the US actually arming them. The US then armed and encouraged the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), itself a front for gangsters and drug smugglers.

The EU and the US, behind the mask of NATO, bombed what remained of Yugoslavia and occupied the Serbian province of Kosovo. They then encouraged Montenegro to break with Serbia. With the Serbian economy on its knees, US and EU companies bought up Serbian state-owned assets at a knock down price. Now they jointly plan for the EU to annex Kosovo and send a 1,800 strong "police and justice" mission to carry out this task without the consent of and in defiance of the sovereign nation of which Kosovo is an integral part. (...)

CP of Greece, Statement on Kosovo
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From: Communist Party of Greece, Wednesday, February 06, 2008
http://inter.kke.gr ,
cpg@int.kke.gr
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KKE opposes recognition of the independence of the Kosovo province.

The press bureau of CC of KKE issued on 2 February 2008 the following
statement:

The Communist Party of Greece demands from the Greek government to not
recognize the independence of Kosovo, regardless the way in which it
will be imposed.

KKE warns of the dangerous consequences of the pressure exercised both
by the US Administration and EU for the immediate proclamation of
independence and for the deployment of an EU police force in the
province of Kosovo.

Responsibility for this situation bear also the Greek governments of Nea
Dimokratia, the previous ones led by PASOK as well as other forces in
Greece due to their stand and actions regarding the issue.

In the opinion of KKE the proclamation of independence means changing of
borders in the Balkans. This will create a dangerous precedent
threatening with destabilization the entire region and more.

The move is against the interests of the Albanian and other people.

The decision regarding Kosovo will increase pressure for solutions
against the will of the Cypriot, the Palestinian and all other people
fighting for freedom.

KKE calls upon the Greek people to further reinforce the struggle
demanding immediate withdrawal of all Greek armed forces from the
occupied territories abroad .

C`i imat Serbija plany voiti w Rossiju?

Nope, but ten years ago Milosevic planned Serbia to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus.

BTW what is the strange language you're trying to use?

2008-02-07, cxtireek. Serbju perv-ministr, Vojislav Kosxtunica, zablokil podpisenie novju dogvoruf s Europsoiuz takak protest proti planis Europsoiuzuf podporit otdelenie om Kosovo. Jegoi geroju cxin mozx vedit k novju parlamentju izvolbaf.

2008-02-09, subotek. Ot USA i ot Sxveicaria trenirilju terorist Hasxim Thacxi, ktor protizakonuo statil 'premier' Serbju provinciaf Kosovo, proglosil zxe uzx okol sto krainis Vsetuf es gotovju uznat 'nezavisju' Kosovo. Otdelenie om Kosovo es planitju neposreduo posle vnov-inaugurenie Serbju prezidentuf Tadicx, ktor bil podcxas izvolba podporitju ot Hasxim Thacxi takak ot USA-ju masaju medialis. Javier Solana, ktor podporil i inicialil bombenie Serbiaf, takak inju cxinovnikis Europsoiuzuf, bili eksremuo radostju zxe onivoi marionetnik Tadicx bil vnov-izvolilju posred obmanju i manipulilju prezidentju izvolba.

Лавров: РФ продолжит усилия по позитивному решению проблемы Косово

БРДО /СЛОВЕНИЯ/, 13 февраля. /Спец.корр. ИТАР-ТАСС/. В Москве не испытывают оптимизма по поводу завтрашнего заседания СБ ООН по Косово, но не использовать эту возможность - неправильно. Об этом заявил глава МИД РФ Сергей Лавров.

"Я не испытываю чрезмерного оптимизма по поводу завтрашнего заседания СБ ООН, но не использовать эту возможность, не обратиться к главному органу, отвечающему за международную безопасность в мире, органу, который определил порядок косовского урегулирования, требования которого сейчас пытаются в одностороннем порядке подорвать, не обратиться к Совету Безопасности было бы неправильно, - продолжил Лавров. - Рассчитываем, что все члены Совета проявят максимум ответственности при подготовке и проведении итогового ответа".

По словам Лаврова, "пока не принято никаких роковых решений", Россия продолжит прилагать все усилия, чтобы не допустить негативного сценария развития событий.

Он также исключил возможность применения Россией репрессивных мер в сфере поставок энергоносителей на Запад в ответ провозглашения независимости Косово.

Заместитель директора 3-го Европейского департамента МИД РФ, курирующий косовское урегулирование, Александр Боцан-Харченко не исключил , что "независимость Косово может быть провозглашена уже в воскресенье, 17 февраля".

The UN Security Council will hold a closed meeting on Thursday to discuss Kosovo, which is expected to declare independence from Serbia within days.

