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Obama pledges support to Kosovo on independence anniversary: statement 19 hours ago PRISTINA (AFP) — US President Barack Obama has pledged to support independent Kosovo in a letter of congratulations for the first anniversary of its unilateral secession from Serbia, the office of President Fatmir Sejdiu said Monday in a statement. "On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the citizens of Kosovo on the first anniversary of the historic declaration of independence of Kosovo," Obama was quoted in the statement as saying. "I want to stress that the US will continue to support multi-ethnic, independent and democratic Kosovo in its efforts to take a meritorious place as a full member of the community of the states," he added. Strongly supported by the United States and most EU members, Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, despite fierce opposition from Belgrade. It has been recognised by 54 nations. Serbia, backed by Russia, still considers the tiny landlocked territory as its province.