Apart from the legal issues concerning Kosovo's "independence" , there are considerable arguments why a truly independent kosovo will never be viable. It's going to be an isolated country that is not going to be recognized by any of its neighbours as they all have similar issues and they are not going to have formal relations with the state of kosovo, something that's going to have quite an impact in kosovo's economy. With only one ally (Albania) in the region, they cannot count on for pretty much anything, Kosovars are going to find themselves more isolated than ever and rely on the EU and the US for financial and military aid.
Playing with nationalism in the balkans is like playing with gasoline next to a fire. You are gonna get yourself and everybody around burned.

Nick, Athens, Greece

I would like to say. If at anytime the albanians had a chance to convince the world of it harsh and dying past is now. Every thing that has happen to them in the past has shown it ugly head once agian. Talk to an albanian and try to listen. Though it maybe hard because of all the distortion and removed history by its enemies may make its credability hard. Listen and then read what is being said of them. It will all make sence. An if in some way you still think its a bad idea for kosova to be independent. You would have at least heard the truth of a people who for hundreds of years have had the heal of its enemy in its throat. Who Can let go of its nationalism for a brighter future in democracy and freedom. Well thats up to your soul to decide.

adam, ny, usa

President Clinton slept with Monica Luinski and got caught, big scandal, impeachment procedings, we need to distract the American people, what a better way to do that than have a little war. Now who can we go to war with.

WAG THE DOG
Why Albania?
Why not?
What have they done to us?
What have they done FOR us? What do you know about them?
Nothing.
See? They keep to themselves. Shifty. Untrustable.

Slava, Baltimore, USA

I see this as not having so much to do with Albanians and Kosovars as just plain serving a black eye to the Serbs, just because the western states don't like them, thanks to Milosevic (and maybe other past grievances as well).

Anyway, I'd like to wish Britain and Germany lots of luck in supporting this, and remind them that the US support is coming from an administration that is wielding an approval rating in the 20th percentile, and is pretty much on its way out the door this year. The US is way too mired in its own problems right now to do anything more than shake its fist and talk a lot of smack...

George, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States

100 years ago, the Austrian Empire defied international understandings by unilaterally annexing the former Ottoman province of Bosnia, furthering its presence in the Balkans and serving as a check against independent Serbia. We know the chain of events that followed. Now, the European Union, heir to the multi-ethnic Austrian and German empires of the pre-World War I era has unilaterally annexed the Kosovo province of Serbia, breaking the agreement made with Serbia to end the war by recognizing that Kosovo would remain a part of Serbia.

The European Union, together with the United States, waged a war against Serbia without any mandate from the UN and found itself in an untenable situation, ruling a territory whose interim government is run by former terrorists who have not demonstrated any ability to govern a country in a way that promotes individual freedoms and respects the rule of law. Now, the EU continues to sink itself into a morass with ominous consequences.

William, Arlington, Virginia, USA

"Kosovo declared independence simply because there was no other solution to the problem. It was part of a country who since ancient times actively seeked the complete annihiliation of the Albanian population."

What ancient times? Albanians did not live in Kosovo in any great numbers until the 19th century, during the time of the Ottoman Empire. Whether Albanians lived in the region as Illyrians is pure speculation, as is any idea that Serbs of the 14th century violently displaced the Illyrians. There is absolutely no material evidence for this; however, the material evidence for Serbia's existence in the region is extensive, though ethnic Albanians are tirelessly trying to destroy it. Furthermore, the Albanian government was on the NAZI side during the war and Albanian SS troops were responsible for countless massacres of Serb civilians. Indeed your reading of history appears to be based on empty assertions and not much fact.

Dean Ivanov , Mississauga, Canada

Ivan, if Milosevic was to blame for violence at Kosovo, how do you explain that Albanians of Kosovo started their armed rebellion against Yugoslav authorities in 1945 when Milosevic was a child of four.
Secondly, many Kosovo Albanians now claim that this self proclaimed independence is the fullfilment of their 500 years or so old dream.
Yes, I also think that it would be mach better for everyone if Milosevic was pushed from power after 9 March 1991 when the Serbs orginised large anti Communist demonstrations in Belgrade. But for the Westerners Milosevic was democratically elected leader of Serbia untill 1998 when they found their own reasons to despise him.
Anyway, Kosovo was always the part of Serbia, and many Orthodox churches and monasteries as well as other archeological traces and narrative sources, both Slavonic, Greek, Latin and Turkish approve it. It is a great joke that the Albanians without any proof claim their ancestry from the Illyrians who lived on Adriatic in 200BC.

Uros, London, United Kingdom

Its bizarre how most of the posts are anti independance. We forget that the sole reason for this is Serbia & what Serbia has done in the past. Do we forget Sinj, Dubrovnik, Vukovar and Srebrinica that quickly, also the creation of the mini state of Republika Srbska which the Serbs recognised within another sovereign state, Bosnia. Serbia is coincidently the ONLY non aligned european state, Tito has gone, Milosovic has gone, Serbia needs to move on into the 21st century, Serbia`s future is in Europe not with a regressive & paranoid Russia.

philip blandy, oxford, england UK

Serbia could have kept Kosovo had it not been for the utterly destructive leadership of Slobodan Milosevic, who had started working on taking away ethnic Albanians' rights way back in the late 80's.
Milosevic was very much like Hitler, using national TV to brainwash people and pit them against Kosovars. I will not forget all the Milosevic-organized protest rallies that seemed spontaneous and full of grassroot support, yet were carefully orchestrated by Milosevic and his camp. He used these rallies to cement his power, in no small part through hate for Kosovars. That was the beginning of Milosevic era, and it only got worse over the years

None of the violence in Kosovo would have ever happened, had Milosevic not been in power. I have mixed feelings about the independence of Kosovo, but it's hard to fault Kosovars after what they had to endure under Milosevic's fascist regime. Too bad Milosevic wasn't ousted in March of 1991, during one of the biggest rallies against him.

