default header
22 February 2008
State’s Burns on Kosovo’s Independence, the Way Forward
Ask America webchat transcript, February 22
Nicholas Burns, under secretary of state for political affairs, participated in a February 22 Ask America webchat on Kosovo’s independence and the way forward.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
Kosovo: The Way Forward
Guest: R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
Date: February 22, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST
Webchat Moderator: Welcome to the webchat. You may begin submitting your questions now. If you have more than one question, please submit each one separately.
Members of the press are kindly asked to state their affiliation when submitting questions.
Please note: Nothing will appear on this screen until the webchat begins at 15:00 GMT.
Webchat Moderator: Welcome to today’s webchat with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns. Today’s discussion is entitled “Kosovo: The Way Forward,” and Under Secretary Burns will be discussing the significance of Kosovo’s independence and the way forward to lasting stability and prosperity in the Balkans. Over the past three years, Under Secretary Burns led U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful resolution of the Kosovo crisis, working intensively with our NATO allies and the international community. Under Secretary Burns brings unique experience and perspective to this issue, having served as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO from 2001-05 before taking up his current duties as Under Secretary. It’s my great pleasure to introduce you to the Under Secretary.
View biography of Under Secretary Burns.
Under Secretary Burns: Good morning. I’m Under Secretary Nicholas Burns and I am very glad to be able to join you on-line today to discuss the significance of Kosovo’s independence. I want to thank you in advance for your interest in this subject and for visiting the Department’s new, America.gov website. I know there are lots of great questions out there -- some of you even submitted questions in advance -- so why don’t we get right down to our discussion.
Question [Chat Participant - Željko Tvrdiši?, Radio Kontakt Plus]: Can USA guarantee security for the Kosovo Serb community and the shrines of Serbian Orthodox Church?
Answer [Under Secretary Burns]: The safety of the Kosovar Serb community and other minorities is very important to the U.S. and to many other nations. The new and independent Kosovo government has pledged to support minority rights and has passed laws this week to safeguard those rights. We believe Kosovo's future should be multi-ethnic and multi-religious.
Q [Chat Participant - Artan Mustafa, Senior Political Reporter, Express]: What is the road the Kosovo leadership should take to create a successful story here?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: I believe President Sediu and Prime Minister Thaci have acted effectively and responsibly this week to uphold democratic rights and to protect the rights of the minority populations. The U.S. will continue to extend strong political and economic assistance to Kosovo. More countries around the world are recognizing Kosovo every day. I also think that justice has been done. Kosovo deserved to be independent. Serbia gave up any right to Kosovo after its brutal and unwarranted assault on the Kosovar Albanian community in 1998-99.
Q [apgjahn]: What makes Kosovo a special case? In other words, how does the U.S. buttress arguments that its recognition of Kosovo independence will not set a precedent?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Apgjahn, thank you for your question, which goes to the heart of the matter. The fact is, the situation in Kosovo is truly unique and in our view does not set any precedent whatsoever for other potential regional conflicts. In particular, we see Kosovo’s independence as the final stage of the long and non-consensual process of dissolution of the former Yugoslavia. That in itself is a unique factor in Kosovo’s independence. Aside from that, however, the tragic history of ethnic cleansing against civilians in Kosovo distinguishes this situation from any other, as does the lengthy period of international administration and a UN-facilitated process designed to determine final status.
Q [Chat Participant - Agron Bajrami, Editor in Chief, Koha Ditore]: The Russians made many bold statements prior to Kosovo’s Independence, but this was not enough to stop the inevitable Independence of Kosovo. What is the real political weight of Moscow today, and can the Kremlin hurt the Kosovar state by denying it access to International Institutions?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: We strongly advise Russia to be more responsible in its public comments toward Kosovo. Russia has an obligation to uphold the goals of peace and stability. Frankly, Russia has not played a significant role in Kosovo for many years. It withdrew most of its personnel from the international effort. And, Russia is isolated this week -- very few countries are supporting its position.
Q [AdiNovac]: Mr. Burns, is Kosovo a precedent for other regions around the globe who might be looking for independence? What would you say to the Romanians who fear that the Hungarian majority in some parts of Transylvania will follow Kosovo's example and will soon try to declare independence? Thank you very much!
