UNITED NATIONS, September 9 -- In the UN General Assembly, Kosovo's top officials took up positions in the third floor visitors gallery in advance of the vote on Serbia's already watered down resolution. Serbia and Russia, sources tell Inner City Press, asked to have the Kosovars removed. But President of the GA Treki said he couldn't do it.
On the GA floor, UK Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant and France's Gerard Araud rallied the troops. At 5:22 p.m., they went up to the third floor to talk with the Kosovars.
Lost in all this is that Serbia already gave up its chance for an up or down vote on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. In order to be considered for EU admission, they changed the resolution.
After all the strong talk, can foreign minister Vuk Jeremic show his face in Belgrade? Or, as one diplomat wagged to Inner City Press, will Vuk leave the GA hall naked as after a poker game? Watch this space.
Update of 5:36 p.m. -- Vuk protested the Kosovars' presence; Treki said they were invited by, inter alia, the US, UK, France, Italy and others. Vuk spoke.
Update of 5:49 p.m. -- Azerbaijan and Venezuela speak in favor of Serbia. In the cheap seats, UK Lyall Grant is on cell phone, US Rosemary DiCarlo two seats away. She now takes the floor.
Update of 6:02 pm -- It's unanimous on the resolution: Serbia giving in to and for EU. India says it will not recognize Kosovo. UK leaving - to do stakeout?
Update of 6:30 p.m. -- Vuk Jeremic tells Inner City Press that at least “the ICJ process is over.” He says Serbia's fight will continue and -- somehow -- that entering EU can help that fight. Will this be popular in Belgrade? Watch this site.
Update of 6:46 p.m. -- Vuk Jeremic told Inner City Press, “There is no change in Serbia's position... Being a member of the EU is one of the priorities... This resolution puts an end to the ICJ process. At some point, some misinterpreted what the court had said, the resolution is very clear that this was not the confirmation of statehood for Kosovo.” Stick a fork in it....
* * *And see, www.innercitypress.com/ga1serbkoss090910.html
