U.S., Kosovo sign development aid pact

PRISTINA, Kosovo, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- The United States says it will provide development aid to Kosovo under an agreement signed by Washington and Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu.

U.S. Ambassador Christopher Dell said Washington is still very much committed to helping an "independent Kosovo" build a multi-ethnic democracy, the Serbian news Web site B92 reported Tuesday.

"With this agreement, Kosovo and the U.S. reiterate their determination to work together to accomplish major goals towards enhancing economic prosperity in Kosovo," Dell said, reportedly pledging to provide aid for Pristina's budget, infrastructure and the establishment of a free-market economic system.

"This agreement elevates this to the level of state cooperation between the U.S. and Kosovo, not just through various U.S. agencies, as was the case up to now," B92 reported Sejdiu as saying. "Assistance will be centered on comprehensive development, particularly in the fields of infrastructure in Kosovo, in the economy, traffic, education and in other domains, and, as such, will be a boost for the country's accelerated development."

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci added that the deal signals the United States' continued intentions to support and help Kosovo, B92 said.