As an avid reader of the history of the Balkans, I can safely say that both sides have committed attrocities against each other. It is intersting to note, however, in these comments, that the, for lack of a better term, pro-Serb comments basically all recognize and admit that the Serbs have committed injustices against the Albanians, although not to the degree that the Albanians claim. The pro-Albanian comments, though, don't admit any such atrocities were commited by the Albanians against the Serbs. Do people really expect us to beleive that the Albanian population is as angelic as that? After reading through the comments, I can only say that the pro-Serb comments have more credibility precisely because there is an admittance of some wrong-doing on their part. By making the Kosovo Albanians look angelic, all credibility is lost. I am leaning more and more toward the Serbian point of view because I tend to beleive what they are writing more than what the pro-Albananian commentators ar

Steve Gleason, New York, New York, USA

It has been done a good desicion from the democratic states , Myself I was in Kosova during the war and I lived for 26 yrs with serbs but how they turned back on us it was shame for them and they did killed they own neigbours burnt the houses,and every single young serbian in my village Kijeva grabed the guns against us all bicouse of that and the maryrs of liberty Kosova it must becom indipendent

kijevasi bekim, kijeva, kosova

I'm all YES for granting nations their independence, and all NO for rewarding terrorists. I say grant indepence on condition that Kosovan terrorists (who had killed many of their own, because the cause justifies the means) are brought to justice rather than, as seems likely, rule the new country, and have streets named after them.

The world made the mistake once, in canonising, helping and praising a terrorist organisation in South Africa, the ANC. Now they have towns named after them, and the ex torrirists have incomparable wealth, while being light years removed from the ordinary people of the country they are supposed to govern.In reality the "rule" it rather than govern.Everyone wants to meet Mandela, in spite of the fact that a South African dies a violent death every 30 minutes.

Yes for self rule, yes for improving human rights and freedom, no for exhalting terrorists.

Wim Kotze, johannesburg, South Africa

(3rd part ) (please read part 1 & 2 before this)
Then we hope, that the new Serbian citizens of 2000 don't behave as their ancestors, only for their desire of supremacy on the other people also in the last 20 years they have caused the worse ethnic wars of Europe.
I would desire that every Serbian citizen of today simply read the American declaration of independence (of 1776) with those extraordinary words:
" ....When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation ..... "
To close :
If the people of the Kosovo wants to be free from the Serbia it has the right to be free and the Serbia as always as today is always being wrong.Today, again In Serbia the bad gene prevails on that good.

Smile, milan, Italy

(2nd part) (please read the first part and third part before this)

For America, I cannot speak because I don't know really the cause, but as European, I can say that the crisis of today is initiated after the 2nd world wide war with the division of Europe in 2 blocks and Today we still pay the consequences.
Fortunately with a lot of problems the European union always widens, and our children's children one day they will celebrate only one Europe called simply EUROPE , as from the nature It had been created.
But still returning to our days . there are people that to the moment they don't want to change, as the Serbia, and it wants to divide Europe delaying the widening of Europe of the future.
If the Kosovo wants to be free, even if to Muslim majority - and this is another modern problem - the Kosovo it has the right to be free.
Personally with simple opinion , that If also few people's people in the world they want to be free they have the right to be free.

Smile, milan, Italy

(first part)

Personal thoughts around Kosovo, of a simple Italian citizen of the world.
title : Unfortunately the bad gene prevails still today on that good.

the politics is not my subject, but sometimes it 's important to tell our own opinion.
Excuse me but if also the most important things for me are other but seeing the facts that happen in the world sometimes it is necessary to make some reflections on them.
I see that also if they are passed later over 2000 years Christ, but again some people they want to have the supremacy on other people, but if we love the freedom we are able and we have to contribute to make this world better.
And' it's sad to know that still today and always in some people and (and therefore in some people and inside the same people) the bad gene prevails on the good gene.
Above all The fast economic Globalization is creating strong problems in Europe and in America (only for China) and in the world .
..... continue in 2nd part

Smile, milan, Italy

Kosovars should have the right of self-determination(UDHR) ! ALbanians have survived a quasi-genocide, why oppose their final hope for freedom? We should learn from the history not to make same mistakes twice...
It s not by hating and blindly opposing , that we will reach peace or justice! My heart goes to the peoples of Kosovo
Anthony Lloyd: great article!

Zoulfia, montreal, CANADA

First of all congradulations to Kosova:). i dont know why are so many people saying that if kosova got her independence, everyone else will want to as well, so what, if anyone else can get it, good for them. This world is so mest up because there is so many negative people. Negativity doesnt solve problems. People of Kosova have suffered so much, after all the killings and rapings, wether they were children, women men, the serbs didnt care as long as there was an albanian less at the end of the day. they are finaly seeign the light, and all some of you people can do is bash them and be against them. Half of you who are against it dont even know the history. And the serbs lost croatia, and bosnia, and all the other parts of yugoslavia and there was nothing you could do, so let this one go just like you did the others, and everyone can move on with their lives, and actualy go work instead of protesting and breaking other peoples embassys. that is very childish, no to mention pathetic

Maria, Toronto, canada

KOSOVO IS SERBIA. It always has been, and always will be. The illigal process of making Kosovo its own independent state with Albanians who have pushed out the once Serbian majority out of their homes, villages, threatened their lives and destroyed over 200 Serbian monestaries that are hundreds of years old, must be stopped. The world has been brainwashed by horrible US propaganda. Think of it this way. Kosovo to Serbia is like Jeruselum to Israel. Serbs have been looked at as horrible human beings, for what? For standing up for their country, THEIR territory, their beleifs, their religion, and their homes? It's easy to block out all the horrible things other countries have done to the Serbs in the past if you have the US and UK mixed up in it. While selectively showing only the bad things being done by Serbs. Perhaps the US should show the world the truth behind their doors, behind what has REALLY gone on in the Balkans, and THEN allow for the decisions and opinions to come out.

Zlata Milovanovic, Belgrade, Serbia

Kosovars have been living under Serbian oppression forever and its a relief to see them liberated at least.Some people are just so narrow minded to compare the Kosovo issue to other separatist movements in other parts of the world. No other people's land has been hijacked and the inhabitants treated with such cruelty as the Serb did to Kosovo and Kosovar Albanians. Its time we put right the mistakes of history and give back freedom and the right to self rule to Kosovars/ Serbia has lost its legal and moral right to govern this part of Albanian and the whole democratic world feels this way.

joachim, Vienna, Austria

The only thing missing from this charade was Neville Chamberlain declaring "peace in our time". The EU has capitulated to a bunch of terrorists thugs and opened the door for every disgruntled ethnic group that wishes to persue its own narrow minded terratorial ambitions. And in the process they are willing to use brute force to coerce their own people so they can portray their movement as a popular nationalist movement. This was no nationalist movement. It was a land grab by a group of thugs who had fled their own homeland to escape the brutality of the Hoxha regime' and now, rather than return to rebuild the lands of their ancestors, they find it easier to take away the property of the very nation that gave them sanctuary. The EU by its shameful actions has condoned this dagger to the back of Serbia and abroggated the charter on which the U N was founded.

Powell B. Lucas, Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada

Those individuals around the world who never knew who Serbs really are, NOW they do. Unfortunately, throughout history they've proved to be incapable of any civilized agreement. Their medieval mentality (lacking modern enlightened attitudes), once again proves to the world, in 2008, why Kosovars should and are finally free from Serbian cruel rule. Kosovo's Independence should not be a surprise to anybody in the world, especially not Serbs; After Macedonia, Slovenia, Bosnia Hercegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro declared their independence from Serbia, no wonder Kosovo was supported by the US and EU when boldly ended the violent break-up of former Yugoslavia, by declaring its Independence. The Republic of Kosova is moderate and pationatly pro-western country. The world welcomes the newest nation, and civilized people enjoy it. CONGRATULATIONS!

Venera Lokaj-VENUS, NY, USA

By George Bush's and Tony Blair's definition, Kosovan independence is a victory for terrorism. Western media attempted to legitimise Kosovan terrorists by adopting their operational name (KLA); in reality they were nothing other than terrorists, attempting to achieve their aims by using illegal force of arms.

Keith Wright, Liverpool, UK

I have read too many comments here, i dont know why serbs are still crying for something that never was a piece of them. I am 23 years old and from the time that i could understand the things i remember the genocides , massacres, pushing out of works, out of country, all the worst things that someone can imagine serbs did to us. The only reason for this was the truth that we ( albanians ) are autoctone here and they came then in our country. You can read about Ilirs and their teritores, you can see there that Kosova was a part of that teritores too. So i dont have nothing more to say just to wish all the best things to my people in the Independent Republic of Kosova, and to say thank you to all the states that have suport us as e newest state of the world.

Best regards,
Albana Krasniqi

Republic of Kosova

Albana Krasniqi, Prishtina, Republic of Kosova

I think that the situation has reached the level when independence is only solution. Albanians will not rest. As you could probably conclude reading the comments, most of Albanians who participated took fundamentalist points of view. On the other hand, Serbs have started to make their way to European Union and they are not willing nor capable to fight for this territory. Slobodan Milosevic was one who failed and this is when UN forces came and started preparing Kosovo for independence instead of preparing its Albanian people to recognize Kosovo as a part of Serbia. Why they didn't try that? It was too risky since Kosovars have shown their firmness to declare independence even if that meant war. Serbs' fear of another war is what keeps their renewed democracy in power. EU thinks that it is better to hurt powerless Serbs' pride then turn Kosovars beliefs to illusions.
At this moment it seems wisest, but creating independent Muslim state in Europe will have great consequences.

ali, Belgrade,

Forunately (maybe unfortunately?) all schools and other institutions in Kosovo were built by the Serbs, Croats, Slovenes and others.... The Albanians just never wanted toaccept any kind of education apart from their own tribal, militant kind of ...do not know how to call it...maybe way of life as one cannot talk about any kind of culture, organised education or the like. Basically, Serbia will be better off without the Albanians. The question is how to protects the Serbs?
And please, let us not talk about atrocities caused by Milosevic and pretend that nobody knows what had been happening to the Serbian population before.
Obviously, the division of Kosovo is inevitable. ALso, it is a good example for Republica Srpska to become independent. Or Norhtern Ireland. Or any other country. Why not?

Natalie, Subotica,

I am shocked by this article, and there is one question I have to ask all the people who supported Kosovo intependance, including the jurnalist: You let someone in your country on you kindness, give them shelter, food, social securiry, protection of their own goverment while they have been reffugies and due their tradition of having 10 children per family, ofcourse they are going to make 97% population after 50 years. And now all of you dare to say they deserve the right to own that land?
Just think for one second if it's happening in your own country, would you let it go just that easy?
I am not saying Kosovar's are bad people, not at all, I know plenty of them with lovely memories, but "Kosovo Liberation Army" - Liberation of what? All leadership of that army is based on jailed criminals who find the way to prove himself that he done something in his life and vast majority of ordinary people is scared from both ways (as we all know most of people die in wars are innocent people).

Goran, Melbourne, Australia

To start I will say that I do not agree with Kosovo's declaration of independence. It was wrong to skip the approval of the UN. I believe this will provoke other European pseudo-countries to feel that they should declare independence as well.

With all the media coverage of the "terrible things the Serbians did," I can imagine that most Americans have taken a stand on the Kosovo issue solely based on what they've seen. My school (and from what I've asked my friends living in various parts of the USA, most schools) avoids teaching of ongoing European conflicts. This is why I believe no one realizes the awful treatment the Serbs had been subjected to since the rise of the Ottoman Empire. The Kosovo conflict is not new; people must refrain from looking at the recent history as means for taking drastic measures like independence.

Also, if the people of Kosovo couldn't defend themselves before NATO stepped in, what makes them think they can defend their country's independence?

Milana, Munster, IN

This article is really good I would like to thank Mr.Loyd for this article to know that someone like you has actually taken the time to visit kosova and see the truth.There are alot of comments based on hate against kosova indepndence for what reasons? they are have no facts to prove their points and you get alot of teenagers leaving comments that really offend the kosovan albanians especially me no one can understand how much it hurts to know that people hate on you because of where you came from. I dont hate against anyone and i will definitly not make comments against the serbs as i am a kosovan albanian because i no not all serbs are cruel and i know that not all of them want war and that there are alot of innocents ones out there too and i know that not all kosovans are perfect but pointing out the criminals should not affect their independence because there are lots of countries who have indepndence and some dont even have civilisation within there own country.

krenare...shqiptaree, London, England

What a thoughtful article. I agree. 100 percent.

Ana casian-Lakos, columbus, OH

This is great, being brainwashed by USA interests, many of you say now - independence to Kosovo!!!
Have you ever thought that all was played and inspired by US, they feel themselves free to come in any country to say - you will play by my rules. And all Serbia tradegy is of the same origin.

