I don’t think Kosovo’s biggest enemy is a neighboring country. Kosovo’s biggest enemy is complacency – with being too comfortable. For Kosovo to be a partner of the United States and to be a real leader regionally, Kosovo has to accept the next 20 years will not look the same as the past 20 years …
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This gift from the American people is the largest single vaccine donation to Kosovo from any country or organization. When complete, the U.S. donation will bring to over 700,000 the number of doses delivered through the COVAX mechanism, a global initiative to support access to safe and effective vaccines. With its $2 billion dollar contribution, …
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Americans are proud of the role we have played in supporting you. Citizens of Kosovo should take pride in your progress. And I know you are up to the continued challenge of building a society of peace, justice, prosperity, and equality for all.
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Our theme for this year’s Independence Day celebration is “E Pluribus Unum.” This is Latin for “out of many, one,” a traditional motto of the United States. It can be found on many U.S. symbols, including on the scroll clenched in the eagle’s beak on our Great Seal. This phrase originated with the idea the …
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I extend my congratulations to all of you on the formation of the United States Kosovo Educational Exchange Board. The formation of this Board is an outstanding achievement for both our countries. This is the first Fulbright Exchange Board in the world, a new bilateral structure for Fulbright being pioneered right here in Kosovo. It …
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It can often be a challenge, separating fact from fiction, separating the possible from the impossible. What information is trustworthy, and what is disinformation with the intent to deceive? Both types of information are found in the media landscape, on radio and on television, in the news shared in conversations with our friends and family, …
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A special welcome and congratulations to Kosovo’s newest judges. As the guardians of democracy, you have been entrusted with a sacred duty—to uphold Kosovo’s Constitution.
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To the prosecutors, victim advocates, and support staff – remember that the public entrusts you to be the champions of the rule of law. Do not fear accountability – embrace it. Hold yourselves, your colleagues, and your leaders to the highest legal and ethical standards. Vigorously defend the rights of victims and ensure the …
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From the Kosnett family to your family we wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy 2021
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With the sort of visionary, confident leaders who are participating in the Week of Women as examples and role models, the sky is the limit for the young women of both our countries.
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Ultimately, the greatness of a nation is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. So to all the survivors who have come forward, to all those who have rendered care, and to all those who have fought for justice, my respect – you are helping Kosovo achieve that greatness.
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Today we mark not only the unveiling of a statue, but the life of an American hero and stalwart friend of Kosovo. On this day, 30 years ago, Senator Bob Dole traveled to Kosovo for the first time. This is significant, as many have remarked that his visit in 1990 was the turning point for …
Read More» The United States and the rest of the international community remain committed to assisting Kosovo. As the U.S. mobilizes its scientific and industrial might, we are increasingly able to provide equipment and supplies to Kosovo, complementing ongoing financial contributions and technical assistance.
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On behalf of the United States of America, I am honored to be here today to welcome the arrival of this important shipment from the United States. These 50 newly manufactured, state of the art ventilators are crucial life-saving devices for the people of Kosovo. This contribution reflects President Trump’s personal commitment to assist the people of Kosovo in combatting the pandemic.
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On this American Independence Day, let us all pledge again our best efforts to build societies – building a common future – reflecting our founders’ dreams, and fulfills our obligations to generations yet to come.
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The United States has partnered with UNICEF in Kosovo to help the families and institutions that are on the front lines of this battle. These kits are part of the $1.1 million USAID assistance package to Kosovo. UNICEF, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Red Cross Kosova will distribute these kits on …
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Ambassador Kosnett’s Remarks for Virtual Launch of International Engagement Group, April 22, 2020 (As prepared) For centuries, Kosovo has been a meeting point for people of many faith traditions. People of good will have always opened their arms and their homes to neighbors, regardless of their faith or ethnic identity. In recent decades, people from …
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The U.S. Embassy has supported the TRC Prep Team’s work since its inception, and we are pleased to have funded this public perception survey. Similar commissions in other post-conflict countries have been beneficial, first, by providing some measure of closure for victims’ families, and secondly by creating a solid foundation for future interethnic reconciliation. The …
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We are proud of the work we do in Kosovo and the programs we support, but U.S. Government efforts are focused on ensuring Kosovo can stand on its own two feet and on having governmental institutions deliver and respond to citizens’ needs. America provides Kosovo with assistance not as a permanent subsidy, but to help …
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The American Corner is a place for the citizens of Kosovo to learn about American values, traditions, and culture. That has not changed with this remodeling. But the American Corner is also a place for us to work together in trainings, workshops, and other hands-on activities where you can learn new skills.