Ivan, Sacramento, USA

I'm amazed at people's ignorance and tendency to compare Kosovo's situation to ANY disputed territory. Kosovo's situation should be viewed in fair eyes and should be considered a case on its own without comparisons.

Serbia had the chance to keep Yugoslavia together and instead they "messed up" to put it mildly. The fact that Kosovo is today a free state is the sole fault of Serbia itself.

Kosovo declared independence simply because there was no other solution to the problem. It was part of a country who since ancient times actively seeked the complete annihiliation of the Albanian population.

What gets me the most is Serbians declaring Kosovo, who is over 90% Albanian, the heartland of the Serbian nation. This got to be simply an insult to one's intelligence. The Serbian state has "poisoned" the minds of its own people, often corrupting the truth, and encouraging the lie.

As an Albanian from Albania proper, I wish peace & prosperity to Kosovo. God Bless

Andi C, Guildford UK/Lushnje AL,

After the break-up of Yugoslavia

Kosovo covers 4,170 square miles (10,800 sq km); population 2 million; GDP £1.77 billion
Croatia covers 21,800 square miles; population 4.5 million; GDP £25.93 billion
Serbia covers 34,000 square miles; population 10.2 million; GDP £20.86 billion
Bosnia and Herzegovina cover 19,700 square miles; population 4.5 million; GDP £7.22 billion
Macedonia covers 9,800 square miles; population 2.1 million; GDP £3.49 billion
Albania covers 11,000 square miles, population 3.6 million, GDP £5.7 billion
Montenegro covers 5,400 square miles; population 700,000, GDP £1.15 billion

Source: Kosovo Government, CIA World Factbook


Very reliable source indeed, including Albania within one of ex-yugoslav countries. And forgetting Slovenia somewhere down the road.

Blure, Washington,

From now on, any terrorists can create a country by hiding among civilians, carrying out atrocities, inviting millitary retaliations, thus unavoidable civilian casualties, then raising naive international outcry of human right violations, and, to finish off, inverventions by arrogant superpowers. The Serbs accepted the UN administration of Kosovo on condition that it would not be independent. Besides, the UN member states are required to respect territorial integrities of the other member states. Kosovo has never been an independent country nor even a member republic of Yugoslavia. Eritrea, for example, became independent by actually defeating the Ethiopian army. The KLA has never defeated the Serb army in any way. Setting an example of a sovereign state forced to give up its territory by others will destabilise the entire world, including Galicia, Basque, Abukhazia and Transdniestria. I seriously hope my country (Japan) won't help this hopeless process by recognising Kosovo.

Yoshi, Manchester UK / Tokyo Japan,

So, there are five million people in Lancashire (the real county) of which about 15-20% are of Asian descent (according to the census) and this has been the result of doubling every ten years. How long before there is a muslim state in England demanding independence.
If Kossovo can have independence from Serbia, why not independence for Northern Metrovitch (sorry for the spelling) from Kossov.
Kenya descends into tribal violence

Maybe it will be Anarchy in the UK - and Elsewhere

Adrian H, Lancashire,

There was a comment here that Albanians in Kosovo are completely right to be independent from Serbia, due to their majority and the fact that they are descendants of Illyrians. Also, one Albanian here wrote that after the WWI Albania was split and their parts of the country became Serbian, Macedonian, Montenegrian...
First of all, theres no liviing being can prove Albanians statement that they are descendtants of Illyrians.
Second, there was never any Albanian sovereign country throughout the history, and therefore it Albania could't have been splitted after WWI.
Third, Kosovo was always been Serbian, never Albanian, with Serbs living in it. There's not a single structure, buiding, monument, writing or any sign that Kosovo was ever Albanian.
On the other hand, everything ever built or written on Kosovo is Serbian, especially churches and monasteries 1000 years old.
Every settlment, every river, field or hill has Serbian, not Albanian name. It proves much.

Vladimir J, Pozarevac, Serbia

George Bush and the United States should mind their own business when it comes to Europe. If the Germans and the English want to fight the Russians and the Chinese over a province in Serbia they can do it without the help of the USA. As an American I do not want to be involved in the skirmishes of Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Asia. Hopefully our next president will keep out of this muck.

Steve, manhattan beach, ca

I feel that the bad decisions on the part of the U.S. and the EU have set the stage for instability in the Balkans and perhaps the rest of Europe. We have enough problems here in the U.S. without having to deal with other nations' issues. Now, after all is said and done, and when the UK, Italy, France and Germany fail to come up with Kosovo's financial support, whom will Kosovar's turn to? Good old Uncle Sam of course. We need to completely revise our foreign policy and stop making these knee jerk reactions that at first seem like the right thing to do, only to blow up in our face years later. Come on, let's use some common sense already.

Dusko, Baltimore, Md

I really don't know...when Jugoslavia was alive, it seemed everything was ok. I suppose the kosovars have the right to sovereignity. The fear of other countries like Russia, China and even Spain is related to historical factors and fear of loosing any other parts of their territory.(Tchetchenia, Basque Country, Taiwan, Tibet...). Anyway, the USA are all over the place. What suits them...they will follow anything.

