President Osmani received the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the Foreign Minister of Greece Nikos Dendias. President Osmani appreciated the proactive commitment of Greece to our region as well as the continuous support of the Greek state to the integration of the region into the European Union. In this spirit, President Osmani, pursuant to our common Euro-Atlantic values, asked that Greek support for Kosovo’s membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions continues to follow. President Osmani pointed out that the full international integration of Kosovo, into the European Union, NATO and the Council of Europe would contribute to sustainable peace in the region. President Osmani also thanked Minister Dendias for the support provided by Greece to the liberalization of visas for the citizens of Kosovo during the last Council of the European Union voting session, as well as for the continuous advocacy to the conclusion of this process. Kosovo-Greece relations were also discussed at the meeting, with President Osmani expressing the willingness to further expand bilateral relations, mentioning the need to increase trade and economic exchange, as well as cooperation in various spheres of common interest. Regarding the recent developments in the dialogue process o with Serbia, President Osmani stated that the implementation plan of the agreement must be in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic, which will contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region while reiterating that Kosovo’s coordination with allies in this process will continue.
The President: The student spring of 81 is the initiation of our cause, an early announcement of freedom and a turning point in the course of our history
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani stated that the demonstrations of 1981 are evidence of our early and persistent effort for liberation and for our Republic. Below is President Osmani’s full post: The student spring is the initiative of our cause, it is an early announcement of freedom and a turning point in the course of our history. The demonstrations that began on March 11th, 1981 were followed by many other protests, all with the same goal. Kosovo became a Republic because the then students demonstrated that they are the driving force of the processes and that the right to freedom and a state is inalienable. Their sacrifice and courage 42 years ago paved the way for freedom and statehood. On this anniversary, we remember the fallen students and all others who became bearers and implementers of national ideals!
President Osmani received the EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the Special Representative of the European Union Miroslav Lajčák. The latest developments in the dialogue process with Serbia, with President Osmani reiterating that Republic of Kosovo remains committed to a process that contributes to long-term peace, security and sustainable prosperity in the region were discussed at the meeting. President Osmani emphasized that the annex on implementation of the basic agreement agreed in Brussels should be in the spirit of the principles approved at the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, namely, the inviolability of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutionality and functionality of the state of Kosovo. President Osmani also stated that Kosovo remains a constructive part of the dialogue process and in coordination with its partners while reiterating that the final say on an agreement should rest with the Assembly of Kosovo, in accordance with constitutional procedures. President Osmani also welcomed today’s decision of the Council of the European Union, which unanimously approved the right of Kosovo citizens to travel to Schengen zone countries without a visa requirement.
The President: Our present and our future will be more promising when the voice, life and work of every girl and woman is treated with the respect it deserves
Dear Ms. Spence, Dear Vlora, Dear Ms. Gojani, Dear interlocutors, Dear Teuta, Dear girls and you gentlemen who are fewer in number today, Dear participants, March 8th remains a date of great value because it is the day when girls and women are the focus of every discussion in every corner of the country. However, I would really like that the dedication and engagement towards the advancement of the rights of girls and women were exactly at these levels on a daily basis 365 days of the year, by everyone without distinction. However, until this happens, we must not cease lining up to work together for the rights of girls and women and for unconditional gender equality. Throughout history, the journey of girls and women has not been easy at all. Each of our achievements in different chapters of history has been accompanied by numerous sacrifices and countless challenges. While many factors have had an impact on shaping this journey, innovation and technology have had a tremendous impact on making the lives of people around the world easier, including that of girls and women. What seemed impossible to achieve perhaps not more than 50 years ago is now easily achieved through advanced technology. Professions that were thought to belong only to men and boys now have women and girls around the world as success models. This is the transformative power of technology and innovation. But, as is the case with almost everything else in life, technology and innovation are characterized by not necessarily glorious sides in terms of their contribution to the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality. Therefore, this International Women’s Day is rightly cantered on the theme “Innovation and technology for gender equality” and as such calls for reflection on the important role that technology plays towards the empowerment of women and girls in general in all spheres of life. But, at the same time, it presents an extraordinary opportunity to discuss the negative effects and the various challenges that girls and women face in the digital space. Sexist insults, violent threats, online