http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main...0531/?tpid=148

Politicians from Kosovo and Serbia said they were willing to discuss several important issues that are of joint interest at the European Parliament.

These statements came after the European Parliament invited both sides to take part at an international forum on the Western Balkans, according to a statement by the European Parliament.

“We have a common future in the European Union and therefore we can sit together and talk and discuss,” the Speaker of Kosovo’s Assembly, Jakup Krasniqi said.

He welcomed the initiative taken by the EU which aims to encourage more cooperation between politicians.

His Serbian counterpart, Oliver Dulic said that he had no problems talking to his Kosovo colleagues saying that he already had contacts with them in the past and stressed the need to negotiate together on common issues for the future.

“The historical reconciliation process between Serbs and Albanians is probably the most important regional thing,” Dulic pointed out.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17 and it has been recognised by most EU member states but Belgrade bitterly opposes the move.

The Dutch member of the European Parliament, Joost Langedijk, who is the rapporteur for Kosovo, hailed the fact that politicians from both countries expressed their good will to sit and discuss common issues.

“After many years of not wanting to sit together or not wanting to listen to each other they are now prepared at least to sit together and disagree but at least to sit together,” he said, expressing hope that such contacts will continue in the future.

-----

This is very good news. Whether the outcome (if there is an outcome) after diplomatic talks results in an independent Kosovo or a Serbian Kosovo, at least it will have been negotiated and discussed by both sides.

Hopefully these kind of attitudes will be consistent, on both political and civilian levels.

Kosovo should not be independent, but it cannot be fully Serbian neither.

Kosovo should have a status good enough to satisfy both sides. As long as the Western powers push and impose solutions that benefit only one side in the conflict while achieving their own selfish interests, the other side will always be unhappy and there is the root to more problems.

I blame Uncle Sam in the first place. Belgrade and Pristina were negotiating numerous issues in the past, as well as possible future status of Kosovo. But Uncle Sam told the Albanians not to accept anything but full independence.
Serbian suggestion was: more than autonomy, less then independence.

Serbian people is small people, but with mentality of a great one. Every other people in the Balkans is small as well, and with mentality of a small one. The Serbs have been victimized terribly in WW1 (25% of the whole population and 50% of male population) and WW2 (around 1,5 million victims). Yet, the Serbs survived and defended their homeland.
History is pretty much involved in present conflicts, which are some kind of consequence and revenge for other Balkans peoples' involvements in WW1 and WW2, side by side with previous aggressors.
That's why the West should have approached this touchy issue more carefully and with understanding.

And lets get one thing clear: Belgrade does not wish to govern Kosovar Albanians! Belgrade would transfer legislative, executive and judicial powers to Albanians and give them all the autonomy desired to organize and govern themselves. But with one condition: that land must remain within Serbian borders. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

No you tell me is this suggestion bad? Is it harming the Albanian side?

Amused, this thread is about post- Kosovo status. I am afraid, you are missing Kiwi's points.

The Republic of Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state should have normal relationships with all its neighbors:Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

__________________
Jesus beat the devil with two sticks. Colossian 2:13,15

Proud American!

Communism/Socialism is similar to legalizing burglary and murder!

Nothing wrong with the 2 countries discussing with one another- Kosova's independence will however not be re-discussed, as there is no turning back.

The Kosovar Foreign Minister and other lawmakers have started to actively participate in NATO meetings, European summits and EU parliament and others, giving speeches and being applauded for the superb job. Even the Kosovar flag proudly waves in these organizations.

*EDIT*

__________________
Jesus beat the devil with two sticks. Colossian 2:13,15

Proud American!

Communism/Socialism is similar to legalizing burglary and murder!

I totally agree.

I also disagree with political intervention from foreign countries. There should be no pressure from other nations for a certain outcome of negotiations. This particularly includes the U.S.A desire for independence, and the Russian desire for the opposite. They can voice opinions, and choose whether to recognise Kosovo or not, but I think they should not intervene politically.

That's an interesting suggestion. I would like to write a lot more regarding that, but I have to go to bed now. I'll make a second post tomorrow to finish off.

Why don't you look at it this way: it was Serbian flag waving there up until February 17th.

So you see, things and processes are not irreversible.

If you believe this independence was God given and rock solid, then you are utterly mistaken. Time will show.

The Republic of Kosovo is an independent and sovereign state. In reference to ATD and your positive response, Belgrade was willing to exterminate all Kosovars. The Republic of Kosovo is willing to sit down to discuss things with Serbia when Serbia recognizes the Republic of Kosovo in the first place. (Tadic, the serb president is rumored to congratulate the Kosovar PM, Thaci at UN wishing him a happy Independence, even shook hands)

Not, sure if you understood the very article, but many Kosovar politicians are open to discuss some post-status issues with Serbia such as the missing of 4000 Kosovars (women, children and elderly are still buried somewhere in Serbia) and some economy trades. Serbia is secretly buying oil from the Republic of Kosovo because it is cheaper - it has no choice, the price is very good, cant beat the deal - the receipt says: Seller- The Republic of Kosovo.

Hahahah...

__________________
Jesus beat the devil with two sticks. Colossian 2:13,15

Proud American!

Communism/Socialism is similar to legalizing burglary and murder!

It's Serbian oil, after all

You can't draw borders today based on history which overlooks the wishes of the present population. The question is not territory, but people, and the fact remains that over 90% of the population is ethnic Albanian- which have been discriminated against, excluded, and finally ethnically cleansed (attempted) by the Serbian Government, which takes away any right Serbia might have had to claim it as its territory.


Serbia had all the chances in the world- and now she and her people have to face the consequences of their actions.

You reap what you sow. It's time to come to grip with reality.