Rui Carneiro, Viseu, Portugal

All the world is crazy. We are besotted with tribes that go back to the caveman. It is a shame we are so primitive. Tribes needing their own country and being forced to do it by tribal hatreds . Kosvo was set upon by Serbs and in the past Kosovoians set upon Serbs. I find no joy in either countries independence. The future for minority groups in either country is probably poor at best. We are seeing religon and heritage at it worst . Religous leader are totally defunct of morals and ethics and by their silence promote the hatred that lead up to these mini countries.

rozen, wallingford, ct

Philip from Oxford,

Congratulations!'
You have not noticed that you are already the American vassal and marching on the command of Uncle Sam.

Victor, Moscow,

Across the corridor from where I used to live in Belgrade was a widow. In 1980 here husband, a Croatian, and an official of the Yugoslav government travelled on business to Pristina. He went under armed guard, as all Yugoslav officials travelling in Kosovo had to do for several decades. Her husband's convoy was attacked by Albanian separatists - they cut his head off. This was not an isolated incident, but the norm for any Serb or Yugoslav official caught by Albanians in Kosovo for generations before the outbreak of war. Why is it that we never read about this side of the debate in the British media?

Benedict, Ascot, Berks

I have read a lot of the comments on here, but one prevailing factor seems to be that people's reasons for either accepting or rejecting Kosovo's independence seems to be caught up on one's views about Albanians and Islam.

Both have historic claims to the land. I think the Albanian case is a bit stronger in so far as they are the descendants of the Illyrians. Moreover, although Belgrade calls it the historical heart of Serbia, bottom line is that even in the best of times, just 10-15% of Kosovars were Serb. Why is that?

My question is whether a sovereignty referendum was held. If it was, and say at least 60% of the population supported sovereignty, then I'd say I'm sorry, but that's democracy. If no referendum was held, then I'd say the decision should be rejected.

Its easy to blame democracy or the West for the impasse, but I think Serbs should be looking at their own nationalist leaders instead of blaming others!

Jack, Toronto, Canada

scotland,corsica and all the rest,will never be able to do what albanins did as USA is never going to bomb england,spain,france .....if and when they would send their armies to shut those down...
but serbia?! They can bomb Serbia whenever they want and anyway albanians drug money gave USA politicians so much money ,they are well protected.

nobody loved USA forever,this love will end and kosovo's already destroyed churches will all be replaced by many more mosques,kosovo is pure muslim country in europe ,don't worry,saudis will make sure that albanians become more religious,as turkey will be,foreget secular muslim states.

Dirty politics and ignorance of Kerry Katona's people...as long as there are sales and celebreties,who cares what happens in the world,so don't be angry when they say sharia law should be addopted here,it's only your fault that you are ignorant and think that you can learn history by watching news.

kim, london,

"Russia will declare an oil/gas embargo on all EU countries who have supported this illegal secession by the Serbian province Kosovo."
It's already happening. The Russian gas company Lukos has reduced over the past day or two gas supplies to Germany. Something about a "dispute over the price of the gas tarrif"....so they say.
Putin needs to get tough with the Europeans in particular. When gas runs out in Berlin, Paris and Brussels, maybe the EU will snap out of its current insanity.

Vladimir, London, England

Congratulations to Kosovo, congratulations to all those countries that have brought hoope in ballkans.
Finally the air of freedom has reached in Kosovo as well.
God bless US, UK & EU.
God bless Kosovo

Met, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo

Notwithstanding the fact many Muslims in the world do not see eye to eye with the American engineered doctrine of humanitarian intervention,majority among Muslims do favour the US-UN- EU-backed plan of Kosovo's independence,which is by all means a justified timely initiative made by the joint efforts of the United Nations and the European Union leadership.Although there are some indications that even the Europeans are divided on this issue of Kosovars' independence, the political prescience does advocate the fact that this move of Kosovo's independence was an inevitable need of the present time and any means and ways that would have procrastinated this development,must have been viewed as negative indicators.Despite the fact that the post Kosovo's independence could be resulted in producing some challenges for the ESDP and Nato's policy parameters,yet the move has to be assayed on the merits of socio-politico and the ethical and humane sensitivities attached to this deal.

Syed Qamar Afzal Rizvi, KARACHI, Pakistan

Would have been interesting if Russia said:
1. 'As illegal declaratoins of independence are now condoned by the West we call upon all communities who form a large majority anywhere to also secede, and so we declare Russia as a friend an ally of the Mexican enclaves in California, the African-American community in Washington DC, the Basque people, Turkish communities in Germany and the Moroccan people in Mareseilles and Brussels.
2. Russia will declare an oil/gas embargo on all EU countries who have supported this illegal secession by the Serbian province Kosovo.'

J COOK, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

I`d rather be a vassel of the US & democracy than of a zenophobic Russia. I understand how the Kosovans feel.

Philip . Oxford, England

philip blandy, oxford, england UK

This is an Islamic land grab; Muslims can't live with non-muslims
Where will the next ' independent' state be -Bolton in the north of England?

eric muldownie, London, UK

"Kosovo is Serbia, forever. Certain ethnic group cannot occupy a area of a state and then declare it's their country. It's a rob".

If cowboys and their satellites in Europe want to give away some territory to Albanians, why not to their own peoples soil? Sounds equally fair as giving away Kosovo- Serbian land;

Benjamin, Pristina Serbia, Pristina Serbia

Pro-western sentiment!!!!!!!
Colonel Niels Toenning, deputy commander of Nato troops in northern Kosovo, said independence would lead to a Serb exodus. "It is likely that the Serbs will leave," he said last week. First, NATO and the U.N. have failed to provide security for the Serbs since 1999. This became catastrophically apparent in March 2004, when thousands of Albanians rioted after it was falsely reported that three Albanian teenagers who drowned in a river had been chased there by Serbs. When the rioting stopped, the mobs had set fire to more than 800 Serb houses and over 30 Orthodox churches. How very pro-western of them!This happened under the watchful eyes of 17,000 NATO troops who did little more than evacuate the Serbs and watch their property burn.
Kosovo is an illegal entity. It won't be entering the UN, Nato or the EU. The Europeans will regret their decision as time passes....deeply regret.

