Acting President Haxhiu received the Acting Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu received today the Acting Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova. At this meeting, Ms. Palatova handed over to Acting President Haxhiu the final report of the European Union Expert Mission for the 2025 parliamentary elections, as well as the report on the assessment mission for the municipal elections held in October and November 2025, stressing that these electoral processes were proof of Kosovo’s democratic maturity. The current political circumstances and the importance of the functioning of key state institutions, including the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, the Prosecutorial Council and the Judicial Council of Kosovo, were also discussed at the meeting. Acting President Haxhiu assured Ms. Eva Palatova that the findings and recommendations presented in the evaluation reports will be carefully reviewed and addressed responsibly, in order to further strengthen democratic processes in Kosovo. “Kosovo remains committed to democratic standards, the rule of law and its European path,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: Sali Çekaj lived and fell to unite those who divided us by force, turning the border into a memory, and his name into a permanent obligation for freedom!
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today at the Memorial Academy, held on the occasion of the Battle of Koshare Veterans Day and the day of the fall of the hero of Kosovo, Sali Çekaj, under the patronage of Acting President Haxhiu, within the framework of the activities “Albanian Days” 2026. Acting President Haxhiu, in her speech on this occasion, said that history gives meaning to time, but its direction is determined by people, those who, according to her, in difficult moments, do not wait for circumstances to change, but take upon themselves the burden to change them, among them is the hero Sali Çekaj, whom we remember today, on the 27th anniversary of his fall. “The life of Sali Çekaj cannot be separated from the course of Kosovo’s history. Born in Broliq, in a family with patriotic tradition, trained as a lawyer and later engaged as a judge, he could have chosen a quieter life. But, he chose the most difficult path, the one that requires courage, sacrifice and unwavering belief that freedom cannot be given away. His upbringing did not allow him to stand aside in the face of repression and the tendency to exterminate the Albanian people of Kosovo by the Serbian regime”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that since 1991, at a time when the armed resistance had not yet taken full shape, Sali, together with the legendary KLA commander, Adem Jashari and Zahir Pajaziti, engaged for the freedom of our country. “From the first military preparations, the organization of groups in the country and in exile, or the provision of financial resources, Sali Çekaj was there. All this commitment was not seen at that time, but it was precisely this early commitment that made history possible. Because wars are not won only at the front. They are won much earlier, with organization, with dedication and with courage”, added Acting President Haxhiu. She said that those preparations took shape in Koshare, where, according to her, the idea of freedom, built over years, turned into open action and direct confrontation. “In April 1999, in difficult terrain and in direct confrontation, the fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army undertook one of the most important acts of our fight for freedom: the collapse of the Albanian-Albanian border. The unjustly established border, which for decades had divided not only the land, but also the possibility of thinking about freedom as something complete. On April 9, 1999, the battle began,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She said that the confrontation was unequal, facing the Kosovo Liberation Army was a force larger in number and better equipped with weapons. But, according to Acting President Haxhiu, the KLA had less weapons, fewer soldiers, but had much more motivation, had ideals and an oath not to retreat under any conditions, adding that it was precisely this oath that changed the outcome. “Fierce fighting took place along the entire front line. As the days passed, the Serbian forces suffered heavy losses. The fight, courage and resilience of the KLA fighters forced the Serbian forces to retreat. On the battlefield, on April 19, 1999, Sali Çekaj – the Veteran, whose life was intertwined with every stage of the struggle for freedom, always in the service of the homeland, always on the front line, also fell heroically”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further said that our hero strongly believed in the idea that the borders that divide a people are not eternal, and that according to her, for him, the collapse of the inter-Albanian border was the fulfilment of the centuries-old promise for freedom, statehood and to be close to each other. “He left behind the example of a man who moves from conviction to action, from word to organization, and from idea to strategy. In him, the experience of the older generation and the determination of the coming generation came together. On the 27th anniversary of his fall, we proudly say that he was a commander, a strategist destined to be a hero,” she affirmed. In the end, the Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, said that Sali Çekaj lived and fell to unite those of us who were divided by violence, turning the border into a memory, and his name into a permanent obligation for freedom!
