President Osmani commemorates the Izbica massacre
Dafina Qelaj, only 6 months old, was among the 147 killed during the Izbica Massacre! She could not say a word. She did not have the opportunity to learn or walk. She was cruelly killed by the forces of the Serbian genocidal regime during the Izbica massacre on March 28, 1999, together with many other men, women, the elderly, and children, just because they were Albanians. 26 years later, the memory of this crime is still very much alive. The Izbica massacre is painful evidence of the price of our freedom and the genocide committed by Serbia. In an attempt to hide the traces of the crime, the Serbian genocidal regime buried the victims in mass graves in Petrovo Sello in Belgrade, in Novolan and Bistrica. But the truth cannot be buried. She lives in our memory, in the battle for justice, and in the inalienable right to never remain silent. Glory to the victims of Izbica! Justice for them!
President Osmani received in a meeting the Head of Current Operations at NATO Headquarters Ariella Viehe, the outgoing director and the new director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today The Head of Current Operations at NATO Headquarters Ariella Viehe, the outgoing director of NAL, Brigadier General Christian Nawrat, and the new director Brigadier General Dr. Sven Lange. At the meeting, President Osmani expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of NALT in the development and advancement of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), the Ministry of Defense and other security institutions, in accordance with the standards of NATO and member and partner states standards. Referring to the recent visit of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Osmani underlined the importance of NATO’s commitment to regional and global peace, stability and security and highly appreciated his message in support of Kosovo. President Osmani praised General Nawrat’s extraordinary contribution during his mandate, at a sensitive period for the security of the country and the region. She thanked him for his professional engagement in building of KSF capacities and for his fruitful cooperation with the institution of the President. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the development and advancement of the capacities of the KSF and of the Ministry of Defense, as well as for his close cooperation with the institutions of Kosovo, President Osmani bestowed on General Nawrat the Presidential Military Medal. Meanwhile, Madam President expressed her full confidence that Brigadier General Dr. Sven Lange will successfully continue the implementation of NALT’s important objectives and projects on the advancement of Kosovo’s security institutions and in strengthening the close cooperation with NATO.
President Osmani’s address on the occasion of the certification of 344 new KSF recruits
Honorable Prime Minister Kurti, Honourable KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, Honourable Minister Macedonci, Honourable representatives of the institutions, Dear young soldiers of the Kosovo Security Force, Soldiers, NCOs and KSF officers, Dear military personnel and officials of the allied forces, Dear families, feeling pride for your sons and daughters, Honorable local and international representatives, Dear citizens, The army is not just an armed force, our army is a permanent oath to our homeland, it is a commitment to security and a guarantee of peace. Today is a special day for you and for the entire Republic of Kosovo! Today, 344 boys and girls join the ranks of the KSF, thus becoming part of a sacred mission – protecting their homeland, guaranteeing security and supporting peace in our country and beyond. Dear soldiers, you have gone through a journey full of challenges, discipline and dedication. With this certification, you do not only hold a title, but above all a great responsibility to preserve the values and dignity of our state. The KSF is more than a force, it is a symbol of dedication and sacrifice, it is proof of the strength of our state. You are part of a force that is growing and developing every day, building a modern, professional army ready to face any challenge. With your work and dedication, you will continue to keep the KSF as the greatest pride of our state as well as a reliable ally of our international partners. Dear soldiers, Our Euro-Atlantic path is clear and irreversible. With the professionalism and preparation of our professional military sons and daughters, we are proving that Kosovo has a strong and worthy army to be part of the international defense and security structures, in the service of global peace, security and stability. The Kosovo Security Force is marching strongly forward in the process of development and advancement, as a modern, well-equipped and well-trained force. Our army is proving each and every day its full readiness to meet the highest NATO standards, where Kosovo has its place and deserves its place. You, all of you who took the oath today, but every other soldier of the KSF, are rightful descendants of the Kosovo Liberation Army, who sacrificed everything for the homeland in the most difficult moments of our history. Wear this uniform with the greatest pride. On this day, it is a moment to remember all those who gave everything for the homeland, including the most precious of their lives. Let us remember our martyrs, let us remember our heroes and let us remember the fallen, whom we are commemorating on the days of the massacres. This day is also a natural moment of gratitude and the highest appreciation for all the decision-makers and political and military implementers of the NATO operation, 26 years ago, in defense of our people from the genocidal regime of Serbia. Today, I also express my gratitude and high appreciation to our allies, led by the United States of America, for all the continuous help and support not only in difficult times, but also today when