Bush meets with Kosovo's Sejdiu, Thaci

22/07/2008

WASHINGTON, United States -- President George W Bush on told Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci on Monday (July 21st) that he will help the new country gain wider recognition. "I am a strong supporter of Kosovo's independence. I am against any partition of Kosovo. I strongly believe that the United Nations mission [UNMIK] will be transferred to the EU [EULEX mission] as quickly as possible," Bush said after the meeting in Washington. Sejdiu described his first visit to the United States and the reception by Bush as special. Thaci said he was proud of the meeting, which, he says, strengthens bilateral relations. Both Sejdiu and Thaci expressed gratitude for US support of Kosovo and pledged to build a democratic country that respects minority rights. (Koha Ditore, Zeri, Express, Lajm - 22/07/08)