• Si intenta averiguar el paradero de su dinero desaparecido -figurar quién lo tiene, quizá incluso pedir que se lo devuelvan- podría quedar decepcionado al saber que en realidad ese dinero nunca fue real, para empezar.
• ¡Bocaseca Man!

• Obama, por Castells: "Cuando digo que su política es acabar con el imperio, significa acabar con el unilateralismo".
• Odio el alarmismo, pero para mí que esto se hunde. Ojalá, Don Javier, ojalá.
• Francisco Veiga en la lista Balkan:

Contra todo pronóstico, la resistencia o "no colaboración" serbia en el proceso de "soberanización" de Kosovo, ha arrojado resultados más allá de lo previsto. Después de veinte (20) años de ímprobos esfuerzos norteamericanos en dejar fuera de juego a la ONU (y Kosovo-1999 fue un momento clave, pero el otro ha resultado ser Irak-2003) ahora resulta que la ONU resurge de sus cenizas y desde la Asamblea General. Eso, ahora mismo, es un campanazo. Me da igual que nuestra prensa lo haya relegado a un rinconcito de las páginas más interiores y que al día siguiente se pusiera en primer lugar el reconocimiento de Macedonia y Montenegro. Lo que pasará a la historia es lo del campanazo; el chincha-rabia de los pequeños amiguetes es un asunto baladí.

Dado que las bases del sistema se resquebrajan estrepitosamente, pueden ser posibles muchas cosas, y mucho más trascendentes que el destino de Kosovo (y que pueden afectar de formas inesperadas al destino de la autoproclamada república). ¿Puede ocurrir que la India consiga una plaza fija en el Consejo de Seguridad y cambie la dinámica resolutiva del importante organismo? Puede ¿Puede ocurrir que los Estados Unidos tengan que replantearse sus inversiones en rearme y desmontar parte de sus bases en el exterior, dado que ahora mismo dicho rearme se está llevando a cabo con préstamos del extranjero? Claro ¿Podría llegar a desmontarse Bondsteel y entonces ya veremos quién defiende Kosovo? Desde luego ¿Es posible que se vuelva a discutir la definición jurídica del estado kosovar y entonces cambie el planteamiento del problema, y se resuelva a satisfacción de todos por otras vías? En las nuevas circunstancias, claro que sí. ¿Es posible que Rusia logre ejercer nuevas presiones para ello, dado que está saliendo bien el acercamiento Bruselas-Moscú? Si. Y suma y sigue.

Pero insisto: lo importante ya ha sucedido. Otro suceso central acaecido: al apoyar la soberanía de Kosovo, la UE se cargó un pieza fundamental del proceso de integración europea. Y ésta era que el proyecto tenía la patente de solución (o conjugación) pacífica de las contradicciones interétnicas y los conflictos nacionales en el espacio europeo: incluyendo los Balcanes. Ese autogol en propia puerta es un hecho y para comprobarlo basta que os acerquéis por Budapest (por ejemplo) donde veréis cabinas de teléfonos con graffitis pidiendo libertad para Transilvania o coches con pegatinas de la Gran Hungria de San Esteban. Tampoco es difícil ver manis de la extrema derecha en el centro de la ciudad con este tipo de reivindicaciones (de momento dejemos de lado qué ha pasado con Haider y si se lo han cargado con el tan clásico sistema "europeo-oriental" del accidente de coche, jejeje).

Recently while watching a major television news broadcast it was mentioned that Russia's stock market has fallen 25% since their invasion of Georgia.

<strong>UDATE! as of September 15, 2008 the Russian Stock market has fallen by 45%.</strong>

The 'Slavic' title cannot be challenged.

However the 'BROTHERs' portion can be highly controversial and contested.

I am a descendant of the Slovak (Slavic) and Lithuanian (Baltic) people.

During my life time I have discussed the subject of Russia and Russians with many, many people from nations that have been a victim of Russian aggression and atrocities. When speaking with these people about Russians as 'individuals' most will report favorable experiences and opinions. A few can find nothing good to say. When speaking about Russia as a Nation and former Steward of the Soviet Union there is seldom any kind word offered on their behalf.

I often ask myself "How can we seperate the individuals from the actions of the Nation that they form?"

