FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
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This act is in direct contravention to the United Nations Charter, the OSCE Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and UN Security Council Resolution 1244. After the cessation of the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia the United Nations took the step of reaffirming the territorial sovereignty of Serbia by declaring in UN Resolution 1244 that Kosovo would remain a part of Serbia unless otherwise determined by that body.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have repeatedly reported on the failure of Kosovo’s government and UNMIK to meet basic international standards for the protection and safeguarding of the rights of non-Albanian Kosovo minorities. Throughout the period since 1999 Kosovo’s Albanian majority has perpetrated political violence, common and political crimes, intimidation and discrimination, rape and murder with impunity against the minorities. Its Albanian-dominated government has provided a safe haven center for the by far largest trafficking of illegal drugs, arms and sex slaves in Europe. Under its watch over 150 Christian Orthodox religious sites and monuments have been destroyed, dozens of villages and towns burned to the ground and more than one-half of the Serb population driven out. The necessity to continue to have foreign troops in control of Kosovo after independence (be they UN or European), in order to protect its minorities from violence at the hands of the Albanian majority is full proof that the Albanian majority cannot be trusted not to burn, murder and pillage and that they are in fact by no means deserving of such independence. Unconditionally rewarding independence to an entity with a consistent record of such abuse of human rights of its minorities is equivalent to aiding and abetting such practices.
The Bush administration has repeatedly undermined and intentionally doomed negotiations between Pristina and Belgrade by publicly stating that it would recognize Kosovo’s call for independence regardless of what happened. With this one-sided role it has assured an imposed rather than a negotiated settlement further eroding its already debilitated international image and credibility as an honest broker.
It is clear that the threat of violence by Albanians as a recourse if recognition is not granted is blackmail that the US and other nations recognizing independence have buckled to.
By condoning the severing of a nation’s territory with total disregard for international law or guarantees the US agreed to as a signatory to Resolution 1244, this administration has set a dangerous precedent whose repercussions are being felt already. It has given a green light to the Serbs of Bosnia, the Basques of Spain, Nagorno Karabakh and many others to declare independence and secede from their current nations. It has surrendered its moral authority and right to challenge future calls for independence from other disgruntled groups. Given Kosovo’s dismal human rights record, unconditional recognition by the United States effectively condones the continuation of criminal behavior with impunity by Kosovo’s majority and its leaders.
We call on the US Congress to restore respect for democratic values and respond responsibly, exercise its control of the purse and prevent any future damage by making any future assistance to Kosovo conditional on the fulfillment of human rights and other rule of law standards by its Albanian majority.
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As I read the e-mails between the people in business suits who are
congratulating each other( some deserving,some not) as well as for the
monumental historic occurance.
I am humbled by sacrifices of people who never would enjoy this
moment. I am humbled by the courage and strength of the Albanian people and their fallen comrades. I am humbled by the innocents who were lost
to savage methods of Serbian cruelty and heartlessness.When I shed tears of
joy they are also tears of sadness and a prayer that those souls have found heaven are in the embrace of God, to feel his warmth and comfort
for eternity.
It may sound like I am a melancholic but I have read Albanian history
and have seen how Albanian people have existed or have had to exist. I am in awe at the stamina and courage that is necessary
The unification of Albanians is the natural truth coming to the implementation that no one can stop anymore. The Albanian dream has begun the last run and it’s people will have the strength to continue the struggle until they soon will see themselves free, independent and one undivisible people under God’s surveillance and care.
Comment by Peleus Palasgian — February 20, 2008 #
Congress usally does not run foreign policy in the United States . I havent been able to get any response in over a hundred letters . They generaly think i’am crazy . One aid would talk to me . she said I have decided you are not nuts
I thanked her very much for saying that, and she took my message to my represenitive . He did not want to go against the crowd . I didnt care I wanted him to even be the single voice . United States thinks they have solved the problem . the way they wanted to . Go to the United Nations at least they might be able to get the Serbs story out . I dont want to go to war . And war is the only thing that will work against United States .
This is exactly how United States wanted it .