Many people told that the main fact that is now is in power - is no law! At all..... only "US Democracy"... if not - wait for a bomb....in your home.
Thta's verry pitty and dangerous if Europe will not open their eyes to what USA is doing with them .

Vlad, St.Petersburg, Russia

It deeply saddens me as a human first and as a Kosovan second that so many people can protest against Kosovo independence.

So many people have written comments expressing their views with regards to the Kosovo situation and that is fine with me, but what is not fine is the people who write their posts with ought and knowledge about Kosovo/ Serbian relations.

Kosovo people have been butchered by the Serbs for as long as can remember and now that we want a country of our own so that they do not have the right to kill us whenever they want Serbs become upset.

Common people, obviously our people will resort to crime when we are oppressed by the cruel Serbian regime which prohibited nearly all Kosovan’s from getting and education which we are behind in all of the sciences by about two generations.

So I just wanted to say thank you to the writer of this article for his honesty and thank you to all of the people that support Kosovo independence.

arber avdullahu , london ,

so your saying that kosovo is right in their claim for an own state. have you ever read your history books, or was your book written by solely western writers(wich has much too say about todays situation). serbia let in many albanians because they were kind enough to let them help in time of need, after that the albaniens grow andgor, until they forgot what the wrbians did for them, and thus they saw the geographical area wich lived as their own. thats what happened, and thats not right. they should not be an independent state just because there is more albanians living there than serbians. its like saying oslo(the captiol of norway) should be muslim because the most usual name to give your child is muhammed. it doesnt make any sence at all.

serbia help their fellow nabor, and is punished afterwards for being kind. thats not how the UN should react.

bernt nilsen, stavanger, norway

Some moments you cannot describe in words, you need to experience them. Finally freedom! I wish my father and all others who sacrificed for Kosova's freedom on their own way would have experienced this day. I'm so proud to be part of a nation that opposes violence, but has resisted with honour for thousands of years wherever and whenever violence and pressure was opposed on it. Thanks Albania, US, EU, Turkey, Croatia, Macedonia, Japan, Australia and all other counties who will recognise our independence. We don't have anything against the Russia nor the Serbs or other minorities in Kosovo. We simply want to be free!

Illyrian, Pristina, Kosovo

It is time that GB in particular recognised the role that the Serbs played in ww1 and wwt on the side of the allies. It should recognise that Serbia was abandoned by Churchill to communism after ww2, that a communist Tito did nothing for Serbians and allowed the spread of Albania, North into Kosovo displacing Serbians and replacing Serbian culture and influence purely by population changes. The action taken by Milosovich was shocking but a reaction to years of lost influence and leadership. Noone condones it. The justification today of albanians demanding independance from Serbia is based on a short history since 1998 and current majority population. GB supports this demand without considering the facts, the history and blinded by the headlines of a terrible war. Abandoning Kosovan Serbs to this contrived democracy is fundamentally wrong.

Colin Peake, Surrey, UK

This is one way to look at the situation. It is just one side of the story, and here is the other.
1. If Kosovo can have independence same could be done for Scotland or any other separatist region. Majority of Scots want independence, but it is Great Britain not some small country who has and does not deserve no right at all.

2. There was no genocide on Kosovo not by Serbs, there were war crimes, but there are war crimes in every war , war is a crime itself (just look at Iraq today and see what is a hell on earth that USA and Britain created).

3. It is true that Albanians from Kosovo fled, they fled for two reasons. Part of them fled from the war itself, everybody ask yourself would u stay in a war torn region, and other fled to provoke a international reaction (that was just what USA Dogs of war have waited).

4. NATO bombed Yugoslavia as a show of power, and for interests of some Western countries. NATO countries are the real war criminals.

Ivan, Belgrade, Serbia

Josie - noon is or has been 'making’ Serbs out to be inhumane - you, the Serbs did so to yourselves, over the decades. It was the Serbian people, in tens of thousands, shouting and displaying banners "Do not give them pens- give them bullets" (when your governments` people drove pupils and studens out of their schools), "Albanians to the sea" (drive them out of the land) supporting your ill-famous Milosevic.It was your men, in thousands, part of military, police, paramilitary groups that were killing, burning, massacring, raping, cutting limbs and chopping bodies apart, burning people alive in their houses; you did that to your neighbours, to your colleagues, to your fellow townies. It was your men that drove me out of my house, burned it to the ground, and massacred after killing him my father in-law.
It is about the time you Serbs looked at yourselves, accepted responsibility and apologised for the inhumane crimes you committed. Maybe then, only then, people will not feel repulsion

Ana, London,

Thank you Mr. Lloyd - great article, I agree with all that you've said. I think what most people fail to understand (especially with the ridiculous California argument) is that the Serb government actively participated in genocide against ethnic Albanians. A government which has done so should lose the right to rule, and this should be reason enough for the independence of Kosovo.

Arnab, Brunswick, ME, USA

If you consider fair the independence of Kosovo, why not the Northern Ireland as well to proclaim its independence. Or your approach is applicable only to the Balkans. Why do you have double standards in appreciating ?

There is no kosovar people, maybe in your minds...

The author of this article does not know anything about the realities of this area.

Unfortunatelley, in the last years it seems that the right to force has successfully replaced the force of the right. And the United States and its appendix, the Great Britain, continue to support the initiatives of the worst president America ever had.

Shame of you

razvan, bucharest, romania

No, Kosovo should not have its independence. There are many more arguments against it than the article above claims. As one of the other reviewers mentioned - since when do we let every nationality have its state whenever they are the majority over some territory?! Under that logic, California will soon have to be its own state because of the Hispanic population. Not to mention all the actual secessionist movements all over the Caucasus....accepting Kosovo's independence will just open Pandora's box for all sorts of problems.
Moreover, portraying the Albanians in Kosovo as victims and martyrs and the Serbs as the bad guys, is typical black-and-white logic. It is not your regular citizens it's governments that start wars and genocide. The fact the Milosevic was a "bad guy" does not mean all Serbs are. Particularly not now that Serbia actually has incentives to "behave" so that it gets more integrated with the EU. Giving Kosovo its independence now is a recipe for disaster.

Linda, Pittsburgh, PA

Kosovo deserve's its independence, and i don't understand why some people are making comments on something which they have no knowledge about. Blood was shed over Kosovo's independence and i am glad that they now have it. serbs know that they have lost kosovo forever they should just learn to live whith it.

its great to see someone write the true abluut albaniabns as they always get apinted as the bad guy.
KOSOVA INDEPENDENCE FOREVER.

B, London ,

Your ignorance is disappointing. You have no knowledge of the history of Kosovo or Serbia. America should concentrate on itself rather than smaller more vulnerable countries. You make Serbs out to be inhumane when your comments and views are completely oblivious to the fact that Albanians are NOT innocent in all this. Both nationalities have been malicious in this fight but the fact remains Kosovo was Serbian, and then invaded by Albanians. The fact that they have now over populated Kosovo does not mean that it should become independant. Is the European Union going to give independance to every state depending on who populates it?!
INDEPENDANCE FOR CHINA TOWN TO THE CHINESE!!

Josie, Sydney, Australia

I do agree with time a lot and of course today is Feb 17th 2008 after i celebrated the Independence Day. It was one of the best days of my life and i say i am sorry for the Serb that they lost Kosovo but They never had Kosovo before they were Lucky to keep it when Tito was alive but truly KOSOVO was always a contry with Albanians will always be with Albanians and there is one thing i can say about Serbs, They Lost KOSOVO Forever and never in their entire life will have their chance to rule kosovo anymore. GOD Bless America and the EUROPE for beliving in KOSOVARS, and making them STATE that KOSOVARS faught for a long long time, it is so lond that it's so hard to even remember. No more abusse in Kosovo, no more Killings Albanian Women, Kids, or any kind of Human being. KOSOVO IS FREE, WILL ALWAYS BE FREE, AND GOOD BLESS AMERICA, EUROPE AND MOST OF ALL KOSOVO.

tony , Zurich, Switcerland

Peace can happen if Serbia and Russia let go? let go of what?
Lets see... How about Basque people pronouncing its independence? How about Gaza and West Bank pronouncing 2 independences? How about Northern Ireland pronouncing Its independance? How many more shall I insert?
Because if Kosovo can pronounce its independence on its own without the Law, then what should stop the others do so? And what is the interest of the USA in this matter? What is the point of putting the current Serbian leader in power 10 years ago and now saying that he is bad? I won't say more but we all know another well known person that has been put in power to resist the Russians 27 years ago and now we are all chasing him... Think about that before leaving the victorious comments...
And some answers with the Facts would be very interesting to hear.

DJ Bob, Zurich, Switzerland

The situation in Kosovo has now set a precedent for other break-away factions in such places as South Ossetia and numerous Russian regions, the Basque, Northern Ireland, parts of the United States (Texas / California) that secession is possible. Not only are historic claims to land now available. This move allows a vast numbers of immigrants who are now living in Western countries like the UK, United States, to unite & throw their weight around. This move shows, more than anything else, the hypocricy of the West & the International Community in allowing the independent state of Kosovo to exist, while at the same time disallowing those in Western states to do the same. This decision will come back to bite them on the bum.

John, Auckland, New Zealand

It's a beautiful day, Kosova is independent. Let go of all tensions, stop fighting. Remember the past but move on. Europe is headed in the right direction. Now, if only Serbia and Russia would let go... There can be peace, it can happen... it can happen.

Sanela, NYC, USA

It is really sad to see how history can be misinterpreted, how history can be modified how a state can be 'cut' in pieces by who had the power to do it.

Albanians are direct decentest of Illyrians and Pelasgians, a nation that existed long time before slavs appeared in the Balcans.

Even though an ancient nation Albanians has always had the misfortune to be involved in wars, assaulted by neighbors with the desire to expand their territories. Serbians has done exactly this always trying to eat some part of the weak body of Albania.

Kosovars has been from always there where they are now, they not only deserve their independence that as a matter of fact is coming to late, but as Albanians says 'Better late then never '...

Kosovo deserves their independence and Albanians that are still in Macedonia and Monte Negro deserves a reward that don't require the union just to avoid conflict.

Is a big day for democracy and we all should celebrate...
Happy independence day Kosovo !!!!!

Neda, Edinburgh, UK,Scotland

When the Albanians would let all the other nationals return to their homes, including not only those that were chased out of the Kosovo and Metochia in the last 10 years (200.000) but those that have been chased for decades (another million or so in the last 50-70 years) by knife and fire - first then, I think, Kosovo will deserve to become A STATE. Every third Serbian has in the family an ancestor that was chased out of his home at Kosovo. First then - an independent state of the people for the all people and not only for the medieval tribes. However, I love history, and creating a state today may help to preserve that medieval flavour of tribe, discrimination, hate, blood-thirstiness, vengeance and other primitive drives. In the hart of Europe! Like a museum - may be that is not so bad then?

John, Paris, Texas, USA

yeah right!! all you need is some waving with USA flags and automatically you are a "good guy" and by the way get your own state!!! poor and sad.. one more great defeat for justice in world...shame on you false protagonist of world justice

vedran, subotica, vojvodina, serbia

Please tell you all who think that Kosovo land is Serbian land, why than in Southern East of Serbia are mostly Albanians, Why in northern Macedonia are mostly albanian, in Monte Negro mostly are albanian do you all think that Kosovars came there from moon or what. if you look deeply into history you will see that Serbians aren't suppose to be there.

Tim, USA,

Free Scotland, NOW

JOY, Edingburgh, Scotland

MY VIEW IS:

Dear Mr. Loyd,
Some day i will come to your house i take one flor.And then i will say THIS IS MINE.Its not your land anymore.Tell me Mr. Loyd will you accsept thet or you going to fight for your own flor.

Tell me...

Our Land, Belgrade, SERBIA

It feels so good to read an article as it is your Mr. Lloyd.
You give us support and this is what we need. You have seen what kosovars have suffered.

May God bless you...

Maja, London, England

My best compliments to the write, it is rare to see a person who writes the truth and only truth. And this can be achieved only by a person who was there during these terrible years. The Great Serbia as its sister Great Russia are history, and terrible actions of Serbs in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo are just showing us how painful for people who were raised on hatred and belief that the rule all the south of Balkans to realize that those who they kept in fear will someday revolt and gain their rights, Good luck KOSOVA, good luck.