we are developing and advancing our army to a level that makes us all proud. Dear young soldiers, From today, you are more than just individuals wearing a military uniform. You are the heirs and defenders of Kosovo’s freedom, freedom won with countless sacrifices by generations of our ancestors. You are the new energy and strength of the Army built on the values of freedom, democracy and peace – of the Army that always honors the glorious past but also builds a secure future. Being part of the Security Force is not just a profession. It is a calling, a mission, an honor and a high responsibility. Today, you will take your oath as soldiers of the Kosovo Security Force, and this is not just a formal act, but a sacred commitment, a solemn pledge that will guide you throughout your military life. This oath requires from you unwavering commitment, readiness to face any challenge and complete loyalty to our people and country, which you already have. On this special day, I express my deepest gratitude to your families, who have stood by all our young soldiers. Today, dear families, mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers and children, spouses, today your daughters and sons are no longer simply your children – they are the children of all of Kosovo, they are the soldiers of Kosovo, they are the most worthy defenders of our homeland. Your sacrifice, your endless support and love for the country have been the foundation of the strength of your daughters and sons to reach this moment with complete success. Honorable recruits and soldiers, With this uniform that you wear today, you carry the name of the Republic of Kosovo on your shoulders. You are the generation that will guarantee peace and security for our citizens. You are the ones who will carry forward the mission of those who sacrificed for this state, you are the ones who will protect the legacy of the Kosovo Liberation Army and many other patriots across generations. I wish you success in this new journey. Our country needs you. Kosovo believes in you! Forward with honor, courage and dedication! Glory to all those who fell for freedom! May God bless the Kosovo Army! May God bless the Republic of Kosovo, our citizens and our allies! Thank you!
President Osmani: The Kosovo Security Force is growing, our future is strengthened!
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, participated today at the certification ceremony of the Kosovo Security Force recruits. “344 new soldiers, 344 oaths for the homeland – The Kosovo Security Force is growing, our future is strengthened!”, wrote President Osmani.
Today’s statement by President Osmani to the media
A little while ago, an official letter from the Central Election Commission arrived at the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo, informing us of the results of the certified elections, of the manner in which the seats in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo are distributed. As you know, there is now a 30-day deadline. It is a constitutional deadline, a legal deadline, which is foreseen for the convening of the Constituent Session. At the moment, my legal team is analyzing how much time may be needed to prepare for this session, so that when the session is called, it will be successful. So, the constitution of the Assembly of Kosovo will be successful. Everything will be done within the constitutional deadline. At the moment, I cannot give you a date, because I want to be precise, but we will have the date very soon, very soon.
President Osmani receives the credentials of the new Bulgarian ambassador to Kosovo, Hristo Kraevski
The President of the Republic of Kosovo,Vjosa Osmani, received today the credentials of the new Bulgarian ambassador to Kosovo, Hristo Kraevski. President Osmani congratulated Ambassador Kraevski on his new tenure and expressed deep gratitude for Bulgaria’s continued support to Kosovo, especially in strengthening its sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration of our country. At the meeting, President Osmani thanked Bulgaria for its unwavering support for Kosovo’s integration processes in the European Union and international organizations, and encouraged the continuation of Bulgarian advocacy for strengthening Kosovo’s position in the international arena. President Osmani, at the meeting with the new Bulgarian ambassador also stressed the need for the immediate lifting of the unjust EU measures, which are harming the citizens of Kosovo indiscriminately. In this context, President Osmani praised Bulgaria’s commitment to regional and global security as well as the commitment of her counterpart, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, to continuously support Kosovo in this regard. President Osmani and Ambassador Kraevski also discussed the possibilities of deepening cooperation in the economy, education, culture, tourism and other fields.
Madam President: On the eve of Eid al-Fitr, we returned to Krushë e Vogël to talk with mothers, sisters and women, as well as to share the pain, strength and love
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, said that on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, we returned to Krushë e Vogël to talk with mothers, sisters and women, as well as to share the pain, strength and love. President Osmani wrote: On the eve of Eid al-Fitr, we returned to Krushë e Vogël to talk with mothers, sisters and women, as well as to share the pain, strength and love. We were also accompanied by the representatives of the Albanian community from Philadelphia-USA, who brought with them gifts collected with dedication by the Osmanollaj brothers and Emina Cunmulaj, who on March 8, for Women’s Day, organized a support event for this noble cause. Thanking our compatriots for their continued care and generosity, I was happy that, although a little early, we managed to be with the mothers of Krusha to share solidarity, love and care on the eve of the Eid holiday.
