KOSOVO MARKS 8 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

Wednesday marks the eighth anniversary of Kosovo’s independence from Serbia, after a long period of fighting that followed the break-up of Yugoslavia.
“On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Kosovo as you celebrate your eighth anniversary of independence on February 17,” Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement to the people of Kosovo in commemorating the country’s independence.

“During my visit to Kosovo in December, I applauded the recent progress your country has made toward Euro-Atlantic integration. This progress includes advancing the EU-facilitated Dialogue with Serbia, signing a border agreement with Montenegro, securing a compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union. These and other steps show your determination to become a full and productive member of the Euro-Atlantic community. The United States will continue to stand by Kosovo as it makes the difficult decisions necessary to move further down the path toward greater stability, prosperity and regional integration,” Kerry said.
“The United States values its friendship with all the people of Kosovo and congratulates you once again on this special day.”
Kosovo achieved independence in 2008, after a bloody civil war that left thousands dead and controlled administration by the U.N. The international community expressed outraged at the deaths of innocent people and the destabilization of government.

Related Posts:

  • GRAMMYS: TAYLOR SWIFT WINS ALBUM OF THE YEARTaylor Swift's 1989 has won the coveted album of the year award at this year's Grammys in Los Angeles.The singer - who is the first woman to win the award twice - also won best pop vocal album and best music video for her tra… Read More
  • 'TEN MILLION WITHOUT WATER' IN DELHIMore than 10 million people in India's capital are without water despite the army regaining control of its key water source after protests, officials say.Keshav Chandra, head of Delhi's water board, told the BBC it would take… Read More
  • CALAIS 'JUNGLE': COURT TO RULE ON MIGRANTS FACING EVICTIONThousands of migrants in the "Jungle" camp in the French port city of Calais face eviction unless a last-ditch judicial bid goes in their favour.They have until 20:00 (19:00 GMT) to move their makeshift homes in the southern … Read More
  • EAGLES GUITARIST GLENN FREY, 67, DIESEagles guitarist Glenn Frey has died at the age of 67, the band has announced.He died in New York City on Monday from complications arising from rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and pneumonia."Words can neither describe our sorr… Read More
  • CANADIAN SERIAL KILLER BOOK PULLED FROM AMAZONA memoir apparently written by a Canadian serial killer has been withdrawn within hours of appearing for sale online.Former multi-millionaire pig farmer Robert Pickton was convicted in 2007 of murdering six women. Charges rel… Read More