US/Kosovo

Pristina puts on a party for Biden

Article published on the 2009-05-21 Latest update 2009-05-21 15:12 TU

Dancers in Albanian national costumes perform at the entrance of parliament after Biden's arrival in Pristina
(Photo: Reuters)

US Vice-President Joe Biden on Thursday told Kosovo's parliament that the territory's independence is "irreversible". He received a hero's welcome in the newly-established state - a stark contrast to the protests that met him during his visit to Serbia on Wednesday.

"Kosovo's independence was the only viable option for stability in the region," Biden told a special sitting of the Kosovo parliament in Pristina. "Your independence is irreversible."

The Vice-President is credited with being one of the strongest advocates of recognising Kosovo as an independent state when it unilaterally broke away from Serbia in February last year, sparking international controversy.

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu presented Biden with the Golden Medal of Freedom in a brief ceremony. 

Sixty countries now recognise Kosovo's statehood.

In Serbia, where he faced anti-American protests, Biden offered the pro-western government a clean slate in relations.

"The United States does not, I emphasise, does not expect joint press conference with Serbian President Boris Tadic.