They know Osoma bin laden visted Iztegegovic in Bosnia , They even helped arrange for the thirty thousand holy warrors to come Bosnia . And the samething happend in Kosovo . I can not help but believe if Russia had not been so despritly poor and weak in 1990 , Yugoslavia would still be here .
Comment by eric — February 20, 2008 #
All I have to say to you Eric is John McCain. Remember that name, unlike Bush, McCain was and is a true ally of Bosnia. We shall see in the next five years where Bosnia will be, in particular 2008-2002. McCain for President.
Comment by Easy — February 21, 2008 #
PELEUS, ARE YOU OF ARMENIAN DESCENT? IF YOU ARE YOU SHOULD READ YOUR HISTORY AGAIN. REMEMBER WHAT THE TURKS DID TO ARMENIA, YOUR LAST NAME SOUNDS ARMENIAN. I THINK YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE WRONG SIDE. THE U.S. WON’T EVEN RECOGNIZE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AT THE HANDS OF THE TURKS FOR FEAR OF THE MUSLIM TURKS WILL DENOUCE RELATIONS WITH THE U.S. YOU HAVE READ ONE SIDE OF THE STORY AND ONE SIDE OF HISTORY, THE SIDE THAT HAS BEEN PROPAGANDANIZED FOR YEARS AND YEARS. THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU WILL BE SCRATCHING THERE HEAD SAYING WHY DIDN’T I READ UP ON MY HISTORY MORE CAREFULLY.
Comment by Jasmina — February 21, 2008 #
I am dismayed that my country recognized Kosovo independence so quickly. It will be just another country that becomes an Islamic state who turns against the USA.
After what the Clinton administration did to Belgrade with the bombing several years ago, one would think that we would support a Christian/Orthodox nation over a Muslim nation.
Pres. Bush is getting lousy advice from the State Department and this will just complicate our relations with the Russian Republic.
This is one American who wishes to apologize to the Serbian people for all the damage we caused to the city of Belgrade.
I hope this situation eventually calms down and the Serbian people can have peace even though they have not been treated very fair, in my opinion.
Patrick Bales, Kentucky, USA
Comment by Patrick Bales — February 21, 2008 #
What has Serbian Unity Congress done so far to prevent this, besides writting letters? Shame on you!
Comment by Red Star Belgrade — February 21, 2008 #
Thanks To Slobo, Martic, and Karadzic today we have an Independent Kosovo.
Its all because these dumb… thought that WEST hates more Muslims than Communists. And even to this date these dumb…think that West hates more Muslims than pro-Russia, pro-Barbaric, pro-Socialist cave dwellers. They kept playing this card…and BINGO…guess what guys? We don’t have our heart-land any more. It’s gone!!!…and so are many formerly known as “young” intelectuals like me…forever and ever!!!
Oh boy were they wrong, and they were wrong when they carried out genocide and ethnic cleansing in OUR name in Bosnia and Kosovo. Thought West would give them Crusader Cross for killing all the Muslim women and children in Srebrenica instead they got load of bombs and lost Sarajevo!
That is why today Republika Srpska is NOT Independent and KOSOVO IS.
Because Republika Srpska’s government listened to Slobo and carried out genocide and ethnic cleansing. While narco-dealing Albanian seperatists got INDEPENDENCE.
That is why an “agressor” did not deserve independence, as punishment for “ruining WESTERN reputation!” but West did let it go on for a while, same in Kosovo.
Today they are punishing Serbia for being a Barbaric and Communist State, giving the “victim” independence while they are not doing the same for “agresor” or Republika Srpska.
As far as your site goes… I think you would be better of spending this time and money on lobbying the government so we can send our tax checks to Serbia and RS, like the Jews send it to Israel.
-”You give a young Serb education, ball, and instrument, and he develops worlds best inovations, then you give same Serb a weapon, and he tears down his own nation!”
That is why intelectual people like me, not to brag about it, will NEVER LIVE IN SERBIA again. We are tired of wars and b.s. politics like this, that tear down what we created for years over night. We are tired of starting over!
