The President: Genocide deniers can never be turned into factors of peace
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani commemorated the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. Below is Madam President’s full post: 8372 innocent lives! 8372 mothers of Srebrenica who are still demanding justice for their sons! A genocide that will never be forgotten. A regime that even today denies the genocide in Srebrenica and everywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina, just as it denies the genocide in Kosovo. The same regime that advocated genocide then and that attacks Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina even today. Genocide deniers can never be turned into factors of peace. Eternal memory to all the victims of Milosevic’s genocidal regime!
President Vjosa Osmani received the German ambassador to Kosovo Jörn Rohde
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the German Ambassador Jörn Rohde, with whom she discussed the security situation in the country, with special emphasis on the situation in the north of the country and the engagements of the institutions of Kosovo for the de-escalation of the situation. According to President Osmani, Kosovo has demonstrated its will for de-escalation, offering to hold elections in the north and that it shall overcome the current challenges together with its partners. President Osmani also discussed with Ambassador Rohde the preparations being made for the forthcoming Berlin Process Summit, as well as the NATO Summit in Lithuania.
President Osmani received the UNDP representative in Kosovo Nuno Querios
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the UNDP representative in Kosovo Nuno Querios, to whom she bid a warm welcome and expressed her willingness to continue the cooperation on projects which will be implemented in Kosovo by the UNDP. During the meeting, President Osmani highly praised the UNDP contribution in supporting many programs and projects in Kosovo, with special emphasis on those for women, youth, the environment and people with special needs. President Osmani asked for support for the projects, which are among the priorities of her mandate, and which include the economic empowerment of women, support for children with special needs as well as for the green agenda ones. The UNDP representative expressed his openness to cooperate in support of these priorities, considering similar projects being carried out in the region. The Women, Peace and Security Forum, which is organized by President Osmani, was also discussed during the meeting. Madam President thanked UNDP for the partnership and cooperation so far, and for the reaffirmation of support for this year as well.
President Osmani’s speech at the reception organized by the U.S. Embassy in honor of the Independence Day of the United States
Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Prime Minister, Friends of Kosovo and friends of the United States, Happy Fourth of July! There are indeed very few countries in the world where love of your country is so deeply connected with love for America. In our country, that feeling is second to none. Whether you talk to a grandma in Dragash, a young man in Prizren, a farmer in Shala e Bajgores, or a woman police officer in Mitrovica, whether you talk to young people while they’re enjoying their nightlife in Prishtina, or while on a hiking in the amazing mountains around our country, …love of Kosova and love of America are one. While the Fourth of July is indeed a proud day for all Americans, it is a day of vast gratefulness for the people of Kosovo. The unity that this day sparks is not confined only within the United States … it goes well beyond its borders. Americans at home and abroad are united through a festive spirit celebrating the values and the ideals that this great nation is built on, while reaffirming their commitment to one another and to allies around the world to continue to preserve, promote, and further advance them. Equally so, in every corner of Kosovo, we join Americans all around the world not just to celebrate this important day, but also to express our utmost appreciation for our longstanding partnership and for the contribution that the United States has made to our freedom, our independence, and our state-building process. But, equally so, for the support we continue to receive as we walk on our Euro-Atlantic path. Dear friends, While successes have historically shaped our alliances, the challenges were not absent either. Yet, we always persevered and thrived, because a partnership that is built on solid foundations and shaped by joint future aspirations, is a partnership that is bound to last forever. When we met last year, we were hopeful that this would be eventually a year where we would reunite under the free skies of Europe. We were hopeful that our continent would finally be at peace. Unfortunately, that is not the case yet. Hence, even though today is a day of celebration, it is also a reminder of the fact that the values that unite us, are the values that must guide our actions in overcoming our mutual challenges. These are the values that we must continue to collectively defend and protect. Because the struggle for freedom and human rights is far from over and when the democratic values are critically under threat, the need for unity, partnership and alliances becomes even greater. Dear Ambassador, U.S. diplomats, American friends, The United States has long been a beacon of inspiration for the Republic of Kosovo. We will always continue to look up to the United States. I always say that we are in fact an extension of American values. So, when we say, Kosovo is your home too, I truly hope that you feel that strongly with every passing day. To us, the United States is not simply an ally – but, rather – a guide – a guide and a leader in our global efforts to champion freedom, democracy, and justice for all. The support that the US has historically extended to us has not only been one of crucial importance, but it has been one of existential dimensions. I am confident that numerous chapters of cooperation remain to be unveiled between our two countries, but it is the backbone of this alliance that makes us rest assured that the path forward is the right one. The U.S. stands as a synonym to our freedom and liberty. Because of your determination, our liberation struggle culminated with a right to choose our very own path. You graciously offered us aid in reconstructing our homes, homes ravaged and desecrated by the fires of war. You provided unwavering support in establishing the foundations of our institutions, spanning from our police force to our constitutional court, and in formulating the laws that sustain the tranquility of our nation. The foundations of our young Republic stand as a testament to your unconditional dedication to upholding peace of our sovereign state. The principles that embody the U.S. permeate every aspect of our Declaration of Independence and formed the cornerstone of our arguments before the International Court of Justice. It was the U.S. that consistently advocated for us in various forums and meetings, whether it be to solidify our statehood, secure recognitions, or assert our undeniable right to sovereignty. You have stood alongside us in constructing our military, ensuring its growth adheres to the highest NATO standards and its readiness to contribute to global peace and stability, a role it already fulfills. Nothing showcases that better than the symbolism of the very first uniforms that were worn by our members of the army, right after the KSF was created: they were United States uniforms, uniforms that were previously worn by US soldiers. An army that came to our rescue and turned into a savior. A savior of our lives and defender of the values of freedom and democracy. So dear friends let us remember all this, and so much more, whenever someone might feel that there are challenges to this partnership. Let us remember that it is the duty of us all to make sure that we defend and nourish this alliance, as it is this alliance that keeps the foundations of our statehood, sovereignty and territorial integrity so strong. Let us remember that our greatest power lies precisely in the partnerships that are built in shared values but also in our shared vision for the future. This is no time for doubts or questions, let alone disagreements. Instead, this is time for appreciation, gratefulness and dedication to being there for one another and supporting one another. So, on this U.S. independence celebration, let us all recommit ourselves to the ideals and values that the heart of every American and
