Eighteen years ago, the United States officially recognized the independence of Kosovo, a process it had supported both before and after the declaration.
Kosovo’s most significant recognition came from the U.S., and the then-American president, George W. Bush, announced the decision from Tanzania, where he was meeting with then-President Jakaya Kikwete.
“Good morning. On Sunday, the people of Kosovo declared their independence. They have asked the United States for diplomatic recognition. And yesterday, the United States formally recognized Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state,” Bush stated.
Speaking to reporters, he said that the newly independent Kosovo would commit itself to the highest standards of freedom and would soon establish full diplomatic relations with the United States.
“In its declaration of independence, Kosovo committed itself to the highest standards of democracy, including freedom, tolerance, and justice for citizens of all ethnic groups. These are principles that honor human dignity. They are values America looks for in a friend. And soon, we will establish full diplomatic relations with the new state of Kosovo,” the American president said.
When asked whether this move was a “provocation” toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bush responded that history would prove it to be the right step for bringing peace to the Balkans.
“In fact, we have worked very closely with the Russians, as we have with Europeans and other nations, on Kosovo’s independence, because we believe it is the right thing to do. There is disagreement, but we believe, as do many other countries, that history will prove this to be the correct move to bring peace to the Balkans. This strategy has been prepared for a long time,” Bush said.