Vladimir, London, England

There are many examples of the suffering of minorities, and the position of kosovo albanians is not "unique"

The government in serbia is now moderate and generally respectful of the rights of minorities. Milosevic is long gone. Where exactly is the danger now to the Kosovo albanians, compared to many other minorities around the world?

This declaration is by a region from a sovereign state. Kosovo is not a state within a federal structure, but a part of a UN state with clearly defined borders. Even resolution 1244 recognised this.

The US calls this situation "unique".

In law, something "unique" may be termed a legal precedent.

Doesn't anyone else see the significance of what is happening?

steven, sydney, australia

So, the stop-watch has started its countdown.
Who will be the next? Abkhazia, South Osetia, for sure they have already started their independence procedure.
The most amazing thing about the Western Europe is that it has become the vassal of Uncle Sam. You are already shouting out: " Yes, Sir".
Don`t you feel it ,guys?

Victor, Moscow,

This is so, so sad. From what I see here it's obvious that the majority of the people realize how untrue and false are the intensions of powers that drive this "independence" bandwagon. Indeed, the hangover is going to be global, but Europe will pay the highest price. Why? Well, I wonder why nobody is mentioning the fact that US has built one of the largest overseas military base in Kosovo?
This black hole in the heart of Europe is/will be the starting point for smuggling drugs, weapons and human trafficking. It's been like that and it will only get worse.
I understand what kind of profit the US gets from this, but what's in there for Europe??? The hangover?
It all starts with compromises, like back then in 1930's in Munich - we all know how such compromises turn out. And this is scary.
Regards.

Yuri, Moscow, Russia

I wonder if those heads of state who supported the independence of Kosovo have given any thought to how this mini-Albania is going to sustain itself. While the Kosovars might be flying the Albanian flag, the real Albania is in no position to support or annex its tiny sibling. Those countries that have reservations about an independent Kosovo probably understand what poor chances this tiny new nation has of surviving without injections of financial aid from abroad. And isn;t this is just what we need now? Another impoverished and underdeveloped nation requiring continual monetary support from the world's wealthier nations. Who wants to be the first to adopt this new nation as their long-term beneficiary? Certainly not its neighbors.

Paul, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Just imagine if one day Hawaii decides to declare itself free and independent neutral state.

Japan will be the first country to recongise its independence, followed by China and Russia.

How would USA stand on this issue?

John S F, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kosovarian people have their right to choose. The same is with Scotish, people in Quebec, Kurds in Turkey, Corsica, Chechnya, Taiwan etc. In the end it doesn't matter what the people want, it matters what they need. And what humanity needs is to be redeemed from its evil, crooked nature. "Jesus is the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

Nicholas, London, England

If you forgot it, let me remind you: Russia is the only country in the world that can turn EU and US to radioactive desert in half in hour!
And Russia fed up with his role of the nation that was "defeated" in the Cold War!
Russian bear is rising again, but US and EU still treating it as a 'weak Russia".
Today "wise politicians", leadres of the USA, France UK, ermany and Italy put their nations in danger of having a new Cold War.. for what?
For giving "independence" of a tiny piece of land governed by puppet "goverment"?
Yeah, EU and US now have a new "powerful" allies: Albania and "independent" Kosovo!
Those two allies will help them a lot to deal with global problems!
BTW, China isn't really happy about it also.
So, China, the 2nd biggest economy and Russai, 9th biggest econmy and nuke superpower and..... Albania and Kosovo!
Bush, Sarkozy, Merkel and Co. are definitely very smart leaders! :)

Booba, Boston, MA, USA

albania was never part of yugoslavia and here we are mising slovenia mistake or ??????????
the best posible way was europe to create a federation betwen
serbia and kosovo and both to join in eu in near future in same time

tony gorgievski, detroit, usa

I can`t wait for Europians to start colecting money to built poor Kosovo,like Serbia was doing for decades...Everything you see in Kosovo was build by Republic of Serbia,during last 60 years.Not to mention historical and cultural monuments which are there for centuries...But what a hell,Albanians wants and independence,and they will get it.What can i say,Europe showes once again that international laws don`t exsist anymore...

Iva, Belgrade, Serbia

It's a shame that the people of this world don't know the real history of Albanians and Serbs. Yugoslavia was formed in 1913 by the European Powers, Uk, France. They actually tok seven different nations/people to form this state. Parts of Albania were taken, from the North and the East and the South. The Parts on the North and East were given to Yugoslavia. Well, needless to say, the results were not pleasing. I would ask anyone to put themselves in such a situation, where you are put in the same house with six other people, that speak a different language, have a different culture, different beliefs, are there against their will, and you are all ruled by one person, and have no power whatsoever on your actions. Now, who would want to live like that? History has shown that it could not have worked. Therefore the Great Yugoslavia was didvided This is Serbia't last attempt to keep the last nation left under their rule. Montenegro declared independence 2 years ago. Albanians deserve it.

Dina, Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Having Milosevic did not help in this matter.
He was a good politician but pretty bad for his country.

Sometimes, what's broken can't be fixed.

