Washington, July 19, SPA -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Friday that international recognition of Kosovo would increase, and its independence was a fact that opponents must accept. Kosovo seceded from Serbia in February. Rice noted that Kosovo has been recognized by more than 40 governments, including the United States, the majority of European Union and NATO members, and some Asian and Middle Eastern countries. “I know there will be more,” Rice told reporters in Washington after hosting talks with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. Rice pledged U.S. aid to Kosovo and urged it to build a multi-ethnic democracy, protect minority and religious rights, and develop economically. Progress in those areas would lead to a situation in which “those who did not wish to see an independent Kosovo will understand … that there is an independent Kosovo and it is going to continue to be.” Sejdiu said he hoped that by leading his new country’s first delegation to Washington, “Kosovo will become part of the family—the NATO family and the EU (European Union), and will have excellent relations with the United States, always.”--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/574935