Edward McAcow, Dublin, Ireland

We are Indipedent..........................bye bye Serbia forever!

sheki, Prekaz -Skenderaj, Kosova

How would the Americans react if Southern California declared itself a Hispanic Republic or Georgia an African American Republic ,due to each states majority ethnic numbers. Or can you imagine the Brits accepting Independence for Wales or Northern Ireland. Support Kosovo Independence by the USA and NATO has a smell of Hypocricy about it

Edward Perry, Sydney, Australia

Mr. (Kosovo Serb),
First of all do you have a name, or you can just identify as a Kosovo Serb?!
Secondly, to talk about Serb's rights over Kosovo is waste of time, because the world knows now. The time of dark ages is over.
Thirdly, if the Kosovars are terrorists, stay away from them, leave them alone in their beloved country.
Forth, I suggest you open your eyes versus West. Forget Russia and medieval times.
Serbs killed many women and children. I am not aware of any Kosovar killing women and children.

Who is the Terrorist then?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KOSOVO! Enjoy your well deserved Freedom.
GOD BLESS KOSOVO, ALBANIA AND ALL ALBANIANS wherever they are
GOD BLESS Civilized people USA, GB, EU

Nosh Gjeka, New York, USA

Thank you for this article, you state what is fact as you have seen it for yourself. I just want to say..
We deserve this. We will get it. OUR country, OUR rules:)

WELCOME TO THE STATE, KOSOVO.
BYE BYE SERBIA.

Fiona KRASNIQI, London, United Kingdom

People in New York city and USA see on TV about foreign policy only what their government view. Sorry Nora, but you must come to Serbia and Kosovo to see the things and then to judge about it. USA government armed Kosovo terrorists how they could killed Serbian civils, and then media machinery calls it democratization. Shame!

Kosovo Serb, Kraljevo, serbia

People,people...
The 'situation' about Kosovo is more complicated as you can even imagine! May the almighty God forgive us all!

South-West Serbia (near Kosovo) resident

Marko Petrovic, Presevo, Serbia

Just watch... Is this kosovo you want?
Just watch who you are supporting!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tptjDugqXiM

Nada, Belgrade, SERBIA

if you are unsure about the ownership of kosovo do some research by looking up Battle of Kosovo in wikipedia that might give you a beter understanding why serbians treasure it as their sacred land note no albanians are recorded in history of kosovo

brad , brisbane, australia

Who are we to decide Kosovars' fate? Their freedom to live their life in their land? I have seen the terror, fear and broken dreams in children Kosovars' eyes in 2008-2009 Genocide, and will never forget, but forceful raise my voice and pray to God for Kosova's Independance. Kosova deserves the Independance for the blood shed by thousand Kosovars, for the lost children and devastated mothers, for the hopes cut short of those who gave their lifes for this land. Kosova has been, is and will be the land of the Kosovars. May peace, prosperity and hope be the lead of Kosova's future.

Nora, New York City, United States of America

What is Kosovo independence based on? Where is international law? If Kosovo can be independent, so can the Basque land, Northern Ireland, Texas, Northern Cyprus, and hundreds of other regions in the world wanting seccession. Why do strong powers always have double standards? Kosovo independence is a disrace for international community

Marco, Rome, Italy

Kosova should not be a reminder to others who also want indipendence and freedom. The world cannot ask Kosova's people to remain quite so it does not greater risk people around the world who want fredom to speak out for what they deserve. No other situation should be looked upon and be dumped over KOsova's and the indipendence that it obviesly deserves.

Morina.B, Toronto , Canada, Ontario.

I am so happy to see that KOSOVO is finally free from serbia.I will. I will keep my eyes on the news this weekend. I also know a few horror stories. GOOD LUCK KOSOVO!!!

Gabriele Gass-Buduri, Nuremberg, Germany

Kosovo independence is a mistake. Europe will pay badly for it. USA perhaps less, but surelly will get some of it.
Milosevic's was a murder, but... Kosovo independence is a big mistake.

Pedro, Lisboa, Portugal

This recognition of Kosovo independence is an outrage to those who have suffered and died as a result of "ethnic cleansing" of Serb's for centuries in the region. Although it is a tragedy what has occurred over the past 10 or 15 years to the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, at the hands of a madman- Milosevic, it still remains that this land is the heartland of Serbia and has been since time immemorial. What of all the Serb's who were killed unter Tito and KLA? Kosovar Albanians argue that they should have this land because it is their home of which 95% are non-Serbian. One who knows anything about history needs to ask a simple question? How do they explain the Serbian heartland became so dominant of ethnic Albanians? If they want their own land, why don't they go to Albania-afterall this is where their alledged ancestors are? If this independence goes forward this will set a precedance that the international communtiy has no idea how do handle.

Constantinos Georgakopoulos, London, Canada/ Ontario

Serbians during the war attacked mostly the villages where people were unprotected they murdered our people in cruelest ways. They tortutered them in ways that were very un human let me give you an example,Back in 1999 when the crisis happened the serbians were going in vilages to take there weapons so the people were unprotected basicly and my grandpa didnt want to give his up so his in the middle of winter they undress him totally naked and put him in a barrel of freezing water and not to long after that did he die .That was just one example because they did numerous things so now you guys expect us to live under these monsters who are ignorant and liars .Well kosova is getting its independence no matter what serbia and russia say because kosova is not alone they have E.U , U.S.A and many other countries And let me tell you kosova is gonna be aa country that no other can compare to because Albanians no matter where they are they will come and invest in Kosova .Mark my words. KOSOVA

BESARTA , PRESHEVA , KOSOVO

It is very sad that no Serbian kid is educated nor raised with believe in justice, democracy and freedom. Serbian people raise their kids by feeding them with hate, propagandas, lies. Hearing them talk about justice is impossible. Serbs cry for being victims while committing massacres and terrorizing others at the same time. It's shame how all their history is built on fabricated propagandas, lies and folse data designed by some famous (academic) illusionists. No wonder they are confused!
Serbians are the ones who have infected Balkans for many years.

Shqipe, Bronx, NY

I was wondering if anybody in Europe is worried about the organised crime (esp. heroing smuggling and prostitution) spreading from Kosovo and the inability of the Albanians from Kosovo to do, make or produce anything, but to smuggle drugs, weapons and organise terrorism (Kosovo, was literally built by all other former Yugoslav republics and money from their taxpayers.). Is independent Kosovo going to pay that back?
Milosevic`s regime was disasterous in many things, but Kosovo crisis goes way back...and has nothing to do with Milosevic.To see it through western prism, what he did could be interpreted as a kind of defence from the atrocities caused by the Albanians. So simple and logical as that. I don`t see how he can be worse from obnoxious UCK (Albanian terrorist organisation, now in power in Kosovo)?
Is there anybody clever enough to explain if there is any logic?
But seriously, not the soap opera style...

Natalie, Subotica,

Kosovo deserves its independence.So do Abhasia,Alania,Kurds and minorities in the UK.

George, London,

QUOTE : "Serbs have been the victim of ethnic cleansing to such an extent, that in less then 100 years, their number in Kosovo has fallen from 90% to less the 10%. "

You better read other nation books about history not only Serbian ones. Than you will find out who was ethnoc cleaned in Balkans.

I can see you can write and read english its not gonna be a problem for you, but in any case you need translation let me know i will be more than welcome to do so.

Sokol, New York, USA

It is interesting to note that not one article, particularly this one, serves to mention WHY Albanians have the majority in Kosovo. Perhaps no one wants to acknowledge the egregious behavior of Albanians, led by the KLA which is a KNOWN terrorist organization... wait, isn't their new president a "former" KLA member? For a world that seems to be fighting Islamic radicalism and terrorism, it would seem ironic that both the US and the EU would serve as beacons of terrorist support via their actions in Kosovo. I suppose that if a hispanic dominated state such as California wanted its independence one day, the EU should intervene and allow that to happen. Allowing Albanians and their terrorist organization affiliated leader the ability to control Kosovo, which is a historic SERBIAN area, would only cause immense conflict and strife in a region that does not need to see anymore.

Adrijana, Chicago, IL

The Serbs have been vilified and persecuted firstly by the Ottomans, then mass massacred by the Nazis, while the Croats and the Muslims in that region were allied to the Nazis (Bosnian Muslim Handschar division).

After all that, the US fell for the old con trick that Muslims always use while Jihading ie siezing the lands of Infidels - pretending to be victims. Many MSM TV reports of that conflict are highly questionable - the market bombing, the cemetery bombing, the so called concentration camps. It is unfortunate that the internet was not as powerful as it these days, so that "atrocities" such as Qana in Lebanon, the "bombing" of the ambulances by Israel, can be exposedfor the frauds they are.

Serbs have been the victim of ethnic cleansing to such an extent, that in less then 100 years, their number in Kosovo has fallen from 90% to less the 10%.

We are now facing the same Jihad as the Serbs had to for centuries.

DaveP, Beverley, UK

kosovo should have its independence we deserve it after evreything we have been through serbia should never be allowed to enter the eu after all the massacres they did in bosnia and kosovo, and the serbs have framed ramush haradinaj a kosovan politician who fought against the serbs in the war he should be cleared of all charges. kosovo independence WILL happen in a few days.

loz, mitrovice, kosovo

Well, i am not here to say that mr. ,,Anthony Loyd" is or is not right about the etnic cleaning of Albanians becouse i'm was to young when that hapened on Kosovo, but mr Loyd you must realise that there is a new democratic goverment now in Serbia unlike in the '90's when the comunists ruled...and you must realize that no one can't take a teritory of some other state or declare it's independance...Macedonia was diferent it was in a federation with Serbia, like Croatia ,Bosnia and Montenegro..but Kosovo is diferent it is and will be 15% of Serbia's teritory...simply it would be like someone comes into your back yard and claims that it is his own, but you have all the papers for it, your father left it for you...could you imagine that mr. Loyd....i think they dont have the right for independence....by the way sorry for my grammar, like i said my knowledge of english is werry poor,hey im just 17teen!

Marko, Belgrade, Serbia

When Serbs were mistreated (well, I don't want to throw big words) in Kosovo and Metohija, Croatia, Bosnia, they fled to Serbia for security. It's logical and natural, I can say.

When Albanians were allegedly mistreated during centuries by Serbs, especially during last century, they kept coming from Albania!!! Well, that is not logical for me, I don't know about others....

Are Albanians into S&M collectively?

Oh, yeah, one more thing - I agree with someone who wrote that they breed like rabbits ...

Zo, Belgrade, Serbia

Without recognizing from Serbia the Kosovo chances to build stable or progressive economy are tin. Politicaly all region will feel permanent tension. The ambitious Albanians will not seat and wait for his portion of international help. They will star his old bines with drugs and they do not bring stuff from Columbia as you can gess.The Serbia will probably do the same forced by poor economy and isolation. But most important is what will came from east (beside drugs) and Kosovo is not flat land as Iraq. And until Europe notice that something grow in hills of Muslim Kosovo, security of region and Europe will be compromised. And we people of Balkan will be still miserable as we were in last U.S experiment in region.

Dragan, Belgrade, Serbia

http://www.ess.uwe.ac.uk/kosovo/Kosovo-Refugees55.html

Now tell me Brinligton from UK how many refugees from Kosovo passed the borders and went to other countries? and marko do you think that Macedonia is still part of Serbia? then I must correct you and tell that Albania, Macedonia, Turkey, Germany (where I went as refugee), USA, and many other countries are not part of Serbia, and millions of Kosovar Albanians went in these places during the war and we just returned after the war finished. Dave brrrll from UK, you seem to have taken the wrong path, be more objective and afterwards start speaking.

Adem, Prishtina, Kosova

Kosovo is part of Serbia, period ,the KLA are no different from any Islamic extremist group, they are terrorists. Didn't the USA have a civil war to stop the Sourthern states going independent?? Same thing different period of time. Doesnt Gordon Brown strongly oppose an Independent Scotland. I think if Kosovo gets its independence then the Serbs in the north of that region should break away from Kosovo and also break away from Bosnia to from a greater Serbia. While we are at it dont forget the those who want a Basque state.

Dave B, Bridlington, UK

Loyd says he saw people displaced by the the anti-KLA campaign in their region.
But what Loyd doesn't say is that nearly all the displaced remained WITHIN Serbia, not without., i.e. They were temporarily forced to leave their homes, not their territories. Afterwards, they RETURNED HOME. Well BEFORE the bombing. Just like Loyd himself.
So get a reality check, Mr Loyd. You're trying to make what you saw into something more important than it was.

To make a comparison, when the US attacked "terrorists" in Iraq and Afghanistan, it displaced perhaps hundreds of thousands of civilians (eg the Fallujah operation). And that was for the killing of just 3 US soldiers.

Compare that to the murder campaign, (which had by then murdered about 2000 people) by the western secret service-trained terrorists of the KLA?

Should we really reward these drug-running murderers by giving them the sacred heartland of someone else's sovereign state. Think again, Mr Loyd!

marko, London, UK

Kosovan Albanians suffered in the hands of murdering Serbs just like the Turkish Cypriots suffered in the hands of the Greek Cypriots. The only difference being that Turkey intervened in 1974 after 11 years of Greek brutality against an un-armed Turkish Cypriot population.

