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.