harassment, defamation, lynching, distribution of intimate photographs and many, many more are a bitter reality faced by 73% of women and girls worldwide. And this is intolerable! We really need the opening of new opportunities for girls and women, but we absolutely do not need additional risk for additional violence against them, neither at home nor at work or in public spaces or digital spaces. In fact, we don’t need violence at all. It must be fought and eliminated as a whole, therefore we must narrow every space that allows such a thing. Today I say once again, that every life is sacred. The integrity and well-being of girls and women must be protected at all costs. Their rights must be continuously advanced and their skills must be developed more and more. Therefore, you who today are the epicentre of this event, my message is: Never stop, never stop dreaming, but most importantly never stop believing! There will be many people crossing your path who will try to test this belief, don’t let them win. Because you will not only do this for yourself, but also for the women and girls who surround you, and above all for the women and girls who will follow you. Never stop believing that tomorrow you could be in charge of the largest digital company in the world; never stop believing that tomorrow your project can become the most successful project in Kosovo and beyond; never stop believing that one day you can give direction to the country’s policies but also more widely in the field of technology and innovation and not only. Just as there is no limit to a person’s ability to dream, I equally strongly urge you to never limit your ambitions towards success. On such days we often talk about statistics that help us have a clearer picture of the situation on the ground. But, I want to tell you that every statistic in the field of gender data does not represent only a number, it represents a woman, a story of challenge, a story of success, of an undefeated champion in the neighbourhood, in the village, in the city, in the school or in the office who never stopped believing. You are all daily champions for gender equality and you have the opportunity that through your work and commitment to help these statistics, these numbers at the world level, benefit the daily lives of girls and women; for the benefit of advancing gender equality and raising the general well-being of our society. Today I am extremely happy to see the commitment of everyone, institutions, schools, universities, civil society organizations, the media and the private sector to promote opportunities for girls and women in the sectors known as STEM, respectively in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is the wisest thing, this is the right approach because it is already confirmed that by 2050, 75% of jobs globally will be mainly related to these fields. Therefore, only by working in this direction, we work towards a safer, more equal and more promising future for everyone. But as we work to empower girls and women, as we invest in and advance their skills and knowledge, let’s also work tirelessly to ensure the safety of digital spaces as equally as the physical ones, which should be safer for our girls and women. Because work requires security. Success is then guaranteed by meritocracy when you give the opportunity to our daughters and women. Whereas, our present and future will be more promising when the voice, life and work of every girl and woman are treated with the respect they deserve and when we all commit to gender equality together. Thank you!
Madam President to all women and girls: Never stop dreaming, but most importantly, never stop believing
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani stated that on International Women’s Day, we should remember the extraordinary strength, courage and resilience of our women and girls. Below is President Osmani’s full post: On International Women’s Day, let us remember the extraordinary strength, courage and resilience of our women and girls. In education, sports, culture, business, science or politics, women have demonstrated that they are capable of reaching the heights of success. They can because they have potential. Let’s all pledge to do our part to ensure that every woman’s voice is heard and that every woman’s potential is fully expressed. Together, we can create a world where women are equal and free to pursue their goals. To all the women and girls of the Republic, today and every day: Never stop dreaming, but most importantly, never stop believing.
The Working Group on Gender Equality established within the Council for Democracy and Human Rights held its successive meeting
The focus of this meeting was the update on the activities and initiatives of the Office of the President and members of the working group related to the gender equality agenda arising from the last meeting of the group. Specifically, a discussion was held concerning the Platform for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence compiled by the Council for Democracy and Human Rights at the end of last year, as were the legislative initiatives in which the contribution of this group was considered to be essential. Additionally, the dynamic work plan on the initiative for the alignment of relevant laws with the Law on Gender Equality was also presented at the meeting. The members of the Group on Gender Equality also discussed the documents that need to be compiled and will serve as a basis for the future advocacy work carried out by the group, including the identification of legal processes in which the group has expressed its full readiness for engagement in providing of recommendations, which will contribute to the successful completion of these processes. The Group for Gender Equality functions within the Office of the President of the Republic of Kosovo and guarantees inter-institutional coordination and all-inclusive representation with the aim of the smooth running of this important process to the advancement of gender equality in institutions, the economic sector and important public and political processes.
