Bush Pledges Support for Kosovo Independence

Jun 10, 11:05 AM

Current Headlines: At 0846 gmt, Tirana TVSh Television in Albanian, a state- supported central television station, continues the live coverage of US President Bush's visit to Tirana, Albania. While waiting for a live relay from the Palace of Brigades, TVSh carries a report on Bush's visit to the Czech Republic and Italy before heading for Albania.

TVSh correspondent Migena Angoni reports live from the Press Centre at the Prime Minister's Office. Angoni interviews the Press Centre director, who explains the measures taken by Prime Minister Sali Berisha's staff to set up the center just for President Bush's visit and the news conference.

At 0908 gmt, Bush and Moisiu leave the Palace of Congresses to head for the Prime Minister's Office. Meanwhile, the TVSh shows footage of the nice atmosphere in Tirana today. The footage shows young boys and girls walking along the main boulevard in Tirana, wearing white shirts emblazoned with the US flag logo and carrying US flags in their hands.

A big banner reading "President Bush in Albania, Making History" has been placed in front of the main building of the Tirana University. Many people have gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office and at Tirana's main "Skenderbeg" Square. The TV announcer says that many people have come from Kosovo to greet President Bush.

At 0922 gmt, TVSh carries a live studio interview with Aleksander Biberaj, deputy chairman of the Albanian Assembly, who comments on Bush's visit, seeing it as a support to improving Albania's image in the world.

At 0941 gmt, TVSh carries a footage of the visit made to Albania by US Secretary of State James Baker in June 1991 and also further visits in Albania by Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, and Donald Rumsfeld.

AT 0944 gmt, TVSh announcer shows only 1-minute footage of President Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Berisha, as TV cameras are not allowed for security reasons.

At 1019 gmt, TVSh announcer says that the reporters are already waiting for the joint Bush-Berisha news conference.

At 1022 gmt, TVSh carries a live studio interview with General Major Luan Hoxha, chief of Staff of Albanian Armed Forces, who praises the US contribution to army reforms in Albania and remains confident in the future US support for Albania's NATO membership.

At 1036 gmt, TVSh carries a live studio interview with Albanian former foreign minister Kastriot Islami, who discusses Albania's support in the fight against terrorism and the US maximum engagement in supporting Albania and its policy.

At 1039 gmt, TVSh carries a live relay of the news conference held by President Bush and Prime Minister Berisha outside the Prime Minister's Office building. In a press statement, Berisha praises the US contribution for "opening the doors of freedom" to Albania and that of President Clinton for rescuing Kosovo. Reception is good, with a scrambled signal here and there. Berisha states that he briefed President Bush on the fight against corruption, the government's efforts to boost reforms, and Albania's efforts for NATO membership. Berisha notes that "they held a very productive meeting with his Croatian and Macedonian counterparts," in which they discussed the Kosovo status issue and supported Ahtisaari's plan.

At 1048 gmt, President Bush opens the news conference by saying an Albanian word "Miredita," meaning "Good Day." He thanks the Albanians for their hospitality and praises Albania's reforms toward democracy. Reception remains poor, with a scrambled signal as mentioned above. Bush praises Albania for being committed to fulfilling democratic standards and notes that the United States is committed to assisting Albania's integration into the NATO.

At 1056 gmt, Bush and Berisha take reporters' questions. Responding to a question on the French President Sarkozy's proposal for a six-month delay in the Kosovo status resolution, Berisha notes that Kosovo has the full support of President Bush and he sees that "their project is in the heart and mind of President Bush." Bush intervenes, underlying that "what is important" and what Sarkozy meant is "to work out the differences." Bush confirms that the "United States wants to make sure to have a safe independence at the end of the process." "Time is now" and "Rice will be moving forward" to have an agreement," concludes Bush.

Asked about the G8 summit and Russia's position, Bush says that "we believe that Kosovo should be independent" but "Russia is not there yet." However Bush pledges to support, saying that "we will push the process."

Responding to a question by Standard daily correspondent on NATO membership and the Adriatic 3 project, Berisha says that the United States "fully support" Albania's NATO membership. This is of "an extraordinary importance" for the reforms, Albania's Armed Forces, and cooperation with the NATO. The invitation for membership is based on performance, Berisha states, adding that "we are ready to undertake everything" to meet the conditions. Berisha praises the Adriatic 3 Project as "very successful." Albania had a "15-year loyal cooperation with NATO" and some 93 per cent of Albanians support Albania's NATO membership, Berisha concludes.

Asked about his statement that it is "time to move the Ahtisaari plan forward," Bush notes that "we are trying to find a way" that all the parties agree, reiterating the US stance that "Kosovo should be independent." "The EU is in favour of Ahtisaari's plan," Bush says.

With the words that he is "very proud" of being the first US President holding a news conference on the Albanian soil, Bush concludes the news conference at 1109 gmt.

TVSh continues the live studio interview with former foreign minister Islami. Further as warranted.

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