Comment by Boba — February 21, 2008 #
Before the slavic invasions from the north this area was inhabited by the Illyrians,the Albanian ancestors. Albanians fought (with Serbs) against Turks at the famous battle for Kosovo. The Turks tried to manage the fragile control on the area by pitting the two christian religions against each other and rewarding muslim converts with higher positions and better finances. Albanians who would not accept the yoke of Ottoman slavery would attack and hide in the higher altitudes where, if pursued, made for impossible conditions and high losses for the Turks. Albanians became muslims through fear and intimidation and for survival.
Today’s Albanian muslim, by my observation, is peace loving, family oriented and respectful. The thugs that are resonsible for drug,child and female trafficking are a consortium of gangsters from Moldova, Serbia,Kosovo/Albania,Macedonia,Romania,Bulgaria and Greece. They do not care for the people at all.I am an orthodox christian, I am ashamed at the Serbian Clergy for their inflammatory stand. They betray their promise to God and the teachings of our savior. Clinton tossed Kosovo to get a deal with Slobo at Dayton. They granted independence to all the other states. It is Kosovo’s time and there is no turning back.”Live Free Or Die “
Comment by Peleus Palasgian — February 23, 2008 #
Boba, do not look at it that way. You must look at world politics like an intellectual that you are. Serbia’s territorial integrity has never been treated fairly by the statesmen of the so-called World Powers of the West, not in the past (Gladstone/Disraeli), not in World War II (Churchill/Roosevelt) and certainly not now (Bush). And yet why should not Serbia have her chance to keep her borders? History and policy, justice, ethics and good sense alike demand for our brave race, which has lived so long and endured so much, that it should not in view of its most passionate desire be left out of the comity of nations. Let’s face it, 15 countries out of 192 have recognized Kosovo’s bogus independence. Russia and China are extremely important players in the present and future global economy and they are behind us. They have said NO that should mean something?
And besides, the world is still lapped in peace (as far as North America and Europe is concerned, that is!), but the big question is for how long?
Serbia will fight for what is right!
Pomaze Bog!
Comment by Michel — February 23, 2008 #
If the Kosovars are the ones against USA, why is it that the Serbs burned our Embassy down?
Americans aren’t stupid - we know who our allies are (Albania and Kosova) and our enemies (Serbia)
Comment by delrepublica — February 24, 2008 #
When International Law is not respected I do not understand why you would expect respect from the Serbs.
There were two hundred thousand Serbs protesting that day and only 100 hundred of them , all young and angry did show their anger in a stupid way.
Just like you making such a stupid comment. Grow up delrepublica.
Comment by kristina Velimirovic — February 25, 2008 #
Why is no one in Serbia gathering volunteers to clean Kosovo of this rat infestation.
Everyone know that International law doesn’t exist and it’s dust in the eyes of the dumb.
How much do you think americans know about Kosovo and what do they care about it? They have their own problems of kids killing each other in schools.
Please spare us the rhetoric and give us weapons.
Comment by Tito — February 25, 2008 #
I fully agree with what you said kristina. I truely feel what they are doing trying to split the country is just a disgrace and an insolte, and america should keep their nose out of other peoples business before another arak inccodent happens, and it is strange how after the whole 9/11 storie they would still back and support them expeciouly as fast a they did.
Comment by Mark — February 26, 2008 #
Another thought is how would america like it if one of their states decided that they want their independence.Do you honestly think that they would be all to happy to suddenly recgnize that i dont think so so america must take into account of that thought and then give the same answer and support.I some how dont think that they would!
Comment by Mark — February 26, 2008 #
To Tito,
THE “PEOPLE” OF AMERICA DO HAVE MORE THAN THEIR SHARE OF PROBLEMS AND THEIR CHILDREN KILLING EACH OTHER IS JUST ONE OF THE RESULTS OF BAD GOVERMENT.
THE PEOPLE HERE ARE BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND IT IS TIME TO CHANGE THE WAYS OF OUR GOVERMENT AND THE PROOF IS IN THE RESPONSE OF VOTERS WHO UNTIL NOW HAVE SEEMED TO HAVE DUST IN THEIR EYES IN THE PAST.