The Turkish intervention in Cyprus not only saved the Turkish Cypriots but brought down the Greek Junta as well as saving lots of Greek Cypriot lives from the likes of Nikos Samson and EOKA terrorists.

Greece and Greek Cypriots are doing their level best to embarress the EU and the US by supporting the Serbs and the Russians. Both are determined to stop Kosovo's independence at the expense of falling out with the rest of the "civilised world". How long before the West finally wakes up to the antics of the Greeks and Greek Cypriots and declare independence not only for Kosovo but for The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with a de facto partition?

Oil and water don't mix. Nor do the Turks and the Greeks.

Haase, London, UK

For all you foreigners out there.. I know you don't know much about Yugoslavia and Kosovo. Even those of you who think that spending a few months with a bunch of KLA guys entitles you to think you "know" the region are quite plain wrong.

To all of you I pose this question..Which none of you can answer.. If Serbs are truly so unjust to minorities, if they are truly so evil and so genocidal. Then why is Serbia, BY FAR the most ethnically diverse country in the Balkans. All the other nations are "pure". Serbia is the only place where they live in harmony. Think about this VERY HARD. If Serbs truly wanted to cleanse Serbia of Albanians, why didn't they start with the 100,000 Albanians living in Belgrade? Or the over 500,000 living in other parts of Serbis? No amount of propaganda can answer these questions can it...

It's that simple, that easy to break the propaganda bubble.. It really is.. If you don't believe me, check yourself.

Marko, Ithaca, NY

thanks to the newspaper giving people the right to express themselves. that´s how it should be.
now, refering to Kosova matter, most of the people that have written in here, want to express themselves but not let the kosovans to express themselves. Even more, probably to oblige them to have a recepe of their status.
As a contemporary citisen, i think that dictatorships always end bad. and in the brink ofa beter biger europe, its best for all of us to repair past mistakes, or errors, or negligence and start working towards strong and democratic constituencies. to be fair i think that Kosovans doesn´t owe a penny to serbs/Serbia. it is the other way around. it is serbs/serbia that have caused a lot of pain, suffering, destruction and hate that have generated not only in Kosova but thoughout the former federation.
As i understand it, to serbs/Serbia should be given the least of attention on the matter. otherwise the train will fall again on the old truck; pain, suffering distruction..

peme, canterbury, uk

Dear Sir, I´m fully agreed with P Handke. If EU support Kosovo´s independence instead to help Serbia rebuilding the country, the EU will become a nightmare. Kosovo´s fighters are not better than vasquians (ETA) or other gangs.
The problems have to be solved within Serbia and this country has to be properly engaged with EU. In addition, EU doesn´t need confrontation with russians; we need them closer to us in future...
and some gangs have to start to respect each other and the law.

Vicente Sala, Valencia, Spain

The "independence" of Kosovo can be (helas) a done deal, but it will not be the end of troubles . It will be just the beginning...

Leonard, Alghero,

I am born American, and if the war starts in Kosova, I would go and fight with Serbs to preserve their territorial integrity. Same as I would do for America if Cubans try to get south Florida.

joe, Glen Allen, VA, USA

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I read on 12 December the article written by your young journalist Anthony Loyd about the status of Kosovo that it should be given to Kosovo Albanians because they deserved it just for being messed about and driven out by Serb forces in 1999. In other words new democratic government of Serbia should apologize for the years of maltreatment 1990 till 1999, by giving away a big part of its territory to the immigrants from Albania. It was silly by this young journalist to draw such a conclusion and even sillier by your learned newspaper to print it. Because he was in their midst only during such a short period of crisis, that he does not remember that atrocities have been going in a rollercoaster graph ever since First World War, to get its harshest shape in the years of their autonomy status, which Tito proclaimed in 1974. Mr Loyd may have been born at that time and it is natural that he does not remember Serbs being killed, mistreated, harassed in order to sell properties cheap and vacate the province, even receiving heavily body harm, like broken bottles driven into their backside (Mr G Martinovic had been attacked in his cornfield and the whole incident was hushed by the communist regime of Yugoslavia). But surely, he must remember heavy atrocities immediately after the purge of Serbs by NATO, killing of 14 Serbian harvesters, blowing a Serbian coach of pilgrims, firing at 10 Serbian youths bathing in the river Gorazde, killing elderly on the daily basis, culprits of which have never been found let alone stood trials. And he must remember the rampage of March 17th, when 112 Serbian churches were torched by madding crowds imported from Albania proper for the occasion.

Alleged atrocities by Serb security forces were actually the resistance of Serbian state against the Albanian terrorists KLA, which were fighting to cut the region from Serbia, a recognised state, a member of UN. And that was a normal action like in any sovereign state. I would only ask your journalist to try and light up a cigarette in an English pub and he would face imprisonment, but that was just a minor crime compared to these thugs who were trying to overthrow the regional authorities and set up another Albanian state. Mr Loyd was also present in the theatre when the Racak massacre happened (endorsed by the Finnish forensic team as a charade) that led to illegal bombing action against Serbia, which eventually caused mass exodus of Serbs and a mass influx of immigrants from Albania proper, the plan that was condoned by NATO just to achieve 90% predominance above ethnic minorities. No one has ever shed a tear over the exodus of Serbs of that time or over the times during Tito’s rule when the atrocities of Albanians were kept quiet. And now there is a provision that there will be no return to a period before 1999. So after all these events how can this young journalist give his verdict in favour of this unruly mob without due regard to international law.

Bob D Vlajcic
16 Tempe Orchard
High Wycombe
0798 0945 312

Bob Vlajcic, HIGH WYCOMBE, Bucks

"So the road ahead may not be as perilous as it is feared. Wriggle room exists. However, in the meantime the EU should bolster its civilian and military missions in Kosovo, ENSURING THAT THE SERB MINORITY IS WELL PROTECTED."


From whom?
From Albanians and their democrasy?

Alex, Belgrade,

I think that Serbs and their allies (Russians in particular) have to understand that the Independence for Kosova is a done deal. It is only matter of time. Tough luck for the Serbs. It is understandable though why the Russians support the Serbs, both of these two nations were and are very undemocratic and both have killed and murdered their own people let alone the others therefore it is understandable why they are on the same page when it comes to Kosova.

As an Albanian from Kosova I will never understand though the choice of my fellow Kosovars in the last elections. Hashim Thaci could not write his name properly until yesterday, he is uneducated and a criminal without any diplomatic or other skills (other then thieving) whose personal interests are put before national interests and suddenly he is elected to lead us. He and his political party have done and will do more damage to Kosava then anyone else.

Dominik, London, England

Are Barut from Uppsala and Peter from Sidney behind with intelligence too ?
Gosh, where do arrive the serbian propaganda ? Right to Australia ? All brainwashed except you and some gung-ho here and there ?
We have risked a third world war for Kosovo in 1999, and then Russia was a pushover . Now it is not so much so, and USA are bogged down in Bagdad (unless they make the call-up) . Mind what you do..be realist...because we will...

Leonard, Alghero,

Dear Mr. Loyd,

I must commend you on a very well written article! You have stated with elegance the reasons why Kosovo should be independent. I watched the news during the NATO air strikes in '99. While I didn't understand the reasons for the war then, I do now. I fear if Serbia were given the chance to do what they want, I feel we will be back were we started.

Joshua, Havelock, NC, USA

Then, why this province (Kosovo) is per se connected to other occupied provinces on earth is a mystery.

Andrew, there is many "occupied provinces" in the world, wich have the same characteristics of present day Kosovo, e.g. a 90 % pure population (let's put aside HOW this population has become so "pure" in Kosovo, especially after the war) . So IF (say, IF) Kosovo 90 % albanians have the right to secede from Serbia, THEN (say, THEN) 90 % (or about) Serbian people of the serbian parts of Bosnia an Kroatia AND, say, the 90 % russian people of Abkazia (Georgia, former USSR) have the same inealienable right (like it or not in Zagreb, Sarayevo, Tbilisi and Whashinghton) . Better think twice...
Chechnia, you say ? Well, they HAD won their independence in 1996/7, BUT, they attacked Daghestan (russian federation) in 1999...very silly move...

Leonard, Alghero,

Mr. Loyd, I just want to thank you for this great article. You have really researched well the history of Kosova. Great job. I have a message for Luka Slanina from UK, who is a typical serb brainwashed by the serbian propaganda. I feel sorry for him, even though I see that he is living in the western country, he is still left behind with intelligence. The way that he commented your article looked like a little child talking that does not know any better.
Thanks a million Mr Loys,
Kosovari,
Washington, DC

Enis, Washington/DC, USA/DC

Great article, the facts are so well tuned to support Kosova independance.

There are even non-facts or lies, but who cares. Current UK and US administrations certanly not. Why should we?

Good job Mr. Loyd!
It is rare to see such typical exemple of well written Goebbels-style article. Truly remarcable!

Barut, Uppsala,

Kosovo and Metohija(not Kosova.) kosovo is serbocroat word it is not Shqiptar(read Albanian)and most of names of places in Kosovo are Slavic.
Shqiptars (Albanian is westernaized name)dont have much official toponims on okupaed teritory of Kosovo and Metohija..1912 kosovo was libereted from Turkey ocupations and about 35% was part of Montenegro but with creations of Yugoslavia all this was changed.During Hitler time Shqiptars made huge etnic cleansing and 1947 there was open rebelion.and this never stoped against Yugoslavija with culmination in 1981 demonstration in Pristina.They demanded republic in same time there was demands for Great Albanija with half Macedonija and best part of Montenegro and half of capitol Of Montenegro Titograd is in this map of Great Albania.For decades Albanians from Kosovo abused welfare state and sistematicly terorazing Serbians and Montenegrians .Young people where poizoned and indoctrinazed against Yugoslavia.this was story 1960.70.80.90.all time.

Luka Slanina, Munchester, UK

Let's look at some facts.

WWII: Albanians fought with Germans. They had their own SS Division. They, along with the Croats committed TRUE genocide against Serbs & others. 500,000+ Serbs killed in Yugoslavia.

1974-1989: Kosovo autonomous. Economy declines. Attacks on Serbs increase. Albanian influx from Albania.

1998-1999: Civil war - 100,000 flee. NATO bombs - further 700,000+ flee (inc. 100,000 Serbs). Serbs withdraw - 100,000+ Serbs flee. KFOR enters. Collateral damage - 500 civilians in Serbia.

2000: ICTY reports 2788 (inc. Serbs) dead after exhumations finsih. Figures of 100,000 dead during bombing, or 10,000 dead after war ends turn out to be "inflated". Latter figure still used by media.

2004::3 kids drown, Serbs accused. UNMIK police unconvinced. Simultaneous riots across Kosovo, Serbs killed. Churches razed. More Serbs flee

2007: 120,000 Serbs left in Kosovo.

Do Kosovo Albanians deserve independence?
Judge by their track record whenever they're in power.

peter, sydney, australia

There is something that all Yugoslavs must understand. They were the cause of all the wars and sufferings they went through. And the big countries as Serbia and Croatia should have the main responsibility. Their leaders should apologize to the world, to all citizens from the surrounding countries and to their citizens as well. They should understand that the organized military actions against civil population is genocide and is different from citizens of different nations throwing stones to each other. Is for this organized crime that Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks should apologize to everybody else and make sure that it will not be repeated in the future.

Elton, Prague, Czech Republic

"Thank you Sir for exposing the truth. It's true that the Serbs proved to be a cruek and unjust power right in the middle of Europe. It's a shame that they want to now keep Kosovo as if they own it. The poeple of Kosovo deserve indipendence and they will take whether Serbs or Russians agree or not. This is a message for the Russians too as their dictatorship ways of running a state is on the way. One day the people of Russia will see the mistake they made by electing Putin in power again.

Sam Dardha, Milwaukee, USA"

You have electet G.W.Bush TWO TIMES, and you want to say other people WHO they have to elect in power ? Lol...

"One day the people of Russia will see the mistake they made by electing Putin in power again."
-
One day US boys and girls will no more die senselessly in Iraq...Maybe...

Leonard, Alghero,

Well, after reading the book by Noel Malcom, " Kosovo a short History" and I became very familiar with that part of the world. I totally agree with the article above from Mr. Loyd. In my opinion Kosovo or I should say the correct way Kosova should become Independent. I also went in couple of Serbian talks around the country and Serbians are very materialistic and not realistic when it comes to human rights. I say this based on all the wars started by them and the mass massacres done by them in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosova; and they never apologized publicly to those who lost the love ones. Independence of Kosova will bring peace and stability to the region. This is not a religion conflict but solid freedom from Kosovars and from Serbian side they just want the territory control. Before I went and said this I did my homework I found out that Kosova is very reach with natural resources such as coal, gold and many more.

