Kosovo Security Force and Kosovo Police units Parade
Dear citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, congratulations on Liberation Day, congratulations on 25 years of freedom! Honourable President Begaj, Honourable Speaker Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister Kurti, Honourable KSF Commander, Bashkim Jashari, Honourable Excellencies, Ambassadors, Guests from all over the world, Honourable members of the KSF and of the Kosovo Police, Families of martyrs, Veterans and invalids of the Kosovo Liberation Army Veterans of the allied forces who have served for 25 years in the KFOR mission in Kosovo Once again, dear citizens who are present here today or who are following us through screens, including our extraordinary diaspora Today we are together, as on every anniversary, to commemorate, but also to celebrate one of the most significant days in the history of our state – June 12th, Liberation Day. On this day, we honor the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the people of Kosovo, a people who fought bravely for the freedom we enjoy today. This is a day to remember our painful past, but also to celebrate our present and to aim for a future filled with hope and prosperity. Our fight was not just ours. In Kosovo in 1999, the right of nations to be free was defended. In this fight, the Kosovo Liberation Army was our strongest pillar of resistance and hope. Brave women and men took up arms to defend our right to exist. Their fight was not just for the land, but for the very soul of Kosovo. Every battle they fought, every life they risked, brought us one step closer to freedom. The courage of the Liberation Army is a story of heroism that will be told from generation to generation. They were the defenders of our dreams of freedom, the guardians of our common future. Their sacrifice was infinite, their spirit was invincible. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, but must be remembered and honoured forever. They continued the path begun earlier by the peaceful resistance, led by the Historic President, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, and then followed by the armed struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army, led by the Legendary Commander Adem Jashari and the entire Jashari family. Eternal honour to the Jashari family and all the brave men who fought for freedom! As is known, our journey to freedom was not a lone one. We were supported by steadfast allies who understood the importance of our cause and stood by us in the darkest hours of our history. So, thank you to all the allied nations, led by the United States of America. Thank you for coming to our aid in 1999 to protect us from extermination by the genocidal regime of Serbia! Thank you to Albania and all Albanians wherever they live, and to other nations that opened their doors and hearts to thousands forcibly displaced from Kosovo. On June 12, 1999, KLA fighters and NATO soldiers turned fear, terror, pain, and tears into hope, making freedom a reality. Today, we celebrate not only our liberation, but also the bonds of friendship and solidarity that were forged throughout our struggle. 25 years later, we are building our National Security architecture in partnership with strategic allies – and we are doing so in order to take our rightful place as a reliable partner in the NATO alliance and all Euro-Atlantic structures. Kosovo is our eternal homeland, to which we are always indebted, as our heroes did and as our brave leader, Adem Jashari, entrusted us. Kosovo is independent, it is the legacy of our heroes and martyrs, best embodied in the brave men and women who will march in this parade of the KSF and the Police today and who have sworn to defend the homeland at all costs. Dear Allies, These forces that will parade today are forces of peace, they are in defense of peace, but they will be today and forever in defense of freedom washed with blood, they will be today and forever and at any cost and price in defense of Kosovo in every corner of it May God bless Kosovo and all its people, May God bless all our allies! May God bless the Kosovo Army and Police! Eternal glory to all those who fell for the freedom of our Homeland! Congratulations, dear citizens, on June 12th, let us celebrate together, generation after generation! Congratulations!
Solemn session held in honour of the 25th anniversary of the Liberation of Kosovo
Thank you very much! Honourable President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj, Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Konjufca Prime Minister of the Republic, Mr. Kurti Honourable Madam Speaker of the Parliament, Mrs. Nikolla, Honourable Former President of Switzerland, Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey Former President of Croatia, Mr. Stipe Mesić, Honourable Uncle Rifat Jashari, Jashari family, emblem of our freedom Honourable Lord Robertson, Honourable Ambassador Walker, Honourable Former Croatian Minister, Deputies and Ministers of the Republic of Kosovo, Families of martyrs, veterans and invalids of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Honourable families of martyrs and those who gave much for our freedom Ambassadors of friendly countries, Honourable participants, Dear citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, congratulations, happy 25 years of freedom to all! On June 12, 1999, when NATO forces stepped onto our soil, they were not just soldiers, they were saviours. They brought with them the promise of freedom, the assurance that the world had not forgotten the people of Kosovo, and the determination to end the atrocities committed against our people. NATO’s entry into Kosovo in June 1999 was a testament to the power of international solidarity and the unwavering belief in the universal right of a people to be free. Freedom is more than words, freedom is the very essence of our being. It is the air we breathe, it is the dream we dared to dream, it is the future we aspired to and for which our liberators fought and gave their lives. The liberation of Kosovo in 1999 was not simply a military victory and a capitulation of Milosevic’s Serbia, it was above all a triumph of the human spirit over tyranny, a triumph of good over evil and a triumph of justice over oppression. When the KFOR peacekeepers stepped onto the bloody, crushed, destroyed land of Kosovo, then the tears, screams and flowers turned into hugs that welcomed the