President Osmani’s speech at the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III
Thank you, Ambassador. I am very pleased to be here on this wonderful occasion. Dear Ministers, Former Presidents, Members of Parliament, Representatives of Kosovo Institutions, Excellencies, Ambassadors, Distinguished guests, I am very delighted to be here, at this special gathering to celebrate the Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. This celebration organized by the British Embassy here in Prishtina, is not only a testament to the deep-rooted friendship between our two countries, but it also serves as a declaration of our commitment to shared values and our commitment to peace, and European unity. On behalf of the people of Kosovo, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our friends and partners from the United Kingdom for their unwavering support and friendship. As someone who has long served in the institutions, perhaps through some of the most pivotal moments in our history – from independence to recognitions – and much more than that, I know first-hand the immeasurable contribution that this great nation has made in our past, but also the role it will continue to play as we navigate challenges of the present and future. So, today, I hope this gathering will not only serves as a commemoration of His Majesty’s official birthday, but also serves to underscore the lasting ties between our countries and to celebrate 15 years of diplomatic relations, built on a strong historic foundation and nurtured by shared values and aspirations. But the reality is, dear friends, Mr. Ambassador, that the bond between Kosovo and the United Kingdom goes beyond shared values. There are few places in the world where there is greater admiration for the Union Jack and what the UK represents in the world. For the people of Kosovo, that flag signified safety as British troops were the first to arrive in Prishtina. To the people of Kosovo, King Charles III represents someone who stood by us in the most challenging times and supported some of the people who bear the deepest wounds of war in our society. He continues that commitment today, as confirmed when I discussed with him earlier this year. The friendship between our nations is not just a friendship, it is a special partnership forged in moments of adversity, and in moments of triumph. It is a partnership forged through mutual respect, cooperation and a shared commitment to a better future for ALL of Europe. Whether it is in the field of politics, trade, culture, transitional justice, or education, the United Kingdom has been a steadfast supporter of Kosovo’s aspirations and a catalyst for our progress. And for this, we say not just thank you, but we stand ready to give back. As we reflect on the occasion of the official birthday of His Majesty, let us remember the important role that the Royal Family has played in fostering national unity in the United Kingdom. And as we mark the first official birthday of the King, let us also remember the legacy of Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II. In the past year, the United Kingdom lost The Queen, and this loss was felt deeply by people across the world, including the people of Kosovo. The Queen led her country, with grace and humility, and put service and duty above all. Her legacy, strength and resilience is going to continue to inspire generations to come. Now under the leadership of His Majesty King Charles, I know the relationship between our two countries will only continue to strengthen. As a tireless champion of peace, diplomacy, and human rights, he will continue to be an important partner to the people of Kosovo. In these challenging times across our continent, and even closer to home, I am certain that we will continue to count on the UK’s support, but I also want to say that you can count on us, you can count on the people of Kosovo. I am confident that by coming together, listening to each other, our shared values and determination will enable us to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future for our peoples. And once again, on behalf of the people of Kosovo, Mr. Ambassador I extend my warmest wishes to His Majesty the King on this special day. To the British Embassy, thank you for hosting this event and for your steadfast support. And to all of our guests, let us continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite our nations. Thank you.
Press release from the meetings of President Osmani
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani In the process of the meetings for inter-institutional coordination, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, today invited the leaders of the opposition parties in the Assembly of Kosovo to a meeting. In addition to continuous meetings with the heads of the country’s institutions, i.e. the Speaker of the Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the ministers of other departments, the President saw it necessary to maintain regular communication with the opposition parties, through constant invitations to meetings and various events. In this regard, after the letter to the President of AAK, Mr. Ramush Haradinaj and the discussions with the institutional leaders, the President has invited opposition leaders to separate meetings first, given that some of the institutional leaders were not in Kosovo these days. In the meantime, she has also announced the invitation to a joint meeting of all leaders, once they are all in Kosovo. In her letter, the President stressed that cooperation and open dialogue between institutions and political parties are essential to face the current challenges and to work together towards achieving common goals that include the protection of territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitutionality and the international strengthening of the Republic, as well as the fulfilment of our priority as a state, namely NATO and EU membership. In this context, this morning President Osmani met with the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca, with whom she discussed ongoing inter-institutional coordination. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, President Osmani received the President of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Mr. Ramush Haradinaj, with whom he exchanged views on the latest political and security developments in the country. The president expressed regret that other opposition parties have rejected the opportunity to contribute to issues of national interest, including efforts to strengthen the strategic and existential alliances of the Republic of Kosovo with the partners, and in particular with the United States of America. She reiterated that, in accordance with the Constitution, she will continue to engage in the representation of civic unity, the protection of the constitution, the preservation and strengthening of strategic alliances, as well as the creation of a constructive climate to address challenges and important issues in the Republic of Kosovo. According to President Osmani, the contribution of each leader and political entity is to cooperate on matters of national importance with state institutions, but not by rejection. In spite of this, President Osmani has announced that the door of her office continues to remain open for institutional leaders and political parties, in order to protect the national interest.
