    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 18, 2008]
    [Pages 228-229]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to President Fatmir Sejdiu of Kosovo
    Recognizing Kosovo as an Independent and Sovereign State
    February 18, 2008

    His Excellency
    Fatmir Sejdiu
    President of Kosovo
    Pristina
     Dear Mr. President:
        On behalf of the American people, I hereby recognize Kosovo as an
    independent and sovereign state. I congratulate you and Kosovo's
    citizens for having taken this important step in your democratic and
    national development.
        On this historic occasion, I note the deep and sincere bonds of
    friendship that unite our people. This friendship, cemented during
    Kosovo's darkest hours of tragedy, has grown stronger in the 9 years
    since war in Kosovo ended. Kosovo has since worked to rebuild its war-
    shattered society, establish democratic institutions, hold successful
    elections for a new government, and foster prosperity. As an independent
    state, Kosovo now assumes responsibility for its destiny. As in the
    past, the United States will be your partner and your friend.
        In your request to establish diplomatic relations with the United
    States, you expressed Kosovo's desire to attain the highest standards of
    democracy and freedom. I fully welcome this sentiment. In particular, I
    support your embrace of multi-ethnicity as a principle of good
    governance and your commitment to developing accountable institutions in
    which all citizens are equal under the law.
        I also note that, in its declaration of independence, Kosovo has
    willingly assumed

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    the responsibilities assigned to it under the Ahtisaari Plan. The United States welcomes this unconditional
    commitment to carry out these responsibilities and Kosovo's willingness
    to cooperate fully with the international community during the period of
    international supervision to which you have agreed. The United States
    relies upon Kosovo's assurances that it considers itself legally bound
    to comply with the provisions in Kosovo's Declaration of Independence. I
    am convinced that full and prompt adoption of the measures proposed by
    U.N. Special Envoy Ahtisaari will bring Kosovo closer to fulfilling its
    Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
        On the basis of these assurances from the Government of Kosovo, I am
    pleased to accept your request that our two countries establish
    diplomatic relations. The United States would welcome the establishment
    by Kosovo of diplomatic representation in the United States and plans to
    do likewise in Kosovo.
        As Kosovo opens a new chapter in its history as an independent
    state, I look forward to the deepening and strengthening of our special
    friendship.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this letter.