President Osmani: The kidnapping of three police officers is an aggression on the part of Serbia, they must be released immediately and unconditionally
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani reacted after the kidnapping of the Kosovo police officials inside the territory of the Republic of Kosovo by Serbia. President Osmani’s full statement: The kidnapping of three police officers inside the territory of the Republic of Kosovo is an aggression on the part of Serbia. This act proves once again that Serbia is not interested in peace and stability in the region, but in causing the destabilization of Kosovo and of the entire region. Today’s action demonstrates that Serbia continues to act with the logic of the past, whose hegemonic tendencies have caused many terrible crimes with a great number of victims. The Kosovo Police has shown commitment and determination to maintain law and order for all citizens without distinction, hence such an act requires a strong reaction and unified act of the international community towards Serbia’s tendency to the destabilization of the region. The police officers must be released immediately and unconditionally! Kosovo’s institutions will not give up their commitment to the rule of law as well as their dedication to long-term peace and stability!
President Vjosa Osmani’s media conference following her address at the European Parliament
President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the plenary session of the European Parliament
Liri, Pavarësi, Demokraci Freedom, Independence, Democracy Liberté, Indépendance, Démocratie Dear President Metsola, Honorable Members of the European Parliament, Those three powerful words, were not just words passionately and repeatedly uttered by Kosovo’s founding father, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. They were indeed the vision of the people of Kosovo. Today, that vision, of Rugova, our heroes and our people is a reality. Kosovo today is free. Kosovo today is independent. And Kosovo today is a beacon of democracy. 25 years ago, here in Strasburg, our visionary leader, President Rugova was awarded the Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament. That day he was introduced by the then-President of the Parliament as “a man who is the voice of his people, a people that can rarely make themselves heard.” President Rugova viewed the prize as a recognition of the sacrifice of the people of Kosovo and their struggle for freedom, but crucially he used this very platform to ask for the support of the then-Members of Parliament to come together in the name of the very values that this Union stood for. He asked for Europe to come together in defense of an oppressed people. In the midst of war, as tanks rolled into my hometown of Mitrovica, I was just 15 years old at the time and remember how that moment, that speech, gave us so much hope. We were finally being heard. Europe had not just opened its doors to President Rugova, but it had opened its hearts and minds for a systematically oppressed people. Today, also standing here in Strasbourg, I am honored to be the first President of the independent Republic of Kosovo to speak before the European Parliament, to thank you for the immeasurable and continued contribution this institution has made for our freedom, our democracy and our independence. As President Rugova closed his remarks, he spoke of the old Albanian proverb, saying: “A house cannot be kept without friends.” This was true for us during the 90s, but it is equally so today as we look to strengthen our alliances and one day join you here in this family of nations. Today, I am here to extend the deepest gratitude of the people of Kosovo for your unwavering support, and at this critical juncture, to urge you to remain steadfast by our side. Not just because we are part of the family of nations that make up our continent, but because the values this institution represents are a fundamental part of our history. European values are woven deep within the tapestry of our society. We, the people of Kosovo, have walked side by side with European institutions, bound by a rich heritage. We continue to walk side by side as we fight to protect our shared values. And we will remain side by side as we guide our continent towards the full attainment of a Europe whole, free and at peace. Today, I stand before you not only as the President of a resolute European nation and an EU-bound country, but also as the leader of the youngest Europeans. Our country is bursting with energy, immense talent, and fervent European enthusiasm. Kosovo is Europe, and to be Kosovar is to be European. Our young Republic was born to the beat and sound of Europe. When Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008, in absence of a national anthem, the European anthem echoed in the institutions, squares and streets of my country. Just like the fearless spirt of a newborn Republic, the “Ode to Joy” resonated with the feelings we carried in our hearts and souls, admiring and embracing the ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity. Determined to join the European family of nations and inspired by the European Union, we found solace and unity in the universal language of music. This act went beyond symbolism; it was our declaration to the world that the European Union was our rightful destination and a plea for European institutions to embrace our unwavering aspirations. At 15 years old, the Republic of Kosovo remains the most pro EU country in the region and beyond. Over 90% of our people express their uncompromised yearning to join these institutions, encapsulating our historic strategic orientation. Enshrined in our constitution, Euro-Atlantic integration remains our one and only destination. Euro-Atlantic integration is not only our ambition; I am confident it will soon be our future. In our DNA, European values and the EU spirit are deeply engrained. It is these values that shaped our past, inspire us in the present, and guide us towards a future where Kosovo flourishes as a beacon of European ideals. Ladies, and gentlemen, Honorable members of the European Parliament, The Republic of Kosovo stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of its people, and the strength of our liberation struggle, but also because of the support of our allies, and the support of partners like this great institution. The very existence of our country demonstrates what democracies can achieve when they stand by the oppressed, when you all stand by those who fight for justice and equality, and when we all stand together against tyranny, dictatorship and genocide. When we stand together as Europeans, freedom flourishes, democracies strengthen, equality is instilled, prosperity grows, and unbreakable alliances are formed. I am confident that this same Euro-Atlantic unity and resolve will continue to support Ukraine all the way through to victory. In times of great uncertainty and turmoil in Europe, the actions we take now – together – will determine our future in fundamental ways. Perhaps even more important than the challenge itself is the way in which we respond. Moral challenges like the one which we face on European soil today, with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, shouldn’t need long philosophical or political debates, because the answer should be immediately clear. There’s no halfway house to democracy and freedom. There should be no grey zone as to where we stand on autocracies and tyrannies. European unity thus far has
