Obama hails 'historic' Kosovo milestone

(WASHINGTON) - US President Barack Obama hailed Monday the end of international supervision for Kosovo's independence as a "historic milestone" that meant the country was taking full control of its sovereignty.

"With the optimism, energy and determination characteristic of its people, Kosovo has made significant progress in solidifying the gains of independence and in building the institutions of a modern, multi-ethnic, inclusive and democratic state," Obama said in a statement.

Western powers in the International Steering Group -- which has overseen Kosovo since its 2008 unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia -- announced Monday the end of supervision over the territory.

Kosovo and its two million majority ethnic-Albanian population has been under some form of international administration since a NATO bombing campaign forced then Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic's troops out of the Serbian province in 1999.

Serbia -- which has never accepted Kosovo's declaration of independence on February 17, 2008 -- dismissed the sovereignty announcement as meaningless.

"There is more work to be done, as Kosovo's leaders now assume full responsibility for ensuring that the principles enshrined in its declaration of independence and constitution are realized for every citizen," Obama said. "Kosovo must also continue to engage constructively with its neighbors and work to resolve outstanding issues, in particular those with Serbia.

"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the government, parliament and people of Kosovo on this historic milestone, in which Kosovo takes another important step toward its rightful place in a free, whole and peaceful Europe," Obama said.

Key facts on Kosovo

European Union Office in Kosovo