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Ambassador Kosnett’s Remarks for New Year Reception, January 29, 2020 Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Alison and I are pleased to welcome you here to mark the start of this new year. For some of you this will be your first time joining us at our new Embassy, which we consider both a manifestation of …
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Ambassador Kosnett’s Remarks for Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, 2020 Ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to join you on this solemn occasion – the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a date we choose to honor the victims and survivors of the Shoah – the Holocaust. The United States stands with the …
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Our best wishes for Peace, Justice, and Prosperity for all in the New Year
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Ambassador Kosnett’s Interview with Jeta Xharra, December 6, 2019 Jeta Xharra: Mr. Kosnett, thanks for being on Jeta ne Kosove. Is partition dead? Ambassador Kosnett: Jeta, it’s a great pleasure to be here, and let me start by explaining the American position on border adjustment between Kosovo and Serbia, because I think that our position …
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The ways in which we absorb information have dramatically changed in recent decades. When I was growing up in the United States in the 1960s and ‘70s, there were thousands of local newspapers—locally owned newspapers—but except for a few big city papers like the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, most focused on local …
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Ambassador Kosnett’s Interview with GazetaExpress, December 4, 2019 GazetaExpress: First of all, thank you for the interview. I would like to start with—it’s been a year since you’re here in Kosovo, Mr. Ambassador. I would like to know what is something good or something bad – something that makes you happy in Kosovo and something …
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In my time here, Kosovo’s economy has continued to grow: debt is at manageable levels, budgets are balanced, and public revenues are rising. Local businesses are benefiting from an improved business climate fueled by greater access to credit, streamlined regulations, and increased market connections. These positive steps are reflected in Kosovo’s recent rise to 40th …
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Well, I think I will take out the satisfaction that we’ve accomplished a lot here over the last several years, and, I think of things like real improvements in the rule of law, we’ve got, for example, judicial decisions are now being published a lot more regularly, thousands as opposed to just dozens when I …
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Kosovo will succeed as the state we all want it to be only with a firm commitment by leaders at all levels to rule of law. Those officials who would put their own interest before that of their citizens are striking a mortal blow at the heart of their country. Beyond these challenges, Kosovo is …
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I think on the Kosovo side there needs to be additional democratic legitimacy for these negotiations. I’d love to see the Kosovo Assembly vote some kind of strategy or goals, or something like that, to frame what the goals of Kosovo are in this discussion. So I think that’s the big thing lacking right now. …
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I think the strong, resilient women of Kosovo are really asserting themselves. I think that’s a good thing. There’s progress being made. Inheritance cases filed by women are up to three percent. That’s not a great number but it’s better than zero percent it was a few years ago.
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Defense Support to Civil Authorities is a serious topic, one that every country in the region, not to mention the United States, struggles with regularly. The complex issues of how and when to support democratic governments with uniformed security forces must be studied and constantly evaluated.
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The United States has always supported Kosovo’s sovereign right to an army and has worked closely with Kosovo on how to achieve this. We have counseled a deliberate approach that keeps Kosovo in sync with our NATO Allies on this important step. We were not consulted on the timing of this announcement and will have …
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The United States truly appreciates Kosovo’s commemoration of September 11th, and thanks the Government and the people of Kosovo for their friendship, for their support at this time and throughout the year.
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My call to action today is meant equally for the courageous leaders of Kosovo and for the citizens of Kosovo. I urge you all to expect more, demand more, and deliver more. Do not succumb to the cynical view that corruption is everywhere and nothing can be done. And, while I can assure you that …
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There has been some unhelpful rhetoric the last few weeks, including threats and the type of language we heard in the bad old days of Communism. This must stop. Such statements undermine the chances for a solution and raise tensions. Violence and threats of violence are unacceptable.
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I think people are very interested here. People ask me about the elections wherever I go and that has been going on for a while now. I think that relates to the high level of interest in the American elections this particular year, and it is similar to what we see in other countries.
