Clinton says Kosovo independence ‘not up for discussion’

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday said that Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence, fiercely opposed by Serbia, was not debatable and urged their leaders to show “courage”.

“We will oppose any discussion of territorial changes or reopening Kosovo’s independent status. These matters are not up for discussion,” she said, reiterating Washington’s strong support for Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian authorities on a visit to Pristina.

The disputed status of Kosovo is the main bone of contention still affecting regional ties after the break-up of the communist former Yugoslavia, which collapsed in a series of bloody wars in the 1990s.

After meeting with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, Clinton told reporters that European Union membership -- dependent on improved ties between Kosovo and Serbia – offered “the surest path to long-term stability, prosperity and peace”.

EU-brokered talks that stalled after Serbian elections in May had been meant to ease daily life for the inhabitants of Kosovo, ethnic Albanians and Serbs alike, who face many administrative hurdles because of the disputed status of the territory.

“The United States urges all parties to continue to work to implement the agreements reached to date, reach agreements in new areas, and advance concrete measures to normalise relations,” Clinton said.