Are they one and the same? Or simply a nation of people who's true character and identity is suppressed and misrepresented by their leaders? In modern times Russia's leaders are supposedly 'chosen' and confirmed by a Democratic Process. But how reliable and trust worthy are the practices they follow?

At first glance, one who is familiar with any of my comments posted to other blogs might incorrectly assume that I am hell bent on ushering in the total desruction of the Russian people.

This is not so. I have gone to great lenghts to establish relationships with them. More often with success than not. I know that there are many good people who call themselves Russians. And remain aware that there are probably just as many who would bring shame to their people.

Is it possible for the good people to take control of their government away from those who have severely tarnished and almost completely destroyed their standings amongst fellow Slavs and other Non-Slavic peoples as well as the greater world community?

How do Slavs from other nations view the Russian branch of the Slavic Peoples?

Are they our BROTHERS?

If not, then what will be neccessary in order for our greater Slavic Family to call them BROTHERS in the near future?

He said "Mykolas…don’t waste your time trying to make the Russians see themselves for who they really are! It is like trying to teach a pig to sing…You will become frustrated and the pig is simply not able to learn how to sing!"

And he added that if you attempt to make a pig to see for himself who he truely is by having him look in a mirror…he will not recognize his reflected image…and only see another pig!  And also become enraged that you have forced him to confront the pig that he sees in the mirror!”

What say YOU ?

Perhaps it's a bit harsh but his experiences as a Pole have left him with little hope for reconciliation with the Russian people.

Mykolas

Like Stalin before him, Putin has chosen to use his accomplished team of manipulators to veil the true intentions of their selfish criminal enterprise. And is quickly leading the people of Russia towards a return to an oppressive and dangerous soviet style regime.

Many, who have been spurred on by a false sense of invincibility and the promise of continued economic growth and prosperity follow his lead blindly and without consideration for the rights of the people of surrounding nations as well as their own people.

Any attempts by those who wish to force fair practices and accountability upon the new ruling class are quickly disabled and silenced. Elections are a spectacle of smoke and mirrors. Only token fragments of true democracy are left on a plate for the masses to consume in order to draw their attention away from the lavish feast of power and enormous riches being enjoyed by Russian leaders.

Only political parties and figures which do not represent any threat to the ruling classes are allowed to remain, in order to give the appearance of the existence of democracy in Russia. Major threats within Russia and the 'Near Abroad' are often silenced or removed. Such is the dark hand of Russia.

Those who wake up to new found financial security or even fortune continue to sing songs of praise for him and all he has done for the Russian People. They have developed a ravenous hunger for any form of propaganda, misinformation or even blatant lies that will allow them to justify their support for such criminal behavior and to insure their new found comfort. Even if it is at the expense of their 'unappreciative' neighbors. Many are willing to send their sons off to war in support of their ill founded 'advancements'.

Others remain fearful and silent, as have their grandfathers and fathers and uncles during the time of Stalin. They prefer to live their lives in submissive fear rather than to risk their lives in an attempt to bring honor to those who were torn from their families, never again to be heard from.

it is only a matter of time before they will once again spend sleepless nights in anticipation of that 'knock at the door' in the middle of the night. Then only will they realize that their silence or compliance has brought horrible misfortune as they are torn away from their wives and children in the same manner as Stalin's victims. Who will guide your children in after you have been removed and silenced? The 'State' of course!

Others who bathe themselves in thoughts of glory and wealth will also come to realize that the wealth they enjoy is dependant upon the prosperity of the very nations they desire to dominate and intimidate. Most of Russia's new found wealth comes from sales of oil, gas and other less important commodities to such nations.

As Russians continue to press forward with illusions of a return to the days the 'Glory of the Empire' they will alienate the very nations that fuel their success.

Drink now from the 'well of fortune' and satisfy your unquenchable thirsts.

The well is soon to become dry.

Perhaps you will learn to turn your thoughts away from Putin the Pied Piper before he leads you to a return to misfortune and your inevitable demise.

