Clinton: Washington to lobby for more Kosovo recognitions

"The US together with its European allies will continue to give its large and substantial support for the newest democracy in the world," US State Secretary Hillary Clinton said in Washington after meeting Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci.

"Support for Kosovo is coming from both (Democrat and Republican) parties. And has been continuous over three administrations, beginning with the administration of my husband, Bill Clinton, and then with Bush's and now Obama's. I have told both of them, the president and the prime minister, that the USA will always support and work with your state," Clinton said.

According to a US state department transcript, Clinton said that she had "congratulated the president and the prime minister for Kosovo's progress in its historic first year as an independent state. And it is a great privilege and honor to see the many accomplishments of Kosovo since the terrible time of repression and war 10 years ago".

"I emphasised that the United States, working with our European partners, will continue to extend strong and substantial support for the world's youngest democracy," the transcript quoted Clinton as saying.

Sejdiu said: "We had the chance to express our vision that Kosovo is essentially interested to become a part of the European Union and Nato, and with a special bond and a special friendship that will continue forever with the United States of America.

"Kosovo has so far been recognised by 55 countries throughout the globe, and we were delighted to get a confirmation from the United States of America that we will continue to get their support in also getting the recognition from other countries, and also the support for a speedy economic development of our country, and the support for our vision to create a country which is democratic and a country for all its citizens," Sejdiu said.