Kosovo

Biden Urges Serbia to Take European Path

March 4, 2008 -- BIDEN: “For eight years now, the people of Kosovo – and the region – have struggled to build their economy and societies on a foundation of uncertainty. Today, we have an opportunity to remove that veil of doubt…Kosovo’s new government must protect the magnificent heritage of Serbia’s past, but we must help safeguard Kosovo’s future.”    » read more »

February 17, 2008, Chicago, IL - Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the independence of Kosovo and its implications for Serbia.

"Today's announcement of independence by the leadership of Kosovo ends a chain of events that began with the bloody break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Kosovo's independence is a unique situation resulting from the irreparable rupture Slobodan Milosevic's actions caused; it is in no way a precedent for anyone else in the region or around the world.    » read more »

2/17/2008 -Sen. Clinton:

I welcome the historic declaration of Kosova independence issued today in Pristina. I urge our friends and allies and around the world to join the United States and European Union countries in promptly recognizing an independent Kosova.    » read more »

February 18, 2008, Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement regarding Kosovo's declaration of independence:

"With its declaration of independence, Kosovo and the Balkans with it has taken a major step out of the 1990s and into the 21st century. Eleven years ago, that region was in flames, characterized by ethnic cleansing and widespread violence. Today, for the first time, the region is poised to move forward. The people of Kosovo should be commended for the great strides they have made and the bright future that lies ahead.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2007 - The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a US$5 million grant in additional financing for the Kosovo Energy Sector Clean-up and Land Reclamation Project. The project will support the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) and the Kosovar authorities in their efforts to clean up a gasification plant, enhance the country’s long-term power development and electricity supply, and mitigate an urgent risk to public health and the environment in Kosovo.    » read more »

Project will enable hiring of Transaction Advisory, and Legal and Regulatory Advisory services

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2007 -- The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved US$2 million in additional financing for the Lignite Power Technical Assistance Project. The grant is provided by the International Development Association (IDA) to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), on behalf of Kosovo.    » read more »

14 May 2007 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is expected to arrive in Moscow Monday for two days of talks with Russian leaders on issues including Kosovo and U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Eastern Europe.

Moscow and Washington are behind two competing proposals before the United Nations Security Council for the future of Kosovo.

The United States backs plans for internationally supervised independence for the ethnic Albanian majority province of Serbia, while Moscow is calling for more talks.    » read more »

07 May 2007 -- The U.S. State Department said Monday Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will visit Moscow next week for talks on problem issues including Kosovo and U.S. missile defense plans for central Europe. She will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and perhaps also President Vladimir Putin. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

Rice's visit comes amid conflict between the two powers on several issues, though U.S. officials say tensions are by no means comparable to those of the Cold War era.    » read more »