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OHRID, Macedonia — Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday said the U.S. will keep troops in Kosovo through late 2009 despite Russian opposition to creation of the world’s newest country this year.
After a morning visit to Kosovo, Gates flew to Macedonia, a neighbor that has yet to recognize Kosovo’s independence. But Kosovo’s president told reporters during a news conference with Gates that he was optimistic that Macedonia and Montenegro would join the nearly 50 nations that have recognized his country.
Today, Gates will meet with defense ministers from southeastern Europe, and tensions with Russia are likely to be one of the topics.
