President George W. Bush

------ 

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the American people, I hereby recognize Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. I congratulate you and Kosovo's citizens for having taken this important step in your democratic and national development.

On this historic occasion, I note the deep and sincere bonds of friendship that unite our people. This friendship, cemented during Kosovo's darkest hours of tragedy, has grown stronger in the nine years since war in Kosovo ended. Kosovo has since worked to rebuild its war-shattered society, establish democratic institutions, hold successful elections for a new government and foster prosperity. As an independent state, Kosovo now assumes responsibility for its destiny. As in the past, the United States will be your partner and your friend.

In your request to establish diplomatic relations with the United States, you expressed Kosovo's desire to attain the highest standards of democracy and freedom. I fully welcome this sentiment. In particular, I support your embrace of multi-ethnicity as a principle of good governance and your commitment to developing accountable institutions in which all citizens are equal under the law.

I also note that, in its declaration of independence, Kosovo has willingly assumed the responsibilities assigned to it under the Ahtisaari Plan. The United States welcomes this unconditional commitment to carry out these responsibilities and Kosovo's willingness to cooperate fully with the international community during the period of international supervision to which you have agreed. The United States relies upon Kosovo's assurances that it considers itself legally bound to comply with the provisions in Kosovo's Declaration of Independence. I am convinced that full and prompt adoption of the measures proposed by U.N. Special Envoy Ahtisaari will bring Kosovo closer to fulfilling its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

On the basis of these assurances from the Government of Kosovo, I am pleased to accept your request that our two countries establish diplomatic relations. The United States would welcome the establishment by Kosovo of diplomatic representation in the United States and plans to do likewise in Kosovo.

As Kosovo opens a new chapter in its history as an independent state, I look forward to the deepening and strengthening of our special friendship.

Sincerely,

George W. Bush

----

The Associated Press 

Comments (9)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Dennis Spinelli said:

	... I'm EuroAmerican Citizen. Congratulations to Europe's newest country The Republic of Kosovo.
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 25, 2008
Votes: +1

Doce said:

	... JK, i have a very straight forward answer to your question: why are serbs minority? it's because they have always been. serbia's rule is over and so is your illusion of holding on to that territory long live the Republic of Kosova!!!
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 20, 2008
Votes: +0

Tony32 said:

... JK said: I just can't believe, that this is happening...Kosovo, the heart of SERBIA, is getting independent and also accepted by the most EU-countries, USA etc... How can people not understand, that KOSOVO belongs to Serbia and not the Albanian people?! May I ask the administrators of this site why in the world do they post such naive and childish comments? I understand that people with different views can have a say here, but blind desire and rhetoric with no logical or factual backing is a waste of this space and of our time as regular visitors of this site. I would like to thank Mr. Bush from my heart for maintaining such a decisive stand on Kosovo people's right for self determination, freedom and democracy. I salute the U.S. for not putting the special interests of the few in front of moral and historical justice. It is disgusting to see how countries like Spain can turn a blind eye to the barbarism for the sake of their domestic politics. It'd would be more decent for Spanish government to send a letter to the President of Kosovo, saying that they will not recognize Kosovo, not because Kosovo doesn't deserve it, but for fear of unrest in their Basque populated province. I understand other countries like Greece, Slovakia, and Romania --- they are newcomers to Europe and have yet to become civilized. Long live USA, long live democratic nations.

report abuse vote down vote up

February 20, 2008
Votes: +0

JK said:

... I just can't believe, that this is happening...Kosovo, the heart of SERBIA, is getting independent and also accepted by the most EU-countries, USA etc... How can people not understand, that KOSOVO belongs to Serbia and not the Albanian people?! USA should try this, and see how it feels losing your home and losing the right og being a Serbian , because I'm sure that the Serbian people'll not be respected by albanians, now that it is "their" territory! The minority of the Serbian people will probably not be respected, altthough the albanians "claims" the opposite. A big part of my family lives there, and they know how it is...just imagine how it is for the people Serbian people living there now..They have lost their home, which is giving away by the EU and USA, without OUR permission! many people don't respect us, and judge us, just because of the fact that we are SERBIANS. We are peoples to! Just because the Albanians are being in the majority in Kosovo, it doesn't mean, that they should deserve to have Kosovo, as their own country. It's really a sad and a painful event for the Serbian people.. And just for the record. Did you ever wondered, why the Serbian people are in minority in their own piece of land???? REALLY THINK IT THROUGH AND YOU WILL HAVE THE ANSWER!!!!! KOSOVO JE JOSUVEK SRCE SRBIJE!!!!!!!!!!!!

report abuse vote down vote up

February 19, 2008
Votes: +0

Drilon Muhaxheri said:

	... Hehe of course Liam, If you push this question as far as it takes to get us to the Eurovision Song Contest 08, we sure as hell give you the 12 points you need to not end up with 0 points! Just kidding VIva LA IRELAND
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 19, 2008
Votes: +0

Zek said:

Thank You Thank you Mr. Bush for everything you and all the people in US did for us. I would also like to thank Mr. Clinton for all he did when he was a US President. God Bless all the American people for supporting our Independence and most of all God Bless US Peackeeper in here that are always here to ensure and support safety. : Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

report abuse vote down vote up

February 19, 2008
Votes: +0

Musa said:

	Thanks Bush Thank you misster Bush ,Thank you USA ,you allways have been on our side on the side of justice, God Bless America, God bless Albanian , God bless Newest Country Kosova
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 19, 2008
Votes: +0

elona said:

... I'm really touched and happy in the mean time. Finally Kosovo is "Free" and "Indipendant" Thank you to all the American people amd the american goverment torecognize and acknowledge this day. Thank you to President George W. Bush for giving hope and finally giving the Kosovars the dream that they have been fighting for more than 100 years. Thank you to all of you that helped in freeing Kosova. Elona!

report abuse vote down vote up

February 18, 2008
Votes: +0

Liam Coughlan said:

A good decision Though Mr Bush is less popular as President of the USA, people will respect that he has expressed very eloquently the views of Americans in this gracious and welcome letter to Kosovo. Kosovars will never forget the role played by the USA in this prrocess, and it was a role started by former President Bill Clinton. With the support of the USA, most of the European Union, plus countries like Croatia and elsewhere, Kosovo can proudly take its deserved place in the community of nations. Welcome Republic of Kosovo....and may your journey to statehood be prosperous, peaceful and successful. But please remember, you also oew Ireland a 12 point vote in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest!!!!

report abuse vote down vote up

February 18, 2008
Votes: +0