President Osmani congratulates March 7th
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani congratulated the teachers on March 7th. President Osmani said that our teachers have proven themselves during very difficult times and they are our heroes of knowledge. Below is President Osmani’s full congratulatory note: 136 years ago, the first Albanian school commenced its work in Korça, paving the way for Albanian education all around and played an essential role in the formation of national consciousness since the National Renaissance. Our teachers have proven themselves during very difficult times and they are our heroes of knowledge. They do not only impart knowledge but also mentor, guide and are a source of inspiration. On this day, we are all grateful for their valuable contribution to shaping our future. Quality education is the foundation of a successful state and society! Dear teachers have a very happy March 7th !
President Osmani received the ambassadors of Quint countries and the Head of the EU Office
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received the ambassadors of the Quint countries in Kosovo, respectively the ambassador of the United Kingdom Nicholas Abbott, the ambassador of Germany Jörn Rohde, the ambassador of Italy Antonello De Riu, the ambassador of France Olivier Guérot, the Deputy Head of the United States Mission Alyson Grunder as well as the Head of the EU Office in Kosovo Tomáš Szunyog. The latest developments in the country, including the dialogue with Serbia, the forthcoming steps, and the ongoing coordination of the Republic’s institutions with allies were discussed at the meeting. President Osmani emphasized that the agreement about the annex for the implementation of the basic agreement must take into account the principles approved by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo regarding the inviolability of sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutionality and functionality of the state of Kosovo. President Osmani also emphasized that Kosovo continues to remain a constructive part in the dialogue process with Serbia and continues to remain committed to a process that contributes to peace, security and sustainable prosperity in the country and the region.
President Osmani’s address at the Solemn Session of the Assembly of Kosovo held on the occasion of the KLA Epopee
Honorable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic, Mr. Kurti, Honourable uncle Rifat, Honourable representatives of the Jashari family who have honored us with your presence at this Session, Honourable MPs, other representatives of the central and local institutions of the Republic, Honourable ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions, Honourable commanders and officers of the Kosovo Security Force, Honourable families of the martyrs! Honourable Veterans, Honourable participants, Every beginning of March, our civic and institutional gaze turns to historical events which have marked a decisive turning point for our nation and are firmly embedded in the memory of the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. These events are the most important part of our historical heritage, on which we layer each of our efforts to consolidate our state, for which whole generations sacrificed their most precious: their lives. The events of March 5, 6 and 7, 1998 constitute not only our memory of the newest history of Kosovo but also one of the strongest pillars on which our new state, the Republic of Kosovo, was built. The war cry called on March 5th by the legendary commander Adem Jashari together with his family was the war cry for the mobilization of the KLA girls and boys who during the three days of the battle in Prekaz in a heroic confrontation with the forces of the genocidal regime of Serbia gained eternity. This KLA Epopee is an Epopee of our dignity, pride and freedom. In this glorious battle, the determination of the Jashari family and all of KLA fighters were immortalized, to protect every inch of this land as well as to justify the sacrifice to the motherland as the most sublime human sacrifice. During these days of glory, on the one side was Uncle Shaban, Hamza, Legendary Commander Adem Jashari, family members and fellow fighters of the KLA who personified justice and freedom, while on the other side were the Serbian genocidal forces, who were convinced that freedom is more valuable than any of their military might. The fact that the Serbian killing machine did not spare the children, the elderly or the women, that it did not spare anyone or anything, proves to history the right of our people to defend themselves and to gain freedom. On this day, we also remember all the women and children of the Jashari family, who were not spared by the Serbian genocidal regime. The memory of them and their sacrifice will be eternal for all of Kosovo, free today due to this sacrifice. On days like these, we must always make sure that to our children and to the generations we will leave behind always speak about the children of the Jashari family and about all the children who fell on the