US calls for restraint in Kosovo, Serbia

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States, reacting Sunday to Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia, called on all parties in the region to exercise restraint.

"We note that today Kosovo declared its independence," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement.

"We welcome the clear commitment of the Kosovo government to protect ethnic minority communities. We are now reviewing this issue and discussing it with our European allies," he said.

He added that the US "calls on all parties to exert utmost restraint and to refrain from any provocative act."

Joe Biden, chairman of the US Senate's Foreign Relation's Committee, said he would call on Congress to express support for the move.

"With Kosovo's independence, the time...