The meeting is being held at the request of Serbia, which has expressed strong opposition to any attempt by Kosovo to break away.

Serbia's ambassador to the UN told the BBC that Belgrade would refrain from retaliatory measures against Kosovo.

The US and many EU countries plan to recognise Kosovo's independence.

2008-02-15, piatek. Podcxas vstretie Sovbezuf Sodinju Narodifs v Nov-Jork, USA, Serbju ministr zagrancief, Vuk Jeremicx, proglosil 'Pozvolijte mne but velm jasnju. Serbju Republik bu nigda prinat libkai narusxenie svoi celostuf.' Vcxera, podcxas presa-konferencia, Vladimir Putin obvinil Europsoiuz om dva-licoju standard. Na din storon Europsoiuz zapaluo otvergijt razdelenie Kipruf ili otdelenie Baskiaf, no na inju storon Europsoiuz bez kolebanie prinajt i podporijt otdelenie om Kosovo.

FORMATION OF GROUP FOR KOSOVO VIOLATES INTERNATIONAL LAW

20:11 BELGRADE, Feb 28 (Tanug) - Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said that an international steering group for the implementation of the Martti Ahtisaari plan in Kosovo-Metohija had been illegally formed in Vienna on Thursday and that this was a gross violation of international law, UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and Serbian Constitution, the government said in a statement.

"This self-styled and illegal international steering group has appointed Peter Faith to the non-existent position of international civilian representative," the PM said in a statement.

Kostunica said that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is in charge of the implementation of Resolution 1244, had to say who, when and on which legal basis had made the decision to set up an international steering group for the province, which is under UN administration, and to appoint an international civilian representative for the implementation of the Ahtisaari plan.

"This is a sheer policy of force and major legal violence against the state of Serbia, which is a UN member and to which the UN Charter must apply. Violence against Serbia, which is increasing every day, must stop immediately," Kostunica said.

EU says 'No' to Kosovo partition
Pieter Feith, EU special envoy to Kosovo
Mr Feith will act as envoy for 15 countries that recognise Kosovo
EU special envoy Pieter Feith has said Kosovo will not be split in two because of the divide between ethnic groups.

"There will be no partition of the country, that is not foreseen," he told a news conference in Vienna.
Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, delegations from Kosovo and Serbia met face to face for the first time since Kosovo declared independence.
Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told Balkan foreign ministers that as long as Serbia existed, Kosovo never would.
He said Kosovo would not belong to the world community of sovereign nations and Belgrade would appeal to the International Court of Justice in The Hague over the legitimacy of Kosovo's declaration.

Mr Jeremic appealed to the international community to defer decisions on recognising Kosovo before a ruling was made.

The head of Kosovo's chamber of commerce, Besim Beqaj, attended the gathering under a United Nations banner, the only way Mr Jeremic said he was prepared to accept Kosovo's presence.

Mr Beqaj said that when he spoke, the Serbian delegation did not stay in the room, a statement that could not be confirmed.

No parallel institutions

At the same time, a meeting was held in Vienna of an international steering group comprising 15 nations from those which have recognised Kosovo as an independent state.

Mr Feith, a Dutch diplomat, was named by the group as its international high representative for Kosovo.

Mr Feith admitted that security in Serbian areas of northern Kosovo was difficult but said he was not aware of reports that some Kosovo Serb police officers had not been carrying out their duties.

"We will not admit any parallel security institution to manifest itself on the territory of Kosovo," he said.

He promised what he called "privileged linkages" between ethnic Serbian communities and Belgrade.

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA/PRISTINA, Mar 17 - U.N. police were ordered to pull out of the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica on Monday as hundreds of Serbs opposed to Kosovos unilaterally declared independence rioted in the town of Mitrovica, the Reuters news agency reported referring to official reports from the U.N. mission headquarters in Pristina. NATO troops came under automatic weapons fire during riots in the northern Kosovo flashpoint town of Mitrovica on Monday, a French NATO spokesman told Reuters. There were no further details.

od: TANJUG

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA, March 25 - Kosovo Serbs held a large rally in northern Kosovska Mitrovica on Tuesday from which they launched a call to official Belgrade to sever diplomatic relations with Albania and to impose a boycott on Croatian and Slovenian goods. The rally was held under the slogan "Stop to Terror, No to a NATO State - Independent Kosovo." Serb National Council of Northern Kosovo President Milan Ivanovic addressed the protesters. The rallied citizens demand a severing of diplomatic relations with Albania, Ivanovic said, "because that is where the mass graves of kidnapped Serbs from Kosovo ad Metohija are located."PHOTO TANJUG/ NEBOJSA MARKOVIC

od: Tanjug