Congratulations Kosovo

John Smith III, Atlanta, Georgia/USA

This is rediculous, i cant belive that usa would support something like this, after all that serbian has been trhough and now this. usa has no respect for other countries. kosovo will be part of serbia and if there is serbians living there it will be serbia. kosovo is heart of serbia and for someone to take serbian territory without their approval is stealing. Russia will support serbia all the way. If nothing helps then im sure there will be a war again. i dont understand why almost every country is against serbia?

Rachel, atlanta, ga

The Italian government is thought to favour recognition of this new ethnic/religious breakaway state. If this is a matter of principle for them, I assume they will be handing South Tyrol back to the Austrian Republic (where it belongs by history, language and culture). The minority Italian-speaking immigrants to the area will have to grin and bear it, as will the Serbs of Kosovo.

I further trust that the independence of Darfur will swiftly follow this example - although, being persecuted WITHIN a Muslim state will doubtless furnish far less of a case for independence.

Deon Irish, Cape Town,

Freedom is importnt for humans, but in most of the cases it is like a double sharpened knife.
I am not against Kosovo independence dreams that is their right.
My worries goes beyond the manipulations done by the United Estates of North America.
What if:
a.- California, New Mexico, Texas and Los Angeles will declare themselves independent and want to be returned to Mexico.
b.- Taiwan declares itself again the Republic of China.
c.- The Galadpagos, Malvinas and Pascua Islands break free from Ecuador, Argentina and Chile.
d.- Revolting provinces in Rusia demand FREEDOM.
The mentioned countries won't let it happen as it has in KOSOVO, for they don't want yankee bases around them.

What if as I heard many times 11 States in the South of the U.SA claim indepndence from the North. I think this is the rightful opportunity for them and that's their right.
Will yankees nod? No for it is a matter of NATIONAL SECURITY.
THE PAROCHIAL LIBERATOR IS A PREDATOR
The Eye.

Dr. Victor Manuel Ramos, Sydney, Australia

Northern Ireland, Scotland, Basques, Catalonia, Flemish Belgiums , Quebec, Macedonia, Krajina, Srpska, Bosnian Serbs, Kurds, Taiwan, Tamils in Sri Lanka, etc... be independent? It is a big mistake!!!

Alexandra, Mallorca, Spain

Best day for Serbia!
Reality check: 1. Kosovo is divided, part of it controlled by Serbia. That is what was the goal form the get go. But, legally it is still part of Serbia so in future legal claim is there. What US says today is completely irrelevant. In 50 years there will be another empire that will think differently
2. No more money to support demographic explosion.It is now european's turn.
3. Now Serbs in Bosnia have full right to secession. This will evenatually happen. Once US depletes everything in the middle east. Who will prevent them from doing so? Europeans? Dream on....

In all fairness, I need to congratulate Albanians here. It is simply beyond surreal how they managed to fool so called smart wigs sitting in oval offices. Now, they can carry out old Tito style blackmail poltics. Either pay up (Europe and US) or I will turn this country into islamic terrorist stronghold. And poor US will indeed pay, for many years to come

Dex, Chicago,

Lance, Antioch, Illinois, USA: What exactly do you mean by "you Euros" because this may be difficult for you to grasp but ALL white Americans are European, where do you think you all came from? America isn't your country, you stole it from the locals. Your entire 'country' it's history and culture has either come directly from Europeans or been built on the backs of genocide and slavery victims. Your 'founding fathers' considered themselves English/British and every single one of them, and everyone who followed them, committed an act of betrayal and treason against your own country. Benedict Arnold, who you all wrongly consider to be a traitor, was in fact the only one who stayed true to his mother country. The American people need to take a good, long hard look at themselves and study some history books that haven't been tailored to suit the lies of their ruling elite.

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

huh i dunno why ppl want to make others to see all the world in their narrow window...

pro-western country...or new country for al quaideh or etc...hey this is also not about recognizing a nation...you all europeans closed your eyes until serbs cleaned almost all of those ppl...killed thousands of them....usa uk and others r there cos they have sth to do there its not bcos they r humanist

stop watching only few tc channels...follow the news on all world and realize wads going on...money owners governeing all the world..thats it

mehmet, istanbul, turkey

Kosova is not a puppet state as some choose to believe. Kosova shares many values that westerners and specifically americans hold. and if it was geographically closer, i believe that we, kosovars, would ask to be the 51st state of the usa. neither do i believe that it is supported in its struggle because of some kind of natural resources. i strongly believe that the support for Kosova stems from high ethical standards that include justice, fairness, and equality amongst people. I read above that some person from philipines called us (Kosovars) 'beggers.' We are not beggers. we are not the richest people in the world, but we are just as proud as anyone can be, and generousity is one of our core values. some say that recognition of Kosova's independence is opening Pandora's Box, well... it is like saying, im thirsty, but im too lasy to go get some water. decisions have to be made, and they have to be just and rightous just as recognizing Kosova's independence is

Ngadhnjim, Prishtina, Kosova

A response on Marko`s comment about locations of terrorists.
He needs to learn more about Kosovo`s history and their commitment to U.S. government. That is really unacceptable for serbian people, but its the truth, and the truth hurts.
Such a comments would not take Marko anywhere else but show the world what kind of people Kosova dealt for the last 100 years.
Go back to reading a bit more about Kosovo.

Arlind, New York, usa

What will the US say when mexicans become the majority in California and break away? That it's their right? LOL.

