U.S. Vows Continued Support For Kosovo

October 7, 2008 9:34 a.m. EST

Pristina, Kosovo (AHN) - United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday said the U.S. remains committed to Kosovo's independence and will maintain troops in the region until late 2009.

Gates issued the remarks during his first to Kosovo to affirm Washington's support despite strong opposition from Russia.

Russia and the U.S. remain critically at odds over the issue of Kosovo independence. Gates's visit also highlights the growing tension between Moscow and NATO allies.

Kosovo, which is majority populated by ethnic Albanian, is technically still a province of Serbia although it has been under administration by the United Nations and NATO since Slobodan Milosevic was driven out in 1999.

Washington also supports Kosovo's independence but Moscow has threatened to use its veto power if it comes up for voting before the U.N. Security Council.

The U.S. defense chief will be meeting with top leaders of Kosovo before addressing the 1,600 U.S. troops in the region.