U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Feb. 24 said Pristina's decision to make an agreement with Belgrade on Kosovo's representation in regional organizations "is very smart and courageous."

She added that it would bring Kosovo closer to the EU and increase the number of states recognizing Kosovo's independence.

"I am an optimist concerning the progress made by Kosovo and I am happy that this important political decision will bring Kosovo closer to EU integration. I encourage the people of Kosovo to stand behind that decision and support the achieved progress," Clinton told the Voice of America in the Albanian.

Commenting on the remark that certain people in Kosovo believe that Pristina's appearance at international conference with a footnote mentioning Resolution 1244 could jeopardize the thus far achievements relating to Kosovo's independence, Clinton said she disagreed.

"I actually believe that this will help to increase the number of states that have recognized the Republic of Kosovo as it will remove the excuses that there is no progress in Kosovo-Serbia relations," she explained.

Asked whether she was concerned with the fact that five EU member states had not acknowledged Kosovo, Clinton replied positively. She stressed that Washington wished all countries recognized Kosovo, but noted that it would take time.