Andre, Carolina, Puerto Rico

2 Lukey Boy, Herts., UK->

well i also wonder what russia does next, especially in Caucasus, i mean Abkhazia and Ossetia. All aggressive rhetoric of recent days indicates that voice of blood will again overcome the voice of mind. Preparatory proclamations of russia's officials about revision in relations with Abkhazia and North Ossetia in case of Kosovo independence, look like if they were made just in spite to other side. Meanwhile if are not about to blow up our South again, we should be opposed to independent Abkhasia or Ossetia much more then to independent Kosovo, so i don't understand why our politicians use this territories as extra leverages for west?

it's really better for all of the world to suppress Kosovo independence at the moment of birth, but it will take time to realize it.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

Well, the west has created another location for Al Queda and other Jihadist forces to regroup, and also a haven for international organized crime. Bosnian Serbs will also declare independence, with a better argument for doing so under international law. Kosovo Serbs may declare independence from Kosovo, and should have the same rights granted to Kosovo Albanians.

The concept of Sovereignity has been diminished, and the results could be wide spread. We have also rewarded a people for massive ethnic cleansing (of the Serbs in Kosovo since WWI - they used to be the majority there), and that also sets a dangerous precedent.

Marko, Washington, DC

USA is loosing ground all over world, so where to build another military base in kosovo of course. be carefull in 5-8 years time watch whats gone happen with american forces in kosovo. Usa gone regret what they have done, with most ignorant people of europe albanian.

Andi, London, Uk

First I want to congradulate my fellow Kosovars and Albanians every where on this historic event. Kosovo is Free!!!!!! This is a place where all the ethinic people will live free. If serbia was so smart and good as you all claim you are the why the violence in Bosnia and then in Kosovo. DId the poeople of those lands statrt it , is that what you are saying. Did they kill, rape, murder you guys or you them . Did they bomb , or have tanks , or even have an army against you guys the serbs. No they did not they only tried to defend themselves with what they had. Did you even try to live in peace with them . The serbs did not even try. But the Kosovo also at least are giving it a try. Even after all that the serbs did the Kosovars are being the bigger man and are giving it a try to live in peace with all the people of Kosovo. So they deserve it . I wish them the best.

Qerime, CT, usa

One thing than noone mentioned above...The bigest Uranium mine in Europe, or maybe in the World, is in Kosovo...No wonder why USA, UK, France and Germany were in a hurry to recognise Kosovo independence....They want to put they hands on it. USA need it for their weapons, as well as 3 other countries. UK recently anaunced expansion of new nuclear Power Plants as cheep source of energy, France and Germany have them too and they desperately need cheep Uranium as the oil prices are sky-roketed....Just dont understand why Ireland is rushing into recognizing Kosovo...They have nothing to get out of it.

Peter, Ireland,

kosovoa has a big natural rsources of gold,diamant and other richnes that is why serbia is holding and claiming that kosova is theirs but it has never ben theirs that is a fackt . Kosova has e very big prosperity as Independet state from it's natural res,and it does not need prostitution as you mention up above nor black marketing,nor drugs,nor trafiking

Arsim Rashiti, sint-niklass, belgium

How rich of everyone one criticizing the US. Ignore the complicity of the Albanians, Serbs, Russians, and most of all the rest of Europe.

In the late 80s the ethnic Albanian Kosovars began a bloody rampage for independence, beginning the split with Serbia. This was ignored by the rest of Europe, including Russia. This set the stage for a build-up of of resentment and tensions with Serbian Kosovars. As the ethnic nationalism fomented in the early 90s, what did the Europeans do? They begged America for help; America's response - take care of it yourself! Europe of course, sat on its troubles and did nothing. Not until sporadic ethnic cleansing campaigns begin in the late 90s did the US, after intense European lobbying, become involved. The European response to European initiated US involvement? US-bashing.

At the end of the day only the Serbs are to blame for the division of Kosovo, having resorted to widespread ethnic cleansing. Europe? Oh yes, its the USA's fault.

Nathan, Oakland, USA

For those that are ignorant of the story.
1 – The autochthon population of Kosova are the Albanians, descendent of the Illyrians, descendent of the pelasgians, going back to story at least 2000 years BC, before even most of the today states were even lived by humans.
2 – After the defeat of the Turkey at the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), and after the Balkan wars in (1912–1913), the great Superpowers of that time (Russia, Great Britain, Austria, etc.) split autochthon Albania and Albanian living lands in pieces and annexing these pieces to Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia and Greece, so that’s why all these mess.
3 – With the Kosova’s independence is made just a partial correction of the past, and Kosovars Albanians totally have at least the right to live free and no under other’s state jurisdiction since they have always been there, in the land of their antecessors, in the land where the serbs tried to catch them out.

I totally welcome and enjoy the FREE KOSOVA in the face of them who don’t.

Bernard, New York, USA

Kosovo is not Prostitution, Black market, drugs, traficking. Get informed, you ignorant!

Bledi, Tirana, Albania

Correction to the author re. After the break-up of Yugoslavia list at the bottom of the article - Albania was never a part of Yugoslavia and therefore should not have been listed. Slovenia, on the other hadn, has been omitted.

Mia, london,

So what business have Kosovo to live of?
Prostitution, Black market, drugs, traficking

Toby, London,

for all your factbook Albania was never part of Yugoslavia but made your list and Slovenia was and is not on your list. Get your facts right!

Justin, Rijeka, Croatia

I see that most here are looking to history to solve this problem, but I live in Kosovo and I don't think you have to dig so far into the history books to find the solution. You had an autonomous state that was functioning here and then without provocation that was taken away from the Albanians. They were all fired from their jobs, replaced by Serbs, forced to attend school in a language they did not understand or speak, and thousands were killed for being Muslims. The same murders had occurred in Bosnia before and we just didn't wait as long to act in Kosovo. Serbia considers it the "cradle," but they did nothing to support them here nor did they actually live in their cradle because of the bad conditions here.
People complain about the corruption (I wonder where they learned THAT), the trafficking, the unemployment, the organized crime, etc. If they had been allowed to remain employed, many of these things would never have occurred or at least not to the degree they did.

