The presidential delegation continues its visit to Tokyo with numerous meetings
The delegation of the Presidency of Kosovo, commissioned by President Osmani, during their stay in Tokyo, Japan held several meetings today. Advisors to President Osmani Dora Musa and Bekim Kupina, met with the Director for Gender Equality at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Tatsuhiko Furumoto, with whom they discussed the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security, respectively, on the Forum held on this topic every year under the patronage of President Osmani and opportunities for cooperation to advance this agenda through the Regional Center of Excellence in Kosovo for Women, Peace and Security, as well as opportunities for bilateral cooperation in this field and beyond. The presidential delegation also met the director general of the department for the Middle East and Europe in the international cooperation organization JICA, Kei Toyama, whom they thanked for the support to date with various projects in the municipality of Drenas and that of Istog, but also many institutions of others in the country, while the possibilities for the realization of other projects aimed at improving services for citizens and protecting the environment were also discussed. The Mayor of Drenas Ramiz Lladrovci and the Mayor of Istog Ilir Ferati, accompanied by the ambassador of Kosovo to Japan Sabri Kicmari, also held a meeting with the mayor of Minato, Seike Ai, with whom they exchanged views on local governance and discussed the possibilities for the exchange of experiences in the field of local government.
A delegation from the Presidency of Kosovo, commissioned by President Osmani, participated at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Day ceremony
A delegation from the Presidency of Kosovo, commissioned by President Osmani, led by her advisers Dora Musa and Bekim Kupina, together with the Mayor of Drenas Ramiz Lladrovci, the Mayor of Istog Ilir Ferati, as well as the ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Japan Sabri Kicmari, are staying for two days in Hiroshima, Japan,at the Peace Memorial Day ceremony organized by the Mayor of Hiroshima. More than 100 representatives of countries from all over the world participated at the ceremony of the 79th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, reconfirming from there the importance of maintaining peace and security around the world. In addition to the official ceremony, the delegation also had the opportunity to meet with high school students from Hiroshima who had compiled their peace messages. The delegation from the Presidency had the opportunity to listen to the stories of Hiroshima survivors and visit the place where the atomic bomb was dropped. From there, alongside the representatives of many countries, the delegation from Kosovo sent messages of peace to the citizens of Hiroshima, wishing that the world would never experience an event like this ever again. Today, the Mayor of Hiroshima, Kazumi Matsui, received the delegation of the Presidency in an official meeting. President Osmani’s advisers, among other things, informed mayor Matsui about Kosovo’s initiatives in maintaining and cultivating peace, with special emphasis on President Osmani’s commitment to the advancement of the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security. At the meeting, the possibilities of cooperation with Kosovo municipalities were also discussed, with Mayor Matsui inviting the mayors of Drenas and Istog to join the Mayors for Peace global network.
Reaction of the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo
The President of the Republic of Kosovo has NEVER asked for transgression or violation of the procedures, but only respect for international rules and regulations, as is done all over the world. The list of countries visited by President Osmani during her term as President includes the USA, Albania, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Panama, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Vatican and so on. All these countries, most of which Madam President has visited several times during her mandate, without exception, have fully respected the international rules regarding the treatment of the heads of state, and consequently of the state itself. According to the Constitution of Kosovo, the President of the country represents the state within and outside of the country. Despite the extremely strict security rules at the airports of the vast majority of the above-mentioned countries, they accept the President of a country as the highest representative of the state and never ask to scan even a personal bag let alone a phone or ask for a ‘full body scan”, because this, among other things, would mean that they are treating the head of state – and as consequence the state – as a potential risk for terrorism. In every country we travel to, it is not the President who demands such a treatment. This treatment is automatically provided by host countries based on the notification made by our embassies of the President’s journey and based on customary international law (binding for all countries). As can be seen from the above-mentioned list, this has been fully respected even by states that have not recognized Kosovo as yet. President Osmani has confirmed with her counterparts to whom she has spoken to these days that this procedure is respected every time and everywhere. The President of the Republic of Kosovo demands respect for the state she represents, that is, for the Republic of Kosovo, and will continue to do so with determination in accordance with the international rules and principles that regulate relations between states. The reports on the unprecedented incident at the Skopje Airport prepared by the Presidency and the Kosovo Police are already finalized and accessible, and have been as such for several days now. It is clearly understood from these reports that there is no request for deviation from or circumvention of the rules, but on the contrary, respect and application of conventions and customary international law, and above all, respect for the Republic of Kosovo. The way the incident against the Republic of Kosovo was handled in Skopje during yesterday’s press conference is regrettable, because it has contributed even more to the propaganda against the Republic of Kosovo. What happened at the airport in Skopje was a clear violation of international rules recognized and applied worldwide, and as such, the Presidency expects to be notified of the measures taken regarding these violations, as it was emphasized in the protest note issued by the Republic of Kosovo. While we appreciate the expression of regret by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, unfortunately, until now, at no time have the institutions of North Macedonia addressed the issues raised in the protest note related to the violation of customary international law in relation to the Republic of Kosovo, but on the contrary, openly and without any hesitation they have accepted such a violation. For this, additional reports and investigations are not needed for any factual situation, because they are completely irrelevant before the public acceptance of the institutions of North Macedonia that such a rule was deliberately imposed, despite the clear stipulations of international law. The Presidency of the Republic has dealt with this incident only in an inter-institutional manner and without making it public, in order to preserve the relations between the two countries, until the moment when a propaganda of unprecedented proportions commenced against the President, in which case the Presidency was compelled to respond to the interest expressed by a large number of the media. As it has been said in previous reactions, President Osmani throughout her political career, and in particular during her mandate as President of the country, has contributed to the development and expansion of positive relations with North Macedonia. However, she cannot accept, in any manner, the defamation of the Republic of Kosovo. This situation can easily be overcome if political will is shown by the official Skopje.