ஃபின்லாந்தின் முன்னாள் அதிபருக்கு அமைதிக்கான நொபெல் பரிசு

	மார்த்தி அஹ்திஸாரி

சமாதானத்துக்கான இந்த வருட நோபல் பரிசு ஃபின்லாந்து நாட்டின் முன்னாள் அதிபரான மார்த்தி அஹ்திஸாரி அவர்கள்க்கு வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

அவர் ஒரு சிறந்த மத்தியஸ்தர் என்றும், முப்பது வருடத்துக்கும் அதிகமான காலப்பகுதியில், உலகின் பல பாகங்களில் முரண்பாடுகளை தீர்க்க அவர் உதவியுள்ளார் என்று நோபல் பரிசுக்குழு கூறியுள்ளது.

மிகவும் சிக்கலான பிரச்சினைகளான கொசோவா பிரச்சினை மற்றும் இந்தோனேசியாவின் அச்சே மாகாண பிரச்சினை ஆகியவற்றை தீர்த்து வைப்பதற்கான முயற்சிகளில் நடுநாயகமாக அவர் திகழ்ந்துள்ளார் என்றும் அந்தக் குழு கூறியுள்ளது.

அனைத்து முரண்பாடுகளும் தீர்த்து வைக்கப்படக் கூடியவைதான் என்ற முடிவுக்கு தான் வந்துள்ளதாகக் கூறும் அஹ்திஸாரி அவர்கள், தீர்க்கப்படாத பல பிரச்சினைகளை தொடர்ந்து வைத்திருப்பது, சர்வதேச சமூகத்துக்கு ஒரு அபகீர்த்தி என்று குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளார்.

They have often refered to the citizens of other Slavic nations as "Our Slavic Brothers'. The following article is an examination of the definitions of 'Brotherhood', the 'qualifications' or 'Brotherhood' as well as the 'Expectations' of 'Brothers' in relation to the treatment of each other!

The Merriam–Webster Dictionary has included in it’s definition of the word brother as;

“ one related to another by common ties or interests.”

And also;

“one of a type similar to another.”

As well as;

“one who shares with another a common national or racial origin.”

Some Russians as individuals may meet all of these definitions. There are many such Russia people who are indeed our Slavic Brothers. Yet history has taught us that there is also a very large portion of the Russian population who fall far below any reasonable resemblance of a brother.

Russia as a nation, both historical and by today’s standards fails miserably to meet the expectations of brotherhood.

Their only “tie” to other Slavic People is by virtue of ancient blood lines. And Russian ego prevents itself from recognizing that our people long ago separated into different branches and have since developed unique characters and identities.

This original “tie” remains relatively strong amidst most Slavic peoples and Nations to this day. Russia has done little to strengthen it’s “ties” to us. Russia has done much to sever it quite completely.

Russian “interests” also are most often in direct conflict with other Slavs which Russia has desired to subjugate for centuries on end.

The only significantly remaining “similarity” between Russia and the rest of our “Slavic Brothers” would therefore be the Slavic Languages which Russia would prefer to replace with it’s own Russian Language.

The only qualification for consideration would be “racial origin”.

Historically, Russia has played the “Slavic Brother” card only with selfish intentions. Perhaps there was a time when our people were more susceptible to believing that their intentions genuine. The truths about Russia’s intentions have been made clear in Poland, Ukraine, the former “Czechoslovak Republic” and elsewhere.

Perhaps Serbia is the only place where Russia can find those who would welcome them as brothers. Serbia is most likely draining ‘Mother’ Russia for as much milk as she is willing to offer in order to promote it’s own demented agenda. They deserve each other and together form a remarkable family. Though I suspect that none of the other Slavic Nations would react favorably to inviting them to even an informal “Family Reunion”

As we all know…”Mother” Russia is not likely to say “thank you” or even to leave when dusk approaches.

Now that the dictionary definition of “BROTHER” has been presented, I would like to present just a few of the universally accepted expectations between genuine brothers in regards to their behavior to one and each other…

BROTHERS are expected to come to the aide of each other and to have respect for each others individuality and aspirations.

Brothers DO NOT invade the other’s territories.

Brothers DO NOT seek to intimidate NOR subjugate the other.

Brothers DO NOT send the other’s family into exile or labor camps ore SLAUGHTER and STARVE the others on a MASSIVE scale.

Brothers DO NOT send their own people into the lands and even homes and farms and businesses of the ones they have removed in order to lend FALSE LEGITIMACY and to CLAIM such possessions for their own.

