President Vjosa Osmani commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Massacre in Dyz in Podujevë
On April 18, 1999, the largest massacre in the Llap region took place in the village of Dyz in Podujevë. 25 years ago, the forces of the Serbian genocidal regime committed one of the most macabre crimes, in the village of Dyz in Podujevë, where they cruelly tortured and executed 70 men, women and children. Humbly remembering and honoring all the victims of the Dyz massacre and all the victims executed by the Serbian genocidal regime, we will never stop seeking justice, because crimes never age and criminals must definitely receive the punishment they deserve. May the memory and honor be eternal for all those who fell for freedom!
On Martyrs’ Day, President Osmani remembers the martyrs of the municipality of Prishtina
The Day of the Martyrs of Prishtina is the day to honor the sacrifice of all the martyrs of the KLA, who fell for our freedom. Their courage, bravery and unwavering devotion to the cause of freedom are an inspiration to generations. This day is not only a memory for them, but hope for us and for the future. We will honor their memory not only with words, but also with deeds, by making our state more and more powerful. The Republic of Kosovo is the ideal of generations and the contribution of the KLA martyrs, who fulfilled our dream of freedom and state! May the memory of all KLA martyrs be eternal!
President Osmani received the French Ambassador
President Vjosa Osmani received at a meeting the French Ambassador in Kosovo, Mr. Olivier Guérot. After the vote in favour of Kosovo’s accession with more than two thirds of the deputies in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the meeting discussed the developments and expectations before the meeting of the Committee of Ministers. Among other things, President Osmani and Ambassador Guérot also discussed the halting of citizens, as well as the arrest of Kosovo police officers by Serbia in the border areas. President Osmani emphasized that it is clear who is behind this and where responsibility should be sought. Moreover, she underlined that the inhumane treatment and the blocking of the free movement of citizens constitutes a serious violation of human rights. She also stated that these developments create a tense atmosphere and fear among citizens. On this occasion, Ambassador Guérot congratulated President Osmani on a successful organization and running of the second edition of the Forum on Women, Peace and Security.
President Osmani received the American Ambassador, Jeffrey Hovenier
The President of the Republic of Kosovo today received at a regular meeting the US Ambassador, Jeffrey Hovenier. On this occasion, Ambassador Hovenier congratulated President Osmani for a successful edition of the International Forum on Women, Peace and Security, appreciating her and Kosovo’s commitment to advancing this agenda in the country, as well as internationally. The latest development in the country were also discussed at the meeting, where the President highlighted the serious violation of human rights and the agreement on freedom of movement by Serbia, by halting the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo in border crossing areas and their unacceptable treatment, as well as the illegal arresting of the members of the Kosovo Police. The meeting also discussed the process of Kosovo’s membership into the Council of Europe as well as the preparations being undertaken to ensure a smooth voting process which is going to be held this weekend in the north of the country. Discussion topics also included the preparations being undertaken as well as the coordination with the allies ahead of the following meeting of the United Nations Security Council, where Kosovo will be represented by President Osmani.
President Vjosa Osmani awarded the Europe Prize by the Pan-European Foundation
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, was awarded the European Prize by the Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi Pan-European Foundation for her commitment to relations with Euro-Atlantic partners, as well as her dedication to the pro-European orientation, democracy, and the rule of law. In the announcement published by the Foundation, President Osmani has been praised for her clear European political stance and orientation, which she defends with dedication, despite the delicate security situation in the region and the ongoing threat from Serbia. Furthermore, in the announcement released by the Pan-European Foundation, President Osmani has been recognized for her work and dedication to democracy and the rule of law, as well as for Kosovo’s integration into the European Union. Furthermore, in the announcement, the President is appreciated for her political stance followed with full conviction regarding the importance of transatlantic relations, which in her commitment supports the philosophy of the architect of Kosovo’s independence, President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, who was awarded the same prize 20 years ago. The laureates of this award include various global personalities, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel, former President Ronald Reagan, and the historic President of Kosovo Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. The announcement from the Foundation on the prize award is enclosed below. https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20240418_OTS0034/europapreis-coudenhove-kalergi-2024
President Osmani’s speech at the graduation of the Kosovo Police 59th generation
Dear Prime Minister Kurti, Deputy Prime Ministers Gërvalla e Rexhepi, Dear Minister Sveçla, Director Hoxha, Dear management staff of the Kosovo Police and academic staff of the Academy for Public Safety, Dear officers of the Republic of Kosovo, Dear cadets of the 59th Generation, Respected proud families of our cadets, Highly esteemed participants, I am pleased to be present at today’s graduation ceremony of the 59th generation of young police officers, which is extremely important not only for them but for all of us, and at the same time marks the culmination of exceptional work and great efforts to become guardians of our Republic. As you, honoured cadets, solemnly pledge to protect and serve today, we feel extraordinary pride and admiration for each of you. Hundreds of cadets, among whom many girls and women and many members of minority communities, from today onwards wear the uniform of the Police of our Republic. This diversity that includes all communities in our Republic is the value of the Kosovo Police, which belongs to everyone and is for everyone, and this has been continuously demonstrated. As of today, all of you are police officers of the Republic of Kosovo. You have thus far demonstrated unwavering dedication, discipline, and great work to support security, justice and integrity. From now on, you are in defense of every citizen of our Republic, without distinction. Therefore, in this work and in