Kosovo v. Catalonia

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

Following US-led NATO's dismemberment and rape of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, its Albanian-majority parliament saying:

"Observing that Kosovo is a special case arising from Yugoslavia's non-consensual breakup and is not a precedent for any other situation…" 

"We declare Kosovo to be a democratic, secular and multi-ethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law."

It's nothing of the kind. It's US-led NATO occupied territory, run by thuggish puppet president Hashim Thaci, an unindicted drug trafficker with ties to organized crime, nicknamed "the snake" for good reason.

Earlier he headed the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), responsible for horrific human rights abuses, along with prostitution, arms smuggling and other criminal activities.

Heading Kosovo's undemocratic Democrat party, he's a Western favorite, feted on visits to European capitals and Washington.

The former Yugoslavia no longer exists, its dissolution completed during 78 days of US-led terror-bombing of Serbia in 1999.

Belgrade disputed the legality of Kosovo's independence. In October 2008, it sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It ruled the declaration legal.

Washington and Brussels support Kosovo independence. Serbia and Russia oppose it. Kosovars unilaterally proclaimed the Republic of Kosovo in February 2008.

It's not a UN member state. Less than 60% of its 193 nations support its independence. Four EU nations oppose its status.

With majority world community support, Kosovo's independence is firm despite the dubious process of its creation - unilaterally declared, no referendum held, no democratic process, strong arguments against its status.

Catalan independence is entirely warranted - 92% of its people voting for it by democratic referendum. The popular will should be respected - what democracy is all about.

On Saturday, Spain's PM Mariano Roy said he won't permit Catalan independence. "We are going to prevent (it) from occurring. That is why I can tell you with absolute frankness that it will not happen. I don't rule anything out," he blustered.

"But I must do things at the proper time…I would like the threat of an independence declaration to be withdrawn as quickly as possible."

"The ideal would be not to have to take drastic measures. (He refuses) to discuss the unity of the country. We don't talk under threat," he roared.

"I hope that the Catalonia that makes pacts, is moderate and for many years contributed to Spain's economic growth and improvement in welfare and wealth returns. It can't be in the hands of extremists, radicals and" secessionists.

Last Sunday's Rajoy-ordered police state violence attempt to block the democratic referendum is seared in the hearts and minds of Catalans - their 92% vote for independence a powerful statement of their wish to be free from fascist Madrid rule.

On Tuesday, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and MPs will meet to discuss independence. They're obligated to support it. That's how democracy is supposed to work. 

Bowing to Madrid would betray overwhelming popular sentiment. Catalonia's future depends on what its government decides.

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My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

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