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29 March 2024

Bush says history will show Kosovo independence right move

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By Agencies

 

US President George W. Bush, touring Africa, said despite Russia’s opposition, history will show the independence of Kosovo is “the correct move” and will bring peace to that region.
 

“There’s a disagreement but we believe as many other nations do that history will prove this to be the correct move,” Bush said late Monday in brief remarks in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania before his scheduled departure for Rwanda as he continues his Africa tour.


Rebuffing Serbia and Russia, the United States moved quickly Monday to extend formal recognition of Kosovo as an independent, sovereign state.

Bush insisted the United States has been very clear to Russia all along on its position. He said the US supports Kosovo’s independence because it will bring peace.

“We have been in close consultation with the Russians all along,” said the president.

Bush urged Kosovo to uphold its agreement to protect the rights of minorities. He pledged the United States will work with other nations to bring about a smooth and peaceful transition to independence.

Asked about the timing of the declaration and whether there was any effort to smooth things over with Russia, Bush said: “We worked with the European nations. This strategy was well-planned.” (AP)