NATO soldiers. They created a symphony of emotions of freedom. The columns of military machinery, the noise of NATO helicopters, uniforms with many flags, flags that symbolized freedom and not hatred and violence. All of this became a symbol of the salvation of the people of Kosovo from the extermination aimed at by the genocidal regime of Serbia, removing once and for all the genocidal machinery of Milosevic, ashamed and capitulated. It remains so today. NATO in Kosovo was a beacon of hope – it was a chance for justice, a chance for freedom! The cries of our people, the relentless persecution and countless lives lost in horrific massacres, forced expulsions and ethnic cleansing were cries for justice that could no longer be ignored by the international conscience. Therefore, in June ’99, the walls of tyranny collapsed, paving the way not only for a free, but also an independent and democratic Kosovo. On that day, nearly 38,000 soldiers from 36 countries communicated with the universal language of freedom. On that day, as the French philosopher and writer, Glucksman said, “Europe was born in a free Prishtina”. And today we can say, Europe was born in a free Kosovo. Therefore, on this day, we will always remember the tenacious resistance of the historic president, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova for freedom, independence and democracy as well as the powerful alliances he built together with many, many other activists which we still enjoy today. We will remember every day of our lives, but also for the generations that come after us, the unrepeatable heroism of the legendary commander Adem Jashari and the entire Jashari family, who became the cornerstone of the freedom we enjoy today. We will always live with the memory of all the martyrs of the Kosovo Liberation Army, and over 13 thousand killed during the war, among whom 1133 children killed in the last war in Kosovo alone. We will never forget the pain caused by one of the most horrific crimes known to any war, the crime of rape, as well as the pain that still continues for thousands of families in Kosovo who still have nowhere to place flowers, because the graves are empty, in search of those who disappeared violently during the war. Honourable guests, Today we stand together on our land, on our free land, living with our glorious history, while the painful memories of the war, but also the feeling of the triumph of freedom are in the heart of every citizen of Kosovo. The presence of the allies and peacekeepers was a testament to the world’s commitment to justice and human dignity. Each of them risked their lives, leaving behind their families and homes, to stand with us and with our liberators and with every citizen of Kosovo in our fight against extermination. In Kosovo, the quest for freedom has been a long and arduous journey, in fact it was centuries-old. We have faced many difficulties and suffering, but throughout this time, we have remained steadfast in our belief that freedom is worth every sacrifice. The support of our allies was a powerful affirmation of this belief. It reminded us and the world that freedom is a right that, even once achieved, must be defended and preserved at all costs and at all costs. This reminds us that alliances and partnerships with states are equally decisive in guaranteeing and maintaining the freedom we have gained, never taking it for granted. Therefore, today, as we honour the NATO soldiers who contributed to our freedom in these 25 years, we honour above all, above all the stoicism of our people and our Liberation Army, with the full conviction that freedom is not a gift, but the highest price a people can pay was paid for it. And freedom is still a responsibility today, it is a legacy that we must protect and a promise that we must fulfil for this generation and every generation that will come after us. NATO in 1999 gave us the final support for our freedom, so today we aim and deserve
The President: Kosovo and Albania, together in both good and difficult days
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani met with the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, who is visiting Kosovo at the invitation of President Osmani on the 25th anniversary of the liberation. “Kosovo and Albania, together in both good and difficult days!”, wrote Madam President.
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, at the proposal of the Judicial Council of Kosovo, has decreed one judge with an initial mandate.
At the swearing-in ceremony before the President of the Republic, Judge Miljana Radojevic swore that: “I will remain faithful to the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, the laws in force and will respect the rules of professional ethics, as well as I will perform faithfully independent, professional and impartial in its duties”. President Osmani emphasized that integrity, independence and impartiality, as well as the professionalism of judges are essential elements for a justice system that guarantees equality for all and civic trust.
Upon the initiative of the First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, and as part of the state visit of President Osmani to Slovenia in 2022, the corner of the Albanian poet Ali Podrimja was inaugurated today in the Navje park in Ljubljana
This latest expansion of “United Books on the Rise of the World”, within the “Rise Book Project”, which has been in place for 15 years now, aims to promote the culture of the state of Kosovo through the well-known work of the poet Podrimja , “I, your son Kosovo”. From today, this poem will be engraved in the Navje park in Slovenian and English. Through literary creativity, this initiative aims to build bridges between different cultures in the world, facilitate scientific dialogue and strengthen peaceful coexistence, creating opportunities for the growth of cultural and scientific knowledge. To honor the Albanian poet and to congratulate the continuation of this initiative, many other important figures accompanied the First Gentleman Sadriu at the event, such as the First Gentleman of Slovenia, the President of the National Council of Slovenia, the vice-mayor of the city of Ljubljana, and many others. In addition to this event, yesterday the First Gentleman Sadriu also visited the city of Koper, where he had the opportunity to hear more about the anthropological studies that are being carried out within the Central Library of this city.