Acting President Haxhiu, on the eve of the match between Kosovo and Bulgaria, visited the camp of the Kosovo National Team in the girls’ competition
Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, on the eve of the match between Kosovo and Bulgaria, visited the camp of the Kosovo National Team in the girls’ competition. On this occasion, Acting President Haxhiu said I am very glad that we are facing together a rather difficult challenge, but I am convinced that you will succeed, as you have consistently done so. She further stated that I know that sport, football, is not easy and requires a lot of engagement, but allow me to congratulate you on the victories so far and for the amazing performance that you have shown in the qualifications for the 2027 World Cup. Acting President Haxhiu praised the exceptional performance of the National Team in these qualifications, emphasizing that the first place in the group with maximum points brings the team closer to the next objectives and makes all of Kosovo proud. She also appreciated the character, determination and reaction shown in the victories against Gibraltar, Croatia and Bulgaria, adding that it was precisely these performances that prompted her to visit and meet the girls before the next match. Together with the coach and the entire team, you are keeping the spirit of our country high, stated the Acting President. “You, together with your coach, are elevating the name of our country. You are an inspiration to many girls in Kosovo and beyond, as your successes have already been noticed internationally. I wish you much luck and success in today’s match. I will continue to support you continuously, because your success is also the success of the country”, said the Acting President.
Acting President Haxhiu participated in the reburial ceremony of Sinan Dauti
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu participated today in the reburial ceremony of Sinan Dauti. On this occasion, she said that today we have gathered here in Prekaz i Epërm, on a day of pain and remembrance, to finally give rest to 9-year-old Sinan, whose body we knew nothing about for 27 years. Acting President Haxhiu further said that Sinan is finally resting in peace in a place that will be visited not only by his relatives and family, but also by Albanians from all over. “Sinan was only 9 years old, a child who should have grown up in play, school and dreams for the future. But his life was tragically cut short in the darkest days of the war in Kosovo. On April 12, 1999, in the Bregaj neighborhood of Prekaz, during attacks and shelling by Serbian forces, Sinan was seriously injured. After his family was forcibly removed from the village, he was first taken to the hospital in Skenderaj and then to the hospital in Mitrovicë, where he passed away. As if his murder were not enough, his body also disappeared,” said Acting President Haxhiu. For 27 years, his family lived in pain waiting to find out the whereabouts his body, adding that now, with the identification of the mortal remains in the Suhodoll cemetery in Mitrovica, this long wait is over and Sinan has returned to his place of birth. “Today, we are not here just for a reburial. We are here to honor his memory and to remember the 1392 children killed during the war in Kosovo, as well as all the innocent civilians who lost their lives in that difficult period. These testimonies are painful and remain part of our history and our collective memory. This event reminds us of the great price of freedom that our people have paid. This event obliges us to never forget our history”, emphasized U.D. President Haxhiu. In the end, the Acting President said that the memory of Sinan remains a permanent call for responsibility, but also for justice, a call so that no other family goes through such pain.
