Serbia to Swap Territories with Kosovo, Unblock UN Membership - Report

[poiuytrewq0987]

If Russia wouldn't it would destroy it's own credibility.

Can you realistically see Russia support the Serbs in kicking out the Albanians or at least reclaim control of Kosovo at the same time there is a UN mission in Kosovo? It'd be kind of like attacking the NATO so this time the NATO will be "justified" in starting a second bombing campaign (when they really shouldn't be there in the first place).

[The Lawspeaker]

Can you realistically see Russia support the Serbs in kicking out the Albanians or at least reclaim control of Kosovo at the same time there is a UN mission in Kosovo? It'd be kind of like attacking the NATO so this time the NATO will be "justified" in starting a second bombing campaign (when they really shouldn't be there in the first place).

Yes I can see Russia realistically intervening in Kosovo. Remember what happened in Georgia where the "self determination of a people was being suppressed" this time it the real deal in Kosovo. The Kosovo Serbs are being repressed by NATO, the UN and the Albanians.
All it needs is a small spark for Russia to answer each bomb on Serbia in tenfold against NATO countries. That's a very dangerous prospect.

It would be even worse during winter as we are in desperate need or Russian gas. We would be totally at their mercy.

[nisse]

Serbia could retake Kosovo via military means but there would be serious reprieves if it tried. Serbia is not a major military power like Russia and as a result of that NATO can easily intervene and bomb Serbia again.

True. Which is why military methods arent' liekly to work, adn diplomacy needs to be tried.

Also to think Kosovar Albanians will just give up valuable pieces of territory is just wishful thinking.

Those that don't shoot never score. Doesn't hurt to try. This seems like a very sensible proposition. If Kosovo turns it down (which it prob. will), Serbia will have some more political ammunition, if nothing else.

If Russia wouldn't it would destroy it's own credibility.

Erm, no. Serbia wants into the EU (or some serbians, adn possibly past tense?). Russia isn't stupid and idealistic, it looks out for number one.

Remember what happened in Georgia where the "self determination of a people was being suppressed" this time it the real deal in Kosovo.

Very different matter - Georgia is right next to Russia, with few NATO bases around...and those georgians were given russian citizenship beforehand.

[poiuytrewq0987]

Serbian President: Kosovo Situation Threatens War

Serbian President Boris Tadic has expressed grave alarm at recent reports that special security forces of Kosovo's police are to be deployed in Northern Kosovo.

According to Tadic, this is a very serious threat to peace and stability in Kosovo and even “an open threat for war”.

The Serbian President was referring to statements from Kosovar interior minister Bayram Rexhepi that Kosovo would send special police forces in its northern area, in which Kosovo's Serbian minority is concentrated. Rexhepi also claimed he has a written agreement with EU's Kosovo mission EULEX to that effect.

EULEX has denied this, at which Tadic expressed satisfaction, saying that Kosovo's authorities are the only ones responsible for the situation.

This development comes after tensions within the last days caused deaths and violence in Northern Kosovo.

Monday and Tuesday EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy was on a short visit to the Western Balkans, reiterating EU's committment to the integration of the region. Tuesday he visited Pristina and called for establishing the rule of law in Kosovo and an end to tensions.

Thursday the European Parliament adopted a declaration calling the five remaining member-states (Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Romania and Slovakia) that have not recognized Kosovo to do so. According to the EP, that would make EU's united efforts in the breakaway Serbian province more efficient.

http://novinite.com/view_news.php?id=117975

[The Lawspeaker]

Nisse: You forget that Russia holds all the cards.

[Groenewolf]

Yes I can see Russia realistically intervening in Kosovo. Remember what happened in Georgia where the "self determination of a people was being suppressed" this time it the real deal in Kosovo.

The last time around the did some saber rattling, but little more. The more important question would of course would be how it would serve the interests of Russia

It would be even worse during winter as we are in desperate need or Russian gas. We would be totally at their mercy.

Desperate? That just means that we should look for other sources of fuel to provide heat during the winter. However this does of course could be a tactic being used by Russia, but probably not in combination with a Serbian military offensive. But more as part of the diplomatic game.

[The Lawspeaker]

The last time around the did some saber rattling, but little more. The more important question would of course would be how it would serve the interests of Russia

Russia in 1998,1999 was a broken Russia. With Yeltsin still at the rudder. It was bankrupt and in no position to even demand anything. Russia in 2010 is a different story altogether

Desperate? That just means that we should look for other sources of fuel to provide heat during the winter. However this does of course could be a tactic being used by Russia, but probably not in combination with a Serbian military offensive. But more as part of the diplomatic game.

We will manage. Probably make a good buck out if too if we step out of NATO. But make no mistake. It won't be saber rattling.

[nisse]

Nisse: You forget that Russia holds all the cards.

So why is the standard of living in Russian lower than in most EU countries?

I don't think anyone holds *all* the cards. As much as Europe needs to buy gas, Russia needs to sell it. At present EU is one of the easiest markets to access. They won't do anything stupid.

[The Lawspeaker]

So why is the standard of living in Russian lower than in most EU countries?

I don't think anyone holds *all* the cards. As much as Europe needs to buy gas, Russia needs to sell it. At present EU is one of the easiest markets to access. They won't do anything stupid.

Plenty of other countries would want Russian gas. Russia is the middle man here and they make bloody good money. Russia's standard of living is lower because of corruption and because a lot of money goes into upgrading the military.

[nisse]

Plenty of other countries would want Russian gas. Russia is the middle man here and they make bloody good money. Russia's standard of living is lower because of corruption and because a lot of money goes into upgrading the military.

Like which ones? The gas pipilines to China are still being built (as I recall). Similar situation with India. Who does that leave?