Bush vows to help Kosovo gain recognition
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush promised Kosovo's visiting president and prime minister Monday he would try to convince more nations to embrace formal diplomatic ties with their young country.
"I pledged that the United States would continue to work with those nations that have not recognized an independent Kosovo to convince them to do so as quickly as possible," Bush told reporters.
He spoke as he met in his Oval Office with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, who were making their first US visit as leaders of an independent Kosovo.
"I'm a strong supporter of Kosovo's independence. I'm against any partition of Kosovo," Bush said. "I appreciate your courage, I appreciate your leadership, and I commit the United States to help you realize your dreams."
The US president also renewed his support for Kosovo to join the NATO alliance as well as the European Union.
Thaci, speaking through an interpreter, praised US support for Kosovo's independence, calling it "a joint success story."
"Today's meeting with President Bush not only raised the fact that we are closely connected with the United States, but we always be their trustful friend, forever," said Thaci.
More than 40 countries, including most of the European Union's 27 members, have recognized Kosovo's February 17 declaration of independence from Serbia, which along with ally Russia fiercely opposed the move.
China and Spain have also refused.
"The Kosovo people has been following the principles of democracy and freedom," Sejdiu said through an interpreter. "We guarantee President Bush that we will continue on this road."
"Kosovo will be a country of democracy, a country of all its citizens. It will have a special respect for the minorities. We are very much interested to have good relations with the Republic of Serbia," said Sejdiu.