Brothers DO NOT threaten the other with WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION in order to deter them from forming bonds with others who share ACTUAL TIES and COMMON INTERESTS..

(in their eyes only).

But who is this recent flow of bovine excrement directed at? It is certainly not intended for ‘consumption’ by the people of the FREE WORLD! (Yes the clear distinction continues to exist!)

Russian leaders are not stupid and understand that WE in the free world simply dismiss their propaganda without exception.

Their target is actually the people of Russia. They are simply providing the people of Russia with ‘Excuses’ in order to justify their own actions. Those who can think for themselves are also repulsed by such methods and ideology. Those who do not have any concept of good moral judgement are energized by the official words of their corrupt and like minded leaders. Unfortunately these people are quite common and their numbers overwhelm those of our true ‘Slavic Brothers’

How did this happen?

Stalin and his henchmen effectively removed and murdered the very best of Russian Society. Thus leaving the country to be developed by simple minds who shared the same ideals, corrupt way of life and lack of respect for human life and personal liberty !. Very few Russians who were committed to honorable intentions and would have raised their children in the same manner have survived this massacre.

The simple fact remains that the majority of the people who comprise today’s Russian population do not have sense of good moral values necessary to understand that they are being fed a constant stream of lies directed at them by selfish leaders who are secretly raping and stealing from their own people.

As for our “true” Russian-Slavic Brothers and the rest of the Slavic Family as well as Non-Slavic neighbors…We do not fall victim to the onslaught of ridiculous and outrageous Russian PROPAGANDA.

Don’t PISS on our HEADS and tell us that it is RAINING!

(in their eyes only).

But who is this recent flow of bovine excrement directed at? It is certainly not intended for ‘consumption’ by the people of the FREE WORLD! (Yes the clear distinction continues to exist!)

Russian leaders are not stupid and understand that WE in the free world simply dismiss their propaganda without exception.

Their target is actually the people of Russia. They are simply providing the people of Russia with ‘Excuses’ in order to justify their own actions. Those who can think for themselves are also repulsed by such methods and ideology. Those who do not have any concept of good moral judgement are energized by the official words of their corrupt and like minded leaders. Unfortunately these people are quite common and their numbers overwhelm those of our true ‘Slavic Brothers’

How did this happen?

Stalin and his henchmen effectively removed and murdered the very best of Russian Society. Thus leaving the country to be developed by simple minds who shared the same ideals, corrupt way of life and lack of respect for human life and personal liberty !. Very few Russians who were committed to honorable intentions and would have raised their children in the same manner have survived this massacre.

The simple fact remains that the majority of the people who comprise today’s Russian population do not have sense of good moral values necessary to understand that they are being fed a constant stream of lies directed at them by selfish leaders who are secretly raping and stealing from their own people.

As for our “true” Russian-Slavic Brothers and the rest of the Slavic Family as well as Non-Slavic neighbors…We do not fall victim to the onslaught of ridiculous and outrageous Russian PROPAGANDA.

Don’t PISS on our HEADS and tell us that it is RAINING!

It is quite obvious to those of us in the FREE WORLD that Russia is not an 'EQUAL'. Most of Russia's hatred is directed at the United States of America. This hatred is the product of their insane jealousy for the respect and admiration that the U.S. has and continues to receive from the vast majority of the worlds population. Of course there are thos who have made it their goal to attempt to destroy America's immage and would spew forth a flood of unfounded criticizms and lies in order to satify their own twisted sense of justifications. But the fact remains that since the early days of the establishment of the United States of America, people have flocked to her shores by the millions. Many millions actually fled from Russian domination and oppression (Many more were worked until dealth or brutally murdered).This is a thorn in Russia's side. HOW DARE THEY!

Until such a time comes that MILLIONS of people willingly and wantingly desire to become part of Russia, Russia will never be an 'Equal'.

Russia's only true enemy is Russia.

It probably never has crossed the mind of Russians that in order to receive respect you must first 'EARN RESPECT' It is not a gift to be layed at your feet because you are powerful.

Russian 'EGO' prevents them from even understanding such truths.

TRUTH is not to be found in the Russian vocabulary.