Acting President Haxhiu paid homage and delivered a speech on the anniversary of the massacre in Dyz, Podujevë
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, paid homage today in Dyz and delivered a speech on the occasion of the anniversary of the massacre committed by Serbian forces against Albanian civilians during the war in Kosovo. In her speech, Acting President Haxhiu said that 27 years ago, in mid-April, the residents of Llap and Gollak, in an attempt to find salvation, faced the brutal violence of the Serbian occupying forces. “There were no soldiers there. There were men, women, children, the elderly and ordinary people who only wanted to live in peace. That’s all they wanted: to live in peace and with dignity. But, they faced organized, planned violence, they faced inhuman violence,” emphasized the Acting President Haxhiu. She recalled that over 200 unarmed Albanian civilians were massacred in this genocidal act of Serbia and that remembering them remains a permanent obligation. “Today, we are here to commemorate this tragic event. We are here never to forget. Remembrance is a moral duty, it is a human duty, remembrance is also a national duty”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Speaking about the lack of justice, she said that the truth about these crimes is known and that those responsible must be brought to justice. “As institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, we have created the legal basis for the prosecution and punishment of war criminals even in absentia. Therefore, today from this place, I call on the justice institutions to engage with all their capacities, to file indictments and trials against those responsible for these serious crimes. Justice must not be lacking”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Finally, she emphasized that the greatest honor for martyrs and martyrs is the daily work for justice, development, security and prosperity for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
Acting President Haxhiu paid homage at the statue of hero Zahir Pajaziti and at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Velani on Prishtina Martyrs’ Day
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, paid homage at the statue of hero Zahir Pajaziti, on the Martyrs’ Day of the Municipality of Prishtina. Acting President Haxhiu said that on the Prishtina Martyrs’ Day, we respectfully appreciate the life and work of our hero Zahir Pajaziti, but also all his comrades. “Zahir Pajaziti and his comrades were among the first to give meaning to the organized resistance against the regime of that time, and they served as an example of courage and determination in extremely difficult circumstances for our country”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. According to the Acting President Haxhiu, their contribution was not only a guerrilla, military, or professional contribution, but it was also a moral contribution, due to the fact that they raised the hope that our country could gain freedom, be liberated and become independent. She further said that they also served as an inspiration for many young men and women to join the ranks of the Kosovo Liberation Army. “Today, we honour the life and work of our hero Zahir Pajaziti, of all the martyrs of Prishtina, but also all the martyrs of the nation. The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as our society, should never forget their contribution, because in fact it was due to their contribution that we live in a free and independent state today”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Afterwards, the Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, paid homage at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Velani, on the Martyrs’ Day of the Municipality of Prishtina. Acting President Haxhiu said that we are here, at the Martyrs’ Cemetery of Pristina, on the day dedicated to the contribution and sublime work of the Martyrs of Pristina. “As Acting President, I exalt the work of our Martyrs. “Their contribution helped Kosovo to be liberated, free, and independent,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further said that as institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, we have an obligation to never forget the work of those who acted in circumstances when everything was most difficult. “They gave everything of themselves so that today we have a free state, an independent state. And we as institutions of the Republic of Kosovo are obliged to engage ourselves even more so that Kosovo, our state, is a place where everyone is treated with dignity, where there is equality, where there is justice, and where there is economic development,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu has decreed the promulgation of 6 important laws, approved by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu has decreed the promulgation of 6 important laws, approved by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, which directly affect some of the key sectors in country’s development. “These laws pave the way for investments in clean energy, in increasing efficiency in public buildings, in improving road infrastructure and in wastewater treatment. They also strengthen regional cooperation and create more opportunities for our young people in accessing higher education in the Western Balkans”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that through these steps, the Republic of Kosovo continues to expand its partnership with international financial institutions and the European Union, orienting development towards sustainability and European integration. The laws decreed by the Acting President Haxhiu are: Law No. 10/L-011 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Investment Bank for the Draft Law on Solar Photovoltaic Energy in KEK – Global Gateway. Law No. 10/L-013 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement – Prishtina-Mitrovicë High Speed Road Project (additional loan) between the Saudi Fund for Development and the Republic of Kosovo. Law No. 10/L-010 on Ratification of “Amendment No. 2 to the Financing Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union for the IPA 2017 program, Part One”. Law No. 10/L-008 on Ratification of the Agreement on Access to Higher Education and Admission to Studies in the Western Balkans. Law No. 10/L-012 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo, represented by the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings Project. Law No. 10/L-014 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the “Podujevë Wastewater Treatment Plant” Project.
