Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- http://www.russianobserver.com/stories/2001/09/06/999779666/999782869.html Russian Observer September 9, 2001 Situation in Macedonia is volatile Political scientist Boris Shmelev: Idea of a Great Albania is no longer attractive 06.29.2001, 17:29 The situation in Macedonia is volatile and is becoming more and more aggravated. NATO, the West, and first of all, American diplomacy have brought things there into a blind alley. The confrontation between the Macedonian Slavs and the ethnic Albanians in Macedonia is the direct result of the West's erroneous policy in Kosovo. The methods that the West is using to try to solve that problem now in Macedonia will also produce no positive effect. The West is incorrectly assessing the realities that are crystallizing in Macedonia. The ethnic Albanians in Macedonia and the Macedonian Slavs are getting ready to resolve their problems by unleashing a big war that will lead to unpredictable consequences for Macedonia and the Balkans, in general. It is necessary to persuade not the Macedonians but the ethnic Albanians to stop their armed actions and sit down at the negotiating table together with Macedonian leaders, with the Macedonian Slavs, and negotiate as long as it is necessary. The ethnic Albanians must be told that if they do not do that, then the Macedonian army will be armed; the Albanian extremists will have o access to weaponry and funding. More than that, it is necessary to allow the Serbian army to enter Kosovo and to lift the embargo on delivery of weapons to the Serbian army. And then there will be nothing left of the Albanian militants. But this is not being done. Judging by everything, it is first of all American diplomacy that is pursuing a course aimed at establishing quite a powerful Albanian state - a Great Albania. Apparently, the West, and first of all, the USA need a so-called controllable conflict in Europe. And from that point of view, such a situation in the Balkans suits them more because then this justifies NATO's role and American presence in Europe. On the other hand, we can now see in the Balkans rivalry between Europe and the USA because by participating in the Balkan conflict, Europe wants to confirm its independence and identity. What we are witnessing now is a big game, but on the whole, I do not think that game is very smart. As I see it, this situation is now beginning to get out of control of those who thought it up. And that's the reason why representatives from the West have come to Moscow. They are trying to get us into that game. But while he was in Belgrade, President Putin made it absolutely clear that the borders in the Balkans must be inviolable. That is the only way to normalize the situation. As I see it, Russia takes a very restrained and flexible stand in respect to the events in Macedonia since Macedonia, in its time, placed its stakes on NATO. It offered its territory to NATO forces during the Kosovo war. The Macedonian government is now trying to solve the problem of its own security by counting on us. Well, let them do that. So far, we are not interfering in their affairs. I would not want to say that we are rejoicing at someone else's misfortunes. That would be wrong. Russia is issuing corresponding statements but it is not playing an active role. And this is an absolutely correct policy. Let the West clear up the mess it made. And Russia will help as best as it can. What the Albanian separatists are doing now will, in the final count, lead the Albanian people into a historical trap, a historical blind alley. The idea of an Albanian state within state borders was attractive at the end of the 19th century, but we are now living in the 21st century. The times are different now. Now all efforts should be directed towards educating the Albanian population, advancing their culture and business rather than towards destruction and war. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo! Messenger http://im.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [email protected] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