President Osmani decreed the new President of the Supreme Court, Fejzullah Rexhepi
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, today received the Chair of the Kosovo Judicial Council, Albert Zogaj, and Mr. Fejzullah Rexhepi. With the proposal of the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC), President Osmani decreed Mr. Rexhepi, the new President of the Supreme Court. President Osmani highlighted, inter alia, the importance of the independent functioning of the judicial system and, particularly, the role of the Supreme Court within this system. To this end, President Osmani expressed readiness for close inter-institutional cooperation, within her constitutional competences and role for an independent, functional justice system, and which also ensures the trust of the citizens.
President Osmani received the Ambassador of Albania, Qemal Minxhozi
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, today received the ambassador of Albania in Kosovo, Mr. Qemal Minxhozi. The recent developments in the country and the region were discussed at the meeting, where President Osmani talked about the continuous destabilizing actions of Serbia, including the pure act of aggression against the three kidnapped police officers in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo. President Osmani highlighted the importance of close cooperation with Albania and other allies, for the purpose of protecting long-term peace, security and stability in the country and the region.
President Osmani received the US Ambassador, Jeffrey Hovenier
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received in a regular meeting the United States Ambassador, Jeffrey Hovenier, with whom she talked about the recent developments, with particular focus on the developments in the area of security in the north of the country. On this occasion, President Osmani reemphasized the importance of the immediate and unconditional release of the three Kosovo police officers who were kidnapped by Serbia within the territory of Kosovo. She also expressed gratitude for the clear position of the US in relation to the release of the police officers. Further steps for lowering tensions and the necessity for coordination with the partners were also discussed, considering that our institutions as well as the US share the same goal for a Kosovo that is integrated in the Euro-Atlantic structures and with inviolable sovereignty and integrity.
President Osmani offers her heartfelt condolences to family Nimani and the entire academic and cultural community on the passing of the author of the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo, professor and artist, Shyqri Nimani
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani has offered her condolences to family Nimani and the entire academic and cultural community on the passing of the author of the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo, professor and artist, Shyqri Nimani. Below you may find President Osmani’s full message: It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of the author of the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo, professor and artist, Shyqri Nimani. The words written by him on the parchment are a testament to the generations to come and a permanent memory of him. Mr. Nimani was decorated with the Presidential Medal of Merit on February 17th of this year for such a contribution as well as that in the field of arts. He was an exceptional intellectual, whose passion and dedication inspired countless students. His work will stand as proof of unwavering devotion, passion and trust in the transformative power of art and culture. My sincerest condolences to family Nimani and the entire academic and cultural community!
President Osmani met with a delegation of ambassadors and senior Finish officials
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, met with a delegation of ambassadors and senior officials from Finland who are staying in Kosovo for an official visit. Welcoming them to the Republic of Kosovo, President Osmani expressed the profound gratitude of Kosovo citizens and institutions for the support of Finland in Kosovo’s European journey. She highlighted that Kosovo highly appreciates the partnership with Finland and confirmed complete readiness for opening new chapters of cooperation. President Osmani also talked about the recent developments in the country, whereby she once again confirmed Kosovo’s commitment to protecting peace and stability in the country and the region, in coordination and cooperation with the allies. She talked about the continuous destabilizing tendencies of Serbia and stressed the importance of bringing before justice the Serbia-backed criminal groups that attacked the Kosovo Police, KFOR and EULEX members, journalists and citizens. Among the topics discussed in the meeting was also that of the three police officers who were kidnapped deep in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, which President Osmani called a pure act of aggression from Serbia, and emphasized the importance of unified reaction from the international community for the immediate release of the three police officers who are unfairly being held in Serbia.
