Thaindian News

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — The United States on Wednesday congratulated Kosovo on the second anniversary of its independence. On February 17, 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo approved a declaration of independence.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Republic of Kosovo as they celebrate their second anniversary of independence on February 17,” U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. “This is an occasion to celebrate Kosovo’s development as an open, unitary, and pluralistic republic and its commitment to deliver on the promise of democracy for all of its people.”

Two years after Kosovo declared itself an independent country, the international community remains mixed on the issue. Although the United States, Canada and a majority of the European Union have formally recognized Kosovo as an independent state, most countries have not done so. Also Serbia, which Kosovo is a former province of, has shown it is strongly opposed to Kosovo as an independent state.

However, the United States has praised Kosovo for its work and called the nation a steadfast partner. “Kosovo’s progress in these two years demonstrates its dedication to responsible membership in the community of nations and to stability in the Balkan region,” Clinton said. “I commend the Government of Kosovo for its continued efforts to build a secure and prosperous future for all of Kosovo’s citizens. The United States remains a steadfast partner of the people and Government of Kosovo, committed to strengthening Kosovo’s institutions and further developing a fully functioning, democratic, and multiethnic state able to achieve its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”