President Osmani’s address at the KSF Cadres’ Quadrant Line-up Ceremony, on the occasion of the marking of the KLA Epopee
Esteemed Baca Rifat Jashari, Honourable Jashari family, Honourable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic, Mr. Kurti, Honourable KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, Representatives of the Government and the Assembly, Honourable officers, non-commissioned officers and KSF soldiers, Families of heroes, martyrs and of the fallen for freedom, veterans and invalids of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Honourable diplomats and military personnel from amicable countries, Dear children, Honorable participants, March in Kosovo is not just a month on the calendar, but a permanent memory of sacrifice, heroism and determination of our people for freedom. During this month we commemorate the glorious KLA Epopee of the war, we bow with respect to the heroes of the nation, we remember the martyrs who fell in the massacres and we honor the fallen who gave everything for a free Kosovo. On this sacred day we have gathered at a place with extraordinary symbolism, at the “Adem Jashari” barracks, where the values for which our martyrs fell are preserved and continue to live. This is the place where the legacy of the legendary commander Adem Jashari is not just a memory, but an inspiration for today’s and future generations, to our army and to the entire nation. Therefore, today we proudly remember the legendary commander, Adem Jashari, his heroic family and all the fighters who served their homeland, paying for freedom with their lives. Hero Shaban Jashari, to whom I bestowed a few days ago the Order of Hero of Kosovo, and the entire Jashari family, which was specially awarded the Order of Freedom, were the best example of how a country should be and how freedom should look like. Hamëz Jashari, together with Adem Jashari and their entire family stood steadfast in the war, proving that there is no greater sacrifice than the one for the future and the homeland. During those three days of March, from March 5th to 7th, 1998, one of the most heroic battles in the history of the Albanian nation took place in Prekaz. In addition to the men, children, women and the elderly also became martyrs, because Prekaz was not just a village. Prekaz was a fortress of freedom, it was an invincible fortress of our nation and it remains so today. The Jashari family is the foundation upon which Kosovo’s freedom was built, a living monument of unparalleled sacrifice and heroism. In the history of humanity, it has rarely happened that an entire family was sacrificed for the sacred ideal of freedom, becoming a symbol of national resistance and dignity and a motivation for thousands of KLA fighters. From the first bullet to the heroic resistance of March ’98, the Jasharis did not break, did not retreat, but embraced immortality. In the darkest times, they lit the light of hope. In the greatest of challenges, they found the strength to move forward. In moments when Kosovo’s freedom and future were in question, they became the answer, they became the shield and the heart and soul of this country. The KLA Epopee is therefore an eternal testament to the endurance, sacrifice and invincibility of our people. This epopee, apart from a battle, was a call of national conscience that was heard by the hearts of millions of Albanians everywhere. It was a cry for freedom that spread from Prekaz to every corner of Kosovo, from the mountains of Pashtrik to the fields of Dukagjini, from heroic Drenica to proud Anamorava, from Isa Boletini’s Mitrovica, to all the lands where Albanians live. In those days of March 1998, when the flames covered Prekaz, when the Jashari house became a fortress of freedom, a family was killed, but a new era was begotten for Kosovo – the most glorious era of our history. The epopee therefore, produced an era, which derived from the oath given for a free and independent Kosovo. But freedom does not become eternal with our battles, as it requires daily dedication to maintain it, it requires constant sacrifice to protect our strong state and the future of our children and the new generation of Jashars. Today, this care is taken by the Kosovo Army, the successor to the KLA, the Kosovo Security Force. This army, with professionalism and dedication, is always ready to stand up for the country. The KSF, as well as the Kosovo Police, are a guarantee of our sovereignty, a shield for the peace and security of our citizens and a proof that the sacrifice of the nation’s martyrs has not been in vain. With our soldiers trained to the highest standards, ready to defend the homeland in any circumstances, we prove that Kosovo not only knows how to preserve peace, but also to defend it with dignity and pride. The epic of the KLA taught us that nothing is impossible when we have the courage to stand united for the ideal of freedom. Hence, today more than ever we must once again stand united to defend our Kosovo, to make it stronger, more dignified and more respected in the world. Let us move forward with confidence, courage and pride, showing the world that Kosovo is and will remain a success story, a country that has won its future with great sacrifice and dedication, with dignity and unity! Eternal glory to the legendary commander Adem Jashari and to the Jashari family! Glory to all the martyrs and to the fallen! May God bless the Kosovo Liberation Army! May God bless the Republic of Kosovo!
