The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, together with the Acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, paid tribute today at the graves of the hero Ilir Konushevci and Dr. Hazir Malaj on the 28th anniversary of their passing.
On this occasion, Acting President Haxhiu said that on the 28th anniversary of the killing of Ilir Konushevci and Hazir Malaj, today we remember two respected figures, two heroes of the Republic of Kosovo and of our nation.
Acting President Haxhiu said that Ilir Konushevci was only 20 years old when he began his commitment to the country’s freedom.
“In the 1990s, when the territory of the Republic of Kosovo was filled with police violence, oppression, and discrimination against Kosovo Albanians, he became part of the first groups preparing armed resistance. He was part of the ‘Shqiponja’ group, and around him were heroes such as Zahir Pajaziti, Hakif Zejnullahu, and Edmond Hoxha, who chose the difficult and dangerous path solely so that our Republic could become independent and our country at that time could be liberated,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
According to her, Ilir Konushevci and Hazir Malaj are two very important figures of our nation, adding that they also served as an inspiration for many generations to join the Kosovo Liberation Army. She further stated that precisely when the Kosovo Liberation Army was becoming stronger at that time, Ilir Konushevci was entrusted with a task that was far from easy.
“And that was to deal with the supply of weapons and ammunition. Several times he traveled the Kosovo–Albania and Albania–Kosovo route, because he knew that with every shipment a battle could be won, and with every delay of a shipment our people could be endangered. They were killed precisely at another moment when they were planning to bring another shipment to Kosovo, namely to the Kosovo Liberation Army, and the fall of Ilir Konushevci and Hazir Malaj was a heavy blow to the Kosovo Liberation Army. Therefore, today, with respect and honor, we remember two highly valued figures of our nation, of our Kosovo,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