The First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, is welcomed for an official lunch at the presidential palace by the First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia Aleš Musar
As part of his two-day visit to Slovenia, the First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, was welcomed by his Slovenian counterpart Aleš Musar at the presidential palace in Ljubljana. During the official lunch of the two counterparts, views were shared on current global issues, but also on new opportunities for cooperation in areas of common interest to both countries. They also discussed the importance of their role and continued support in fulfilling the agendas of the respective heads of state. At the end of the meeting, the First Gentleman Sadriu invited his counterpart to visit the Republic of Kosovo at a convenient time for both parties.
President Osmani and President Begaj met with citizens in Gërmia
At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, the President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj is visiting Kosovo, where he will participate in the activities organized on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the liberation. Today President Osmani and President Begaj met many citizens in Gërmia. “With President Begaj on the eve of Liberation Day, an important anniversary of our people, which we will celebrate together!”, wrote President Osmani.
The President: The League of Prizren remains forever engraved in the minds and hearts of every Albanian
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, participated at the celebration of the 146th anniversary of the League of Prizren. Madam President’s full post: The League of Prizren remains forever engraved in the minds and hearts of every Albanian as a natural testament of the spirit of our nation! Last night we marked the anniversary of this historic event, which also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the liberation of our country. #25VjetLiri
President Vjosa Osmani’s speech at the 146th anniversary of the Albanian League of Prizren
Honourable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Kurti, Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Representatives of the Municipality of Prizren, Representatives of central and local institutions, Honourable Members of Parliament, Dear citizens of Prizren, of the Republic of Kosovo, of Albania and the entire Albanian space, Today we are again in Prizren to reflect on two key moments in the history of the Albanian and Kosovo people, events that took place more than a century apart, but are deeply interconnected in their importance: the League of Prizren of 1878 and the liberation of Kosovo on June 12, 1999. These two dates symbolize the enduring spirit of our people, our dedication to freedom and our unwavering determination in the fight for freedom and independence. Every time June 10th arrives, we return to this place where 146 years ago ideologists Ymer Prizreni, Abdyl Frashëri, Iljaz Pashë-Dibra, Sylejman Vokshi and many others gathered in the Assembly with the cause of national revival against the danger that threatened our nation. Combining the nationwide political and military organization, the League of Prizren represents the culminating organization for the liberation of Albanian lands and their protection from any threat and claim of other countries. Prizren was chosen as an appropriate place, in accordance with the geostrategic and geopolitical context of the time, with which the leadership of the League aimed at the sacred mission of national revival and revival and the realization of the natural right to freedom and independence, like other peoples in Europe. The demands and positions of the League of Prizren became the cornerstone and guiding compass of our destiny as a nation, alongside other nations of Europe. Despite the fact that the positions and demands of the Assembly of the Albanian League of Prizren were not considered by the great powers at the Congress of Berlin, its leaders came to the forefront in organizing and carrying out titanic resistance to implement the ideals associated with the decisions of the League of Lezha, led by our national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti-Skanderbeg. The continuity of numerous liberation uprisings, in particular the one in 1910 in Kosovo, then the one in 1911 led by Dedë Gjo Luli, the declaration of Independence on November 28, 1912 in Vlora and finally the declaration of independence of Kosovo on February 17, 2008, have their source, among other things, in the history of the League of Prizren. Therefore, the League of Prizren remains forever engraved in the minds and hearts of every Albanian as a natural testament to the spirit of our nation. It is precisely this goal, together with that of the League, that naturally intertwine with June 1999, with the historic victory of our people’s resistance, led through peaceful resistance initially by the historic President Ibrahim Rugova and in the liberation war of the KLA, led by the legendary Commander, Adem Jashari, and undoubtedly with the strong support of the democratic world, led by the United States of America and the entire North Atlantic Alliance (NATO). In 1998 and 1999, as in 1878, Albanians from all the areas where they live came together to support the liberation war, making Kosovo free and independent, as they dreamed and sacrificed for generations. As Mr. Tony Blair said today in the Kosovo Assembly: Kosovo was liberated from the occupying forces, because they were occupying forces, but they will never return. However, as history repeats itself, so do trends. In this turbulent time for our continent, Serbian chauvinist ambitions are once again on the scene with appetites that we have not seen in 25 years. Therefore, in the face of great security threats, our unity will serve as a force to protect our state from the chauvinist tendencies of neighbouring Serbia. We must rise above our differences, reflecting on the events of our history to find the strength just as before, so that in the function of protecting the nation and the homeland, we can all be one! Congratulations on the 146th anniversary of the League of Prizren! Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kosovo Thank you!
The President: A crystal stone for the great friend of Kosovo Tony Blair, in continuation of the tradition of the Historic President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani presented a crystal stone to the great friend of Kosovo, Mr.Tony Blair. Madam President’s full post: A crystal stone for the great friend of Kosovo Tony Blair, in continuation of the tradition of the Historic President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. Gratitude to the Rugova family for selecting and donating the stone!