WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the decision by the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board to select Kosovo as eligible to begin developing an MCC Compact:

“I congratulate the people of Kosovo and the country’s leaders, and I welcome the decision to select Kosovo as eligible for an MCC Compact.   Today’s exceptional achievement is another significant step forward in Kosovo’s clear progress since its independence in February 2008.  Kosovo’s path to today’s announcement was long and arguably more difficult than any other country, making this victory even more impressive. 

“I also applaud the MCC and its Board of Directors, the UN Kosovo Team, and Kosovo President Atifeta Jahjaga, who led Kosovo’s MCC efforts.  Kosovo has made great strides in advancing democracy, fighting corruption, and solidifying the rights of its citizens.  Today’s decision recognizes Kosovo’s significant progress in these important areas.”

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