Kosovo’s declaration of independence in mid-February was swiftly recognized by the US, major EU powers and other countries worldwide. Interestingly enough, this was not the case with some countries that share their borders with Kosovo. Even though delay and uncertainty in Bosnia is in many ways understandable, Macedonia has no reason to wait. In fact, further delay, is not in its favor and certainly does not serve its ‘top interests’.

After a meeting with his Slovakian counterpart Ivan Gasparovic, Macedonia’s president Branko Crvenkovski declared that Macedonia will sit back for a while and wait on recognizing Kosovo’s new republic. According to him, this action is in harmony with top state interests. In the same vein, he argued that for Macedonia, and rightly so, preserving inter-ethnic stability is a key element.

Over 30% of Macedonia’s population is ethnic Albanian. Some years ago, in the not very distant past, turmoil broke out in this country where ethnic Albanians demanded for rights and equal respect. Without wanting to get into elaborating into this issue, one thing should be kept in mind: tension between the Macedonians and the Albanians is still very much present. And when Crvenkovski says that he must safeguard stability between these two ethnic groups, he’s right, but his reason is not. Recognizing Kosovo’s independence from Serbia will not cause an inter-ethnic conflict, whereas not recognizing it (or even delaying it) might.   Albanians living in Macedonia, and anywhere else, are very sentimental when it comes to the issue of Kosovo. Many of them took part in and fought during the 1998-1999 war between Serbia and Kosovo. How they feel could also be seen in February when they took the streets in celebration, thus, joining millions of Albanians worldwide. Macedonia’s policy makers do not want to burst that bubble by not recognizing Kosovo. Unrest can easily break out in the ethnically mixed Macedonia if Kosovo is not viewed as an independent, neighboring state. The probable scenario would be a massive number of Albanians taking the streets to express their anger and frustration over the government’s actions. Branko Crvenkovski’s statements like the one in Slovakia do not aid efforts in maintaining stability in the country. They create divisions and poles between those who want, and those who do not want a rapid recognition of Kosovo’s republic.   Another issue which has been used as a pretext for not recognizing Kosovo’s independence as of yet is the border demarcation. Kosovo has internationally recognized borders and usage of such an element by the Macedonian authorities to explain their hesitation is just immature. Kosovo has insisted, and should insist, that the formal demarcation of the border between Macedonia and the Republic of Kosovo be done only after Skopje officially recognizes the new country.   

In order to prevent instability from erupting, Macedonia should take immediate action with regards to these two issues: independence recognition, and border demarcation. Considering its aspiration to join NATO and the EU, following a totally obscure and different path from theirs is counter productive for Macedonia. Referring to media depictions that Albanians in Macedonia are interested in causing havoc and unrest, the contrary is true. It is the Albanians in Macedonia the key players that have agreed to stability and common governance with the Macedonian ethnic group. Given that the populace composition is nearly the same, one should bear in mind that equal voice and rights are attributed to both parties. In case this fails to happen, instability might occur. 

In this phase where a growing number of neighboring countries are accepting the sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo, no one can afford the lavishness of seeing turmoil take place. If there is one lesson that all Balkan countries have learned from the past - say all for the sake of optimism - is that turmoil and unrest brings isolation and setbacks. Serbia has best lived this scenario, being caught up in the past decades of devastating embargos and lack of democratic prosperity. Macedonia, on the other hand, should seriously take into account the role of ethnic Albanians inside its territory. Stability is only reached with consensus - this was not applicable to the Kosovo-Serbia case.     

Arlind V. Bytyqi

Geneva, Switzerland

Comments (14)

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Jonny said:

... Hey Predrag! You must be a lonely old man!!! It’s always your name on it and always same B*ll SH*T..... Come on get over it.... grow Up even thought probably you are in your 70's living alone with no clue about what you writing. Kosova is an independent country recognized by most powerful countries and soon will be recognized from many more countries, probably from all apart from Serbia, but its Ok it’s their right to or not to, but it would be in Serbia’s best interest more than Kosova's. Albanians is Macedonia are in large number, about 30% if anyone doubts my saying then don’t worry in near future you will find out that there are about 30% Albanians in Macedonia. So it is in Macedonia's best interest to be a democratic country and work with Albanians for a better future for all citizens of Macedonia. Anyways I have no doubt that Kosova and Macedonia will become very good neighbors in near future. Well I hope that in near future Serbia will get rid of these dangerous people that are leading Serbia and have led for hundreds of years, people with a lot of hate towards their neighbors especially Albanians and help Serbian people get out of this mess that have put them into and are trying to make it even worse. Kosova Is No Danger to any country, in fact it is going to be great partner towards the Europe and better life for all people without any differences, inside and outside Kosova. God Bless all the people who think for other people as they do for themself's and nothing less. Come on Lets Try and Join EU and NATO together A.S.A.P and make life easier and better for our own people, regardless of their nationalities. Let's show the rest of the World that Kosova, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro can be good partners and want to join European Union, at least for the sake of their own people who are tired and sick of everything that happened in this part of Europe since history remembers. Come on let’s say it together!!!!!! KOSOVA Live Forever. Best Wishes From Your Neighbours Thank You Very Much.