altar of freedom, as well as about the example of bravery and courage given by the entire Jashari family, led by the Legendary Commander. Hence today, a quarter of a century later, we humbly remember the sacrifice of this family, of the men and women, children and elders, and all the martyrs who fell in that battle and in other battles, to quickly transform themselves into a symbol of our resistance for liberation. Likewise, we are eternally grateful to all the men and women of the KLA, who served their country and fell for its freedom, becoming the most glorious part of our history. They proved that in the face of extreme violence, the feeling for freedom is always extremely strengthened; faced with the intention to exterminate or expel an entire people, their conviction to live free becomes invincible. Dear citizens of the Republic! Honourable MPs! Honourable Jashari family! As evidenced in history, a quarter of a century is not very long in the life of nations and states. However, it may sound long in terms of time. Therefore, it is very important to keep the memory of our path alive. It is not said in vain that people who forget their history run the risk of repeating it. Therefore, we must and will keep alive the memory of the sacrifice of the Jashari family and of the entire KLA war, which they fought for the country. We must preserve the memory of the resistance of this family led by the legendary commander Adem Jashari, but also the sacrifice of an entire nation, as part of our painful history, because by remembering them, we layer our narrative for ourselves and for the path we have taken until the creation of the free and independent state of Kosovo. We won freedom because we have known its weight for centuries, often facing its lack due to various attacks upon us. But, we won it because even in difficult historical circumstances we stood and we faced the pain, we fought with trust in the final victory. Freedom, as is known, is won by those nations and those countries who really believe in it and who are ready to face any sacrifice to achieve it. We who have experienced oppression know this best. This was best understood by the leader of our war for liberation, commander Adem Jashari, who, together with other KLA fighters, had started the preparations for the final confrontation with Serbia as early as 1991 in Albania. He knew that he was taking great risks, that his readiness for sublime sacrifice could also become a family sacrifice, and that he could be asked to give his life to his country. But he was determined. He could not stand the siege, he had to break it, because the feeling of freedom could no longer be kept under siege. He was challenged by a siege of his family again on the 30th of December 1991 and 22 January 1998, before succumbing on the decisive battle of March 1998, along with most of his family members. Dear citizens! The battle of Jasharis became an inspiration for thousands of young men and women, who, driven by the echo of
The President: Our state is successful and eternal due to the strong and unbreakable foundations laid by the Jasharajs
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, together with the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo Glauk Konjufca, Prime Minister Albin Kurti as well as ministers of the Government of Kosovo, paid tribute today at the “Adem Jashari” Memorial Complex in Prekaz, on the occasion of the KLA Epopee. President Osmani said that just like every citizen of the Republic of Kosovo, like every Albanian regardless of where they live, we are here in the historical Prekaz to honor the sacrifice, bravery and courage of the Jashari family, led by the legendary commander-in-chief, Adem Jashari. “Whose sacrifice and bravery laid the strong foundations of our state. Our country today is on the right path precisely because we find inspiration with the Jasharajs. And our country will be successful and will be eternal precisely because the foundations they laid are strong and unbreakable,” said President Osmani. President Osmani further added that on these three days of the KLA Epopee, as on every other day of the year, it is an opportunity for all the citizens of Kosovo to show their remembrance for all the women and children of the Jashari family who were not spared by the Serbian genocidal regime. “Today as well and in fact on these three days of the KLA Epopee, as on every other day of the year, it is an opportunity for all the citizens of Kosovo to show their remembrance for all the women and children of the Jashari family who were not spared by the Serbian genocidal regime. As you know, there were 5 and 6-year-old children among those killed. Of course, the memory for them, their sacrifice, will be eternal for all of Kosovo, free today due to this sacrifice,” emphasized Madam President. President Osmani, Speaker of the Assembly Konjufca and Prime Minister Kurti also visited the Jashari family, where they were received by Rifat Jashari. On this occasion, President Osmani presented Rifat Jashari with the “Order of Freedom” Medal, having previously awarded the medal to him.