The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani at a ceremony held at the Presidency, with the motivation for the contribution to the freedom of Kosovo, presented the Order of Freedom Medal to the former Minister of Defense of Germany, Rudolf Scharping.
This Medal was awarded to Mr. Scharping in 2004 by President Ibrahim Rugova but was never handed over.
During the war in Kosovo in 1999, Scharping had supported the NATO intervention, while in his diary “We dare not look aside: The Kosovo War and Europe”, he presented the political developments of this mission.
President Osmani emphasized that the presentation of the medal to the former German minister coincides with the 23rd anniversary of the liberation of Kosovo, for which he was deserving.
“As the historic president Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, the house is not a home without friends. This award proves that Kosovo knows how to honor friends, those who stood by their side in the dark hours of history. Mr. Scharping is one of the creditors of the freedom we enjoy. “The people of Kosovo will always be grateful for their commitment to our freedom,” said President Osmani.
Mr. Scharping thanked President Osmani for the medal, emphasizing that he is honoured that his contribution is appreciated by the institutions and the people of Kosovo.