The United States Embassy in Pristina has issued a press statement regarding the yesterday’s voting at UNESCO against Kosovo’s membership. It said that although the outcome of yesterday’s vote denying Kosovo UNESCO membership was disappointing, it is neither a statement on Kosovo’s independence, nor a reflection of its position in the world.  “In fact, the U.S. Embassy in Pristina is encouraged by the 92 yes votes, which demonstrate Kosovo’s importance on the international stage.  We know that Kosovo is committed to the important work done by UNESCO, particularly in areas such as countering violent extremism through education and promoting the protection of cultural heritage in danger, and we will continue to back Kosovo and its people in their aspirations to take their rightful place as a contributor to peace and stability on the global stage, including at UNESCO,” the statement reads.