Dr. Billy James, Dallas, Texas, USA

And another thing. The response of Serbia to Albanian insurrection is similar when states are threatened by either internal or external enemies.The response of US to 9/11 being a case in point. Nobody is suggesting for one moment that US enters into negotiations with Osama.

Also, and at the risk of bing picky, Yugoslavia is not mobilizing its army because it does not exists any more. Remember, that prisoner of nations got destroyed in 1991. What Serbia will do remains to be seen.

Brko, Melbourne, Australia

Great article.
Independent Kosova

Ariton, Washington, DC USA

I try again....

the question is not if Albanians deserve a second state but how and who decides. It is telling that the West will not allow full discussion in the security Council out of fear of Russian veto. So much for democracy. Let there be no mistake, the negotiations over Kosovo were about getting Serbia to agree to loss of its territory. But its not over yet.

I wonder who will blink first. The West or the Russians.

Brko, Mebourne, Australia

The fact that Kosovo Albanian extremists have murdered more than 1000 fellow Albanians after June 1999 and similar number in 1996-1999 shows what "humanitarian suffering" was all about - terrorist takeover of land, with outside help.

After takeover, while NATO stood by, Albanian extremists committed horrendous crimes against non-Albanians , making Milosevic misrule pale in comparison (300 000 ethnically cleansed, more than 1000 murdered, tens of thousands of houses and flats looted, commercial property confiscated 90% of all Christian medieval shrines destroyed or damaged...)

Remaining Non-Albanians live in fear, behind barbed wire, guarded by NATO 24/7

It is the time for the fog of war to finally settle down. Sadly, Mr. Loyd's fog machine is still locked in May 1999 mode.

Even if giving Serbian land could be legal (and it is not) the thought of giving it to the very same terrorists is disgusting.

Bob Petrovich, Willowdale,

What's truly sickening is the Western European hypocrisy when it comes to Serbia, and its double standards when it comes to minorities.

Why couldn't Republica Srpska secede from Bosnia, but Kosovo could secede from Serbia? The same EU that refused to concede the rights of the Bosnian Serbs to be independent (remember the Badinter Commission?) are now encouraging the Kosovars to do just that.

Moreover, how about similar cases in Western Europe? The Basques and Spain; Northern Ireland and Great Britain; the earlier case of the Aaland Islands and Finland? In all these cases, the Western Europeans were advocating for granting autonomy while maintaining existing borders; however, they're eager to break Serbia.

Yugoslavia was destroyed largely with the help of Western Europe. Western Europe encouraged Slovenia and Croatia to secede; Western European countries were quick to recognize them once they seceded; Western Europe cut a bad deal to the Serbs in Bosnia; now Kosovo.

Alin, Bucuresti, Romania

Base on all this reading that it took me more than 1 hour , i learn only one thing, the politics is for everybody who is paid , i am not bothered much about what other people think, but i must stress the the point of Independence. Every nation , who go thought atrocity, ethnic cleansing , killing , must be independent , in other hand if any of the countries that supposedly, can or will be seen as future risk to ask for independence such as some places mentioned above , i think if this countries will have prime minister such was Milosevic and will be driven out from their country, i think any nations must or will need to be independent. Now the SERBS excuse is , Milosevic gone we are god and democratic Country, this means they(serbs) did realise what thay did in KOSVA was genocide . BIG Question ,, Why in the name of Serbian population and so called democratic government somebody das not have power and belive deeply from his hard to say I AM SORRY , to all Mothers who louse their sons, to Children
Who louse their parents, to all Women who louse their Husbands.

In stead they steel keep and hide Karagic, Mladic. The Churches must stay out of politics because they are biggest supporters of genocide in all F.Yogoslavia.
Considering all this facts Kosovo must be independent. Serbia Bye Bye . Next Step , Vojvodina Province. And Serbia will be Serbia only, and the biggest losers.

Benny, LONDON, UK

Thank you Mr. Loyd
I am an Albanian, a Christian Albanian. I care about reaching souls for Christ in this nation and winning this nation for God once again. Albanians come from Illyrians, a people mentioned in the Bible by Paul who said that he had shared the gospel among them with signs and wonders. We became Christians. Then the Ottoman Empire came and stayed for 500 years. They changed our religion to Islam. We were not strong enough to push them away or to resist their evil. Just like we were not strong enough to stop or resist the evil spirit spreading from the Serb military and police regime during repression. The first oppressors (Ottomans) changed our religion from Christianity to Islam…
Prayerfully to God Jehovah
From the heart of Kosova
Arijeta

arijeta, Prishtine/Kosovo, Kosovo

Since 14-th centure Kosovo is an inseparable part of Serbia, that's the undeniable hystorical fact. Obviously, incredibly "perilous" precedent seems to occure- hostile to european spirit, ideals , Christianity at last, Muslim entity is going to be set up with EU hands. This is a mine for EU, not even for Serbia. Only brainless EU politicians don't foresee this idea. Every Christian rememebers what albanians had done first after serb army withdrawal - they had ruined Christian cloisters and killed nuns and monks. Do Europeans wish that to happen in their countries soon?

Roger, Warsaw, Poland

Any minority in any country that has been abused, second classed, unwanted, ethnically cleansed by their government should be given a choice to selfrule, including idependence.

Nick , London,

It is not one-sided at all! It is very realistic for those who understand the situation in Kosovo but clearly NOT for those who have been brain-washed by Serbian or Russian Media!

This ia the best article I've read in many years - Mr. Lloyd. I can only but say that you trully understand how Kosovo 'breaths' from within!

Arjeta, Prishtina, Kosovo

For Mike, in London.

Yes, it is already a country named Albania. But this is an Albania that was partitioned in 1913 at the Conference of Ambassadors in London. There is no Greater Albania, no smaller Albania, there is only an Albania, whose territories will be free and will unite in a single Albanian national state, called United Albania.

Teuta Gjika, Mitrovica, Albania

Mr. Loyds view is absurd. Let's award an independent state for every act of oppression that has occured throughout history!
I say independence for every territory, state, neighborhood and town in the world. We started with fiefdoms to fiefdoms we return!!! I proclaim myself king of mine! Please Mr. Loyd?

Steve, Chicago, IL

A very one sided point of view. And an undisguised display of double standards. Why do you think it is so easy to cut up the country? May be because it is'n yours?

oleg, Moscow, Russia

Thank you for your excellent article which fits in very well with my own experiences in Bajram Curri, N. Albania in Sept 1998, just over the Kosovo border. We arrived with five aid trucks to an area abandoned by all the aid agencies due to the dangers from local bandits, and found several thousand refugees who had fled on foot over the mountains with little other than the clothes that they were wearing. In an abandoned government building, with no windows, doors or heating, I remember a seeing a young woman of just 19 with cerebral palsy, who had made the 12hr journey pushed in a wheelbarrow. In the next building, another woman holding a baby. She told us that it was one of twins, the other having died on the journey. The soldiers had not even let her bury it and so it had been abandoned at the roadside. This was the truth that I saw that year. The aid lasted just one day, distributed by ourselves and a few OSCE workers who could The NATO bombing did not begin until the following Apri

Bernard Sullivan, Eastleigh, UK

I am a social scientist and I've lived in Kosovo and Serbia professionally for 3 years.

I do not want to go into international law and UN basics. I want to point out that most of analysts, including Mr. Loyd, have missed out the temporal dimension of the peoples in the region.

1. sure, Serbs hate Albanians as much as British hate the Catholics' aspirations for N. Ireland. There is one ethical advantage for Serbs in this comparision: protestants were never sistematically opressed in NI.

2. Kosovo is the hearth of Serbian historical memory. Ottomans pressure for islamisation of the region was for political reasons strongest there. If it wasn't that important for Serbs it would never have been "Albanian" and never independent.

3. Kosovo's independence is not the end of history there as some believe. It is historical process renewed.

alex, vienna,

Hi Mr. Loyd ,
You are right, reminding the facts of the past. Those politicians may have forgotten the genocide and the biblical exodus of ethnic Albanian from Kosovo to Albania or Macedonia, and also the mass graves which are still discovering even in Serbia.
It would be great if that these fact come again into surface from archives to newspapers or TV screens.
Best regards
Lulzim, a former UPI reporter on Kosovo issue at that time.

Lulzim Çota, Tirana, Albania

Historically, the Albanian question came as a problem set for resolution in front of the diplomatic blind eyes of the Great Powers at the middle of the 19th century, when at the Conference of Berlin (1878), the Toplica region (more than 700 villages inhabitated by Albanians) was put into Serbian rule. We know that London was transformed from your capital into the city where it was decided the partition of the Albanian territories in 1913 occupied by the Serbian, Montenegrin and Greek armies at the Conference of the Ambassadors, because you had believed that you have to maintain the balance of forces between the existent empires of the Europe. The empires crushed, but the Albanian question remained opened.

After 1990-ies, in the Albanian territories were organized three local liberation armies that put the foundations of the end of the foreign Slavic rule in Kosova, in Presheva Valley (under Serbia), in Vardar Valley(under the artificial FYROM).

Teuta Gjika, Mitrovica, Albania

Instead of repairing the mistakes, you are repeating them again and again.

It treated the Albanian community in Presheva and Vardar Valley as "minorities" with "minorities rights" and not as colonial problems, taking into account that these territories were "cut" artificially by the Tito regime from the wider territory of Kosova.

In special, the international community acted irresponsible by installing a protectorate in Kosova, with prolonged rule, an anti-Albanian construction that aimed to impede the Albanian people to express its right of self-determination.

"The policy of intervention has created protectorates whose existence, like the medieval principalities, completely depends on armed force and the rival interests of the big powers," wrote Mwayila Tshiyembe, director of the Geopolitics Pan-African Institute of the University of Nancy, in Le Monde Diplomatique.

Teuta Gjika, Mitrovica, Albania

I think Lancashire should be independent. As a Grand Duchy we have more right to independance than Wales or Scotland. Also with a third of the British army being traditionally recruited from Wigan, St.Helens and Liverpool I think the rest of England deserves vassal status.
With our military might we can dominate England and reduce the Southerners to the level of serfs.

Keith Bentham, Wigan, Lancashire

"civil unrest, rioting and murder are possibilities, but with 16,000 Nato troops in the province it is unlikely that there can be any widescale clash of opposing paramilitaries"

...Such optimism. Has this journalist been paying attention to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the powerlessness of 'peace-keeping' troops?

Austin, London,

There is already a country called Albania. The Albanian minority in a neighbouring country called Serbia have far more children than the serbs and therefore become a majority in the province of Serbia called Kosovo.
They then decide 'We want this now to be ours.We want a second Albania in fact a Greater Albania'.
They start shooting and killing policeman then shoot and kill serbians sitting in cafes having coffee.This is terrorism pure and simple The serbs send more security to put down this armed secessionist insurrection and the USA and EU and Anthony Lloyd back the terrorists .
Serbia doesnt meekly lie down an agree to its own dismemberment . The story will continue ......

Mike, London, UK

It is not supprise to have hatered all around us when there are articles such as this one, telling one story only. If this is not bias and prejudice nothig is.

zorica, dublin,

These protectorates are "intrinsically unstable because any change in the balance of power within the coalition of protecting powers automatically unleashes a rebellion", she added.

It is normal in nowaday globalisation process to be installed such a fake system of "equillibrium" between the most important states of the world (in main USA against Russia-China). What is not normal is the absolute need of setting a unrealist resolution of the problems in Balkans without taking into account the situation from terrain. Albanians and Serbia are not in the same moral weight when we answer to the question: "Who is just to rule Kosovo?" Serbia is the colonialist country that must be obliged to renounce from its colonial rule, as also other colonial states made this in the past. Albanians are the colonized people that can not accept any more the colonial rule and who have the right of self-determination and decolonization.

Teuta Gjika, Mitrovica, Albania

I am sorry to say but the author is too young and looks at the world out of a tiny hole of his eggshell.

Kakhi, London, UK

Take it easy, people. We'll build a Big Big Oil Tube which will pass through a Serbian territory. This scenario have been just started by Italian ENI and russian GAZPROM (do ya feel the frigid power of Red Star, eh? GAZZZ-PRROM - sounds treatful, stylish, fashionably) Voila, Serbia gets a transit oil, Belgrad counts a transit payments. Same time, proud Kosovo albanians (err, no, not Kosovan ones, but Great Albanian albanians, does anyone copy dat?) warm themselves with flames of burnt serbian churches. Oh, no, they already burnt all serbian churches, so let it be some sheep cr*p or garbage or whatever can burn. Years pass, and we see EU and USA (technically - RUSA, Remnant of USA) stop to send some orphan donations to Great Albania. Pufff, Great Albania pops like a floater. It takes no place in Serbian state budget, my oh my.
THIS is JUSTICE, I guess. A justice you want. A justice you'll have. And no any word of protection about Serbs. They don't need dis. We, Orcs, need no mercy

Alexander, Ekatherineburg, Russian Federation, somewhere near Dol Guldurrr

What next? Independence for Muslim-occupied zones in the UK?