He has not provided specific information as to the identity of this American however my sources tell me that it could possibly belong  to a nine year old girl who is suspected of belonging  to the 'counter revolutionary' organization known as the 'Girl Scouts'. An obvious CIA operative who's work poses a very grave and serious threat to the Russian Empire and it's "HUMBLE' and "PEACE LOVING' citizens. Russia is considering a full scale invasion of the Baltic and Surrounding Slavic Nations to remove similar subversive organizations from within the boundaries of their coveted sphere of influence.

Additional sources tell me that a plastic bow and arrow were also found by his merry men. The rubber suction cup tip was removed and it is clear that an attempt was made to sharpen the end. This is more evidence that the Americans are training the Georgian people in the art of warfare and this will not be tollerated.

Russian secret police have also uncovered evidence that a six year old Polish boy was seen carrying a "SHIELD" which was cleaverly disguised as a metal waste can cover. The defensive object was made in America. Russian officials are infuriated by this obvious threat to Russia's plan to expand it's empire and impose 'Russian GOOD WILL' on it's neighbors. A nuclear response may be necessary.

A request has been made for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to offer his interpretation of such shocking evidence. He was not available for comment. Perhaps he was busy licking Putin's shoes.

The truth of the matter is that Russia is our enemy.

The 'Real' Russia (<em>as opposed to Russia's often ridiculous self portrayals</em>) is that of a nation people who are dominated by criminals, murderers and thieves. I state this without any exaggeration.

In my opinion, 'The' most accurate and informative source of information available can only be found at

<em><strong><a href="http://larussophobe.wordpress.com/">''La RUSSOPHOBE"</a></strong></em>

I strongly recommend La Russophobe to ALL who seek the truth!

Mykolas

Here is an opportunity for the people of Slavic Nations and others to voice their support.

Some might question what good it will do given Russia's pursuit of injustice and the deaf ear that it turns to all of those who would disagree with their corrupt political machine. In view of this obvious climate I also entertain the same thoughts. However I choose not to remain silent and prefer that I be counted among those who oppose the actions of Russia's Leaders and their puppet court systems.

Please take the time to visit the following link and to give serious consideration to adding your name to the long list of people who are calling for the release of these two men!

<em><strong><a href="http://www.mbktrial.com/">Free Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev
</a></strong></em>

The author of an excellent blog called 'Lituanica' has done a good job of summing up just a few of Russia's more recent selfish acts of aggression and their timing with other major events.

Visit 'LITUANICA'

Georgian membership, he added, would be a destabilizing factor, both for the Western military alliance and for the volatile Caucasus region.

"The situation is not fair to Russia, it is humiliating for Russia. We are not going to tolerate this any longer," he added.

It never ceases to amaze me! Russia is only concerned about 'Fairness' as it pertains to Russia's selfish interests. Russia is an Nation of immature, even childish standards and practices, None the less provocative and deadly.

Poor Russia! ...

Norwegian founder of peace studies, Johan Galtung, has criticized heavily Ahtisaari's way to handle peace processes. Galtung claims that "Ahtisaari does not solve conflicts but drives through a short-term solutions that please western countries". He further says that Ahtisaari "let's EU to abuse himself". According to Galtung Ahtisaari does not hesitate to favour solutions that bypass United Nations and international law.

With Kosovo case I would see three serious – intentional or unintentional – mistakes of Ahtisaari with negotiation process lead by him namely implementation, attitude and outcome.

• The implementation of Kosovo negotiations already started wrong while Ahtisaari accepted limitations made by Contact Group, which created limitation of discussion option and image about solution tacitly predetermined from the start. This failure is clear when compared sc. Troika Talks, which were open-ended in principle and showed a lot of alternative solutions for Kosovo status.

• The attitude of Ahtisaari did not help neither success of his negotiation process. He drew precedented criticism from Serbian politicians for allegedly saying that “Serbs are guilty as people” and implying that they would have to pay for it, possibly by losing Kosovo which is seeking independence. Before Ahtisaari this kind of attitude in collective guild of the nations were made by Hitler. One can understand anger of Serbs who few years earlier had overthrow their undemocratic leader.

