KOSOVO: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

UNCLAS PRISTINA 000368 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR DRL, INL, EUR/SCE NSC FOR HELGERSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL KPAO KV SUBJECT: KOSOVO: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY ¶1. (SBU) The Ambassador presented letters of credence to Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu Monday, August 24, at the President's Office. In statements before a large contingent of press following the ceremony, President Sejdiu warmly welcomed the Ambassador, while the Ambassador pledged the USG's unwavering support for Kosovo's independence and its continued commitment to work with Kosovo's citizens and institutions to build a democratic, tolerant, multi-ethnic, prosperous state, taking its place in the European and Euro-Atlantic families. ¶2. (SBU) Immediately following the credentialing ceremony, the Ambassador paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni. Like President Sejdiu, both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister offered warm words of welcome, and said that they looked forward to continuing the tradition of strong bilateral cooperation. PRESS COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS FIVE POINT AGENDA -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The credential ceremony and courtesy calls received extensive, positive coverage in both the print and electronic media in Pristina. Much of the coverage keyed on the Ambassador's vision for the road ahead for Kosovo, particularly the five tasks that he said would characterize USG-Kosovo bilateral cooperation in the coming years: building Kosovo's institutions, integrating Kosovo's diverse ethnic groups, developing Kosovo's economy, strengthening the rule of law, and realizing Kosovo's European future. Headlines in both "Kosova Sot" and "Express" referred directly to the "Five Tasks" as outlined in the Ambassador's remarks. COMMENT -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Our ability to conclude both a credential ceremony and two high-level courtesy calls less than 96 hours after the Ambassador's arrival at Post demonstrates Kosovo's continued dedication to its special relationship with the United States. The text of the Ambassador's remarks at the credential ceremony as well as photos of the event have already been added to our internet presentation. END COMMENT DELL