President Osmani awarded the “Hero of Kosovo” order post-mortem to Ismet Rraci
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, on the 22nd anniversary of his falling, bestowed yesterday the “Hero of Kosovo” Order to Ismet Rraci. According to President Osmani, Ismet Rraci was a patriot and prominent and indomitable political activist engaged in the liberation of Kosovo, its state-building and institutional life in the country. “Ismeti was killed in 2001. This was a heavy blow not only to his family but to all of Kosovo. He worked all his life for the common good and the establishment of justice remains a necessity. He was killed, but not his ideal for Kosovo, a free and democratic state. The “Hero of Kosovo” order is not only deserved via an institutional assessment but also by the citizens of Kosovo for this tireless activist. Eternal memory !” stated the President.
President Osmani’s statement following the vote taken by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
Today’s vote to advance Kosovo’s application for membership in the Council of Europe to the Parliamentary Assembly is not only a good day for human rights and democracy in Kosovo but also an important moment for all of Europe. This is a step forward for Kosovo and its citizens, not only in terms of the international integration of our country but above all for the advancement of the position of human rights, for all our citizens, without distinction. I would like to express my gratitude to our international allies, the Icelandic presidency of the Council of Europe and to all the countries that supported us through their vote. I expect the consideration of our application by the Parliamentary Assembly to begin as soon as possible and to be successfully concluded. We are committed to the achievement of the highest standards of democracy, human rights and rule of law, and we are confident that our application will be judged on the basis of our achievements in these areas. Our Euro-Atlantic aspirations are clear and the determination of the people of Kosovo is stronger than ever. In recent years, Kosovo has made extraordinary progress and our membership in the Council of Europe is additional evidence of our unwavering commitment to the values that this institution represents. The forthcoming steps are an opportunity for Europe to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of human rights in every country, across the continent.
President Osmani met today with the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Mr. Kreshnik Radoniqi
Following the meeting, Madam President stated as follows: “I congratulate the Central Electoral Commission for the preparations made, which allowed the realization of the voting process for snap municipal elections in the municipalities of North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq. I also thank all security institutions for their professional work, which ensured a calm and safe environment throughout the electoral process, which was postponed from December 2022 to April 2023. The institutions of Kosovo ensured that citizens exercise their right to participate in the elections, in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Kosovo and showed that criminal groups which are directed by Serbia, cannot dictate the constitutional and legal processes in the Republic of Kosovo. I thank all those citizens who voted, despite the illegal intervention by Serbia and its criminal structures in order to make such a thing impossible. As a result of these criminal actions, many Serbian citizens of these municipalities were threatened and blackmailed in order not to participate in the electoral process and thus not be able to express their political will to elect their local representatives. Foreign interference in election processes is a global problem for the democratic world, which not only tends to undermine the will of the citizens but also violates the principle of sovereign equality of states, as one of the fundamental norms of the international order. The Republic of Kosovo has expressed its commitment at the Summit for Democracy, organized under the auspices of President Biden, to stand side by side with democratic states to fight the growing phenomenon of foreign interference in election processes. The continuous and candid endeavours by Serbia to hinder the conduct of free elections in the Republic of Kosovo is against the spirit and the letter of the last Agreement reached in Brussels, together with the implementation plan. As such, this approach of Serbia should be opposed by the entire democratic world, as it at the same time represents an act of foreign illegal interference, an act that is punishable by a number of international legal acts. The institutions of Kosovo will increase their efforts and will stand by all the citizens in the four municipalities in northern Kosovo, in order to protect them from the threats carried out by illegal structures. The institutions of Kosovo will also coordinate actions with strategic allies to stop further destabilizing actions by Serbia, which are also in contradiction with the last Brussels agreement. We are determined to work together with the citizens of these municipalities for better living conditions, greater democracy and well-being in each and every neighbourhood of all municipalities.
President Osmani: The Turkish community enriches the mosaic of diversity in Kosovo
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has congratulated the Turkish community on the National Day of the Turks of Kosovo. Below is President Osmani’s full statement: The Republic of Kosovo consists of communities with different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Each one of them brings a unique perspective and experiences that enrich our lives. The Turkish community is a powerful connecting bridge between Kosovo and Turkey. The active participation of the Turkish community in political, parliamentary, cultural and social life enriches the mosaic of diversity in Kosovo.