F Kimbal Johnson, Louth,Lincs, uk

Anything but Independence would not be accepted by the Albanians, Anthony Lloyd has written a compelling article which most of Serbia has forgotten or does not want to remember, but the Kosovars do still remember as well as our alleys who have backed and continue to back Kosova to its full independency.

Nehat, London, UK

Mark, Sydney, Australia I met a woman refugee from Krajina and she (and her entire village) was forced by Serbian retreating soldiers to flee. 90% of civilian refugees in Krajina were driven away from their homes by their own army.

Igor, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Kosovo is the heartland of Serbia. Giving it to Muslim immigrants who have flooded it, is not a solution but the creation of an injustice by short sighted PC-thinking international politicians.

l.karremans, heusden,

It is purely a Miracle what has happened with Albanians in Kosovo during the last 500 years. They triumphed over Ottoman Turks and Serbian Wilderness even though they were less in numbers and their culture and language was denied by strict laws. Only a vital nation like Albanians would had done what they did. Many nations have died on this earth before. Albanians not only did not, but they progressed and prospered in every direction, besides economically, due to the fact that they have not been allowed to run their own business, but the future belongs to them, no doubts. When I read about their ancient history and strugle, I can't help but wander, what would happen if many nations in danger of extiction follow their example? Albanians are surely an example of triumph over tirany! Kosovo deserves to be independent and souvereign! Who else if not them?

Fernando, Mexico City, Mexico

Thank u very much for this accurate article.

Arjan, Chicago, USA

Professional journalism at its BEST.

Albert, London, UK

England deserves its independance!!!!

londonAndy, London, UK

Independence may not be the best solution - it actually implies many responsibilities that Kosovo may not be ready to take on. The current balance of power in the region will prevent Serbia from taking any action in 2008. But is independence guaranteed for the next decade? What happens when the balance of power shifts in favor of Serbia? Won't we be looking at something far worse than if we get a settlement all parties view as fair?

Ray, Boston, USA / MA

Kosovo is no different than Slovenia, Croatia and other former provinces of Yugoslavia. The problems in the Balkans started when Serbia had the turn to Yugoslav presidency in the 80s and began the campaign of removing the self-governing rights to the provinces mentioned above, including Kosovo.
It is the same as now Portugal that has the EU presidency to start removing the self-governing rights of individual countries.

As a result Yugoslavia began to break down and Kosovo is part of that ending process. People of Kosovo want independence and let them have it.

John Conway, Sydney, Australia

I am surprised to read and see that someone has so much information and knows Kosovo so well. It is an article to be considered a "little manual" about Kosovo. Congratulations.

Eric, London,

Kosova was never part of Serbia! Kosovars were treated as second class citizens under Titos regime and after his death. To make the matters worst Milosevic decided to take away that little autonomy we enjoyed since early 70’s. Kosova in reality was never part of Serbia, we were under occupation since 1912 and never head any respect for the country (Yugosllavia) we hated Serbia. Time for Serbia to wake up!! Kosovars will no longer accept barbaric regime like Serbia to rule this land. Ther are better of on their own!!

Fadil Dugolli, London, UK

One of the most objective articles I've ever read about Kosova's past and its way towards indepedence, which is the only solution for peace in Balkan's.
Serbia has no rights what's so ever to rule Kosova again.
Here are just few arguments: Miloshevic regime took over kosova's autonomy in 1990, it fired over 100,000 Kosova Albanians out of their jobs, students had no right to go to their school, Miloshevic regime did ethnic cleansing, thousands of homes were burned, and thousands of innocent people were killed, 5000 among them were children. And Serbia still thinks is going to rule Kosova, NEVER.
As far as the Kosova's economic viability is concerned, Kosovan's managed to survive under the Miloshevic's dictatorship and intensive presure for a decade, Kosova has all the resources needed to develop ( young population, well educated, entrepreneurial, geographical position, Moreover there is not a single country in the world that is economically indepedent.

B. Humolli, London

Betim Humolli, Pristina, Kosova

About hard life and torture of Albanians on Kosovo in last centuries ! There were bad things surely in period 1989 - 1999, but Albanians in Serbia, Yugoslavia had nearly everything. Yugoslavia had in one moment President from Kosovo ( Fadilj Hodza). Kosovo got money from all Yugoslav republics. Kosovars went free to Western Europe and USA to live and work. They used their language, and had all rights until 1989 and a lot after that.On the opposite , what was happend in Your motherland Albania ? Your brothers were not under Serbian rule. It was the collective prison in Europe. Do they had mosques or churches, workers in EU & USA, good standard, western cars.....Kosovo was for them Paradise.
Genocide ??? There are 2 millions Albanians on Kosovo, Serbia. How many Serbs and other nations are in Albania or on Kosovo , 3%? Serbia has 35% citizens that are not Serbs. Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Croatia ( serbian neighbours) are nearly (by officials) 95% pure

Nik, Nis, Serbia

Difference nation, different people, history etc. Like Basques, Catalunans, Flemish etc. It is easy to call for separation. Much harder to make it work. Especially if economy that wants independence is really dependent on everyone. Either on Serbia, EU, drug mafia, UN etc. Let's be practical and try to bring unity, peace and cooperation in that boiling region. Unstable Kosovo under UN/EU governance as it is there right now won't last long and make people there happier. It will be very artificial. To create lasting state you need a few more things than just nation and territory. Please do not forget about that.

Jarek, Basingstoke, UK

The expressed will of Kosovars is not unique: the populations of Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Montenegro all chose independence from Belgrade. Guess those people know something others in this forum don't.

Patrick Devine, New York, New York, USA

Brian, FYI Kosovans are no refugees, it is Serbs and other Slavic nations that descended from the Carpathians Mountains who are refugees. If we use your arguments then the questions will arise why Serbs, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Croats, Slovenians, Bosnians etc have their own countries when clearly they are the same people with same language, traditions, culture, history etc.
Kosovan people never accepted Serbian occupation. It just so happen that Serbia was more powerful at the time and International superpowers of the times handed them Kosova territory without asking a single Kosovan if that is what they want. The tables have now turned. Serbia has shown the "Love" for its "citizens" by pursuing a policy of murder and ethnic cleansing towards Albanian population. The international community has finally woken up, they have a duty to support Kosova independence, which they should have done after WWII.
After what happened in 1999 it is an insult to ask Kosovans to live under Serbia.

Leon, London,

In his book about the war in Bosnia, My War Gone By, Anthony Loyd details firsthand the brutality of Serbs. It's funny that "John", "Phil" and "Brian" repeat Serb propaganda verbatim. Kosovars did not emigrate to Kosovo; rather, Albanians have been there for longer than Serbs have, no matter how much Serbs claim that it is their homeland.

Svetlana Broz gave a talk in Boston after the war in Bosnia. As a physician in Belgrade, she said, she encountered many ordinary people, including the families of soldiers who clearly had PTSD. She tried to show them pictures of their victims, and was always met with a complete refusal. Natasha Kandic, a human rights lawyer in Belgrade, also claims that there is widespread denial in Serbia of the atrocities committed by Serbs. Even in the PBS documentary on Otpor, not a single word of compassion is uttered for the victims of Serbia's wars of aggression.

Ask yourself why Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro all split from Serbia.

Adnan, Boston, MA

well, in short, if Kosovo become independent then also you have to give independence to all other minorities in Spain, Texas, UK, China, Russia, France, Italia etc.

And then you will have break of Bosnia, 3 new countries more.
Why serbs in Bosnia will stay still there?
Why croats will stay in Bosnia?

you will have just more problems
same as western countries decided to recognize Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia.

You had wars, terrible civil wars, about 100.000 dead and about 1 mill refugees.

Kiza, Sopot, Serbia

Kosovo's fate is not a stupid thing and definitely not a time wasting issue. What is a time wasting is you writing these opinions, and of course wasting your own time, and ours.
Kosovo must be independent from Serbia because it has never belonged there. Different language, different customs, different traditions, above all A DIFFERENT PEOPLE.
None needs to bring Albania in this matter, whether they're the same people or not. That's not what Kosovo is trying to accomplish, Kosovo is looking for her independence because it deserves it, especially after living the horrors and the modern slavery provided to her by the Serbian rule.
Kosovo's history is not to be parallelized with the history of other minorities, because Kosovo is not a minority. Kosovo is a people with a long and troubled past, a past in which they never were given a say, a past in which they couldn't decide. The world should either join Kosovo in her decision for independence or get out of the way and let her be free.

Samantha, Hartford, USA

Mr Loyd, Serbia likely des not start war if Kosovo will obtain its independence ("with the support of EU and USA", that is, virtually unilaterally...), and (not so sure) NATO force will avoid fights between paramilitary units (until they will be there, that is, not forever) . Indeed, NATO forces should mostly protect the (10 %) serbian population from the (90 %) albanian population, that from 1999 on has not distinguished itself at all for tolerance and respect of the non-albanians (orthodox churches burn and so on) . BUT...
What if the Serbian population of, say, Mitrovica (one of the "enclaves" where Serbs -still- live in Kosovo) declare their "independence" from Kosovo itself (before or after it joins the "greater Albania) ? On what lawful ground NATO (or anyone else) will say them "no you can't" ? And if the same happens in Bosnia, Croatia, anywhere Serbs feel "insecure" (because they too have suffered from their "neighbours", let alone NATO bombings) ?
Just for starting...

Leonard, Alghero,

Kudos to you Mr. Loyd, you hit the nail sqaurely on the head.

Kosova has never been "Serbian", and rightfully so, it never will be.

If Kosova, was the "Heartland" and "Cradle" of Serbia, why isn't Prishtina or maybe Decan the Capital of Serbia? Btw, Belgrade, the present capital of Serbia, was actually founded by the Bulgarians. The Serbs have been wandering around the Balkans since the Middle Ages trying to find their roots to no avail.

Noel Malcolm debunks all of Serbia's myths in his book, "Kosovo: A Short History".

Vasa Cubrilovic, co-conspirator of the Assassination opf Archduke Franz Ferdinand, submitted his work "The Expulsion of the Albanians" to the Serbian government as a memorandum on March 7, 1937. As Hitler had a final solution for the Jewish people, Cubrilovic had one for the Albanians -- two years before Hitler started his maniacal and genocidal campaign.

Arber Dardani, New York City, USA

As for Serbia's claim to Kosova, Serbia's precarious notion of its claims to its "Cradle" is indicated by a striking array of its capitals: those being Raška, Priština, Belgrade, Kruševac, Smederevo, Belgrade again, Prizren, Banjska, Shkup (Skopje), Prilep, Smederovo, Kruševac again, Kragujevac. The names of these short-lived capitals suggest that the Serbs invaded and conquered, but then retreated and lost, because of some kind of opposition that they found. In this regard, it is interesting to note an observation made by Vasa Cubrilovic in his rather inhumane memorandum: "The Albanians are the only people during the last millennium that managed not only to resist the nucleus of our state, but also to harm us". This remark indicates that the Serbs were opposed by the aboriginal population of the Balkans; The ethnic Albanians.

Arber Dardani, New York City, USA

If kosovo gets independt give the parts closest 2 serbia with serb majority 2 serbia and kosovo 2 albania, and the serbian part of bosnia back 2 serbia. T
hen i guess all could be semi happy?
Would be very strange 2 give kosovo 2 albanians just cos they are a majority, but not give the serbian part of bosnia 2 serbia where the serbs are a majority??

Nick, Milan, Italy

" Low-level civil unrest, rioting and murder are possibilities, but with 16,000 Nato troops in the province it is unlikely that there can be any widescale clash of opposing paramilitaries."

did you understand what you wrote? haha..bravo!!!good way of thinking............
as usually...typical prowestern absurd...hav anybody seen like all these wild albanians destryed all the christian churches in kosovo?or cnn didnot show it?what a shame......this article is total absurd....serbia for to win..peace

roman, kaliningrad, russia

Mr. Lloyd do you really think that UK world is very big and what you do far from your country will never come back? What do you think about IRA? IT looks like you think that some nations are more equal?
I think that Kosovo is the giant mistake of western world. You found very dangerouse friends...

Mikhail Elashkin, Moscow, Russia

A state that treats his citizens like Serbia did, deserves to loose the right to govern them. If any county in the world does the same thing, don't be surprized that people will seek for their independence.