Acting President Haxhiu paid homage in Poklek, Çikatovë e Vjetër and Krajkovë
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, accompanied by the Deputy Local Government Administration Minister Arton Konushevci and other representatives, paid homage today in Poklek, Çikatovë e Vjetër and Krajkovë. Acting President Haxhiu said that the Poklek Massacre is evidence of Serbia’s genocide in Kosovo. “27 years ago, on April 17th 1999, the Muqolli, Elshani, Caraku and Hoxha families were stopped by Serbian forces, forced to return forcibly to their homes and then attacked with hand grenades and automatic weapons. But this was not enough for Serbia, it was not enough for the Serbian criminals, their bodies were burned several times, in order to hide the traces of their genocide. The Elshani family house today contains evidence of this genocide and this massacre. For this very reason, this massacre will never be forgotten by any generation and will always remain in our collective memory.” From Poklek, Acting President Haxhiu called on the justice institutions to address the crimes that Serbia has committed in Kosovo without delay. “We have asked the justice institutions to deal with war crimes cases. From here as well, I call on the justice institutions to address, without delay, the crimes that Serbia has committed in Kosovo, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the Serbian genocide in Kosovo. Now we also have the trial in absentia, for, as you know, Serbia does not hand over war criminals. Therefore, from this place, from here where 53 unarmed, innocent civilians were killed, of whom 23 were children of 6 months to 14 years old, I call on all institutions, in this case the police and the prosecution, to act without delay. We have said that any request that the justice institutions have in relation to the executive, the Parliament or any other institution, we will address without delay”, emphasized Madam Acting President. Acting President Haxhiu, today also paid homage in Çikatovë e Vjetër. “In Çikatovë e Vjetër, 24 unarmed civilians were killed. After they were killed, their bodies were sent to Rashkë in Serbia, in order to hide the crime committed in the Çikatovë e Vjetër massacre. It is very important for justice institutions to address, without delay, the war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide that Serbia has committed in Kosovo,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Speaking in relation to the increase of capacities of both the Police of the Republic of Kosovo and the Special Prosecution, Acting President Haxhiu said that we have established the Institute for Documentation of War Crimes, in order to document all massacres, all murders, all rapes, all burned houses, citizens who have been expelled from their properties, but also all other crimes that Serbia has committed in Kosovo. “The Institute is already working in this direction, in accordance with its responsibilities. But, even considering that Serbia has become a haven for war criminals and terrorists who carry out terrorist attacks in peacetime, we have enabled changes to the Criminal Code, the Procedural Code, to enable trials in absentia, in order for criminals to be punished and, wherever they are caught, to come and serve their sentences in the Republic of Kosovo. We are committed to addressing all our responsibilities and of course we are close to the families in these difficult moments, because despite the fact that 27 years have passed since the massacres in Kosovo, the pain remains great”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Later, Acting President Haxhiu also paid homage in Krajkovë, at the grave of the martyr Sokol Elshani. “Martyr Sokol Elshani comes from a patriotic family hat has always contributed to the national cause and to the Republic of Kosovo. He started his engagements very early in life. In fact, during the demonstrations of 1990, he was severely attacked and seriously injured by Serbian forces. Today we honor his life and work. The Republic of Kosovo, our generations, our youth, as well as everyone else, are lucky to have martyrs who have contributed so much to our country, and who are an example of how the homeland should be honored,” emphasized Acting President. According to Acting President Haxhiu, the most difficult thing, wherever we go to commemorate the anniversary of the massacres, is the demand for justice, which comes precisely from the family members, and upon this we also join the call for justice. “We are with the families during these difficult moments, as, despite the fact that 27 years have passed since these massacres were committed, the pain is great and of course, as institutions we have an obligation to work incessantly in this direction,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Maxime Prévot
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, received today the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. Maxime Prévot. Acting President Haxhiu thanked Mr. Prévot for the continuous and unwavering support that Belgium has provided to the Republic of Kosovo over the years, during crucial periods of our history in the process of state-building and international consolidation of the country. The excellent relations between Kosovo and Belgium, as well as the important contribution of our diaspora in Belgium, in strengthening the ties between the two countries, were highly praised during the meeting. Both interlocutors discussed the possibilities for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on advancing economic cooperation and creating new investment opportunities and partnerships between the two countries. Acting President Haxhiu reiterated the importance of advancing the European Union accession process as well as Kosovo’s unwavering commitment to membership in the Council of Europe and NATO.
Acting President Haxhiu received in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu received today, at a farewell meeting, the non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mandate. On this occasion, Acting President Haxhiu thanked Ambassador Hifzi for his engagement and contribution to advancing relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The good relations between the two countries and the continuous support that Saudi Arabia has provided to the Republic of Kosovo over the years were highly praised at the meeting. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, investments, and inter-institutional partnerships. In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu wished Ambassador Hifzi success in his forthcoming diplomatic and professional engagements.