President Osmani’s statement related to the municipal elections in the municipalities of North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq
Honourable fellow citizens of the municipalities of North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq, Elections are the cornerstone of any democracy and election day is the day when your voice is heard by all. Therefore, the April 23rd elections are an important moment for you and for the future of your municipalities. The right to vote is guaranteed by the Constitution and laws, hence are enjoyed by all citizens of Kosovo, without distinction. Municipalities have a responsibility to stay close to citizens, offering services and projects that are in your interest and that solve the problems you face every day. Therefore, through your vote, you ensure that your elected representatives will deal directly with issues that affect your lives and create perspective for all of you. Your participation in the election means a better life for all of you. Thus, use this right at this important moment for democracy. Your vote is the most powerful tool in deciding the future of your municipality and in holding elected officials accountable. I understand that many of you have been the target of threats and intimidation that have been made in recent weeks by the Belgrade-backed criminal establishment in order to force you to give up your voice and the power to shape the future of your municipalities. However, I want to assure you that all Kosovo institutions are doing everything to ensure that these elections are free and fair and that your safety is guaranteed. For this reason, I urge you to reject those who come to you with threats and blackmail. I encourage you to send a strong and clear message with your participation in the local elections on April 23rd, 2023. Make sure your voice is heard this Sunday, through a free and democratic vote. Above all, your participation in the elections will send a strong message to those who seek to intimidate and oppress you, that they will not be able to silence you and that the officials you elect will serve you and the interests of all citizens of the municipality. The institutions of Kosovo will always be at your service. Your safety and perspective are the priority of all Kosovo institutions. Best wishes for success in the April 23 elections!
President Osmani’s congratulations on Eid al Fitr
I wish that Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in an atmosphere of love, hope, solidarity and humanity. This holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is characterized by human solidarity, a legacy of ours passed down through the generations. Let this day of celebration serve to get closer to each other, as well as to support other people in need. May your prayers and sacrifices undertaken throughout the month of Ramadan be accepted and may health, prosperity and prosperity always reign you in your families! Happy Eid al-Fitr!
President Osmani received the US Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today in a regular meeting the Ambassador of the United States of America, Jeffrey Hovenier. The latest developments in the country as well as the process of Kosovo’s membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures were discussed at the meeting. The readiness for cooperation and continuous coordination between the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo and the United States of America regarding the dialogue process was reconfirmed at the meeting. Special emphasis was also placed on the importance of the further advancement of bilateral relations.
Kosovo joins the Justice Action Coalition
On the initiative of the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo, as part of the commitments of the Summit for Democracy, Kosovo has joined the Justice Action Coalition, thus joining the United States and a group of other democratic states that aim to collectively promote citizen-centred justice at all levels. “Through this coalition, the Republic of Kosovo will contribute to the development of international strategies and priorities aimed at equal access to justice for all,” said President Osmani, reaffirming once again the unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law and democracy in Kosovo and abroad. The Republic of Kosovo, throughout the past year, has achieved significant successes in the three commitments of the Summit for Democracy, which were aimed at strengthening the rule of law and the fight against corruption, the fight against authoritarianism, the advancement of human rights, diversity and inclusiveness with a focus on advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Due to this success, out of more than 100 participating countries, the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo, as the leading institution in Kosovo during the “Year of Action”, within the framework of the Summit for Democracy, has been selected by the White House to co-lead with the rule of law thematic cohort. President Osmani was a speaker in the plenary session at the Second Summit for Democracy together with President Macron, British Prime Minister Sunak and German Chancellor Scholz, where, she reaffirmed that the dedication of the Republic of Kosovo to democracy has been and shall forever remain indestructible.
The President: Commander Sali Çekaj was one of the most outstanding strategists of the war, an indomitable activist in the engagements of the people of Kosovo for its freedom
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani commemorated the hero Sali Çekaj, on the 24th anniversary of his fall. President Osmani’s full statement: 24 years ago, one of the most prominent commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, the hero of the nation, Sali Çekaj, heroically fell. He fell on the battlefield of Koshare, one of the decisive battles not only to break the savage border that separated the Albanians but also the false myth about the invincibility of the Serbian forces. Commander Çekaj was one of the most prominent strategists of the war, an indomitable activist in the efforts of the people of Kosovo for freedom. He started his patriotic activity quite early, not deserting it until his heroic fall, on April 19, 1999. Once in Kosovo and then in exile, he demonstrated how one works and dies for the homeland. Together with Agim Ramadani and other fellow fighters, Sali joined the Kosovo Liberation Army, where he excelled as a military strategist. As the commander of the 134th Brigade, he left an indelible mark on the organization of the KLA and its struggles for freedom. May his memory be eternal.
The President: Today’s final decision on the liberalization of visas for the citizens of Kosovo is a victory, not only for our country but for democracy itself and for the unity in Europe.
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has welcomed today’s decision on the liberalization of visas. President of Osmani said that this decision is the merit of the people of Kosovo and the unparalleled determination shown over the years, despite various delays and injustices. Below is President Osmani’s full statement: Today’s final decision on the liberalization of visas for the citizens of Kosovo is a victory, not only for our country but for democracy itself and for the unity in Europe. This decision is the merit of the people of Kosovo and the unparalleled determination shown throughout the years, despite various delays and injustices. On January 1st 2024, our citizens will finally feel equal to other European nations, to freely move within the continent they belong to and to which they have contributed over the centuries. Now, movement to and from other European countries is easier, our families are closer and the opportunities for advancement and cooperation are greater.