Biden in Kosovo (BBC and link to photos)

[Muttocracy]

Kosovars much happier to see him than Serbians were

http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=biden

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8061218.stm

No going back for Kosovo, says US

US Vice-President Joe Biden has told Kosovo's parliament its independence is "absolutely irreversible" and the only viable option for regional stability.

"The success of an independent Kosovo is a priority for our administration," Mr Biden said in a speech that received several standing ovations from MPs.

Earlier, he received an enthusiastic welcome from crowds of ethnic Albanians in the capital, Pristina.

However, the Serb minority said it was planning to hold anti-US protests.

The US played a leading role in the Nato bombing campaign which expelled Serbian forces from Kosovo a decade ago.

Medal

On the final stage of his three-day tour of the Balkans, Mr Biden became the most senior US official to visit Kosovo since it declared independence in February 2008.

The US and more than 50 other countries have recognised its independence, but more than 100 have not, including Serbia and Russia.

"Kosovo's independence was and remains today in my view, in the view of my government, the only viable option for stability in the region," he told a special sitting of the parliament in Pristina.

"And your independence - as I've said in the countries I have visited - your independence, is irreversible, absolutely irreversible," he added to applause from the ethnic Albanian-dominated assembly.

Earlier, after holding talks with President Fatmir Sejdiu, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and other leaders, Mr Biden said he had been awarded the Golden Medal of Freedom, Kosovo's highest honour.

"I don't deserve it, but I received it on behalf of the United States," said the vice-president, who many Kosovans credit with helping them gain independence while he was a senator.

more at link
DU post about Serbian visit here - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8421287

[Jennicut]

1. Thanks. He is going to Lebanon tomorrow.

I'm just glad they are keeping him safe.

[Muttocracy]

5. ooh, didn't know that. Quite a trip he's taking. The Obama admin

has been to the Middle East a lot already (without starting any NEW wars)

[jillan]

10. Wow - i didn't know that either.

Have you, or anyone, heard one single thing about this in the news?

Cheney has been on ALL day! It really pisses me off.

[Mrs. Overall]

2. It's nice to read something about the current Vice President of the United States--

would the retired one please shut the *uck up?

[Muttocracy]

7. I get mad every time someone calls Cheney "the Vice President"

Gibbs kept doing it today. He should be Mr. Cheney or The Former Vice-President

[Clio the Leo]

3. Thanks! NT

[Robeson]

4. Love the pictures...

...Joe makes a heck of a goodwill ambassador as VP. Excellent choice by Obama.

[Muttocracy]

6. I agree - though Kosovo loves him EXTRA. nt

[jberryhill]

8. The Definitive Kosovo Music Video....

And oldie but goodie from some of our Danish colleagues in the UN mission:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smlrSYiYd_o

[jillan]

9. What a change from the last VP - the current one is trying to bring goodwill to the world...

the last one is just trying to scare the shit out of everyone with his lies.

[Jennicut]

11. Dick looked especially frightening today. Actually he looked near death.

The comparison to our current VP is incredible. Two very different people.