Madam President: Thank you to President Zoran Milanović for the invitation to join our Croatian friends in Sinjska Alka this year
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, accompanied by the First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, at the invitation of President Zoran Milanović, joined thousands of Croatian citizens and state leaders of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sinjska Alka this year. President Osmani’s full post: Thank you to President Zoran Milanović for the invitation to join our Croatian friends in Sinjska Alka this year! In the presence of thousands of Croatian citizens and together with state leaders of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, we marked Sinjska Alka, one of the most important events for the Croatian people, which honors the heroic resistance of Croatian soldiers, through a series of cultural activities.
President Osmani in Croatia at the invitation of the Croatian President Zoran Milanović
At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović and the First Lady Sanja Musić Milanović, the President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani and the First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, are currently on a working visit to Croatia, where they will participate at the traditional Sinjska Alka event, which is organized under the patronage of the Croatian President. In the presence of thousands of Croatian citizens, Sinjska Alka is organized in honour of the sacrifice and bravery of Croatian soldiers in defense of the homeland. These manifestations include a series of cultural and artistic events, in which President Osmani and the First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu will join President Milanović and First Lady Musić Milanović. Madam President thanked them for the invitation, emphasizing the great support that Croatia has provided to Kosovo over the years.
President Osmani met the management structures of the American Chamber of Commerce
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, held a meeting this week with leaders of the American Chamber of Commerce, with representatives of the US Embassy and USAID also present at the meeting. Coordination in the promotion of Kosovo’s economic potential and the strengthening of the public-private dialogue were issues discussed at the meeting President Osmani potentiated to the members of the Board of Governors and the members of the Governing Council of the Arbitration Center of the American Chamber the importance of the public-private dialogue as a process in benefit to Kosovo and in service of the economic development of Kosovo. In this context, President Osmani said that the Office of the President is continuously open for coordination of actions to promote the economic potential of Kosovo and expressed gratitude for the cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce. At the meeting, President Osmani also spoke about the contribution of the US of A to the economic empowerment and international subjectivity of Kosovo, including the membership in important organizations and international conventions.
The President: We must all be as one until no woman fears for her life
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has reacted concerning the brutal murder of M.Zh. at the hands of her husband in Lower Gushterica, municipality of Graçanica. President Osmani’s full post: One less woman, one murderer more! Terrified and outraged by the brutal murder of M.Zh. at the hands of her husband in Lower Gushterica, municipality of Graçanica. Such atrocities that continue to attack our society must not be tolerated. This cruel act is not an isolated incident but a disturbing act of violence against women, that calls for immediate and decisive action. Justice institutions must ensure that, through the correct implementation of laws and sentencing guidelines, they put an end to femicide. Unfortunately, we see all too often cases where offenders are released with much lower sentences than those provided by law. I express my deepest condolences to the family of the victim and we stand by all those who have lost their family members due to femicide. We must all be as one until no woman fears for her life!
