05/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - Clinton encourages Kosovo's efforts to join EU. On Wednesday 4 April, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton encouraged Kosovo's efforts to join the European Union, after meeting in Washington with the Kosovar Prime Minister, Hashim Thaçi. "I applaud the decision of the EU to launch a feasibility study" into Kosovo's candidacy, Clinton told a joint press conference with Thaçi. "This represents a step towards European Union membership for Kosovo, and it shows that leaders in Kosovo and in the EU are committed to strengthening their relationship", the head of American diplomacy added. At the end of March, European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle told Pristina that the study was ready for kick-off (EUROPE 10585). Kosovo is a young democracy, said Thaçi, adding that he was determined to continue reforms to "strengthen the institutions and the economy". (LC/transl.fl)