Haradinaj

In a lecture held on Thursday at the Law Faculty in Pristina, Haradinaj emphasized that the Constitution, which was approved in April by the Kosovo Assembly and the the ICO, does not foresee any role for UNMIK.

“We, as Kosovo citizens, on June 16, will declare UNMIK as illegitimate,” Haradinaj is quoted as saying.

Papers also report that Haradinaj proposed a fund of 20 million euros in an effort to integrate the Serbian community in the north of Kosovo. According to him, every family would receive 2000 euros each for the next winter.

“I say this because so far none of the international institutions has anything concrete on the table, while at important international meetings only one side’s (Serbian) arguments are presented. Therefore, we have to get into the Serbs families and integrate them individually,” Haradinaj said.

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Sebaneau said:

... The Helsinki Committee for human rights in Serbia has just published its report for the year 2007 http://www.helsinki.org.yu/infocus_t02.html SELF-ISOLATION: REALITY AND THE GOAL Serbia 2007 Acrobat PDF (3.99mb) >>> http://www.helsinki.org.yu/doc/Report2007.pdf YET ANOTER WASTED YEAR - Helsinki Committee's Annual Report for 2007 - The nature of political changes in Serbia in October 2000 and later, in December 2003 (after the assassination of Premier Zoran Djindjic), could not have secured a consensus on the basis tenets of the modern world, human rights included, that should make the foundation of the Serbian society. This is reflected in public discourse and predominant arguments about "threatened Serbhood" and a "world conspiracy" against the Serbs because of their dedication to justice. In this context, denial of any responsibility for crimes and massive violation of human rights is nothing but a natural outcome Serbian elites' strategy for preventing a social dialogue on the recent past, says the 2007 annual report by the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia. By accepting (though unwillingly and incompletely) international law - that will significantly motivate the protection of human rights in the long run - Serbia got a legal framework necessary for the advocacy of the human rights idea. Yet, Serbia has failed to fully cooperate with the Hague Tribunal in 2007, like in preceding years. Moreover, cooperation almost came to a standstill, while the extradition of Ratko Mladic and other three fugitives was taken off the public agenda. Speculation in the media about Ratko Mladic's whereabouts and former Prosecutor Carla del Ponte's blind belief in the possibility to convince the Serbian Premier to extradite Mladic have trivialized and marginalized this crucial topic. According to the 2007 report, in the shade of the Kosovo status settlement, conformity and national homogenization, uniform values, and the identification of the nation and religious allegiance are being advocated through the media and from the parliamentary rostrum. In parallel with the rhetorical defense of Kosovo, the media blame "domestic traitors" for the overall situation and the loss of Kosovo, thus turning them into scapegoats. In its latest annual report titled "Serbia in 2007 - Self-Isolation: Reality and Goal" the Helsinki Committee underscores that the year 2007 was yet another wasted year for Serbia in the search for an identity and a vision. For, nationalism has remained its predominant political option without a credible alternative. The Serbian political class and elites have not given up territorial pretensions even though the settlement of the Kosovo status had marked the final stage of ex-Yugoslavia's disintegration. Serbia has been unable to become a functional and modern state, since the national issue (territorial expansion) has always been prioritized at the detriment of civic values, citizens' sovereignty and participative democracy. On over 500 pages, the Committee's report for the year 2007 broaches the topics grouped in the following chapters: "Elite and Alternative," "Socioeconomic Processes," "Transformation of State Power Structures," "Religious Communities," "Constitutional and Legal Framework," "Regional Challenges," "Education," "The Media Scene," "National Minorities," "Serbia and the Hague Tribunal," "Redefining Foreign Policy Course," "Kosovo's Independence" and "Serbia and Neighbors." Looking back at the year 2007, the Helsinki Committee emphasizes that statements that Serbia can only be a partner of the EU "as a whole" put into question its commitment to European integration. Accusations against the US and NATO of plotting Serbia's disintegration and creating "a false state," resistance to the EU mission in Kosovo, the withdrawal of ambassadors from the states that have recognized Kosovo, praise for the police after the scandalous rally in Belgrade and failure to strongly condemn the violence and looting have led to a dangerous polarization of society and cannot but make minority communities and liberal citizens feel uneasy.

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June 11, 2008
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Sebaneau said:

... In the Helsinki Committee's view, the new government should, therefore: - Resume the level of diplomatic relations with the world that used to be in place before Kosovo's independence declaration; - As soon as possible stabilize the political climate so as to restore trust of foreign investors and banks; - Immediately resume SAA negotiations with the EU so as to open access to the EU funds necessary for the country's economic and social renewal; - Finalize the privatization of public companies as soon as possible; - Pursue policies that motivate small and medium-size enterprises; - Fully cooperate with the ICTY and extradite all the indictees hiding in Serbia; - Reform the educational system in accordance with the Bologna Declaration and the spirit of the times - this is imperative for building human resources for structural changes in the society and economy; - Create a positive climate for opening of a social debate about Milosevic's legacy so as to take stock of the two-decade failed policy and create conditions for the discussion of alternative options for Serbia's future; - Curb the unchecked dominance of political parties and enable a professionalization of the state administration and all governmental agencies and institutions; - Create an atmosphere propitious to the concept of human rights and develop a policy of equal opportunities for minorities' inclusion into political, social and economic life; - Secure sensibility of governmental agencies for socially vulnerable groups of population such as children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, etc. The 2007 annual report, circulated both in Serbian and English, was published thanks to the assistance of the Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights. The report is available at www.helsinki.org.yu . Hard copies can be obtained at the Committee's office - Rige od Fere St. # 20/V. Belgrade, June 2, 2007 Acrobat PDF (3.99mb) >>> http://www.helsinki.org.yu/doc/Report2007.pdf