• The outcome of process was wretched. It was claimed solution was the only possible – it wasn’t, alternative solutions came during Troika talks. There was no need to continue negotiations – it was because there wasn’t an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. Solution was described “unique case” and no precedent – false again at least if one asks from some thousand separatist movements on globe. Solution was intended to provide stability to whole region – it created only one frozen conflict and puppet state more.

One could say that Ahtisaari has more acted as spokesperson of US State Department and Nato than unbiased mediator. Besides Kosovo Ahtisaari also supported US propaganda about Iraq. Like in Kosovo one reason for attack was “humanitarian intervention” while in reality most of civil casualties were made when Saddam was an ally of USA. Like in Kosovo the attack to Iraq was made without UNSC approval against international law.

Meanwhile, the Swedish institute TFF (Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research) called the decision "scandalous". Ahtisaari is a man who by his "mediations" fully endorses the "peace" brought about by militarist means and international law violations - rather than following the UN norm of "peace by peaceful means.", TFF said.

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Bine ca s-a terminat 2-2! Dar ce ne facem ca si-a revenit Lituania? A luat-o cu 3-0 in Serbia. Austria s-a ratacit prin Feroe (1-1), iar din grupa nu se califica decat doua echipe. Una e Franta, clar. A doua pare vecina din sud-vest.

Sa vedem cu cine picam in grupa la tragerea la sorti pentru Mondialele din 2014.

Hai, Romania! Hai odata!!!

It is impressive how many of them there are in the streets, but besides that, everything seems normal. This atmosfere of tense normality is puzzling, because it is a false normality. People here seem to be used to such environment, but for me it seems very oppressive. Earlier today I was speaking to a young man who was telling me how he doesnt feel free at all because he is not allowed to travel, due to visa policies. The fact is that it is the serbian politicians themselves, in this case the Serbian Radical Party, that are curtailing his freedom, by disrupting the work in the parliament.

This reminds me of a debate that was held in February in Belgrade, where a nationalist academic said that the serbs didnt need visas at all and that they could very well turn their back on the West. Then someone from the audience reminded him that he had had his PhD in Oxford...

I have met some of the chidren of the serbian conservative elite. They all travel abroad, they manage to get grants to study in Western Europe, and they look modern and sofisticated, but in fact they all live in Heavenly Serbia. They dont care at all for the average citizens who hardly know how to speak english because the shcooll system is so bad and who cannot afford a passport and visa. In fact, keeping their co-citizens in darkness and isolation is what makes them look modern and sofisticated.

The more I hang around in Belgrade, the more I meet normal people (and not only priviledge people) the more I get the feeling of how deeply isolated this society is and how dificult it will be to break this pattern. The signals send by the current government are mixed. A certain degree of openess exists, especially if compared to Kostunica governments, but not real signs of a strong commitment for change.

Today at 16h an anti-fascist rally is being held. I think I prefer to watch it on TV later... I am just an observer and I have to remember that. I could go and observe, but after having observed the riots in February, I think I can bypass this. The day is beautiful and I am feeling more like going to a nice place and take some sun. My friends tell me that they dont consider me an outsider anymore... maybe they are right, maybe I am starting to think this opressive environment of fake normality is normal...(Belgrade fascinates me and depresses me at the same time. I miss Lisbon).

Updates later...

Update:

So, the regretable incidents of last year in Novi Sad were not repeated in Belgrade this year. I took lots of photos, of course. I had never seen so many police in my life, and if you bear in mind that I was in Belgrade when the riots after the independence of Kosovo happened (21th February 2008), I think that gives the measure of how much police there was on the streets. It is very strange to see how that didn't disrupt at all what was for most people nothing more than a sunny Saturday. Here is a photo of the rally. I find it particularly interesting how the Cyrillic letters are used in this context because it is a good way to remind everyone that nationalists don't have the monopole over nationhood, in this case over serbdom. Here the moment when the anti-fascist rally passed through Republic Square where the rally in support of Radovan Karadzic was being held. The moment they passed, a group of war-crimes supporters started waving their arms and shouting "Volimo Srbiju!" (We love Serbia). What kind of love is this that can only be expressed through hatred? So, there were provocations, and some arrests, but no disruption at all.

Serbian ulkoministeri Vuk Jeremićin mukaan esitys pyrkii puolustamaan maan alueellista koskemattomuutta diplomatian ja kansainvälisen oikeuden keinoin.