Reaction of the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo
The Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo expresses its indignation for the unacceptable statements issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia as well as for the propaganda that is being carried out against the Republic of Kosovo in certain North Macedonian media outlets, regarding the unprecedented incident against President Osmani which took place yesterday at the Skopje international airport. Instead of an apology, yesterday and today the Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia fully justified the request of the airport security to take possession and scan the personal mobile phone of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, which is also used by the head of state for official communication even on issues of national security. Madam President has rightly rejected such a request, based on the advice she has received from the security institutions for years. Today, the Skopje Airport and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Macedonia admitted that the order was issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia for such an act, which completely contradicts the rules of handling heads of state according to diplomatic practices. We would like to once again clarify the whole situation: 1. According to international practices and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, when heads of state travel, they are protected by diplomatic privileges and immunities. This is universally known and has so far been respected by every country where Madam President has traveled, including countries that have not recognized Kosovo. The Macedonian side has been officially notified in advance of the President’s trip as per diplomatic practices. 2. It is not true that Madam President refused to have her handbag scanned. Initially, Madam President did not have luggage with her as propagated in numerous reactions in the North Macedonian media. Hence, it is a lie that she refused to have her luggage checked. She had a personal handbag which she immediately placed in the scanner, even though the security, according to international convention practices, had no right to request such a thing. The only thing that the President refused to hand over was her mobile phone. 3. It is scandalous for anyone to claim that Madam President allegedly had something suspicious in her bag. Not only is it a big lie, but this is simultaneously the most serious accusation and the most serious propaganda ever made by the media in North Macedonia towards the Republic of Kosovo. Even more scandalous is today’s statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, alleging that the interior minister of North Macedonia had certain information that led to the request to check Madam President’s personal handbag and mobile phone. This is an unprecedented tendency to denigrate not only the President but also the state of Kosovo. North Macedonia should take into account that such propaganda is being done against a President, who throughout her mandate has contributed to the expansion of positive relations between Kosovo and North Macedonia. 4. It is not true that the private company or the airport concessionaires are above the state and above the international conventions which clearly define the rules for the treatment of the heads of state. Pristina Airport is also concessioned and managed by a private company, but we would never allow a president of another country to be treated in such an undignified and arrogant manner and to be asked to take his / her mobile phone for placement in the scanners. 5. Such an act is not a good practice and contradicts security protocols and international practices, given that the mobile phone of the Head of State is known to be used for official communication, including on security issues. The inspection of the President’s handbag was contrary to these standards, but despite this, she immediately placed the bag in the scanner. 6. Even though the Kosovo Police communicated in advance to the Skopje airport officials the applicable rules in such situations, they tried to physically hinder Madam President, in which case and in full compliance with the security protocols, the Kosovo Police reacted professionally. 7. Yesterday’s situation at the Skopje Airport cannot be explained or evaluated in any other way, except as a pure provocation and a tendency to cause an incident. 8. Instead of making excuses and allowing the propaganda against the Republic of Kosovo, we ask the official authorities in Skopje to urgently treat the case with high seriousness and to take appropriate measures against the officials who carried out this attack on the Republic of Kosovo. 9. In all Madam President’s travels, from the USA to other countries in the region, the rules on the treatment of the heads of state are fully respected and it is NEVER requested to touch, let alone submit to the scanner, either the President’s mobile phone or handbag and not even her carry on case. 10. These are rules that every state respects and even the non-recognising states have also respected them because the head of state represents the state itself. So Kosovo in this case is not asking for anything other than respect for the norms that are applied everywhere in the world. Any violation of these norms is considered a violation and disrespect to the state itself.
Madam President: The issue of the bridge should not be a topic of the dialogue with Serbia
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, has reacted to today’s statement issued by the EU that the issue of opening the Ibër bridge should be a topic of the dialogue with Serbia. President Osmani’s full reaction: Reaction to today’s EU statement that the issue of the opening of the Ibër bridge should be a topic of the dialogue with Serbia The issue of the bridge should not be a topic of the dialogue with Serbia. Such a thing would be a serious violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutionality in our country. Vucic has no say on when the bridges shall open for traffic in the Republic of Kosovo. The only dialogue that should take place is the one within Kosovo, between our institutions and our security partners (especially with NATO) in order to build a joint implementation plan for the opening of the bridge to any traffic, which takes into consideration the security assessments and the interests of our citizens.
President Osmani received the Italian Ambassador Antonello De Riu
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the Italian Ambassador to Kosovo, Antonello De Riu. The latest developments in the country, with a special focus on security issues and the importance of regular coordination with international partners in order to address the developments in this field as successfully as possible, always keeping in mind the interest of the country, were discussed at the meeting. In relation to the developments in the Dialogue process, President Osmani reiterated that keeping the EU measures in force is one of the great injustices which, above all, directly harm the well-being of all citizens of the country. President Osmani and Ambassador De Riu also discussed the good bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to their further advancement. In this direction, the importance of bilateral visits, as well as regular exchanges between the institutions of both countries in areas of common interest, was emphasized.