[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 4 (Monday, January 30, 2006)]
[Pages 120-121]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Death of President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosovo

January 23, 2006

    I am deeply saddened by the death of President Ibrahim Rugova. For 
many years, President Rugova led the campaign for peace and democracy in 
Kosovo. He was a friend of the United States, and he earned the world's 
respect for his principled stand against violence. Throughout years of 
conflict, he was a voice of reason and moderation that helped Kosovo's 
people lay the groundwork for a peaceful future. The United States 
remains committed to working with the people of Kosovo to build a future 
that is stable, democratic, and prosperous. On behalf of the

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people of the United States, Laura and I extend our condolences to 
President Rugova's family and to the people of Kosovo.