President Vjosa Osmani’s statement to the media
President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the meeting with the Association of Municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo
Thank you very much! Honourable Mayor Aliu, Secretary Ahmeti, Honourable Mayors from all municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your participation today. The purpose of this meeting, as Mayor Aliu mentioned, is that in addition to addressing some specific topics that we agreed on in the meeting we had with the Board of Mayors, at the same time, I as the President will hear directly from you about the challenges you face as a municipality and about your interest in increasing cooperation with the central level, considering what the Presidency as an institution can do in this regard. I believe that this meeting is an opportunity to reaffirm our common commitment to improving the lives of citizens. Therefore, I would like to thank each of you for your continuous efforts to, through your work, increase the quality of life for the citizens living in your municipalities. Many problems that are a daily encounter in the municipalities that you represent, even exceed the administrative borders of the municipalities, because their scope is much wider, the complexity of the topics is much greater and their solution requires the mobilization of all of us together. One of these problems, for which we have invited this joint meeting, is undoubtedly gender-based violence. Before meeting with the mayors of the municipalities, of course, I had intensive meetings with the justice institutions, with the relevant ministries at the central level, with our security institutions and with other organizations, which have direct competences to deal with and confront this extremely serious problem, which is an emergency that each of us must deal with. But, of course, the municipalities can also make their contribution to eliminating this terrible phenomenon. Gender-based violence, unfortunately, has gained momentum. In recent months, we had two more murders of women. Therefore, we must have a reaction that is not only urgent, but also coordinated, because each of us knows that proper coordination of institutions and the functioning of each link where victims of gender-based violence can seek support is the only solution for eliminating this phenomenon and increasing the effectiveness of preventive measures. Of course, even at the municipal level, it is necessary for victims of gender-based violence to feel supported, because that is the first place where help is sought. We are very aware that the Police in the vast majority of cases are the first responders and we are in close and daily cooperation with the Police in this regard. However, at the same time, there are also Social Work Centres that are within the scope of the municipality and where, unfortunately, we also had a case where the murder occurred right there. Therefore, the first topic I want to discuss with you is: how can we all contribute together to increasing security in the Social Work Centres. From what we have discussed with the Board of Mayors, there is a willingness from most mayors to increase security in the Social Work Centres, from installing scanners at the beginning, so that no one can enter there, whether armed or not, without some kind of screening about the presence of this person who may pose a risk, to the necessary training that must be provided to the officials of the social work centres, so that they can provide the necessary support to victims of violence. I understand that one of the main problems is that the municipalities currently do not have enough officials in these Social Work Centres. Therefore, I am here to say that I fully support each of your requests for budget allocation, in order to increase the number of officials who will then deal with the prevention and provision of support to victims who are victims of gender-based violence. The second issue concerns the reintegration and rehabilitation of victims. You know that in a number of municipalities there are shelters, but many other municipalities do not have shelters, where victims of violence can go in cases of leaving the environment where violence has occurred. First, we must ensure that each municipality in Kosovo has a shelter, which has sustainable funding. As Presidency, we have repeatedly called for there to be a separate budget line within the budget of the Republic of Kosovo. However, in the event that there are obstacles to sustainable funding, I ask that you as a municipality, as a large number of mayors have responded, and others to be supportive, so that these centres, which in most cases are managed by NGOs, are not left at any time without the basic services that victims of gender-based violence need. But, in addition to shelter, the victim needs to be economically empowered, so that after leaving the shelter, they do not return to the place where the violence occurred. And here, I believe, the municipality Economic independence of the victims, the possibility for their training, the possibility for their employment, so that they are not forced to return to an environment that could then result in their murder. This, in addition to desire, is also a legal obligation that we have at both the central and local levels, in accordance with Article 24 of the Law on Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence. Educational programs are extremely necessary to exist at the municipal level, so that both victims and children continue their preparation, so that they are independent even after cases of violence. But, when we talk about education, I want to specifically mention early education here, not only as a point for strengthening the education system in Kosovo, but also as an element that affects the reduction of gender-based violence. Countries that have been successful in reducing the percentage of gender-based violence are countries that offer early education, consequently, they offer kindergartens, they offer a public preschool system, affordable for all their citizens. The more women, in this case mothers, have the opportunity to send their children to kindergarten, the more they will
President Osmani congratulates the first woman President of Mexico
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani congratulated the first female President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. “Congratulations to President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first woman President of Mexico. In a world facing many challenges, it is inspiring to see more women taking on leadership roles. I hope that her presidency will provide an opportunity for enhanced cooperation between our countries”, wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani concludes her visit to the friendly country of El Salvador, where she was invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Bukele
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has concluded her visit to the friendly country of El Salvador, where she was invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Bukele. President Osmani’s full post: The presence of Kosovo in Latin America and the strengthening of alliances with the countries of this part of the world is a state interest of our Republic. Yesterday I concluded my visit to the friendly country of El Salvador, where I was invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Bukele, and where I held meetings with representatives of this country and other participating countries, from the USA to countries from South and Central America , as well as ones from Africa. A very meaningful visit where great respect was shown to the state of Kosovo! Kosovo is lucky to have good friends and dedicated partners in every corner of the world!
Madam President consoles the family, relatives, colleagues and the Association of People with Disabilities on the passing of Agim Vatovci
It is with deep pain that we received the news of the passing away of human rights advocate Agim Vatovci, at the same time chairman of the Association of People with Disabilities. His contribution to the advocacy, empowerment and support of people with special needs will remain an example for generations. His dedication and unwavering passion for this cause played a tremendous role in transforming the lives of people falling within this category. I express my sincere condolences to the family, relatives, colleagues and the Association of People with Disabilities! In these difficult moments for the family, I sympathize with you and encourage you to find strength in coping with the pain. May the memory of Agim Vatovc be eternal!
President Osmani met with the Prime Minister of Belize Johnny Briceño
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, met with the Prime Minister of Belize, Johnny Briceño. Madam President’s full post: With the Prime Minister of Belize, Johnny Briceño, we discussed the many opportunities to expand the cooperation between our countries. Belize has always been an ardent supporter of Kosovo, therefore I reaffirmed the commitment of our Republic to continue strengthening our interstate relations.
President Osmani met the President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, met with the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele. Madam President’s full post: El Salvador has always been a supportive partner for Kosovo. In a bilateral meeting with President Nayib Bukele, the rule of law, economic prosperity and the expansion of alliances were at the center of discussions. Our countries have great potential for cooperation, therefore this visit is an important step towards the realization of this potential.
President Osmani alongside other world leaders at the inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of El Salvador Nayib Bukele
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, along with other leaders from around the world, participated in the inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele. President Osmani’s full post: Together with other world leaders at the Inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele. Kosovo will continue to work closely with partners in every corner of the world, to create strong alliances based on the values that unite us.
The arrival of President Osmani at the inauguration ceremony of the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele
President Osmani met the Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic Joel Santos Echavarría
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, during her stay in San Salvador, met with the Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, Joel Santos Echavarría. President Osmani’s full post: The Dominican Republic is an important ally of Kosovo in Latin America. In San Salvador, with the Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, Joel Santos Echavarría, we discussed the further deepening of our interstate relations.