http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/186353,background-full-text-of-us-statement-on-kosovo.html
EARTH TIMES.ORG (NEW ZEALAND) BACKGROUND: Full text of US statement on Kosovo Posted : Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:59:02 GMT Author : DPA Washington - The United States issued the following recorded phone message about Kosovo's declaration of independence, saying it expected to issue a formal statement "very shortly."In the recording, US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack emphasized several times the vigilance Washington would exercise to protect Kosovo's ethnic minorities, a reference to worries that ethnic Serbs would suffer under Kosovo independence. "We note that today Kosovo declared its independence. We welcome the Kosovo government's clear commitment to implement far-reaching provisions of the plan developed by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari to protect ethnic minority communities. The United States is now reviewing this issue and discussing the matter with its European partners." "The United States has long believed that the Ahtisaari plan, including its recommendation of supervised independence for Kosovo, was the best way to promote regional stability and enable both Serbia and Kosovo to move forward on the Euro-Atlantic pact." "The United States will remain steadfast in its support for the rights of all ethnic and religious communities in Kosovo. The Ahtisaari plan calls for serious measures to protect Kosovo's minorities. The United States calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any provocative acts." "NATO's K4 mission will continue to respond firmly to maintain a safe and secure environment for all communities throughout Kosovo."
