Kosovo to be independent in months - former NATO commander

Excerpt from report by Kosovo Albanian television KohaVision TV on 25 May

[Announcer] Kosova [Kosovo] will be an independent country in several months and it will respect the rights of its citizens regardless of their ethnic background, said former NATO Commander Gen Wesley Clark after meeting Kosova President Fatmir Sejdiu. Clark met also the negotiation team.

[Reporter] Former NATO Commander Gen Wesley Clark reiterated his conviction that Kosova will soon become independent. After meeting President Fatmir Sejdiu and the negotiating team, Gen Clark said Kosova would be a nation welcomed by other countries.

[Gen Wesley Clark in English with Albanian voiceover] I am confident this question can be resolved, perhaps in several months Kosova will be an independent country and will respect the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnic background and I think this is a future nation that is bright with promise. It will be part of the community of nations and its citizens will have the opportunity to accomplish their dreams.

[Reporter] Fatmir Sejdiu thanked Gen Clark far all his contribution for the Kosova people and for his readiness to support them until they reach full independence [Passage omitted, repetition of words]

Wesley Clark met also Kosova Speaker Kole Berisha. In his speech held before Kosova Assembly, Clark said in an independent Kosova the economy would develop, new jobs would be created, and everyone would have a safe future. He said Standards [set for Kosovo by international community] for Kosova are not an international pressure; they are in the service of Kosovar welfare. The chief of NATO air strikes for the liberation of Kosova urged minorities to respect the will of the majority and recognize their commitment towards them. [Passage omitted]

Source: KohaVision TV, Pristina, in Albanian 1700 gmt 25 May 06