Kosovo bloggers discuss Biden's visit
01/06/2009
Bloggers in Kosovo praise Joe Biden for backing their country's quest for sovereignty, but Serbs are critical.
By Balkanblogs for Southeast European Times -- 01/06/09
 US Vice-President Joe Biden (centre) is welcomed by Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu (left) and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. [Laura Hasani/SETimes] |
US Vice-President Joe Biden is well-known in Kosovo. While serving as a senator, he was outspoken in support of Kosovo's independence. Last week, Biden visited Pristina and addressed members of parliament.
"Kosovo's independence was and remains today in my view, and the view of my government, the only viable option for stability in the region," he said. "Your independence is irreversible, absolutely irreversible."
Though his visit sparked protests by Serbs in Mitrovica, Biden received an enthusiastic welcome from Kosovo Albanians. Many praised him for his strong stance.
"Thank you, Mr. Biden, for the powerful word you delivered today in Kosovo," writes Gjakova at Telegrafi. "May God never leave us without the great USA."
"Mr. Biden is well-aware of the problems in Kosovo and was one of the great men that saved Kosovo's people," writes Gafurr Hasani. "Kosovo's people won't forget that." Similarly, Faton at Shqip1 declares "America is in the heart of Kosovo because she saved this country."
But Milan, at BalkanInsight, takes a dissenting view. "[Biden] urged Kosovo's Serbs to 'integrate in the new society rather than relying on the parallel structures sponsored by Serbia'. So why he didn't he urge Albanians in 2000-2008 to integrate with Serbia rather than relying on the parallel structures sponsored by the USA?"
Rinor responds to his argument. "To integrate with Serbia would mean agreeing to whatever Serbia did ten years ago in Kosovo," he writes. "He and the whole West know the right track towards a safe and peaceful Europe."
Per, at Telegraf, applauds the visit but not efforts by Kosovo's leaders to take credit for it. He urges his fellow citizens to show that Kosovo deserves the support it has received in Washington.
"Let's work hard so that America can be proud of this state and its people," he advises.
"Kosovo is a small county but with sincere wishes it welcomed today the great man with a big heart," concludes Lumturie Ferizaj. Historically, where the American people put their foot, they have brought peace and freedom."
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