President Osmani met with the Permanent Representatives of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani during her visit to Strasbourg, met with the Permanent Representatives of the Council of Europe. During this meeting, President Osmani informed the Permanent Representatives about the importance of Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe. “In Strasbourg, I informed the Council of Europe Permanent Representatives of the allied countries across Europe about the importance of Kosovo’s membership. We are united by our values, and at this challenging time for Europe, we are even stronger when we are united in protecting them,” wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani in a meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić: Kosovo is the embodiment of the values represented by the Council of Europe
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, during her visit to Strasbourg, met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić. President Osmani emphasized the commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to democracy, rule of law and human rights, as the three fundamental pillars on which the Council of Europe stands. President Osmani emphasized that Kosovo is the embodiment of the values represented by the Council of Europe. Madam President potentiated the important role played by this organization in guaranteeing, protecting and promoting human rights, expressed the necessity for Kosovo’s membership and underlined the progress that Kosovo has made in guaranteeing, protecting and promoting human rights, including the constitutional and legal framework, which is very advanced and fully harmonized with international conventions. The President further added that the membership of the Republic of Kosovo in the Council of Europe would be an important step for the further strengthening and advancement of human rights through the mechanisms offered by the Council, which would serve as an additional mechanism in protecting and guaranteeing the rights of all citizens of Kosovo. “Access to the institutions and mechanisms of the Council of Europe, such as the European Court of Human Rights, is above all in the interest of the citizens of Kosovo, without distinction”, said President Osmani. President Osmani also expressed her full confidence that Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe will be positively appraised by the member state representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly, as well as expressed her full commitment to continue the joint work with amicable countries to further advance this process.
President Osmani will address the European Parliament this Wednesday
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, at the invitation of the President of the European Parliament Ms. Roberta Metsola, will be addressing the European Parliament this Wednesday. This is the first time that a President of the Republic of Kosovo, as an independent state, will address the plenary session of the European Parliament. President Osmani will address the members of the European Parliament regarding Kosovo’s achievements and its path towards membership in the European Union. She will express the gratitude of the citizens of Kosovo for the support that the European Parliament has offered to Kosovo since the 1990s. During her stay in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament session is being held, President Osmani will initially be received by the President of the European Parliament Mrs. Roberta Metsola to discuss the cooperation between the Republic of Kosovo and this institution, and then she will also be meeting the leaders of the main political groups represented at the European Parliament. In addition to meetings with representatives of the European Parliament, during her stay in Strasbourg President Osmani will also meet the representatives of the Council of Europe.
President Osmani held an over the phone conversation with the President of Croatia Zoran Milanović
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, held a telephone conversation with the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, today. “Great to catch up with President Milanović in a call today. Updated him on ongoing developments in Kosovo and thanked Croatia for its continued support as a significant contributor to regional stability, and for their strong support for Kosovo on the international stage,” wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani met with the Ambassador of Norway Jens Erik Grøndahl
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received the Ambassador of Norway Jens Erik Grøndahl, with whom she discussed the latest developments in the country and the steps being taken in coordination with international partners. President Osmani expressed her gratitude for Norway’s all-round support to the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, including assistance in capacity building towards efficient policy-making. She particularly praised the support of the Norwegian Embassy, which provides the Office of the President with expertise in the field of foreign policy, security and other areas. During the meeting, President Osmani and the Ambassador of Norway, Grøndahl also discussed the modalities of continuing bilateral cooperation after the decision of the Norwegian authorities to close the embassy in Kosovo.
President Osmani met with the German Ambassador Jorn Rohde
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani held a working meeting with the Ambassador of Germany to Kosovo Jorn Rohde, with whom she discussed the latest developments in the north of the country and the steps being taken in coordination with international partners. President Osmani expressed her deep gratitude for the service and professionalism demonstrated by KFOR soldiers in dealing with violent criminal groups in the north of the country. In this case, President Osmani emphasized that facing justice for the criminal groups supported by Serbia, which attacked the Kosovo Police, KFOR and EULEX members, journalists and citizens, is necessary as a guarantee to prevent the reoccurrence of such violent acts. She highly appreciated the cooperation with Germany and confirmed the steadfast partnership and readiness for a close coordination in the future, with the aim of maintaining peace, security and long-term stability in the country and the region.
President Osmani received the Italian ambassador Antonello De Riu
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today the Italian Ambassador to Kosovo Antonello De Riu. The latest developments in the country were discussed at the meeting. On behalf of the citizens of Kosovo, President Osmani expressed her deep gratitude for the service, as well as the demonstrated professionalism of the Italian KFOR troops in handling of the latest developments in the field of security in the north of the country, and wished a speedy recovery to all the injured soldiers. President Osmani stressed that dealing with the justice of the criminal groups supported by Serbia that attacked the Kosovo Police, KFOR and EULEX members , journalists and citizens should be the only answer and that these attacks should be punished by all. She emphasized that the citizens in the north are being harmed the most by this situation and asked for more intensive cooperation in terms of guaranteeing a safer environment for citizens and for freedom of expression. She highly appreciated the cooperation with Italy and confirmed the unwavering partnership and readiness for the continuation of close coordination in order to guarantee and maintain long-term peace, security and stability in the country and region.