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Adinovac, thanks for your question. Although I have already answered the more general issue you raise, with respect to the specific question of Transylvania, we believe that because of the unique recent history of Kosovo, its independence has absolutely no bearing on other situations of potential or actual regional conflicts. Kosovo’s independence does not set a precedent for would-be separatists elsewhere, and certainly not for Romania, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity are universally recognized.
Q [Chat Participant]: I just want to ask how do you reckon one could justify (or make it at least seem legitimate, if not legal) Kosovo's proclamation of independence, considering the fact that it has absolutely no foundation in international laws and/or UN provisions and principles? And if you think that Kosovo is a 'sui generis' case, please state just one argument in support of this claim (one circumstance that has not been/isn't present in any of the hundreds of similar cases worldwide). Thank you in advance, Tadej Turnšek, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Tadej, thank you for your question. I believe my earlier responses are germane to your question as well. I would like to reiterate just a few points:
First, the terrible recent history of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo -- a tragedy that cost the lives of thousands of civilians -- required a definitive solution to the Kosovo situation.
Second, resolution of Kosovo’s status through the UN Security Council proved impossible; the Council was deadlocked and there was no prospect for anything except further deadlock. UN Secretary General Ban, the Contact Group and others recognized that this deadlocked status quo was untenable.
Finally, I would note that UNSCR 1244 did not bar Kosovo’s declaration of independence. The language referring to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia is mentioned in the resolution’s preamble, not in any of its legally operative language. In other words, while UNSCR 1244 aimed for a negotiated agreement, it did not prejudge the ultimate outcome and did not legally require a negotiated agreement.
Q [MKoloski]: What implications will Kosovo's independence have on Macedonia's territorial integrity? What factor will Macedonia's eventual membership into NATO have on regional stability?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: MKoloski, thank you for participating today. Kosovo’s independence has no implications for Macedonia’s territorial integrity. Macedonia is a UN member with internationally recognized borders, so the change of status of one of its neighbors -- Kosovo -- has no affect on Macedonia’s territorial integrity. As for Macedonia’s eventual membership in NATO, as a former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, I am convinced that NATO has been the single greatest factor in contributing to peace and stability in Europe since the end of the Second World War. In that sense, Macedonia’s eventual membership will only further enhance regional stability.
Q [global325]: I believe the underlying issues for Kosovo are economic. What is the United States, in partnership with the international community, prepared to do to ensure economic stability in the New Kosovo?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: First, I would agree with you that Kosovo’s economic development and its integration into the global economy are crucial to ensuring its stability. In that respect, its situation prior to independence was far more problematic than the situation post-independence, since pre-independence Kosovo was entirely isolated, largely unable to seek assistance from the international financial institutions, and offered a truly uncertain investment climate for foreign companies.
Clearly, Kosovo will need considerable assistance to get on its feet as an independent state; it is estimated that $2 billion of assistance will be needed in the first 3-4 years. We have been working with international donors and potential donors in anticipation of the need to assist Kosovo’s transition as an independent state. In the last fiscal year, we gave $77.7 million in assistance to Kosovo and expect to give $335 in the current fiscal year.
Q [monicasargentini - Monica Ricci Sargentini from the italian daily Corriere della Sera]: Mr. Burns, the situation in the Balkans is getting worse, yesterday Serb rioters set fire to an office inside the U.S. Embassy and Belgrade recalled envoys from Washington and European states recognising Kosovo, most recently from Italy. Did you expect such a strong reaction?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: We are proud to support the new independent state of Kosovo. I think what we are seeing this week is the last act in the disintegration of Yugoslavia. The great majority of the people of Kosovo -- well over 90 percent -- are Kosovar Albanian Moslems. They have a right to independence and freedom. The Serb government lost Kosovo nine years ago after its brutal assault on the civilian population of the territory. The UN took control of Kosovo and a UN envoy proposed supervised independence for Kosovo. The U.S. and great majority of European countries support the United Nations policy.
Concerning the attacks on our embassy yesterday and on the embassies of many European countries, there can be no excuse for them. These were the uncivilized acts of a mob who took the law into their own hands. I told the Serb Prime Minister and Foreign Minister when I spoke with them yesterday that we would hold them personally accountable for the safety of our diplomats in Belgrade. Serbia has an obligation under the Vienna Convention to protect all the diplomats on its territory.
