More Troops in Kosovo

Britain plans to send 600 troops to Kosovo NATO peacekeeping duty. They will be the standby reserve of NATO in the region for the next 6 months. The influence of NATO in Kosovo as a peacekeeping force has been important ever since the end of the war in Kosovo in 1999.

The quotes in this article are pretty funny:http://news.uk.msn.com/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=8197133

Ever since the declaration of independence of Kosovo, the situation has been "tense". Um, yeah.

Serbia in Cooperation Talks With UN

Talks in Belgrade are meant to solve the "many technical problems" that have arisen since February. This includes the polls issue in Kosovo for the may elections...

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=23&nav_id=49683

Same Old, Same Old

Although this is a very critical time in Serbia, the news this week has been the same old story--is Serbia headed toward EU membership? how does that fit into its relationship with Russia? what about kosovo and the upcoming elections? the UN security council vote is still undecided about their stance on the polls in Kosovo issue. News may be in limbo until the May 15th elections. So Hold your breath and count to....22 days.

Fan Killed in Soccer Riots

One person was fatally shot and others were wounded in a brawl between rival soccer fans in Serbia. Fan riots are considered quite common especially between organized gangs who are often manipulated by nationalist parties. What a crazy dynamic!

Full article (still very short) here:

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gQTBFQ7pmFShmCEB3ZoTcH0xbQyg

UN Cautions Serbia Against Local Elections in Kosovo

The UN has taken its position on the local elections proposed in Kosovo on May 11 as Serbia considers it part of their country. It is not clear how their opposition will come into play either by use of force, or just invalidation of votes cast.

The article is actually slightly confusing as the UN claims to have "no problem with Kosovar Serbs voting" it's just the polls held IN Kosovo that are the problem??

Full article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0927466920080409?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

More Russia Today: Putin Insists This is "Not a Political Gesture" wink wink

Serbia to Hold Elections in Kosovo

As the upcoming elections draw closer, Serbia insistst that polls will be open in Kosovo on May 11. The UN is worried that Kosovar Serbs going to vote will cause huge security problems. however, the real issue at hand is do they have a right to vote and should therefore be protected, or not? and who gets to decide?

The UN has yet to declare whether the election in Kosovo will be permitted.

Full article here:

http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/03/31/europe/OUKWD-UK-SERBIA-KOSOVO-ELECTION.php