Prishtina, April 19, 2019 – The President of the state, Hashim Thaçi, has participated in the academy organized on the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the “Atlantiku” battalion.
President Thaçi said that the “Atlantiku” battalion is the most representative synthesis of the cyclical circle or the four phases of Albanian-American relations with the homeland and the United States of America.
“Your ancestors, and you as well, went to the United States of America, to the great homeland of freedom and democracy. The Albanians of America have played an extraordinary and historic role in affirming the Kosovo issue. During the most difficult moments for Kosovo, your reaction was completely natural because you knew the deep meaning of freedom”, stated President Thaçi
He stressed that the “Atlantiku” battalion is the clearest indicator of the political and military history of Albanians, so its members responded the best to the call “the Homeland at Risk, the Birthplace Calls”.
“You, from the ultimate welfare, came to war. You are the battle and the front of the liberation war. In the framework of the “Atlantiku” battalion you directly fought the invading Serbian military forces. You completed your mission for the homeland with your heads held high”, said President Thaçi.
The Head of State stressed that by defeating the Serbian forces, along with NATO’s assistance, the highest national, patriotic and political mission was accomplished.
“You made the dream of all generations a reality. You entered into Kosovo with the air of freedom”, he stressed.
At the end of the fourth phase, after giving meaning to freedom, President Thaçi said members of the “Atlantiku” battalion that after the war and sacrifice you returned to the United States of America, to your families, to your profession, work and business.
“Like warriors you put on the uniforms and took the weapons in your hand in the war for freedom. After the victory, you took off your uniform and returned to life. That’s what big people do, those who know what they want”, he added.
President Thaçi emphasized that the more time passes, the value of the liberation war will increase even more.
“Your children and the children of your children will be proud of you, because you didn’t allow Kosovo’s servitude to continue endlessly. 2019 has been declared the year of NATO in Kosovo”, he said.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude to the United States of America, NATO and the EU states for what they did for the freedom, independence and establishment of Kosovo.
He also stressed that we will be forever grateful and will bow down with respect before the brothers Bytyçi, the heroes of the “Atlantiku” battalion and all the heroes of Kosovo.