Q [Tanja2]: There is a donor's Conference coming up for Kosovo -- is it already known how the U.S. will support Kosovo in the next years?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: As I noted to Global325 above, over the two years 2007-08, the United States will give $412.7 million to Kosovo, which works out to approximately $200 for every citizen of Kosovo. As you correctly note, a donors’ conference will soon be held which will give the U.S., EU and other donors the opportunity to closely coordinate their assistance. I’m optimistic that with American and European leadership and the good will of the international community, we will be able to go a long way towards meeting Kosovo’s pressing needs during the early years of its statehood.
Q [Matteo Tacconi]: Matteo Tacconi is writing. I am an Italian journalist working for Europa, a Roma based daily publication.
My question for the under secretary is: since 1999 northern Kosovo have been like a state in the state. The Serbs living there, who are the ethnic majority, have used Serbian currency, have asked to Serbian tribunals for solving their legal controversies, have sent their kids to Serbian schools. Now Kosovo is independent. How could it succeed in exerting its sovereignty there? Could be NATO forced to intervene in order to help the new government?
Thank you a lot, Matteo.
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Thanks for your very good question. Kosovo is now independent. That is a just solution to a very difficult problem. As you know, well over 90 percent of the population are Kosovar Albanian Moslems. They have a right to freedom and independence. In our view, Serbia essentially gave up its right to Kosovo after its brutal ethnic cleansing of the population nine years ago. Gradually, the new Kosovo government will be able to exert full control over the territory. I believe Kosovo will enjoy strong support from Europe, including from your own country, Italy and certainly from the U.S.
Q [tara]: I think Kosovo's independence leads to the way of all nation independence, but meanwhile the way is destroying the international law, if that, any nation which desires independence will take an action like this, results to new conflict in local region. It's a dangerous signal for a complete country.
Q [Chat Participant]: I congratulate the U.S. and NATO for being instrumental in making a long cherished dream of Kosovans true. I wish Kosovo a bright future in The Way Forward!
Pls keep sending invitation on such topics.
With warmest regards, Nasar
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Q [Chat Participant - Matthias Rueb, Washington Bureau Chief, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany]: How important is a UN membership for newly independent Kosovo and do you expect Kosovo becoming a member of the UN any time soon?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: The U.S. believes that Kosovo should be a member of the United Nations. We will support that objective. It may take some time as some other countries might choose in the short-term to block Kosovo. Eventually, it will be treated as a full member of the international community.
Q [cincura]: Dear Sirs, I appeal to you not to recognise the independency of Kosovo. It is an analogous situation as a requirement of separation of Sudety made by German inhabitants from democratic Czechoslovakia in 1938. They wanted to join the nazist Hitler´s Germany.
The current Albanian inhabitants in Serbian Kosovo make the same thing. If you accept Kosovo Albanian requirement it would be the same as Munich agreement which enabled Hitler to attack the Czechoslovakia.
Do not allow to bring unjustice and appeasement again.
I note I have not got any friend of Serbian nationality and I never was in Serbia. I am of Czech nationality.
Jan Cincura,
Prague, Czech Republic
Q [Constantin Spinu]: What is the difference, in your opinion, between the Albanians in Kosovo and the Kurds in Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Armenia? The Kurds, like the Albanians in Kosovo have been constantly oppressed and decimated, as a minority, especially in Iraq and Turkey. They have been fighting for years to form a state of their own. According to the Kosovo example, are the Kurds, in your opinion, entitled to claim their independence over Turkey and Iraq? And, if not, please explain.
A [Under Secretary Burns]: We see Kosovo as unique and do not believe its independence is a precedent for our groups around the world. The United Nations took control of Kosovo nine years ago and asked the Serb army and police to leave. The UN called for a process to determine Kosovo's future. A UN envoy recommended independence for Kosovo. These factors are unique and are not present in any other country of the world.
Q [Diora]: What are the pros and cons of the independence of Kosovo?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: An independent Kosovo is a just solution to the terrible crimes committed against its people in the 1980s and 1990s. It will be welcomed into Europe and NATO looks forward to a partnership with it. We Americans believe an independent Kosovo will contribute to long-term stability in the Balkans. We do know this -- had independence been delayed much longer, it would have contributed to lesser, and not greater, stability in the region.