Same speaking people differnt countries

Serbia = Republika Serbska=Montenegro
Zyper = Greece
France=Germany=Italy=Austria=Swiss
France=Holland=Belgum
Bulgaria = Macedonia
and so on and so on

so the idea of a group of people speeking the same language and beeing constitutive of different states is nothing new and not special for Kosovan case.

Yll, Ferizaj, Kosova

Yll, Ferizaj, Kosova

or what about this? why do they do that with churches?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AM2-dFaphP8

roman, kaliningrad, russia

If Kosovo gets independence it will be for the first time in the history of humankind that one nation defeats the other with help of sex. Albanians knew well what they are were doing when their families nowadays have often more then ten children.
While at the same time Serbian families have one or two.
Now they have become a majority and Serbs can do nothing.
Their only chance is if they follow Albanians example and have children in huge numbers. Although for that project they will need hundreds of years.

Bess, Uppsala, Sweden

No doubt very good researched column he has written and read cauciously.

khalid mohmood, Lahore, Pakistan

Thank you Sir for exposing the truth. It's true that the Serbs proved to be a cruek and unjust power right in the middle of Europe. It's a shame that they want to now keep Kosovo as if they own it. The poeple of Kosovo deserve indipendence and they will take whether Serbs or Russians agree or not. This is a message for the Russians too as their dictatorship ways of running a state is on the way. One day the people of Russia will see the mistake they made by electing Putin in power again.

Sam Dardha, Milwaukee, USA

Good article. The roots of the problem go back to the 19th and early twentieth centuries. The Western powers encouraged (to the point of turning a blind eye on ethnic cleansing) Christian nationalist movements in the Balkans and elsewhere. When Albania became independent in 1913 after the Treaty of London huge chunks of Albanian-majority territory were given to Serbia and others. The Albanians were of course mostly though not entirely Muslim, hence their bad luck. Kosova should have been in Albania from the start.

Whether it will migrate there eventually, after so long a separation, is something that only those closer to the situation can answer, but Serb rule for the best part of a century under conditions which make Protestant Ulster look entirely benign by comparison, was a shameful blot on Europe. Of course the Serbs work hard at their propaganda, but they should have the sense to accept realistic demographic boundaries. They plunged Europe once into war long ago. Once is enough

DB, York, UK

For those who are writing that a slavic-dominated state (Fmr Yugoslavia) helped a muslim minority to purge 1 million serbs from the province in the 70s are out of their mind. There's barely any place for that many people in the province, so stop daydreaming.
Second, Kent being the heart of England, somebody must explain why there's not enough serbs in this land while Kent and Sussex have a solid English majority and even the handful of immigrants, in most cases speak fluent English.
Then, why this province is per se connected to other occupied provinces on earth is a mystery. The point is that a society has lost moral right to rule another;Britain was once ruled by France, the US by Britain and the Philippines by the US.The world is not frozen but on the move.
Last,the risk is not of microscopic states breaking away;it is larger monster regimes (Russia anyone?) wondering if they can still have fun by killing some folks they don't particularly like. In OUR doorsteps this time.

Andrew, Chicago, IL,

I think this text is offensive to Serbian people and that the author is not at all objective. Yes it is true that Serbian Army (not the people of Serbia) has committed crimes but that happened under Milosevic's government which was brought down by Serbian people. I think that people of Serbia have suffered enough because of Milosevic and that the solution for Kosovo and Metohija has to be stabile and has to be the result of compromise between Serbian government and Kosovo leaders in order to avoid another Balkan crises. Also, Albanian terrorist have also committed awful crimes against non-Albanian people in Kosovo so it's not like you say that Serbians are "the bad guys" and Albanians are endangered. The best solution is the one that is the result of compromise.

Filip, Nis, Serbia

Dear Anthony,

I have got two words for you:

DIEGO GARCIA

Zoran, heerhugowaard, holland

Why 2 Albanians countries in Europe, Balkan?( Part of Macedonia , 3rd? )
Maybe they are special nation.
Please, EU & USA , instead to make country of Kosovo ( for the first time in history and close to the border of their domicile state of Albania, like to make independient state of Northen Irleand close to R. Irleand) conect them directly with their brothers in Albania and their capital Tirana. Let it be Albania.
Kosovo and Metohia or Kosova in Albanian is Serbian name.
Of course, Albanians are one peaceful nation, they are always and everywhere victims. They do not know anything about guns, drugs....They were always in history on the "good" side, like in WWII....
I wish YOU them in UK as a neigbours....

Lida, Urosevac, Kosovo, Serbia

I confess a depth of ignorance on the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo but a brief reading of the summary account suggests considerable incompetence or mismanagement on the part of the Serbs and the NATO countries, which brought about the unnecessary deaths of so many people. I would submit, though, that that is not a present argument for Kosovan independence. Surely that must depend on it s viability in economic terms as an independent entity vis a vis its prospects in the long run in its present configuration.

Henry Percy, London, UK

Mr Loyd Great article

Thank you very much

All the best

Mendo, Prishtina/Kosovo,

British cynicism is becoming so pathetic that I can’t stand it any more. Mr. Loyd doesn’t have a clue about what he is talking about, I wish that editor could exchange Kosovo word in this text with Falklands and I’m sure that prime minister himself or queen personally would shoot Mr. Loyd for writing such a nebulous.
When a person emigrates to UK or US, it has to sign a waver of some form stating that it will obey all the rules and laws of the country and bunch of other legal blah blah. Why and again why nobody was ever forcing Albanians that were immigrating to Serbia to sign such a paper absolutely shocks me.
I cant help and notice that when somebody that emigrated to the UK raises their 8-9 kids on average on country’s expense and then teaches his kids to hate UK and everything that it stands for, refuses to pay bills, refuses to send kids to the schools but wants to form his own national/faith schools and does so illegally without any license or paper and than demands that it needs to be recognized as official institution. Ignores all the urban planning and builds and expands houses and fences around houses at his own will in the middle of the city, and on top of that complains that it is living poorly but it doesn’t allow his wife to work, I’m sooo convinced that that family would be expelled in a matter of minutes from UK.
Well who has not seen that in Kosovo can not talk about it, I’ve seen it with my own eyes and this is exactly what was happening in Serbia with Albanian minority that immigrated to Serbia to find a better life (read social security money). Nothing that they do can be considered honest and legal work, these people still live in tribes and the tribe laws apply, it doesn’t matter if it is legal or illegal in the country law they have their own, and it is very funny and unusual since selling heroin and cocaine, prostitution and slavery is considered a very good business in btw the tribes. Further more if we continue like this the world is going to loose its morals, world will be a wreck without captain and sheer and brute force method will be the only law, we are becoming a Mad Max world. Who doesn’t like UK doesn’t have to live in the UK, but who lives in the UK has to obey the UK laws or it will be punished, I can’t see why the UK denies this right to Serbia.
I say we send the EU force to Kosovo but we keep Kosovo within Serbia and make Serbs and educated and responsible Albanians (which Mr. Tachi isn’t for sure, he used to be small drug trafficker before the war) work together and find a solution for mutual life, this is the only way that can work and stay implemented, everything else is a big bomb that is ticking thanx to people like Mr. Loyd. Serbs need to come back to Kosovo with limited administration and under the EU office command together with educated and sane Albanians establish the life in Kosovo, this is the only way it can work, everything else is frozen conflict that can burst into flames any time and it is created by our governments.
We need to consider if we are going to puppet 1.8 million Albanians in Kosovo and be afraid that they don’t get frustrated or if we are going to loose 10 million Serbs and European integration of Serbia, it seems that Albanians have the right to be frustrated and Serbs don’t, hmmm, makes me think……..

Aerospace, Munich, Germany

Kosovo deserves its independence. How can you live under Serbian rule when only 8 years ago they committed genocide against us?. I remember being thrown out of Kosovo. One morning, serb policeman showed up at our appartment building and said we had 5 minutes to leave. We made our way to the train station where we were stuffed into the train. It was a scene out of Schindlers List. One our family friends was gunned down with her three daughters and then burned. Only her son managed to escape and later went to Hague to testify. Serbians claim that Kosovo is their religious heartland. However, they seem to forget that we were here before the church and mosque and we will be here long after. They also seem to forget that they are the ones who caused wars with every former-Yugoslav nation except Macedonia. They are the ones who have comitted genocide, ethnic cleansing, human rights abuses. How could anyone live with these people? How can they live with themselves?

Qendresa Hasanaj, Ottawa, Canada

An excellent article Mr. Lloyd. Contrary to popular belief, Kosovar Albanians are not "immigrants" from Albania, they have lived there for centuries. Kosovo deserves its freedom and independence.

Anyone who doesn't believe it should look at this:

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/world/20071209_KOSOVO_FEATURE/index.html#

Claire, London,

This is just another campaign in the invasion of europe war by Islam - the black flag over Westminster and all that..............with our help they will win the war.......................................and to hell with our wives and daughters.

Marty, London, England

Mr Loyd ought to know that Kosovo has been part and parcel of Serbia for centuries.
The albanians are in majority because they managed to multiply like rabbits. The land is not theirs to claim in the first instance and Nato is wrong to partition it.

Louis, FGURA, Malta

The Serbs consider Kosovo as the ‘cradle of the Serb civilisation’ because of the defeat of the army led by the Serb Prince Lazar in the Field of Kosovo in 1389, but even when the Congress of Berlin in 1878 recognised the independence of Serbia from the Ottoman Empire, Kosovo was not part of Serbia. In the same year, the ‘Albanian League of Prizren’ fought for the recognition of an independent state of Albania, which would comprise Kosovo, present day Albania and the Western part of what constitutes today FYROM, demands which were ignored by the Great Powers. Kosovo became part of Serbia not by the free will of its people, but as a result of conquest, and the Great Powers decided in the London Peace Treaty of 1913 to give Kosovo to Serbia, even though according to the Turkish statistics of that period, 81.6% of its population were ethnic Albanians.

Eddy, London,

One of the best articles ever written on Kosovo. It explains without bias exactly what happened during the war, and why the albanians can no longer trust to be ruled by serbia.

Kosovari, Cleveland, U.S.A.

Mr Loyd, Istinic is little town in municipality of Decani that has around 40 towns and villages. The number of inhabitants in total municipality of Decani is around 45 000. So those 40 000 people either were not from the place you say, or the name of the place is not Istinic.

Milica, Beograd, Serbia

I will fully support the creation of independant Islamic repubics in the Paris suburbs. The cities of Germany. West Yorkshire. London and the English midlands. May they expand and put an end to Western decadence, democracy and hypocrisy.
What clown said we should try to emulate Balkan history by allowing foreign and alien cultural colonisation of Europa.

Keith Bentham, Wigan, Lancahire

I hope this Christmas that you, Anthony Llloyd, and all in Kosova remain safe and continue to talk and exchange views such as this clear and well informed article - this is surely the way forward.

PD, Manchester,

Independence of Kosova is imminent because serbia state,military,police and all population has done genocide in kosova oxen 100 year.

besimi, prishtina, kosova

Interesting how everyone who's never lived there has an opinion about it. What do you base your opinions on? I recommend reading some history, then maybe start to understand the bigger picture, and then form an 'opinion'. Your ignorance is pathetic. Think first, then talk. But hey, that takes some intellect and that is something one doesn't pick up on the news, or Eastenders. Because this is exactly what it is.

Petra, Canterbury, UK

very good article ever i read in my life.

musa khan jalalzai, London, UK

Well done Mr Loyd, it is a very factual article I ever read about Kosova written from international journalists.
Please, people don’t play with the Serbian integrity argument. Under former Yugoslav constitution Kosova was constitutive element of Yugoslav federation, equal with 7 other constitutive units (like Slovenia, Croatia, B&H, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Vojvodina) Milosevic through police and military abolished Kosova autonomy in 1989. Since then Albanians in Kosovo suffered a police and military regime which served every day for ‘breakfast’, ‘lunch’ and ‘dinner’ only one combined type of “food” – violence and killings. After 9 years in a classic occupation, in 1998 Kosovo youth had the ‘privilege’ – to fight for the freedom and dignity of the Kosovo majority people ruled by 5% population alongside with a criminal regime. Obviously what Belgrade criminal regime and his military deserved they only could get after 78 days NATO campaign. I would remind some of the interlocutors that since 1878 (Berlin Congress when Serbia became a state), Serbia through its institutions keep cleansing Albanians form ethnic territories from the current south Serbian regions. These facts exist. Therefore, a nation that aims to totally exterminate another nation it is judged to loose the control over that nation. This is what is happening with Serbia’s approach.
Come on Serbs, internationals are reveling your masks, there is no more lies on the facts.
Kosova will be independent like all six countries that I listed above. Look carefully about the seventh; if you want to keep it then better don’t try to exterminate it.