this important mission, let the heroes of Kosovo be heroes, including hero Afrim Bunjaku, your eternal guide on how to protect the state and serve the homeland. The Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo is your guide, so you will join the ranks of the Police to firmly assume the responsibility for maintaining public order and security throughout the territory of our Republic as well as the responsibility for protecting our borders in cooperation with all our allies, who have always stood by us. Threats and risks are our daily reality, so it is imperative that the Republic of Kosovo, with its institutions, be a full member of Interpol and Europol. To be a police officer is not just a profession, it is a mission and a cause for an environment where everyone feels safe and free. This work requires courage in the face of difficulties, compassion and support in certain moments, and unwavering commitment to the oath you will all take today. You are in uniform, but you are part of the citizens, because you will serve them, you will serve all of us, and above all, you will serve our Republic, making us all feel safe. You are embarking on a journey full of challenges, but be aware that you are the hope of those you serve! The hope of all our citizens! While we constantly face security challenges, let us not forget that even in these moments, 5 police officers of our Republic are being held hostage by a chauvinistic state, Serbia. Therefore, we call on all our allies to raise their voices and increase efforts to stop such atrocities and chauvinistic actions against our citizens and our police. Nevertheless, I am convinced that today’s oath and all these cadets, and this multi-ethnic group, are the most powerful response to such attempts. In your hands, dear cadets, in the hands of our Republic’s police, lies the future of our citizens, so it is up to you to shape it with courage, dedication and unwavering determination, for all our citizens, regardless of ethnicity. May the God bless you on your sacred journey! Respected families, be proud of our sons and daughters, your sons and daughters, with the guardians of our Republic! May the God bless you! Thank you!
President Osmani on the holding of citizens at the border points: Vucic is responsible for this
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, reacted following the holding of many citizens at the border points. “Serbia is retaliating against the citizens of Kosovo one day after the vote in the PACE of the Council of Europe, holding many of them hostage at the border points, intimidating them, confiscating their documents and depriving them of food. One man is responsible for this: Vucic. As I did throughout the day, I urge our partners for swift action” wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani met with justice institutions concerning the issue of gender-based murders
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani held today a meeting with the Chairman of the KJjK Albert Zogaj, the deputy of the Acting Chief State Prosecutor, Agron Qala, and the National Coordinator for cases of domestic violence at the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor, Sevdije Morina. At the meeting, President Osmani reiterated the deep concern regarding the alarming phenomenon of the murder of women, as well as the urgent need to strictly implement the punitive provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo. Also, President Osmani laid out the need to implement the guidelines for the punitive policy in cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence, as well as to work towards the tightening of this policy. In this regard, President Osmani called on the justice institutions of to urgently take all measures according to the legislation in force for prosecutors and judges, who lay down sentences and verdicts that are not in prescribed by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo and the penal policy guide. Also, on the 25th anniversary of the massacre of Poklek and Çikatovë e Vjetër, President Osmani called on the justice institutions to urgently interrogate the survivors of these massacres to bring justice to the victims.
The President paid tribute in Poklek and Çikatovë e vjetër: On this anniversary, as for every other anniversary, we call for justice
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, accompanied by the Speaker of the Assembly Glauk Konjufca and the Mayor of Drenas Municipality Ramiz Lladrovci, paid tribute today in Poklek and Çikatovë e vjetër in Drenas. President Osmani said that April is a month of aching anniversaries for the Republic of Kosovo, because we commemorate many massacres committed upon civilians. “And the one here in Poklek, is among the most terrible, cruelest massacres, a Holocaust in terms of similarity and the cruelty that was committed against children, against the elderly, against women, against vulnerable people, against babies not older than six months of age”, said President Osmani. Madam president also stated that in Poklek, in the house she visited following the tributes, civilians were burned several times in a row, and none was spared despite their age. “Babies were executed, as I said, and children whom, the only thing they wanted, all they expected, was to live safely, to live with their parents and to live freely. The youngest victim of this massacre was named Liri (Freedom), only six months old, as a symbol of the sacrifice that both Lirie and her entire family would make, so that we can live free today”, said the President. President Osmani said that on this anniversary, as for every other anniversary, we call for justice, adding that those who ordered this massacre are known by name and surname. “The Centre for Humanitarian Law has gathered evidence on the person who was in charge of the police force that burned these families that day, that executed these families, but unfortunately those who ordered to let them go are not behind bars, but have received medals and promotions from Aleksander Vucic, who is the head of Serbia today”, said the President. The president thanked Mr. Muqolli and all the family members, as well as Teuta Elshani and others who never stopped telling the truth about this massacre and never stopped seeking justice.
The President: Today, Kosovo marked a historic moment in its European path
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani stated that today, Kosovo marked a historic moment in its European path. Madam President’s full post: Today, Kosovo marked a historic moment in its European journey. Today’s vote at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is a demonstration of our commitment to justice, equality and the basic principles of democracy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all those who, via a PRO vote, supported all the citizens of Kosovo and our cause for human rights. Congratulations to Kosovo and everyone who contributed to this historic achievement! One more step towards full membership!