    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [December 19, 2008]
    [Pages 1504-1505]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Extending Generalized System of
    Preferences Benefits to Kosovo and Azerbaijan
    December 19, 2008

    Dear Madam Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In accordance with section 502(f)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974, as
    amended (the ``1974 Act''), I am notifying the Congress of my intent to
    add the Republic of Kosovo (Kosovo) and the Republic of Azerbaijan
    (Azerbaijan) to the list of beneficiary developing countries under the
    Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.
        In Proclamation 8272 of June 30, 2008, I designated Serbia as a
    beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP program. On
    February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia.
    Pursuant to section 502 of the 1974 Act, and having considered the
    factors set forth in sections 501 and 502(c) of the 1974 Act, and in
    light of Kosovo's independence from Serbia, I have determined that
    Kosovo should be designated as a separate GSP beneficiary developing
    country.
        In addition, having considered the factors set forth in sections 501
    and 502(c) of the 1974 Act, I have determined that Azerbaijan should be
    designated as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP
    program.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate.

    [[Page 1505]]