Q [jkeating]: In announcing its recognition for Kosovo's independence, Secretary of State Rice stated that this is a special case because of Kosovo's history of ethnic cleansing and its long-term administration by the United Nations and should not be considered a precedent. Couldn't the same line of argument be used for Kurdistan, to name one example? Are there any plans to formalize the criteria the U.S. uses to judge the validity of independence claims by separatist regions?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: We believe Kosovo is unique in its history and in the way the United Nations had taken control of its destiny for the past nine years.
Q [global325]: This webcast should be televised globally ... civil society and media have a great role to play in helping to solve post-conflict situations.
Q [Tanjug]: Questions of Tanjug, the National News Agency of the Republic of Serbia for Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns. How will the U.S. react if there is another pogrom of the Serbs in Kosmet similar (or even worse) than that which took place on March 17, 2004?
Serbia has withdrawn its ambassador to the United States for consultations. Your comment, please?
Mr. Undersecretary, the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo has provoked strong reactions of Serbia and Kosovo Serbs who consider the declaration void and in breach of international law. Could you explain how an imposed solution, made in disrespect of the UN Security Council and agains.
A [Under Secretary Burns]: I think Serbs need to reflect on your own responsibility to encourage peace and stability. The attacks on the U.S. and many other embassies yesterday were reprehensible and the work of an unruly mob. Serbia should look at its own responsibilities first and ensure the safety of diplomats on its soil. We have consistently supported the rights of the Kosovar Serbs. I have visited Serb families in Obilic and stood up for their right to remain in Kosovo and to live in peace and without fear of retribution or intimidation or violence. We have urged the new Kosovar government to protect all minority rights. They have passed laws this week to ensure those rights.
Q [David Wisner]: Dear Ambassador Burns, your friends at the American College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece, congratulate you on your lifetime of public service and wish you all the best in your forthcoming retirement.
If you were a teacher teaching a class in U.S. foreign policy, and wished to consider the most recent round of negotiations on the status of Kosovo as a case study, what, if anything, would you say has distinguished the U.S. role in these talks relative to previous rounds of negotiations on Kosovo, going back to the early 1990s?
David Wisner
Professor of International Relations
Director, Michael S. Dukakis Chair in Public Policy and Service
American College of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece
A [Under Secretary Burns]: David, thanks so much for your question. I send my best regards to you and your students and to all my friends in Thessaloniki. The United Nations supported nearly a decade of efforts to find peace in Kosovo. Just this past year, the U.S., EU and Russia led four months of talks designed to produce an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. Those talks failed, unfortunately. We therefore had no choice but to support the declaration of independence of the new Kosovar state. We made the central assumption that delaying independence further would actually increase the risk of instability, not lessen it. I also believe strongly that justice has been done. Kosovo deserved to be independent after the terrible crimes committed against its people during the Kosovo war nine years ago.
Q [Kreshnik B. Ahmeti]: On Behalf of All People of Kosovar we would like to thank the United States for being role model for peace and freedom around the world.
May God Bless our Nations,
Kreshnik B. Ahmeti MS BME
The University of Texas at Arlington/ University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
Q [Tamara2]: Dear Mr. Burns, thank u for this web-chat discussions.
U.S. is always saying Kosovo issue is unique. Could u please simply explain what is so much unique about it? Is it possible that lets say in 50 years Nagorno-Karbakh becomes also that kind unique?
Thank u, Tamara Grigoryeva, APA news agency, Azerbaian.
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Kosovo is unique in its international dimension. No other place has such special characteristics. The United Nations took control of Kosovo away from Serbia after the war of 1999. The UN had administered Kosovo since then. The UN envoy recommended supervised independence for Kosovo. Now, the great majority of European states are recognizing Kosovo as has the U.S. These special characteristics are present no where else in the world.
Webchat Moderator: Dear participants, a number of you are asking "where is my question?" More than 200 questions have been submitted to Under Secretary Burns. As soon as he responds to a question, it will appear on this screen. We hope you will understand that he may not be able to respond directly to your individual question.
Q [natasa briski]: Any comment to the statement of Russian ambassador to NATO that Russia could use force in Kosovo? - Natasa Briski, correspondent, POP TV Slovenia
A [Under Secretary Burns]: This is a highly irresponsible statement. Russia has an obligation as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to advocate peace and stability. I would remind the Russian Ambassador to NATO that he needs to study his history. NATO has the full support of the international community in its nine-year mission in Kosovo. NATO is a force for peace there. NATO forces are protecting the minority Serb population and its patrimonial sites and churches. This cynical and a historical comment by the Russian Ambassador should be repudiated by his own government.
