July 4th festival: Havenier began speech by quoting Kosovo Declaration of Independence

In this part of the declaration, Kosovo is said to be a democratic, secular and multiethnic Republic, guided by principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law. We will protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo and create the necessary conditions for their effective participation in political and decision-making processes”.

This eloquent text is part of Kosovo's promise and the basis of its independence”, Hovenier said.

However, he said, I hope we can agree that sometimes Kosovo has not fulfilled the promises of these” ideals.

He said the United States is proud of the support it has given the people of Kosovo in their conception, and then the realization of its independence vision, and that they will remain steadfast to continue this support.

“In this spirit I want to state that the United States and our partners stand side by side with the people of Kosovo in advancing and achieving its founding vision: the democratic, sovereign, secular, multiethnic”, Hovenier said.

The ambassador stressed that the US and Western partners support Kosovo by offering advice, even though they require the “things that look or are really difficult to do”, but that they do so in line with the “long-term commitment to support the people of Kosovo and to approach those very ambitious ideals they have created for themselves”.

So today, as we celebrate the 247th anniversary of the United States of America as a free, sovereign, independent state, we also want to celebrate together after Kosovo achieved its deserved independence; the remarkable progress the people of Kosovo have made in this short period of time, and the promise of further progress in behalf of all the people of Kosovo”, he said.

The American ambassador's speech in that spirit comes at a time when reports between Kosovo and other international partners are at a low point.

This rift occurred as a result of tensions in northern Kosovo, which is inhabited by Serb majority, which were caused when the new Albanian mayors of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviqi entered the municipal buildings under the escort of the Kosovo Police.

Serbs rejected this and have been holding protests ever since, demanding the withdrawal of new leaders and special police units.

The international community has called on Kosovo and Serbia to take steps to immediately reduce tensions and to hold new local elections in the north. / REL