[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 7 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Page 236]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.