Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK)
Foreign Secretary comments on Kosovo's new constitution
"Kosovo's new Constitution entered into force today. This is an important further step along its path away from conflict
and towards achieving a democratic, multi-ethnic and European future.
Today, the Kosovo Government assumes its full responsibilities, assisted by the International Civilian Office. For the
past nine years, the UN Mission in Kosovo has played an indispensable role in Kosovo's stabilisation and development.
The UN will continue to have an important role to play, alongside NATO's Kosovo Force-KFOR and the EU's police and rule
of law mission, which is the largest EU deployment of its kind. Together with the programme of economic support - 400m
euros of economic support pledged by the EU over the next three years - these testify to the international community's
commitment to Kosovo and the region. They have Britain's full support.
The key challenges for an independent Kosovo lie ahead - delivering stability and prosperity for all its people and
ensuring that the rights of all communities are upheld.
I strongly believe in the European future of the whole Western Balkans. It is what the people of the region want and
deserve. The UK will work energetically with all those in the region that share this vision and are committed to this
goal."
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