On the Occasion of Kosovo's National Day

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 17, 2015

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the government and people of Kosovo on the anniversary of your country’s independence. The journey of Kosovo in recent years is remarkable and a stunning contrast to the tragedy that I witnessed as a Senator in the last years of the twentieth century.

Last year’s parliamentary elections, the first held on all of Kosovo’s territory, marked an important moment in building a thriving, multiethnic democracy.

I commend the progress your country has made in the EU-facilitated Dialogue with Serbia on normalization. This is a step forward on your path toward the European Union.

The United States remains dedicated to supporting your country’s full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.

Kosovo has demonstrated a strong commitment to assisting the broad international coalition working to counter violent extremism and terrorism. On this important occasion, I congratulate you on your Independence Day.

ENDS