Bush authorises military aid to Kosovo

WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush has authorised military assistance to newly independent Kosovo, the White House said. According to the Presidential Determination Bush signed Wednesday, the US grants Kosovo eligibility to receive defence articles and defence services under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act.

"The actual provision of defence articles or defence services will be considered on a case-by-case basis, including with respect to relevant guidelines and criteria established in the existing Conventional Arms Transfer policy," the White House statement said. "Each request will also be reviewed to ensure that all legal requirements and constraints existing at the time with regard to the sale, lease, or other transfer are satisfied," the statement added. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia Feb 17 and the US has consistently supported Kosovo's independence.