Serbian vaatimuksen puolesta äänesti 77 maata. 74 äänesti tyhjää, mukana lähes kaikki EU:n jäsenmaat. Yhdysvallat äänesti vastaan, ja sai mukaansa vain Albanian ja neljä Tyynenmeren saarivaltiota.

Times of India: UN General Assembly refers Kosovo independence to world court (8.10.08)

De-construct.net: Serbia Wins Majority Support in United Nations (8.10.08)

]]> http://verteta.wordpress.com/?p=6297 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:48:45 +0000 verteta http://verteta.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/hage-arrin-kerkesa-serbe-per-kosoven/ Full Link : HERE

Gjykata Ndërkombëtare e Drejtësisë ka bërë të ditur të premten se ka pranuar kërkesën e Asamblesë së Përgjithshme për të dhënë mendimin mbi ligjshmërinë e pavarësisë së Kosovës.

When I am in Belgrade I try as much as possible to live like the belgraders do. I stay at my friend Jelena Markovic, I go to the market and to the supermarket, I watch TV, read the newspaper, go to the caffee, take the bus, have family dinners (Jelena's family adopted me, and Jelena's mother is a fantastic cook), hang around with friends.

The only differences between my life in Lisbon and my life in Belgrade is that my husband stays in Lisbon when I come to Belgrade and that the car stays with him, so I don't drive in Belgrade.

Not driving in Belgrade, I failed to grasp to which extent the daily rally in support of Radovan Karadzic is disrupting the routine of Belgrade citizens. That is, until yesterday...

Yesterday, about 6h p.m. as I was walking to the centre, I was surprised to see that Terazije, Belgrade's main square, was blocked to traffic. Although I already knew about this, I haden't yet realized what it meant to be stuck in traffic because a few dozens of people decide to make a marca during rush hour, to protest against the fact that their government, the serbian government, arrested and extradited war-crimes indictee Radovan Karadzic, something that the government was legaly bounded to do.

The rally is organized by the extremist nationalist movement 1389. Besides the daily meeting in Trg Republike, the 1389 members 'visit' anti-nationalist organizations, that they identify as traitors to the nation, in order to intimidate them. Last week, they visited the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, where they daubed a swastica. Some time before, they had also been at the Humanitarian Law Fund, I was informed, and I also saw on a website the photos that they took themselves of their visit to NUNS, the serbian independent association of journalists.

The traffic on Terazije was cut by the police itself, who escourted the 'crowd' of no more than a hundred people (I counted them myself) until Republic Square. Then, when the 'croud' arrived, the Soviet Union Russian anthem was played. There were participants waving the flags of Venezuela and Cuba. All of this took at least 40 minutes, if not more.

My point then is: why is it that 1389 is treated by the competent autorities as a legitimate organization? Why is it authorized to daily disrupt the routine of the heart of Belgrade in order to protest against the arrest and extradition of Karadzic, something which, it's important to stress this, the serbian government is legally bounded to do.

Not only the rallies, which fail to attract more than one hundred participants, disrupt the routine of the city, but, above all, serve as a legal cover to acts of harrassement and intimidation against persons and organization who promote Human Rights and Democracy.

I have posted on this blog that a neo-nazi rally had been called to be held in Belgrade this saturday (11 October). Well, the rally was not authorized. That is good news.

However, the fact is that, every day, a fascist rally is held in Belgrade. It is so because it is allowed. They are allowed because they fulfil a useful function. When they 'visit' civic-minded organizations, they are 'confirming'  the idea that civic minded organizations and people are really the mirror of neo-nazis and extremists nationalists. This then allows the 'moderate' sectors to comfortably denounce the civic-minded organizations activities as extremists and to discredit their perspective. It is important to stress that this serves the interests not only of the conservative elites, but also a part of the pro-european elite.

In fact, this is the measure of the degree of self-isolation in which the serbian elite lives. A substantial part of the political elite of the pro-european sector supports the idea that there is no need for confrontation with the past. For them the problem is not that problems exist, but that they become visible when someone decides to talk about them.

This becomes particularly clear when attacks such as the recent campaign against Sonja Biserko, which Marko Hoare analizes here, fail to provoke a strong reaction within the pro-european ranks.