President Osmani: The KLA Epopee is an eternal testament
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that the KLA Epopee is an eternal testament. “The KLA Epopee of the is an eternal testament to the resilience, sacrifice and invincibility of our people!”, wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani received the KFOR Commander Major General Enrico Barduani
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today the KFOR Commander, Major General Enrico Barduani. Appreciating the role of KFOR in maintaining security and peace in Kosovo, President Osmani underlined that stability in Kosovo is a key factor for the security of the entire region, therefore the joint engagement with KFOR and NATO remains essential. President Osmani also emphasized that our continent is facing a complex geopolitical situation, which requires close cooperation and permanent coordination with our allies. The coordination of activities on the eve of the announced visit of the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Kosovo, emphasizing the importance of this visit as well as the importance of NATO’s role for peace and security in our country, were also discussed.
President Osmani received the EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today the European Union Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, with whom she discussed the latest developments in the country, the electoral process and further steps towards the constitution of new institutions following the February 9th elections. In this regard, President Osmani expressed gratitude for the engagements and the presence of the EU Monitoring Mission. A series of visits by senior European Union officials, who are expected to visit Kosovo in the coming weeks and months, were also discussed at the meeting. These visits will be a good opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Kosovo and the EU, especially in key development and European integration areas. President Osmani emphasized the importance of joint commitment to advance the country’s strategic priorities, with a particular focus on strengthening democratic institutions and accelerating Kosovo’s European path. On this occasion, President Osmani once again emphasized the importance of the lifting of unjust measures, which are ultimately harming the citizens of Kosovo.
Madam President: The unifying work and the spirit of Skanderbeg must remain our national compass
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, at Lezha of the Covenant, stated that today we honour today the 581st anniversary of Albanian unity and at the same time we inaugurated the statue of Gjergj Kastrioti. President Osmani wrote: At Lezha of the Covenant, today we honored the 581st anniversary of Albanian unity and inaugurated the statue of Gjergj Kastrioti – our symbol of resistance and vision. History teaches us that unity is our greatest strength. Therefore, today in this city of the covenant, voices from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Presheva Valley, the Arbëresh from Italy and Albanians from other Albanian lands and the diaspora came together, with the message that the unifying work and the spirit of Skanderbeg must remain our national compass.
President Osmani congratulates the holy month of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan carries profound values of dedication, patience, and mercy. It is a month of reflection, sacrifice, and solidarity, during which fasting and prayers strengthen one’s ties to faith and one another. I wish you a prosperous Ramadan filled with peace, harmony and love. May this month serve as a moment of unity and care for those closest to you and those who need it the most. May you have an easy and accepted fast!
President Osmani conveys her condolences to the family, “Koha” Group and the journalist community on the untimely passing of photojournalist Alban Bujari
It is with deep sorrow that we received the news of the untimely passing of Alban Bujari, the icon of photography and the unparalleled witness of our recent history. Through his lens, he documented the Kosovo’s truth during the most difficult years, gifting us an extraordinary archive of remembrance and history. From the very first moments of the KLA war, he risked his life to show the world the images that witnessed the war, the sacrifice and the suffering of our people. Through his photographs, the massacres in Prekaz, Recak and Rogovë did not only remain scars in our memory, but became evidence of the crimes against Kosovo before the eyes of the world. With rare professionalism and courage, he immortalized history through images, leaving us a precious legacy for generations to come. I express my sincere condolences to the family, the “Koha” Group, and the community of journalists and photojournalists! May the memory of Alban Bujari be eternal!
President Osmani commemorates the anniversary of the Likoshan and Qirez Massacre
On February 28th 1998, Milosevic’s genocidal regime committed one of the most serious acts of state terror by brutally killing 24 residents of Likoshan and Qirez, in the heart of resistance, in Drenicë. Where pain and courage intertwined, the KLA girls and boys of the KLA undertook the greatest sacrifice for the liberation of Kosovo, and hence on this 27th anniversary, we honor with deep respect those who fell for freedom. The Likoshan and Qirez massacre remains a testament to the brutality inflicted on our people, but also a moment when the determination for freedom became invincible. The memory of the martyrs remains alive, while their legacy obliges us to continue to request for justice to be done!
President Osmani met with the French Ambassador Olivier Guérot
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani and the First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, were invited to an official dinner hosted by the Ambassador of France to Kosovo, Mr. Olivier Guérot. During this meeting, the latest political and security developments in the country were discussed. The electoral process, certification of results, and the establishment of institutions following the parliamentary elections were also discussed. Special emphasis was placed on advancing bilateral cooperation between Kosovo and France, with a focus on concrete projects that can strengthen relations between the two countries.
President Osmani received the students of the International Maarif Schools of Kosova, winners of the International STEM Olympiad 2024
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today a group of students from International Maarif Schools of Kosova, accompanied by Deputy Director Azemine Kukaj, school’s principal Mr. Ömer Akpinar and the Deputy Ambassador of Türkiye. During the meeting, President Osmani congratulated the students on their extraordinary success in the International STEM Olympiad 2024, where the team of 14 students won a total of 19 medals, including 3 first places in the prestigious “Best of the Best” category in science. This achievement demonstrates their dedication and that of the educational institution International Maarif Schools of Kosova, part of a global network that operates in over 43 countries around the world.