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Good afternoon Mayor Jenuzi, Dr. Jashari, guests and friends. Today I have the pleasure to officially hand over this vehicle to the Family Health Care Center of Dragash. This donation is made possible by the U.S. European Command and coordinated by our Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation. We hope that this donation will improve the …
Read More» Good morning – Minister Demolli; General Rama; distinguished guests and friends. I am pleased to be here today for the graduation of 15 Explosive Ordnance Disposal trainers with the Kosovo Security Force. These trainers have just completed a rigorous three-week course taught by a team from U.S. Army Europe. They are now certified to use …
Read More» I’ve been here to support the normal functioning of the Assembly. It’s very disappointing to see some Members of Parliament release teargas in the Assembly again. It’s disappointing. As most of you probably know the Assembly is supposed to pass the budget for the next year today and has a long list of other important …
Read More» Thank you for allowing me to speak with you today. Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to speak to Kosovo’s judges and stress their important role in advancing the rule of law and combatting corruption. Yesterday, on International Anti-Corruption Day, I was the key note speaker for an Amcham event on the battle against corruption. …
Read More» Good evening everyone. It’s a pleasure to host such an inspiring group of artists and creative minds here tonight. I’ve been in Pristina for three months now, and have joked that my bare walls were a minimalist statement. The truth is I have been waiting for the installation of the art I was able to …
Read More» Thank you Mr. Zeka, Mr. Preteni, Mr. Kelmendi, Mr. Prebreza, Ms. Shita, and other distinguished guests. I am particularly pleased that this event has been organized by the leading U.S. business organization in the country. Corruption is a persistent problem for those trying to do business, and it is commendable that business organizations like AmCham …
Read More» Madam President, Minister Kuci, Judges, Prosecutors, Diplomatic Colleagues, Honored Guests, Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. I applaud the OSCE for supporting this event for the last five years and for their dedicated effort to improving rule of law in Kosovo. I think it is extremely important to have annual conferences …
Read More» RTK: Dear viewers, good evening. Tomorrow in Pristina will come the highest U.S. official since the visit of Secretary Hillary Clinton in 2011, the Secretary of State John Kerry. Kerry’s visit to Kosovo happens at a critical time for Kosovo’s institutions, but we will hear more about the details of this visit and whom he …
Read More» KTV: Arta Avdiu (reporter): What’s your opinion about what’s going on at the Assembly of Kosovo? Ambassador Delawie: Well, a couple of things. I have to wonder if the people who are doing the tear gas throwing think they are above the law. I hope not. In the United States, we believe that everybody should …
Read More» Good evening and welcome to the American Embassy Marine Security Guard detachment’s celebration of the 240th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. A special welcome to Minister Abrashi, Minister Collaku, General Rama, and BG Boyles. I want to thank Staff Sergeant Guillermo and our entire team of Marines for allowing us to celebrate with …
Read More» Koha Ditore: Thanks for having us. I would actually want to start with the issue of democracy that we are somehow confronting these days with developments in the Parliament of the last week and the current stalemate so to say there because of the eggs being thrown and the resistance of the opposition. What does …
Read More» KosSev: You have recently arrived in Kosovo? What are your impressions so far? Ambassador: Well, thank you for asking. I have very positive impressions for Kosovo so far. I got here about four weeks ago today, in fact. I’ve travelled a fair amount; I’ve met a lot of people and I see a country that’s …
Read More» RTK: Dear viewers, good evening. Tonight we have here in our studio the Ambassador of the U.S. to Kosovo, Mr. Greg Delawie. Mr. Ambassador, thank you. Ambassador: Thank you very much, Mr. Kastrati. It is absolutely wonderful to be here. RTK: Can you tell us and our audience a little bit about yourself? Ambassador: I’ve …
Read More» Mirëdita të gjithëve. Faleminderit, Presidente Jahjaga, për mikpritjen e veçantë që ju dhe stafi juaj ma ofruat sot. Dobro jutro svima. Hvala Vam, predsednice Jahjaga, na izuzetnoj dobrodošlici koju ste mi Vi i Vaše osoblje ukazali danas. Good morning everyone. Thank you, President Jahjaga, for your and your staff’s extraordinary welcome today. It is an …
Read More» Let’s turn now to Kosovo, and ask why it matters to the United States. Why should the U.S. care about a landlocked developing country 5,000 miles away, smaller than Connecticut, with fewer than 2 million people? Why would the country’s situation in 1999 cause NATO to launch its first war in 50 years? Why would …
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