Kosovo

Joint U.S.-EU Statement on U.S. Participation in the EULEX Mission in Kosovo
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Dan Fried signed an agreement October 22 that will allow the U.S. to participate in the EULEX mission in Kosovo. This will be the first time the U.S. has participated in a European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) mission with the EU. In remarks after the signing ceremony in the EU Council building in Brussels, Assistant Secretary Fried said the U.S. would contribute 80 police officers and up to eight judges and prosecutors to the mission. Full Text | Joint U.S.-EU Statement

U.S.-Kosovo Relations
Secretary Rice (July 18): "The people of Kosovo have a long road ahead to build their multiethnic democracy. But if the first few months are any indication, they have the will and the dedication and the commitment and the skill to do so. And as they do so, they will have a strong friend in the United States of America." Full Statement

Kosovo’s Constitution Enters into Force
The United States congratulates the people of the Republic of Kosovo on the entry into force of their new constitution today. This constitution enshrines the aspiration and determination of Kosovo's citizens to create a democratic, multi-ethnic state that is fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic community. The United States particularly welcomes the incorporation into the constitution of the broad minority rights protections originally proposed by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari. Full Statement.

Opening the U.S. Embassy in Pristina
Charge d'Affaires Kaidanow (Apr. 8): "As a consequence of Kosovo's new status as an independent country, recognized by many of the world's most powerful and prosperous nations, we have now been granted permission by the U.S. Congress to open formally as a full-fledged U.S. Embassy." Full Statement.

United States Recognizes Kosovo as Independent State 
The United States formally recognized Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state on February 18, 2008, and President Bush responded affirmatively to a request from Kosovo to establish diplomatic relations between our two countries. Full statement by Secretary Rice; Briefing by Under Secretary Burns.