TONY, Strasbourg , France

Funny how he writes KLA were not angels! And after that he writes that member of same KLA should become premier of Kosovo. Well, Mr. LLoyd in order to write such nonsense you should go back to 1981, or at least to read all open archives, from all secret services from all over the world widely available, and than you will find that at least more than million Serbs fled Kosovo. Last but not least, Mr LLoyd, problem is in legality, you can separate part of one independent Country, just because... Now I am wondering, did you see this bodies or you just read about them from Ranta's report.

Daren Alex, Toronto,

Kosovo's fate is not a stupid thing and definitely not a time wasting issue. What is a time wasting is you writing these opinions, and of course wasting your own time, and ours.
Kosovo must be independent from Serbia because it has never belonged there. Different language, different customs, different traditions, above all A DIFFERENT PEOPLE.
None needs to bring Albania in this matter, whether they're the same people or not. That's not what Kosovo is trying to accomplish, Kosovo is looking for her independence because it deserves it, especially after living the horrors and the modern slavery provided to her by the Serbian rule.
Kosovo's history is not to be parallelized with the history of other minorities, because Kosovo is not a minority. Kosovo is a people with a long and troubled past, a past in which they never were given a say, a past in which they couldn't decide. The world should either join Kosovo in her decision for independence, or get out of the way and let her be free.

Samantha, Hartford, USA

Was is Duke Ferdinand that said that the Balkans would drown in a vat of hatred.

david, madrid,

Mr. Loyd,

Thank you for telling the truth.

Mrs. Devine

Lumi Hadri Devine, New York, USA

Where you have a large influx of one ethnic group move into a country then is it inevitable that they will one day strive for independence? Mm. I wonder what the Union Jack will look like in a few years time...

Phil, Epsom, Surrey

Who are these 'Kosovans' that Loyd refers to? If they're Albanians why aren't they in Albania? If they're Serbs then the question of an 'independent Kosovo' doesn't arise. So, to pacify the refugees we sacrifice any future stability in the region by crucifying the Serbian people. A very clever idea, right?

Brian, Farnham, UK

And what will you get from that? Why wasting energy and time on this stupid thing!? Who cares about balcan countries? After all they all vote for eachother on Eurovision!

John, Austria,

Mr. Loyd is quite naive is his statements.
He is giving quite easily something that do not belong to him. I suppose his father has leaved in Kosovo or his grand-grand father lost his life in Kosovo battle. It’s so naive as me who never lived in Ireland speak about how to solve the problem there. Mr. Loyd you are trading with people lives and with something that you never fought for. Kosovo is legal part of Serbia, it should be like that up till the point when two sides (Serbian and Albanian) reach some common agreement.

Sasa, St. Gallen,

Let's consider this: When the ethnic Mexican minority today, wil become an ethnic majority in Texas by 2030 in conservative estimates, and it will ask for a creation of an independent state called Tejas let's say, what will be the reaction of the US federal government in this matter? I doubt the american and EU representatives will cheer and push for it's creation...It would be a very short and final matter ! Why does the west insist on artificially supported multi-ethnic Bosnia and in the same time carving up Serbian sovereign state against the rule of international law ? This is clearly an example of state building based on ethnic cleansing. The battles of Kosovo Polje and Vienna might as well been fought in vain !!!

Aleksandar Kec, Mexico City, Mexico

Independance of Kosovo is unstoppable.
This is a long process since 1912 and for sure is nearing its end.
Since 1912 for the first time the Kosovo issue came to limelight in 1998/99 and accomoding the other minorities in Kosovo up to now, and for getting the independance in the beginning of 2008.
Congratulations!!!

Kushtrimi, Ksovo/Prishtina,

Kosovo does not need indipedendence , Kosovo si part of Serbia. I am living in Croatia , and I did not forget what Serbians did to us in recent past but giving the indipedence to Albanians will not solve problems, that act will only create new problems for this region. Europe and its institutions failed in bringing verdict against Milosević ( former president of Serbia accused with crimes against humanity and violations of the laws or customs of war) and this is a just a way of some kind of compensation for that- but not a good one .
Marina Katalinic, Rijeka , Croatia

marina Katalinic, Rijeka , Croatia

"The KLA ... also had a criminal element and their own human rights record was abysmal. But they reflected the majority population's desire for independence."

That's ok then, as long as the majority population approve anything goes. Think of the places in Europe, let alone the world, where that rule can be applied.

What gives the USA and the EU the right to ignore International law and the UN to declare sovereign territory an independent state?

Can we expect to see them in Kurdistan next? The same criteria apply.

Dave Gordon, Edinburgh, UK

Situation in Kosovo is far more complex than as it is presented in straight-forward "good & bad guys" way in article of Mr. Loyd. Althought I am not denying that atrocities happened in Kosovo in the past, Serbia already paid a high price for that: 78 days of bombing campaign (destroyed infrastructure worth more than 5bn Euros), isolation, 200.000 Serb Refuges forced out of Kosovo after 1999, lost of control over Kosovo, and fact that speaking serbian on the streets of Kosovo today is the same dangerous endeavour as walking on a mine field.
Today Serbia is a fragile democracy, going slowly toward EU. The harsh unconsidered moves, especially ones not in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, such as the idea of Kosovo independence, will undermine all serbian illusions of the future in EU, will destabilize the region, and present a wild card for all restless minorities of the world. Road to Hell is always paved with good intentions. Have a mind on that.

Igor, Belgrade, Serbia

The police in Macedonia recently clashed with an Albanian militant group which was found to have enough weaponry to equip a battalion, including anti-aircraft missiles.

Is it not obvious that as soon as Kosovo declares independance, the dominos will start to fall in the region? The international community may very well say Kosovo is unique but try telling that to other extremist Albanian groups in Montenegro, Bosnia and Greece bent on getting their way through violence. Not to mention Basques, Corsicans and Chechens

Geert, Antwerpen, Belgium

I can see why Kosovo would not WANT to live under Serbian rule, given the recent past and given that the post-WWII sweep of history has a distinct flavour of national self-determination then this desire should probably win out. But Serbia today is clearly a different place than in 1999 when the nationalist war criminal Milosevic was President: it might be a better idea for Kosovo to live in a highly federal Serbian system and be part of a bigger eceonomic unit?

In any event, the manoeuverings involved in a smaller partner trying to unilaterally leave a union make me wonder about Scotland's future... Hopefully not independent!

Jonathan M Smith, Edinburgh, UK

Great article Mr. Lloyd. Straight to point. Kosovo indeed deserves, and will get their independence.

Luan, philadlephia,

Independent Kosovo.....Yes, God help us all.....WWIII anyone?

Forrest Smith, Indianapolis, USA

I've also been to Kosovo and lived in the Balkans for 9 years years. Anthony Lloyd seems - mistakenly in my view - to have decided that on the basis of atrocitiies the only remedy is independence. If this were correct we'd have seperate homelands dotted all over the world for every oppressed group. Mr Lloyd seems to forget that Kosovo is the heart of Serbia - like Kent or Sussex is to England. Kosovo became filled with Albanians over the yearsdand eventually the Serbs got fed and drove them out. Its complicated , but 'Independence' is not a solution. We are in fact witnessing part of a struggle for Great Power domination of the Balkans which has continued for 700 years as the EU and Russia (and US) decide again the fate of Balkan peoples.

Andrew Anderson, rousse, bulgaria

Thank you for ACTUALLY presenting realistic facts about Kosovo and why its wants, why it deserves independence.

As mentioned above, many media outlets or dignitaries easily like to forget the atrocities and ethnic cleansing committed by the Serbian paramilitary troups and army in Kosovo only a few years back.

I also hope that the Serbian people one day comprehend the truth and move away from their deeply rooted mythical nationalistical beliefs.

It is time to get real, let Kosovo and its people be free. We all need peace and stability and economic progress in the Balkans, it's up to us after all.

taulant, Tirana, Albania

Well said!!
This is the first true comment I have heard so far from a journalist, as all the rest tend to focus on what is going on today completely disregarding the essence of the real problem that brought us here!
I feel disgusted at some Serbs comments here, when they immorally and with a beastly attitude ignore the fact that their elected political state leaders planed and launched an ugly official ethnical cleansing and a criminal program in a biblical scale, against what they today shamelessly call their beloved Albanian minority!
It is an unforgivable mistake to allow this kind of sick, brainwashed and terribly low human beings with a completely inhuman and dangerous mentality to express their beastly views about Kosovo by implying the denial of the ethnic cleansing and the genocide which stamped the eternal division between Serbia and Kosovo.
Kosovo in any way was a mistake, to be awarded to Serbia illegally by the powers of 1913, and Toni Blair admitted this publicly,

claed, liverpool, UK

Dear Mr.loyd,
What are your views on creating an independent Basque state, Kurdistan and Chechnya...? I don't hear you drumming for independent Palestine or end to the British occupation of Northern Ireland...If you are for the creation of a terrorist, Islamic, pro Al Qaeda failed state in the heart of Europe, then God help us all...

Andrew Blinkov, Houston, USA

I guess the rule of international law (i.e. inviolability of soveriegn state borders) makes no difference to Kosovo "deserving" independence.

If human trafficking, corruption and drug running were prerequisites for deserving independence Kosovo would satisfy such criteria hands down.

There does not appear to be much mention of Krajina or Bosnian Serbs having similar rights despite the genocide of 750,000 Serbs in Jasenovac alone in WWII, not to mention Operation Storm in 1995. The Jews got Israel for their suffering. When will Serbia get Krajina & part of Bosnia?

Mark, Sydney, Australia

Great Article from someone who has seen the situation with his own eyes. I agree with your comments that Serbia has lost control of Kosovo in 1999 for reasons that were explained very well on this article. I think Kosovo problem needs to be resolved as soon as possible, as you can't keep people on a limbo status.

The fact is that, the majority of Kosovo population (90%) want independece. Lets be democratic and let them decide their own faith. If they want Independence, they deserve it.

I would also like to add that the new Kosovo is not about Serbs or Albanians. The newly elected government is defining it's on identity, flag, values and wants to create a muli-cultural society that will respect the rights of all people living Kosovo.

William Zeqiri, Auckland, New Zealand

This is by far the most comprehensive and straightforward article I have read on the case of Kosovo these days. Loyd is fantastic in his candor! Bravo!

Andi, Athens, Greece

where is the proof?

david, new york, usa

I question the ability of critical thinking that the West possesses. My view on this matter can be supported by some simple history lessons. In Canada, during the FLQ crisis in 1970 that resulted in Premier Pierre Elliot Trudeau to enact the War MEasures Act-this act enables the military to suspend all civil liberties for the safety of the greater national interest. People were thrown in jail and detained based on the assumptions. Nevertheless, there was no global uproar into why this was occurring. Did it not occur to people that perhaps Serbia had already had problems with separatist feelings that had been existing in the Southern Serbian province, and had sent the Army to help keep things under control. This could easily have resulted in the armed clashes that occured between militia that were all too ready to use any excuse to get at the 'Government'. Now I'm not saying that atrocities were not committed and that Serbia has a lot to explain. The situation is not black & white!

Logic, Michigan,

A very one sided article drawn from very limited personal experience.

Mr. Loyd, you were of course not there to witness HOW Kosovo came to be predominantly Albanian during the 70's and 80's. History does not start when CNN cameras start rolling. Any opinion can be justified as fact if you cherry pick historical events so let's put those aside for a moment.

Accepting that Albanians cannot live under Serbian rule on Serbian territory, surely you can also accept that Serbians cannot live under Albanian rule on Albanian teritorry (Kosovo after independance).

Any statement you make regarding the Albanian minority in Serbia should surely also apply to the Serbian minoroty in Kosovo. Don't they also deserve independance from Kosovo as Kosovo does from Serbia? (Even though the tourching of their houses and churches got far less coverage)

Either you have sovereign multiethnic countries, or you have newly formed enthnicly pure ones

Take your pick, but you cannot have it both ways

Bojan, Brussels,

Excellent article from someone who has on-the-ground experience. I can't understand why Serbia still wants Kosovo when they know they can't get it. All this games is about getting the northern part but if northern Kosovo joins Serbia, then we will get real trouble in the Balkans with a chain reaction this would ultimately lead to.

Bastian Enkelon, Athens, Greece

Simply GREAT. Finally somebody who counts the facts and ONLY THE FACTS. Many Europeans forgot why Kosovo became an issue in the first place. Thank you for this great article Mr. Loyd.

stealth, Vienna, Austria

Dear Mr. Loyd,
My best compliments to your article!
YOU ARE A REALIST.

Best Regards
Dr. Shpend Mushkolaj

Mushkolaj, Basel, Switzerland