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April 07, 2008
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bluerose799 said:

... One in four Macedonian, speak Albanian language. That means Albanians are a minority there. After separation from former YGOSLAVIA, Macedonia is Building up a new Capitalistic Democratic Nation. While their language, culture, and rights are recognized, they are living normal life side by side with Slavic majority of Macedonia. Slavic Socialism of Serbia, have killed hundred thousands and Displaced millions of Croatian, Bosnian and Kosovars. They failed and are paying their price. Many of Serbian that fled Croatia, Bosnia and Kosova, if they will return, might be in title to be Detained, Trailed and Punished, if they will be found guilty. Keep in mind that the Serbian people made massive and horrible crimes, and many of them are not punished yet. There is no way for any parallel between Serbian and Macedonians. http://www.gendercide.org/case_kosovo.html There is no reason for fear to recognize Kosova .

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April 04, 2008
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ergaomnes said:

... Ok ppl, I do think Macedonia should recognize Kosova but heyy, they can do it when they see it suitable for them and I just don't like the "have to" part, no one "has to", those who do "want to" a BIG Thank You. In a democracy there is no such a thing. As a new country we should work towards building a strong,stable and democratic country, and eventually other countries will realize that we are no threat to anyone and we just wanna live in peace. p.s. One should allways try think being on the other one's shoes in return to understand certain position.

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March 22, 2008
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BROOKLYNER said:

	... macedonia will recognise kosova soon, they cant do nthn about it!
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March 21, 2008
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Jacques said:

	... Predrag, I can also tell that Arlind is quite possibly an Albanian due to these glaring attributes; -The famous Northern Albanian clan name, "Bytyqi" -The overwhelming intelligence -The insightful open-mindedness I'm a "first-timer" on the website and I actually like the content. Au revoir!
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March 21, 2008
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Garfield said:

... Predrag, Mr. Bytyqi is a very good friend of mine. He has a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in Management and Leadership. He's worked with international organizations in Switzerland and abroad, with the Kosovo Government under Mr. Ceku, and other institutions. Currently, he works for a private capital investment, asset management and trading company in Geneva, is very much involved with current developments in Kosovo (political and economic); he's written for major news agencies in Kosovo and Switzerland, has worked with political analysts in Asia (Bangkok, Yangon, etc.) and is very much aware of what he says. To me, it seems that this article is but a pure outline of facts and realities on the ground. All that is included in there is actually what can happen.

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March 21, 2008
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gjipeja said:

... probably mr arlind was a bit emotional when he wrote this article however there are some unavoidable facts and truths that macedonian leaders can not escape. The reality is simple and cruel. Albanians in macedonia constitute the "majority" of minority regardless the disputable census on percentage. Albanians are the second political power in macedonia... that's a fact. Someone talked about democracy. Well i don't think macedonia can make a democratic government without the support of the albanian parties. That;s why the last government defacto has fallen apart. If macedonians think that can escape to albanians demand regarding rights and freedoms as well as albanians interests in the region, are totally wrong. you like it or not albanians are the vast minority that can destabilize not macedonia but all the region unless some their fair demand are accomplished. Ron said that macedonia should not recognize Kosovo because it is a serbian province. Well Macedonia should recognize if it won't find itself in deep shit. the last movement of the albanian parties in the coalition of the government showed how difficult is for macedonians to ignore albanians anymore. Watch out... if macedonia won't pay attention ... it can be the next one to be partioned by albanians .... this is diplomacy ... with the rules of mere bussiness

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March 21, 2008
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Predrag said:

... What a load of political propaganda! It’s blatantly obvious that this site, and Arlind V. Bytyqi (Obviously an Albanian who is a journalism dropout) is staunchly pro Albanian. This article is so one-sided, so full of non-truths that one hardly knows where to begin! This entire article, Infact everything that mr Bytyqi writes on this second rate web site, is absolutely laughable. Mr Bytyqi should first get some basic elementary education before being allowed to write on any public forum. If he were educated in any way, he would be working in a real job, and not some second-rate media site. But I guess his current position is better than his pervious job, working at McDonalds.

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March 21, 2008
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Jeton said:

	... The problem isn't the Macedonian side actually, it's the Albanian parties who don't seem to agree on uniting on issues such as Kosova's independence and the rights of the Albanians in that country.
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March 20, 2008
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ooooo said:

	... What a constructive comment... boy oh boy..
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March 20, 2008
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nikola said:

	... "over 30% of population are albanians" ?!?!?!?! are u for real? Did you count Kosovo as well? Where did you get thos numbers, please give me a reference, because for sure those are not from the Macedonian census.... Unboliveable...or not, after I saw your name
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March 20, 2008
Votes: -1

Benn said:

	... hey Ron! Have You had a Drink before you wrote this Comment??? Kosova Was never a serbian Land Apart from the times when Serbs in past occupied Kosova from albanians living there. Kosova is Albanians Land and will be forever. Everything thats is not yours you gonna have to give it back one day. This is wats happening with kosova now. Never was serbian and its out of serbia now....
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March 20, 2008
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Ronald said:

... What you describe is called BLACKMAIL, Albanians are an MINORITY in Macedonia, and therefor they do not have an MAJORITY to demand anything, threathening with voilence just shows the violent nature off the albanians to get theire way., This piece is disgusting and calling for war, just sickening. Democracy means that the MAJORITY deceides and not the MINORITY, learn to live with it that if the majority does not wish to recognize Kosovo that an democratic decision is and threathening with violence just because you do not agree makes you an TERRORIST

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March 20, 2008
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Ron said:

	... Of course Macedonia should not recognize Kosovo. After all it is a Serbian province!
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March 20, 2008
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