Originally Posted by Kiwi

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/9945/



I must say that I disagree with this. I believe that the independence of Kosovo is the first step to peace in the Balkans. Of course it creates yet another divide between Serbians and Albanians, but I think if the initial nationalism and antipathy is overcome everyone will be better off.

As long as the ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo treat the Serbian minority with respect, I think there will be no problems. In reality, the declaration of independence does not cause the arguments and protests; it merely brings the big problems of nationalism and perhaps conflicting religions to the surface.

The ethnic Albanians are obviously strongly supporting independence, and only the use of physical force could have denied them this I think. Only military force could now take it away, and more bloodshed would not end the desire for independence of Albanians, nor would it make the Serbians better off.I hope that the international community recognizes Kosovo as a nation. It should not be a problem for Serbians if this happens.

I understand that many Serbians also feel strongly against the independence, as far as I know this is because of the religious or historical importance of the region of Kosovo to the Serbians. I think that as long as the Kosovo Albanians refrain from denying Serbians this land to live on without prejudice or violence, the region will remain theirs, shared as always with Albanians.