Q [amalianegreponti - Amalia Negreponti, Proto Thema,Athens, Greece]: Ambassador Burns, hello from Athens! You noted earlier on in this discussion that Kosovo’s independence has no implications for Macedonia’s (FYROM, to use its UN name) territorial integrity and that it will not change the status quo in the Balkans. You also noted that the Kosovar government has pledged to pass laws safeguarding minorities and respect of international law. Shouldn't the same be required of FYROM -- in respect to Greece -- especially now there are new UN negotiations ongoing to solve the name dispute and FYROM may be invited to join NATO as early as April? Thank you. Amalia.
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Amalia, thanks very much for this question. The situation in Kosovo is, of course, entirely different from that in Macedonia. We support the UN negotiations on the name issue. We hope a mutually satisfactory arrangement can be agreed by the two countries.
Q [jeton]: Sir, I think independence of Kosovo is right thing that has happened. Freedom of any nation should not be "questionable" or "negotiable" in terms that we the people of Kosovo lived it through.
Q [Rodrigo Praino - Naples, Italy]: Mr. Undersecretary, you stated that "Macedonia’s eventual membership will only further enhance regional stability" ... But what about relations with Greece on that matter? Couldn't they be undermined by this step?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Macedonia is an important partner of NATO. We think that stability in the Balkans will be a function of the enhanced security to which countries such as Macedonia, Croatia and Albania can contribute. All three have applied for membership in NATO. The NATO leaders will need to decide that question at their Summit in Bucharest in April.
Q [Moderator's Note, the following question was received in Arabic - Mohammad Sakr]: My question is why is Russia rejecting/refusing to acknowledge Kosovo independence, and where does the U.S. stand vis-a-vis Kosovo’s weak economy?
Thank you very much for this brilliant idea that brings the people of the Arab world and the U.S. and its leaders closer.
Member, Friends of Voice of America Club, American Center, Alexandria, Egypt
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Ahlan wa Sahlan min America! It is very positive to hear from friends in Egypt. It is a pity that Russia has taken such a negative stance against the new state of Kosovo. In my own view, the independence of Kosovo is positive in many respects, including that a majority Moslem community can be recognized as independent and sovereign in the heart of Europe. We are proud to support Kosovo. We only hope that Russia will adopt a more realistic and positive policy towards Kosovo in the future. And, I hope that Kosovo's independence can serve as a bridge between America, Europe and the Moslem world. It was very positive to see the strong statement of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in support of Kosovo.
Q [Chat Participant]:[Moderator's Note: The following comment was received in Slovenian and translated to English. The following is not an official translation.]
Unilateral declaration of so-called independence of Kosovo and Metohija and the fact that a certain number of European countries and the United States recognized it, presents a disgraceful act, a betrayal of democracy and international law. This derives from the following:
-- Republic of Serbia is an internationally recognized country, one of the UN founding members and a member of many other international organizations.
-- Basic rules and principles of UN Treaty apply for Serbia, as they apply for all other UN member countries; and with which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the independent countries in the framework of internationally recognized borders is guaranteed.
-- The Constitution of Serbia guarantees the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, and explicitly defines that autonomous region of Kosovo and Metohija as part of Serbian territory and holding a position of fundamental autonomy within the sovereign state of Serbia.
-- Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council explicitly defines that Kosovo and Metohija are an integral part of the Republic of Serbia and simultaneously expresses the "inclination of all states to its sovereignty and territory integrity"; this legislative fact is explicitly expressed also in previous resolutions of the UNSC: 119-60, 1199, 1203 (1998) and 1239 (1999)
By that I warn you also to the fact, that international law is based on peace and security in the world.
Nenad Novakovi?
Pravni svetovalec
Q [dosen]: Since Serbia pulled back its ambassador from U.S., will U.S. do any similar thing in Belgrade. What will happen with Serbian citizens, who are currently in the United States?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: It was a mistake for Serbia to withdraw its Ambassador. It is at times like this that we need open and clear communication between governments. The U.S. Ambassador, Cameron Munter, will stay in Belgrade. He will communicate our views to the government there and to the Serb people. Americans have friendly attitudes towards Serbs. We respect the Serb nation. But, Serbia needs to adapt to changing realities and pledge to live in peace with all the people of Kosovo.