President Osmani held a telephone conversation with the President of Kenya, William Ruto: Both our countries are committed to opening diplomatic missions as a concrete step towards a strong and lasting partnership
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, held a telephone conversation today with the President of Kenya, William Ruto. President Osmani wrote: Today I spoke again with President William Ruto following Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo – an act of true friendship that strengthens our global standing and our joint efforts for peace and security. I expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the people of Kosovo and reaffirmed our commitment to swiftly establishing diplomatic relations. We continued the conversation from our previous meetings on the opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, education, tourism and other areas of mutual interest. Both our countries are committed to opening diplomatic missions as a concrete step towards a strong and lasting partnership. I look forward to welcoming President Ruto to Kosovo and to visiting Kenya soon, as we have been discussing for some time. Kenya can count on Kosovo as a true ally and partner. A new chapter of partnership begins!
President Osmani visited Mother Ferdonije: her pain is ours, her cause is ours
The President of the Republic of Kosovo,Vjosa Osmani, visited Mother Ferdonije today, on the 26th anniversary of the violent abduction of her husband and 4 sons by the Serbian genocidal regime. President Osmani wrote: On the 26th anniversary of the violent abduction of her husband and 4 sons by the genocidal Serbian regime, today I visited Mother Ferdonije at the Çerkezi family museum in Gjakovë. Together with Mother Ferdonije, we met other mothers from Gjakova who have lost their loved ones to Serbia’s macabre crimes. The remains of Mother Ferdonije’s two sons have been found, while the fate of her husband and two other sons continues to remain a mystery. However, she has not given up. She has transformed her pain into strength, stoicism, and a cause for justice. Her pain is ours. Her cause is ours. The pain and cause of all of Kosovo.
President Osmani’s Speech on the 26th Anniversary of the Krusha e Vogël Massacre
Distinguished residents of Krusha e Vogël, Dear mothers, brothers and sisters, Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Albin Kurti, Honourable Mayor of the Municipality of Prizren, Mr. Totaj, Honourable Mr. Andin Hoti, Honourable former Prime Minister Haradinaj, Honourable representatives of central and local institutions, Honourable families of the martyrs of Krusha e Vogël, Representatives of the associations that emerged from the war, Representatives of the Kosovo Security Force, Honourable participants, Honorable chairman of the village, There are crimes that shook the entire world, there are wounds that time never heals, but there is also resilience, perseverance and memory that can never be extinguished, like that of the mothers, wives, children, brothers, sisters, fathers and relatives, of the martyrs of Krusha e Vogël. This anniversary is not only a day of pain, but also of memory and pride for our loved ones. A day when even silence resounds more than words. On March 26th 1999, in this small but big-hearted village, one of the most terrible atrocities of Serbia’s genocidal regime took place. In just two days, 113 inhabitants of Krusha e Vogël were killed and massacred, including minors from the age of 12 to the elderly aged 90. An entire village was turned into a cemetery, an eternal memory of the barbarity that humanity knew on the eve of the new century. The Serbian forces did not stop at just killing. They burned the bodies to cover up the traces of the crime, but they were never able to hide the truth, and it was precisely this behavior of theirs that proved once and for all their intention to wipe the Albanian people from the face of the earth. However, as it stood historically, our nation stood steadfast in Krusha e Vogël, in Krusha e Madhe and everywhere throughout Kosovo in those years. Krusha e Vogël is not only pain, but it is also a symbol of resurrection as we see from these children who are with us today. But let us not forget that the overwhelming majority of them grew up without parents. From the ruins of Krusha e Vogël, from its wounds, from the scorched earth, have emerged the strongest, most resilient people that humanity can know, invincible women, symbols of resilience, children who today are men and women, who build a free, sovereign and independent Kosovo. Krusha e Vogël is not a place of memory, but also a place where we see our future. What happened here will never be forgotten. Not for revenge, but to never be repeated; not to remain connected only to the pain, but also to ensure that we move forward with dignity, never forgetting those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. And greater than the pain is the pride for all those who fell for our freedom, becoming the strongest pillars of the state we enjoy today. Today Krusha moves forward, today Kosovo moves forward, but never giving up on our demand and our work for justice, justice for all those who gave their lives for our freedom. Krusha e vogël is strong, Krusha e vogël is eternal proof of our resistance and justice, no matter how late it is, will come. And we will never stop working for that day. Eternal glory to all the martyrs of Krusha e vogël and the martyrs and the fallen all over Kosovo! May God bless Krusha e vogël! God bless our Republic! Thank you!