The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, stated that today we remember with honor one of the most important events of our national history, the establishment of the Albanian League of Prizren, which united Albanians in defense of their lands, rights and national identity.
“Established on June 10th 1878, as a response to the danger of the fragmentation of Albanian lands following the decisions reached by the Treaty of Saint Stephen and the Congress of Berlin, the League marked the first political and military organization of Albanians for the defense of national interests. Under the leadership of Iljaz Pashë Dibra and with the contribution of figures such as Abdyl Frashëri, Sami Frashëri, Pashko Vasa, Jani Vreto and many other patriots, the foundations of the modern Albanian national movement were laid,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
According to her, the League had three main goals: the protection of Albanian territorial integrity, the administrative unification of the lands into a single vilayet, and the affirmation of Albanians as a separate nation.
She said that its political, diplomatic activity, and resistance in Plavë, Guci, Hot, and Grudë proved the determination of Albanians to protect their lands.
“Although it was forcibly suppressed in 1881, the ideals of the League remained alive and became the foundation of the path towards the Independence of Albania in 1912. It remains a symbol of Albanian unity, resistance, and national consciousness,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
She further added that on this anniversary, we respectfully bow to the acts of the patriots who sacrificed for the nation and we remember that the Albanian League of Prizren remains the cornerstone of our national consciousness and a permanent inspiration for the preservation of our national identity and values.
