Deputy Assistant Secretary Philip Reeker’s statement to the press following his meeting with President Jahjaga

September 10, 2012.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Philip Reeker with President Jahjaga.

Thank you very much Madam President.  Ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a true honor for me to be here today as we prepare to celebrate the end of supervised independence for Kosovo.  I am so grateful to President Jahjaga for taking time on this important day to meet with me, so I can bring the greetings and congratulations from President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  The United States is Kosovo’s proud partner, and we thank you Madam President for your leadership in helping to bring Kosovo to this important stage.  So much has been accomplished, but now there is so much work ahead.  And it is time for a unity of purpose, placed ahead of personal or party agendas, to move forward for durable solutions.  The United States will continue to be Kosovo’s friend and supporter in developing its economy, its private sector investment, rule of law, honoring its diverse people, and continuing to build the foundations of a strong democratic society.  I welcome the President’s call for normalization, which is the path to more secure, stable, prosperous lives for all the citizens of Kosovo and this region.  And so on behalf of Ambassador Jacobson and myself, thank you Madam President, our friend. Thank you and congratulations to you and to all the people of Kosovo.