President Osmani met with the NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Operations, Thomas Goffus
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani met today with NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations Thomas Goffus and the accompanying NATO and KFOR delegation. The security situation in the north of the country and the steps towards its de-escalation were discussed at the meeting. President Osmani thanked Assistant Secretary Goffus for his visit and emphasized the importance of NATO’s presence in ensuring peace and stability in Kosovo. She reiterated Kosovo’s strong dedication to NATO partnership and to its contribution to regional and global security. President Osmani underlined Kosovo’s commitment to further strengthening of the cooperation with NATO. “We remain dedicated to our responsibilities as a reliable NATO partner, actively contributing to regional security. Kosovo will continue to work closely with NATO to address security challenges and the promotion of peace and stability in the Western Balkans” stated President Osmani among other things. In relation to the security situation in the north, President Osmani potentiated that Kosovo’s institutions are committed to overcoming the current challenges and strengthening the rule of law together with international partners. She also emphasized that Kosovo has demonstrated the will for de-escalation, offering the holding of new elections in the north of the country, in compliance with Kosovo’s legal framework.
President Osmani received the Kosovo Police Officers Beqir Sefa, Rifat Zeka and Shemë Mustafa
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the Kosovo Police Officers Beqir Sefa, Rifat Zeka and Shemë Mustafa, kidnapped by Serbia and released a few days ago. President Osmani welcomed the policemen and at the same time thanked the entire Kosovo Police for their continuous engagement for a safe and peaceful environment. ” Kosovo Police is the key institution for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. The institutions and citizens of Kosovo recognize your dedication and sacrifice, but also that of all the women and men in police uniform, who protect the Republic in all of its corners,” stated President Osmani. The three policemen thanked President Osmani for the reception and expressed their determination to continue their engagements in order to ensure a peaceful environment and the territorial integrity of Kosovo.
President Osmani received the new head of the EULEX Mission Giovanni Pietro Barbano
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the new head of the EULEX Mission, Mr. Giovanni Pietro Barbano, whom she congratulated on the commencement of his mandate. At the meeting with Mr. Pietro Barbano President Osmani emphasized that the cooperation with EULEX in terms of the current mandate of this mission and with other law enforcement institutions in the country is extremely important, especially during the current period. President Osmani also pointed out that Kosovo, as a country that aspires integrate into the Euro-Atlantic institutions, is committed to continuous coordination and cooperation in guaranteeing professional integrity and the implementation of the best international practices. At the meeting, Madam President also spoke of the importance of cooperation in the field of the rule of law and fighting organized crime in overcoming security challenges, as well as in protecting the rights of women, children and non-majority communities.
President Osmani received in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kosovo Pavel Bílek
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kosovo Pavel Bílek, whom she thanked for his contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations. According to President Osmani, the Czech Republic has continuously supported Kosovo’s state-building efforts and its European perspective. In this spirit, President Osmani laid out the need for continued support from the Czech side to the processes of Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, on which she received Ambassador Bílek’s confirmation. President Osmani exchanged views with Ambassador Bílek on the latest political and security developments in the country and emphasized that Kosovo is committed to the implementation of legality throughout the country, as well as to peace and stability. According to President Osmani, Kosovo will overcome the current challenges together with its partners and allies. President Osmani and Ambassador Bílek expressed joint optimism for the future of Kosovar-Czech relations, as they highlighted the potential for the expansion of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The President: February 17th and July 4th symbolize the very same thing: FREEDOM
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, congratulated the 4th of July, the Independence Day of the United States of America. President Osmani said that on July 4th we celebrate the freedom of the United States of America in as much as we celebrate our own freedom. Below is President Osmani’s full post: On February 17th, the day of Kosovo’s independence, as many US flags are flown as are Kosovo ones. On the 4th of July, we celebrate the freedom of the USA as much as we celebrate our own. Because our freedom has US footprints everywhere. In the lives saved, in the institutions built, in every line of the Declaration of Independence, in every recognition of this independence, in every success and in every achievement. Because February 17th and July 4th symbolize the very same thing: FREEDOM. Freedom built on alliances. An alliance that will last as long as the state of Kosovo, forever!
President Osmani received the EU Special Representative for Dialogue, Mr. Miroslav Lajčák
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the EU Special Representative for Dialogue, Mr. Miroslav Lajčák. The current political and security challenges, with special emphasis in the north of the country, efforts to de-escalate the situation as well as the need to implement the Brussels agreement and the Ohrid annex were discussed during the meeting. President Osmani emphasized that the institutions of Kosovo are committed to overcoming the current challenges together with international partners and that Kosovo has demonstrated the will for de-escalation, offering the organization of new elections in the north of the country, in accordance with Kosovo’s legal. In the context of recent developments in the north of the country, President Osmani potentiated that criminal groups and individuals who used violence against the police, journalists, members of KFOR, EULEX and citizens must face justice. President Osmani also reiterated that Kosovo remains steadfast in its aim for peace and stability in the country and in the region.