Kosovo Gal, Pristina, Kosovo

Is acting good wise. It looks like it isn't. U see, Austrians and Germans started two World Wars to fight 4 different world map and now they R the best palls of USA and UK. They've received enormous help after 1945 from Marshal Plan.
On the other side, look at Serbs. They fought Austrian enemy Turks in 1804-1813 and they've lost 20% of total population. In World War One, we fought our ex 'friends', the Austo-German alliance and we've lost 24% of polpulation. There was 4,8 million of Serbs in 1914, and 3,6 mills in 1918. Then, in 1941, the Gerries have tried one more shot. We lost only 600 000 people in concentration camp in Jasenovac. Croats killed them just in one place. Why? Serbs are ortodox. Croat propaganda mayor, Mile Budak said: 1/3 of Serbs to expell, 1/3 of Serbs to converse to catholicism and 1/3 of Serbs to kill. Albanians were with Austria and Germany in First and wirh Musolini's Italy in Second World War.
Fighting 4 the right cause is not good, it looks like.

Srdjan, M. Crkva, Serbia

It looks very much like Nato and the west punishing the Serbs for recent war crimes. What should be remembered was war crimes happened on both sides. If this was happening to an ethnic minority that wasnt white there would be justifiable outrage. Why none now? Perhaps, one day we may wake up from our liberal pc slumber and find that part of London or the south east of England has declared its independance . . . . but you will be too scared to live there, because your the wrong, race, religion or colour. Watch what Russia does next . . . .

Lukey Boy, Herts., UK

well, I can understand americans who would not miss an opportunity to create a "tiny problem" for euros. But I can not understand europeans' position: do you really want to deal with The Great Albania? How long will it take for Macedonian, Montenegrian and Greek albans to declare thier independence? Couple of years of shorter? There is only one way to prevent it: to take Albania AND Kosovo into EU TOMORROW! Are you prepared for that?

Dear "brizita, rochester hills, MI, USA". You wrote "Why is Kosova the heart of your history? Where were you before the years of 600-700? I wish you accept that albanians were there and you found some place you liked and decided to stay". Are you "american indians for independence" activist? )))) I love american logic!

Dear Euan, Bangkok. Where did you read on "the ethnic cleansing and mass graves, executing civilians, including women and children"? From US or UK "free media"? A little bit of critical thinking and source cheking is a helpfull thing

Denis, Moscow, Russia

It's so sad to notice this total lack of knowledge in history. Albanian invaders? Albanians are the natives, since the rest of Europe did not exist. We are Illyrians! So, you pretend that Serbia should keep Kosovo, Macedonia, Sllovenia and the rest of ex-Yugoslavia?
To all the russians: I know it sucks, cause serbs are highlanders from your sides, but if you love them so much, take them back to your mountains! That is our land, not Kosovo...ALBANIA!!!

Tea, Tirana, Albania

Any comments from Nothern Ireland yet? Get ready - the independence is contagious...

Alexey, Moscow,

No historian can possibly recognise kosovan independence. The Albanians have ethnically invaded, taken over and cleansed it of Serbians. Is this what the EU approves of?
The stealing of other peoples land already has precedents. America off the Red Indians. Israel off the Palestinians. No native peoples can ever acknowledge the theft of their land.

keith , wigan, UK

Kosovo is Serbia, forever. Certain ethnic group cannot occupy a area of a state and then declare it's their country. It's a rob.

VuTruuong, Saigon, Vietnam

Lance,

You can't have it both ways pal.
If you want to send your boys into Iraq, Afganistan, Korea, Vietnam etc... in order to protect your status as The World's Power, then you can't shirk out of other fights.

America can either continue being the World's (crooked) policeman in every conflict or it can keep it's nose out of business that does not concern it, even if there is a bit of oil at stake.

M, Lad, Hangzhou, China

Kosovo is and it always will be a part of Serbia. To all of you that are so fast to give part of independent country to some rogue state, my question is why don't you call them to your home countries, and give away your land?

Stevan Crnogorac, Vancouver, Canada

There are lots of mistakes in the text. It is obvious that the "West" do not understand Balkan situation, but still always try to handle things there...

Albania was never a part of Yugoslavia (you also forget to add Slovenia) - Yugoslavia was a state of Southern Slaws, which have ethnicaly nothing in common with Albanians

"While Britain, France, Germany and Italy will lead the field of recognitions of an independent Kosovo, Greece, Spain, Slovenia and Bulgaria will hold back, nervous that the move would embolden their own secessionist fringes." - Slovakia (Hungarian minority) not Slovenia which is ethnicaly homogen

Peter, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Any comments made by any euros are worthless. The euros begged Bush 41 to get involved in Yugloslavia. He said," no, handle it yourself; it is a tiny country next to Italy. Be adults and stop calling Uncle Sam." But the euros acted as children and waited for Clinton, their liberal hero of like mind, to bail them out. And against the UN and NATO charters Clinton did the Euros bidding and bombed Serbia. And now everyone is going to blame Bush 43 for the mistakes of Clinton and the Euros. I am one american who is sick of the euros and tired of bailing them out all the time. It is time for Captain America to take a much needed rest and let the rest of the world grow up. Let the Euros help Africa. Let the Aussies and the French soldiers guard the DMZ for 50 years. I am sick and tired of the Euros and the other complainers around the globe. Mainly just tired.

Lance, Antioch, Illinois, USA

To Euan-
And of course I do hope that you are talking of the Albanians here as well, and them of being involved with mass graves, cleansing etc....no one seems to mention that, oh yes, Albanians just might have killed in that war too...hmmm

BD, London,

Kosovo deserves to be independent. They have suffered for too long under the serbian rule. The people have spoken.