The President condoles the Fehmiu family and the sports community on the occasion of the death of Kosovo’s doyen of sports, Arsim Fehmiu
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, expressed her condolences to the Fehmiu family and the entire sports community on the occasion of the death of Kosovo’s doyen of sports, Mr. Arsim Fehmiu. The following is the full condolence message by President Osmani: I received with pain the news of the death of the Kosovo’s doyen of sports, Mr. Arsim Fehmiu. Professor Arsim made a valuable contribution to the university area, and also to the establishment of independent sports institutions in the Republic of Kosovo. His contribution to the sports of football, basketball, handball and volleyball will remain a reference for current and future generations. Condolences to the Fehmiu family and the entire sports community!
President Vjosa Osmani’s speech on World Refugee Day
Dear Feride, Dear Luidmyla, Dear UNHCR Head of Mission Dear participants from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries, Mr. Ombudsperson; Representatives of institutions, I am honoured to be today among you on a day evoking memories, but also a lot of pain for all the people of Kosovo. The fate of my people made us experience being refugees in 1999 when our existence was in question. Like everyone else in Kosovo, almost like everyone else, I myself was a refugee, so on this day, I cannot help but stand in solidarity with all the refugees around the world, but especially with those who have made our Republic their shelter today. The people of Kosovo feel this best because 24 years ago, doors were opened to us in many countries worldwide. This day reminds us how important freedom and safe living are. 1999 marked for us a chapter of the war with suffering, displacement and great human losses. It also serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the genocidal Serbian state at the time of the war, and it is therefore essential that we reflect on and remember this dark period in order to ensure that such horrors never happen again. The escalation of the war was followed by a mass exodus of nearly 1 million Kosovo men, women and children, who were subjected to unimaginable suffering, whose human rights were violated, whose existence was impinged, and who were forcibly expelled by Milosevic’s genocidal regime. We were forced to leave our homes, leaving behind everything we held dear. The stories from this period are a testimony to the human spirit’s resilience and strength against unimaginable disasters that war brings about. In those dark days for us, the human spirit triumphed. Different peoples and countries worldwide joined in our compassion and stood in solidarity with us by opening their doors and hearts. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to protect the peace, promote tolerance and ensure that each and every individual, regardless of their affiliation or background, lives free from fear and persecution. We must stand united against injustice, protect the rights of vulnerable people and strive for a world where no one is forced to endure displacement from and abandonment of the homeland. On World Refugee Day, we must come together to honour the resilience, strength and courage of refugees around the world. It is a day to recognize the plight of those who have been forced to leave their homes due to wars, persecution or disasters and to recognize their great contribution to society. Refugees are not just numbers, but individuals with dreams, aspirations and potential. They embody the indomitable spirit of human survival and the unwavering hope for a better future. Today’s exhibition by Luidmyla is the factual evidence of this because, despite the difficulties they have faced, they are always an example of the triumph of the human spirit against any evil. No one chooses to be a refugee. But anyone can become a refugee, anyone in the world can face such circumstances. Circumstances beyond their control take them away from everything they want. Refugees are not only recipients of aid, they are also agents of change. Their diverse experiences, skills and perspectives enrich our societies and enhance cultural diversity. Therefore, on this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to compassion and solidarity. Let us reject fear and separation, and embrace instead understanding and respect. By extending a helping hand to refugees, we are not only easing their suffering but also strengthening the bonds that unite us. On World Refugee Day, let us advocate for the protection of their rights, access to education, healthcare and equal life opportunities. Let us empower them to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential because in doing so, we create a fairer, more human and more equal world for all. Together, we can build a future where no one is forced to flee, where every individual is esteemed and protected, and where compassion knows no limits. Let us stand together with refugees, not only today but every day, until every person finds peace, safety and a safe haven in their own home. Thank you!
The President: Nekibe Kelmendi is the model of the woman who directed her political and professional activism to the benefit of the fight for freedom and independence
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani commemorated Nekibe Kelmendi on the twelfth anniversary of her passing away. President Osmani’s commemorative message: She was an indomitable and stoic woman. Persisted to the end despite the tragic loss of her husband and her sons. Nekibe Kelmendi is the model of a woman who directed her political and professional activism to the benefit of the fight for freedom and independence. She also gave a valuable contribution to the post war institutional life. A coworker of the historic president dr. Ibrahim Rugova, she left behind a voluminous legacy of her engagement during the hardest years, and a model of a resilient woman. On the twelfth anniversary of her passing away, we respectfully remember this figure, who remains a model of a woman hardworking for freedom and independence!