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.

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Ok

I found out about the National Liberation Army. They were responsible for the Presevo valley conflict and Macedonia 2001 conflict. I understand that this is unacceptable, however I think it's important to note that the NLA are considered rebels and are not supported by the Kosovo government (as far as I know).

Therefore, their actions do not represent the interests of either the ethnic Albanians or the Kosovo government. I'm against violence on both sides, and I agree that their insurgencies were intolerable and wrong.

I looked up Greater Albania, (the territories with a large Albanian population, including many areas outside Albania). I know that what I say will not be accepted by most Serbians and Macedonians, but in some ways it would be a good thing if the Albanian populations in those areas were represented as they should be. I'm not saying make them part of Albania, but perhaps Albanians could make up the majority in government. It's always hard for the ethnic minority to rule the majority. For example, the British rule of India and the European rule of African nations (though I realize that most of the "greater Albania" land is rightfully Serbia's)

I couldn't find any bad backgrounds for Kosovo's politicians, Fatmir Sejdiu seems reasonable enough at least. Perhaps you could raise some issues you have with certain politicians there?

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Well, you would be happy and satisfied. The Albanians would not, and they could easily say that the ethnic Albanians in Maceodnia and Serbia be "granted the right to self-determination and unite with their motherland Albania."

The fact is that this would probably anger the Serbs and cause more war, just as your idea would likely anger the Albanians and cause more war. I think the only chance for peace is to agree to meet in the middle somewhere.