Q [Muraliv]: Respected Sir, thank you very much for your discussion. We learnt a lot about KOSOVO'S independence.
Thank you Sir,
HARIHARAN, BALAJI, Banuprakash,
Yuvaraj, Sarath Kumar.
Kr Prashanth, M.Prasanth, Srinivasan,
9th Grade students
Veera Savarkar School, Chennai, India
Q [dosen]: Does USA have an intention to let Kosovo be part of NATO, even if Kosovo cannot be part of United Nations, any time soon, because of Russia and Serbia?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Kosovo will be a partner of NATO. Eventually, if Kosovo desires membership and meets the conditions of the Alliance, I am sure it will be considered. The larger point is this: we should all work for peace and stability in the Balkans as that is what the people who live there deserve. And a stronger, more prosperous and democratic Balkans region will bring us closer to the great dream of a Europe whole, free and at peace.
Q [Chat Participant]: Hello. We are the students from Dushanbe deaf school #8 wanted to know the province's independence in Kosovo.
What these countries decided about Kosovo? How long this discussion will go on? What people in Kosovo think about it?
Deaf Students from Tajikistan.
A [Under Secretary Burns]: I send greetings and best wishes to the students in Dushanbe and wish you all the best from the U.S. I hope very much that the situation in Kosovo will be calm and peaceful and that we will all support this new, independent and Moslem majority state.
Q [Alecu - Mediafax News Agency]: Mr. Undersecretary, Romania and Spain are NATO members.
Spain and Romania have declared that they would not recognise a unilateral declaration of independence from Kosovo. Your comment, please!
A [Under Secretary Burns]: We disagree. The independence of Kosovo is in the NATO and EU interest. The great majority of NATO countries support independence. Our troops have been there for nearly a decade to support peace. I hope Spain and Romania will eventually join the majority of us who believe justice has been done in the creation of this new and independent state.
Webchat Moderator: We understand that many of you are waiting for replies to your questions. Please note that there are now more than 250 questions submitted for Under Secretary Burns. He may not be able to get to all of your questions.
Q [Muraliv]: Respected Under Secretary, would you like India to support USA on KOSOVO?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: Yes, we hope that India will support Kosovo. India is a great friend of the U.S. I have made eight trips there in the last three years. While we do not agree on all issues, we certainly both support democracy and peace.
Q [Kaltrina Ajeti]: I want to thank the USA for being continuously supportive for Kosova in times of trouble and in times of peace.
Thank you for bringing back the justice and freedom in our country!
Ass.Prof.Kaltrina Ahmeti-Ajeti MD
University of Prishtina,The Faculty of Medicine
The Diagnostic Laboratory Centre'BioCHEM-Prishtina'
A [Under Secretary Burns]: We are proud to support Kosovo and the people of the new country. You can count on us to be your friend and to have our soldiers preserve peace in your country. And, congratulations on your declaration of independence!
Q [darko_crv]: Independent Kosovo is really good idea. People deserve freedom.
Q [Muraliv]: Respected ambassador Burns, what is your advice to students to learn from KOSOVON conflict?
A [Under Secretary Burns]: That peace and stability depend on goodwill and understanding. We believe Kosovo will become a respected member of the international community
I’m afraid our time is up. I appreciate everyone's participation -- we received nearly 300 questions and comments, and I only wish I had more time to respond to all of them. I hope my responses contributed to your understanding of the situation in Kosovo and to how the United States, working with its allies and the international community, has sought to promote a stable and prosperous future for all the people of the Balkans. I greatly enjoyed this, my first Webchat, and hope you will be a frequent participant, and a frequent visitor to our website, www.America.gov.
Webchat Moderator: Thank you all for your participation. Information about upcoming webchats and full transcripts of previous webchats are available at Ask America webchat station. A transcript of today’s discussion with Under Secretary Burns will be available shortly.
Additionally, you may be interested in the following links:
To read the transcript of Under Secretary Burns’ February 18 teleconference briefing on Kosovo, click here.
To read Secretary Rice’s comments regarding U.S. recognition of Kosovo as an independent state, click here.
To see the text of the letter President Bush sent to President Sejdiu of Kosovo, click here.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