Final remark:

for those who claim that 1389 has nothing to do with neo-nazis, i would be glad to show them the photos of skin-heads in their rallies, photos that I took myself. I just don't publish them because I think there are limits to bad taste and don't want my blog to look repelent.

And here is our wonderful little pug testing it out.

Serbia Busts America

October 10, 2008: SERBIA- Serbia has made the unusual move of appealing to the International Court of Justice in reviewing Kosovo’s independence. Besides the large number of abstainers, 77 countries in the United Nations voted for the review and 6 against, with the United States planted firmly in the latter party. Serbia has viewed the ruling as a major success, streaming local headlines such as “Serbia Busts America” and a “Great Diplomatic Victory.” Regardless of whether the case actually makes it to World Court, the plea is a clever move by Serbia to buy time while the newly installed pro-western government attempts to join the European Union. The British Ambassador is quoted as saying that even a positive verdict would be “advisory, and couldn’t influence Kosovo’s independence.” However, regardless of the court’s decision, Serbia could claim international cover--making the ruling a win-win situation for Belgrade.

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A Constitutional Coup? 

October 10, 2008: UKRAINE- Wednesday evening, Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko dissolved  the parliament and called for immediate elections in December. According to  the Ukrainian constitution, the President can exercise this right if parliament  fails to form a ruling coalition within 30 days. This will be the country’s third  elections in less than three years, and demonstrates the growing divide  between President Yushchenko and his pro-Russia rival, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The previous pro-Western coalition dissolved on September 3, after Yushchenko’s bloc withdrew from the alliance with Tymoshenko on the grounds that the Prime Minister’s call for reduction of presidential powers amounted to a “constitutional coup.” Tensions between the former allies are  likely to get worse—the two are predicted to both run for president in 2010. And we all know that there is nothing like a presidential race to stir up friendship and level headed thinking.   

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WEEKLY BRIEFS (Not Boxers)

The future looks grim for Afghanistan as a newly released report argues the Afghan government will be unlikely to stop the rise of the Taliban. 

Anti-government protestors in Thailand are victorious in court when charges of treason are dropped against nine major protest leaders. 

Somali Pirates are expected to receive a negotiated 8 million dollar ransom, meaning they can vacate the waters and order some filet mignon.

A Russian scientist is under investigation for possibly helping Iran conduct nuclear tests.

And finally, George Bush’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low of 25%, a whopping 1% higher than Richard Nixon the month before he resigned. Truman better watch his back.   

The Holy Liturgy and Memorial Service for His Majesty King Alexander I was officiated by His Grace Bishop Jovan of Sumadija and the clergy of Sumadija parish, followed with the recital of the church choir “Oplenac”.

Official link : The Royal Family of Serbia

Photos

Following the completion of service, in the name of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine, Mr. Vladan Zivulovic member of the Crown Cabinet, laid the wreath and flowers on the grave of King Alexander I.

Wikipedia : Independence of Croatia

Wikipedia : King Alexander I of Serbia

The wreaths will be laid with the highest state honours, in the name of the Serbian Government, by representatives of Ministry for Employment and Welfare as well as representatives of Serbian Armed Forces, the municipalities of Topola and Arandjelovac, Endowment of King Peter I, and organizations which foster traditions of Liberation Wars of Serbia.

King Alexander I was assassinated on 9 October 1934 in Marseille where he travelled to strengthen relations. The French Foreign Minister Monsieur Louis Barthou was also assassinated alongside His Majesty King Alexander I during the state visit to France.

The King’s death deeply moved the whole of Yugoslavia and sent shockwaves throughout Europe, and hundreds of thousands of people paid their last respects all along the funeral route through the country to the royal crypt at Oplenac. King Alexander I was buried there in the Mausoleum of the Church of St. George, built by King Peter I Karadjordjevic.

In recognition of his greatest accomplishments, namely the fact that the King had led the Serbian Army through World War One and was a key person in the unification of Southern Slavs into the state of Yugoslavia, the National Parliament and the Senate of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia had named him Noble King Alexander I the Unifier.

His Majesty King Alexander I was the grandfather of Crown Prince Alexander II.

The Royal Family thanks all those who plan to come at Oplenac and pay their respects to King Alexander I.