Gates: U.S. to remain in Kosovo through late 2009

The United States will continue its troop presence in Kosovo until at least late next year, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said just before he arrived here Tuesday, reaffirming U.S. support for the newly declared nation in the face of stern opposition from Russia.

Later Tuesday, while standing with the president and prime minister of Kosovo, Gates said that in meetings with the leaders he reaffirmed the pledge that President Bush made – that “we came in together and we will go out together.”

He said they talked about maintaining the current troop levels, and said the United States is focused on providing services, equipment and training for the new ministry and the Kosovo security forces. Gates added that there also is funding in the Pentagon’s 2009 budget for military education and training programs for Kosovo, although he was not sure what specifically would be provided for Kosovo.

He added that the United States looks “forward to the day when peace is self-sustaining.”