Didn't Russia buy the rights to the serbian oil&gas for half
price?

John, Chicago, Usa

However justified the independance of Kosovo is (I do Agree that this is the best possible outcome), the US has again done something against the rules and standards of international law, the very law they help to create and have used to their favor so many times before.
I now only hope the situation does not deteriorate and the people of Kosovo make their state the first true and fully democratic nation

ananth, sacramento, ca USA

Everybody is talking about Kosovo, and Serbia, and religions, and majority, and minority... Kosovo is Albania and has been so from the times before Christ. No albanian can put religion before the fact of being albanian. And just a question for the serbs and their friends: Why is Kosova the heart of your history? Where were you before the years of 600-700? I wish you accept that albanians were there and you found some place you liked and decided to stay.

brizita, rochester hills, MI, USA

Bryan of Phoenix. You surely are mistaken. In almost all multi ethnic societies and countries there will be areas where a small population group will be dominant/majority, whereas overall in the whole country they may not be in in majority. Does that mean that this group has a right to to secede from the country. What if part South Texas want to have their own country. After all Hispanics are in the majority there, How about LA. Hispanics are more than 50%. USA and western countries have chosen a path they will come to regret one day.

Ashok Bhagat, Richmond TX,, USA

Kosovo is part of Serbia and should not be split in two. To create a muslim state within Europe will prove to be, in human terms, a huge and costly mistake. The rumblings of unease are beginning to ricochet around Europe; thanks to western nations' foolish and inappropriate meddling in Serbian affairs.

Danny, Salford, UK

As school children now wonder what the world was thinking of when the western powers handed over the Sudatenland to Hitler in Munich and the consequences, they will wonder soon the consequences of opening the world-wide pandora's box.

John, New York, New york, USA

While it's true that Kosovo is still legally part of Serbia from a UN legal perspective, the politicians of Serbia have done nothing since 2000 to actually try to convince the Kosovar Albanians that an Albanian-dominated region of Serbia could actually thrive and develop on equal terms with the rest of Serbia.

Instead, the Serbian political elite chose to use Russia to put forward the argument that Kosovo cannot govern itself as an independent entity simply because of the Serbian historical context. It has been easy for the Russians to critisize the Albanian Kosovars, but Serbia has not built any bridges to these people for seven years.

This is the root cause of why Serbia failed in Kosovo.

If nations small and large are to exist as multiethnic success stories, a common vision must work for the majority and the minorities. Serbia had no vision for Kosovo, and the Serbian elite had no strategy towards either Brussels or Washington, other than saying no.

Terry Andersen

Terry Andersen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Those who oppose partition and who are denouncing the West as interfering in other countries' affars, perhaps you would prefer the ethnic cleansing and mass graves that preceded the invasion? Perhaps you think that executing civilians, including women and children, is somehow acceptable?

You should be ashamed of yourselves. Moral pygmies, the lot of you.

Euan, Bangkok,

In response to Bryan's post: With all due respect, sir, you sound ignorant. What majority? The majority in Kosovo? Need I remind you that Kosovo consists of 2M people out of Serbia's 12M. That is not a majority of a state. It would be an equivalent of saying that Latinos in LA want independence from California and you, sir, stating that they ought to have it because they are a majority in LA without any regard to the fact that they are not a majority in California...yet. Good luck. A slice of pie is not a pie.

Jessica, washington, dc

The right of self determination: As a son of the south I say since when? I guess you all need to start whistling "Dixie." I know of 11 states of the former Confederate States of America which may just want a little self determination and independence.

K Hunter, Atlanta, Georgia CSA

If the MAJORITY wants to be free than free they shall be, Law or no law, the people have spoken. Let them grow and learn. Why do some damn them so?

Bryan, Phoenix, USA

Its another illusion that such a country can survive, the west is very good in making puppets out of impoverished countries, and now they are giving birth to beggars. The US is dipping its fingers anywhere and under any pretense, hoping to project the image of a "liberator" when in reality it has always been a "predator".

Gegou, cebu, philppines

Taliban carried "Stars and Stripes to the Union Jack" before, when the West used them to fight the Soviet...
History repeats itself...

Yin Yang, Beijing, CHINA

The dirty Anglo-American policy of interference in internal country matters at its best.

Congradulations

Chris, manchester, uk

It's another Great Violation of the International Law and a Failure of International Institutions.
Why it reminds me so much on Sudety and 1938? Time will show magnitude of this mistake.
Fact is that we still have another boil spot on European soil. On Serbian soil.

Zoran Nenadovic, Belgrade, Serbia

it seems that Britain has never heard the Jewish curse "be careful what you wish for..."

From now on, British interests at home and abroad can be successfully attacked by following British example of Kosovo meddling and using it as precedent.

Britain has helped open Pandora's box.

Bob Petrovich, Toronto , Canada

With all due respect to all Ex-Yugoslav neighbors Serbs lost 51% of their population in 2 world wars fighting side by side with allies.Serbs are in general pro west and although Slavs very much closer to Europe than to Russia.This is presedan of unsurmountable dimensions.Serbs "Westminster Abbey" was set a blaze by Kosovo Albaninians in late 80's.We are wellcoming knew muslim state in Europe.Congratulation on yours shortsightedness!!!

Anthony, new York, USA

Grand mistake by the West to support this. Its a clear message that UN and international law does not bind their actions any more. It will only force emerging powers like Russia and China to apply this practice themselves leading to a road of conflicts and instability.

Chistos, Guildford, UK