President Rugova urges US, EU to recognize Kosovo independence

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Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive

Prishtina [Pristina], 14 April: Kosova's [Kosovo] President Ibrahim Rugova has received today Rob Benjamin, the Regional Director of the National Democracy Institute (NDI) for Central and East Europe, and Tom Bridel, the NDI Director for Kosova.

The President said that he informed the NDI officials on the progress made in Kosova during those six years in freedom; about the stable situation, and efforts of the institutions in fulfilment of standards.

"I insist the USA and the EU recognize the independence of Kosova as soon as possible. Our perspective is an independent, democratic, peaceful Kosova integrated into NATO, EU, with an eternal friendship with the USA. This was also an opportunity for me to thank the NDI for the great job they did in those six years in Kosova for helping the political parties, institutions, and for promoting of democracy in Kosova," said Rugova.

Tom Bridel, the NDI director for Kosova, said that they have operated in Kosova since July 1999. "We feel like we have a long history we have seen a lot of real progress in the process of democratization," said Bridel.

Bridel said that they discussed also about "the challenges that Kosovo faces in the process of democratization, not just now in the process of standards and moving into status, but also what may happen when the final status is achieved, and what are the challenges then for political institutions, and for governmental institutions."

Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 14 Apr 05