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June 11, 2008
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Sebaneau said:

... Resolution 1244 applied to the so-called "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia". To the extent that its provisions restrictive of sovereignty applied to a successor state, it was binding on the Republic of Serbia. Now, Kosovo is not a successor state to Serbia, it is a former colony which has declared independence. As a consequence, UNMIK has no right to stay there if the governmentof Kosovo does not invite it to do so. Resolution 1244 has no bearing on the Kosovars' right of self-determination. It was a restriction placed on Serbia's alleged sovereingty as it had been found unworthy of exercizing it over a foreign people.

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June 11, 2008
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bluerose799 said:

... First…. No matter what Serbian say, no matter what Serbian do: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosova, never will FORGET and newer will FORGIVE – SERBIAN. Never forget.. Never forgive.. Bosnia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzBaRIySZAo&feature=related SERBIA’S POSITION IN BALKAN HAS CHANGED FOREVER. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761584605/Wars_of_Yugoslav_Succession.html http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/bosnia.htm http://www.gendercide.org/case_kosovo.html http://www.state.gov/www/regions/eur/rpt_990416_ksvo_ethnic.html Second… Only a balance of forces can insure a lasting PEACE and STABILITY in the BALKAN. This can be achieved by, DISARMING SERBIA, or REARMING Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosova. Russia in the past and present, continuously, persistently, tenaciously was/is supplying SERBIA, with a huge Arsenal of (State of the Art) Weapons. So Serbia is transformed in a “spearhead of a Slavic aggression that slowly but surely trend to move toward the West”. Ironically U.S.A and EU are providing Serbia with billions of Dollars / Euros Aid, which is used by Serbian Military to take care for their Huge Military Arsenal.

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May 30, 2008
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butrint, london said:

... Despite the fact that I think Mr Haradinaj is a hero and the most competent politician in Kosove at this current moment I do feel that his comments regarding UNMIK are a little inappropriate. As a Kosovar Albanian I personally would like UNMIK to remain in Kosove as long as possible in conjunction with EULEX as I do not have faith in the current Thaci lead goverment. I understand that there are issues such as Mitrovice which have yet to be resolved and it is up to the government of Kosove to put more pressure on the EU and US to help them rectify these problems. I do not believe that his can happen without UNMIK who are themselves in a delicate balancing act.

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May 29, 2008
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No Party just yet said:

... Despite Kosovo declaration of independence being totally illegal according to the UN resolution 1244, and the Helsinki final act, the EU disputes and UN hesitation bring confusion to international monitoring of Kosovo There are fewer countries that have recognised Kosovo than had been anticipated, and Russia, China, India and Brazil have succeeded in wielding more influence in the UN than had been expected. Things are hardly easier for the international personnel in Kosovo. Contrary to what had been expected in leading Western countries, the recognition of Kosovo's independence has not proceeded as smoothly as planned. And Serbian momentum is growing

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May 28, 2008
Votes: +0

bluerose799 said:

... THE VOICE OF REASON triggered me, to return to “New Kosova Report” to treat the North Kosova issue from A to Z. First - I agree with THE VOICE OF REASON for the name he gave the Serbians of North Kosova. Ignoring the tragedy and horror that the Kosovars vent through, you just sound to me more like a beast that is leaking wounds today, and is ready to bite again tomorrow. Second - I a have a message for Mr. Haradinaj. It is an old Illyrian idiom that can’t be translated in English. “KUR NUK KE PULA, MOS BAN ESHSH”. North of Kosova, has to change hands first, from SERBIAN - FRANCE forces to KFOR – KOSOVARS, and after you can tell us how do you think to care for the population and for the area. To do so you have to analyze the actions of France against Albanians and Kosovars from the year 1900 up to the present.

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May 26, 2008
Votes: -2

Voice of Reason said:

	... I cannot believe this. Mr. Haradinaj there are Albanians who are in the brink of starvation and they number twice the serbian population in Kosova. Your focus should not be that of a divorced parent atempt to buy out your bastard child. Imature politics will leave us in abbys,
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May 25, 2008
Votes: -3

Peter said:

	... The International Steering is a group of 22 countries - mostly EU countries - but also the US, Turkey and Switzerland - which does not have any UN legitimacy or legality.
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May 25, 2008
Votes: +1

Mark said:

	... Why is this criminal speaking? Isnt this terrorist supposed to be back in the Hague for his re-trial??
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May 25, 2008
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Azdren Coma said:

... I appreciate his courage, and his determination to get something done. What he is asking for is a higher degree of independence than what UNMIK is offering, and I think this is the right thing to do. As for the integrating the Serbs of the North, there should be no special treatment of ANY ethnicity. If 2000 euros are offered for Serbs, they should be equally offered to ALL other ethnicities, in all of Kosovo.

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May 23, 2008
Votes: +3