THE REAL NEWS: THE AMERICAN “PEOPLE” ARE GETTING MORE THAN “HIP” TO OUR POLITICIANS EVIL WAYS.
AMERICAN MOTHERS AND FATHERS HERE WHO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN FIGHTING IN IRAQ ARE ALSO NOW WONDERING WHY THEIR CHILDREN ARE DYING DUE TO A MISTAKE IN GOVERMENT. I AM SURE YOU ALSO HAVE PARENTS WHO LOVE YOU AND DO NOT WANT YOU TO DIE BEFORE YOUR TIME. THE YOUNG MAN WHO DIED IN BELGRADE BURNING THE AMERICAN EMBASSY HAD MUCH MORE TO “LIVE” FOR.
MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
BE PATIENT! THE SERBIAN FLAG WILL AGAIN FLY HIGH IN KOSOVO. KOSOVO IS SERBIA!
Comment by kristina Velimirovic — February 26, 2008 #
In a post above, delrepublica asks why the Serbs burned the US embassy? It is simple; the Serbs have fought with and for USA and others against the Nazis and the Communists, and now the Serbs are betrayed by the leaders of USA - just like the Cuban anti-Castro soldiers were betrayed at the Bay of Pigs by the USA. The USA and other nations seek to curry favor with terrorists by stepping on the friends who trusted them. The people were burning the embassy of a false friend. They were rightly angered that the USA and NATO protect Albanians intruders who burn and bomb Serb churches that are centuries old, for no reason but their hatred. So - how can anyone dare point a finger at Serbia for a display of anger at their oppression by their so-called ‘allies’?
Kosovo IS Serbia.
Comment by julian — February 26, 2008 #
To kristina,
I sure hope you are right on all counts!
Comment by Tito — February 26, 2008 #
To Tito:
We can not hide the facts. We must come forward with them and stand behind them to give the people of the world a chance to educate themselves and if that does not work, well then …..the “WORLD” will have to face a war that is inevitable.
Patience my friend. If Russia, China, and Spain can not help. BOG je snama! Ni jedna sila nemoze da uzme Kosovo. Kosovo is SERBIA!!!!
Comment by kristina — February 27, 2008 #
To Mark:
Thank you for your comments.
Facts are very important. We also need to display them.
Fact:
Let’s start with when George H.W. Bush went to war in 1991 to oppose the the Iraqi invasion on Kuwait. His reasoning for war was the fact international law does not allow the moving of borders.
Now..his son has not only allowed the invasion of Kosovo, but is trying to give Serbian land to the Albanians in a form of a Independent state.
Fact:
Nato …..said to be protecting Kosovo turned their back when the Albanians in Kosovo burned down our historical Orthodox churches and forced our Serbs out of their own land and killed the Serbs who would not leave.. I believe this is called Ethnic cleansing!
Comment by kristina — February 27, 2008 #
I am aphauld at how there continues to be no freedom of speech or media in the U.S…The news and the interviews are always pro-Albanian. There is never an opposing view yet when I talk with many Americans the majority disagree with their government on all of the International policies.
Things that make you go Mmmmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnn???
Comment by Claire — February 28, 2008 #
Perhaps the first step in regaining a free united States would be to first acquire a free press or news media . These conglomerates are not serving the average man . I dont believe monoplies in news service should not be allowed to exist . I think one man should only be allowed to own only so much , Kinda like land reform .
Money is the root of all evil . A large news service making a small profit may sell for big bucks . Politics also plays a big part in the news buisness . Politics can easily get connected to big bucks so we really cant put a true value on a unprofitable news service that maybe connected to a very profitable side buissnes
The freenterprize belief once thought to be our best protector . Is not doing a good enough job protecting us from a bad news service . Americans maybe almost the most uninformed people in the world on somethings . Worse yet we maybe purposely missinformed . I believe the Yugoslavia wars was the biggest snow jobs ever perpetuated agains us americans . Another false story is the war on terrorism is not a war against muslims
Comment by Eric — June 28, 2008 #