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President Osmani's address at the State Reception in honour of the 14th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence

Distinguished participants, Honourable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister of the country, Mr. Kurti, Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, other members of the Government Cabinet, Distinguished Members of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Distinguished diplomatic representatives, ambassadors, Distinguished former presidents, former prime ministers, Representatives of security institutions, Distinguished guests from the Iowa Guard who honoured us with your visit today, Honourable and dearly beloved representatives from Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanoc, Respectable media representatives, Dear citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,   Fourteen years ago, all our citizens gathered in the squares and streets of Kosovo to enjoy and breathe the fresh and sweet air of independence. In no place all around the world you could not see happier faces, brighter eyes, and cheers of enthusiasm and hope for our new-born state – the Republic of Kosovo: a free, independent and sovereign state.          On this anniversary, just like every other year and in every day of our work, the painful acts of unparalleled sacrifice for the state and for freedom, as well as the acts of unceasing resistance to realize our dream of democracy, an independent state and freedom run through our memory. Therefore, even today we remember our statehood  and liberation leaders, starting with the historic president, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, who made known to the world the great anguish of the citizens of the country who were being oppressed under a horrid regime and who secured the respect of the whole world for their determination to live freely, on their land, as part of the democratic world, and continuing with every hero and martyr of this country led by the legendary commander Adem Jashari and the Jashari family. We are eternally grateful to the liberators, visionaries, all activists and patriots.    Distinguished participants,   Our Kosovo is becoming day by day the Kosovo we have dreamed of and worked for many a generation. Every stone laid so far in our foundations is taking its full shape through the daily work of those who give true meaning to independence. I'm talking about medical staff, I'm talking about soldiers, policemen, firefighters, farmers working our lands and fields, workers in the public or private sector, about our daughters and sons, husbands and wives, the elderly regardless of their age, and above all for our children, for the future of our country. It is you, that is why Kosovo is there. It's you, so hope breathes.   In these 365 days of the journey since the last time we met for the state reception on the occasion of marking of our Independence Day, many colours of pride were added to our Kosovo. The flag of Kosovo so proudly and with much dignity waved in all 4 corners of the world. Our country experienced many emotions, whether in the Olympic Games, in the most renowned film festivals around the world, in the brightest musical stages, on the ski slopes, in competitions in mathematics, science, information technology, and so on. Through Mrs. Fahrie Hoti and the women of Krusha, through Yllka, Blerta, Kaltrina, Samir, through Duaa, Rita, Kiana, Albin, Majldina, Distria, Akil, Nora, Loriana, and many, many others, the name Kosovo sounded much more different, sounded much much better. The name of Kosovo became synonymous with triumph, synonymous with champions, success and excellence. We are always grateful to all of you, and to all who will follow your example. All of Kosovo bows before you, and we are eternally grateful to you!   And most of the names I just mentioned have one thing in common: in the year we left behind, our girls and women triumphed. In the past year, our girls and our women lead us with their successes. And rightly so, this year our symbol of independence, the NEWBORN obelisk, is dedicated to our women and girls, who, despite the challenges and difficulties, always continued to keep their wings high. For all of you who today enjoy the days of freedom, but also for all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, for all women who seek and deserve justice even today 23 years after freedom has arrived, for all mothers who still do not know about the fate of their children, but never give up – for all that you represent and for the strength you have shown every day, we bow to you. Dear citizens, Challenges, of course, are present. Some are global and we cannot avoid them, and some are internal and we are working together to overcome them. But I want to assure you that for both we have the will and the readiness to face and overcome them. And I am sure that as so far, the friends who stood by us in good times and in difficult days, will continue to be by us, and many others will join them. The achievements to date make us proud, but also give us additional motivation to make Kosovo an even more dignified place for our equally dignified citizens. Happy Independence Day to all citizens of our country! God bless the Republic of Kosovo and its friends!

President Osmani’s speech at the parade of the infantry squares of the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Police

Very beloved citizens of our country, Honoured Speaker of the Assembly Mr. Konjufca,  Honoured Prime Minister Kurti, Honoured officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Kosovo Security Force, Honoured members of the Kosovo Police, Honoured families of KLA martyrs, Honoured Excellencies Ambassadors,  Honoured representatives of the Kosovo institutions, Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to be here today in front of you at this parade of our army and police on the 14th anniversary of the Republic of Kosovo. Fourteen years of the statehood of Kosovo are not many, but also not few to remember the difficult path to make the state.   These boys and girls who will parade in front of you are the best personification of the state of Kosovo. They are not only our security, but also the guarantee for every corner of the territory of Kosovo.   They are the identity of our new state, for which we have given great effort and which we are building more and more each day, we are strengthening it more and more each day and we are consolidating it more and more each day. As our police and military forces march on the squares of Prishtina, there is no possibility not to remember the sacrifice of many generations for freedom, the period of peaceful resistance and that of armed resistance, the iconic work of historical   President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova for freedom, independence and democracy, the sublime sacrifice of about 3 thousand KLA martyrs who together with their leader, legendary commander Adem Jashari and his family gave everything for our freedom. And above all, there is no possibility not to remember how painful and full of sacrifices the road to freedom was for each of you, dear citizens of Kosovo. About 13 thousand civilians killed, of which many are still missing, about 20 thousand women raped during the war who are still seeking justice, and a lot of damage, other destructions aimed at our extermination show that justice has not yet been established and we call for justice every day.   On this great day for our country, we must not stop repeating: Thank you America, thank you NATO and thanks to all the friend countries who came to our aid in 1999 to protect us from the extermination by the genocidal Milosevic regime! Each one of the people of this state has done something for this day. Everyone in his own way has done something for Kosovo to become a state, so today we are here and we bow with the greatest respect to all those who made our dream for a state a reality.   Today, we have reason to celebrate, because our state has already built its profile. A small, but big-hearted state, which aims membership into the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and other international organizations where we will be able to give our contribution. The most pro-American, most pro-European and most pro-NATO people have a clear path ahead. We are not only a geographical part of Europe, but we are part of it, because we share common values and aim to reach the Euro-Atlantic structures.   On this path, Kosovo has already proved itself, both with the commitment to strengthening the state, as well as with the strengthening of its vital institutions. Our army that will parade before you today is prepared and professional in defending the sovereignty and territory of the Republic of Kosovo. This Force is also prepared to be the most serious partner of our alliance with partners in the service of peace. Today, at the head of this Force is Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, who, like Adem Jashari who gilded the symbol of the KLA, his nephew today carries on his shoulders the important process of the transformation of our army and its splendor until NATO membership.   Dear citizens,  Kosovo’s independence is our greatest achievement. This is our national project, a reality that bears the stamp of our national commitment best summed up in internal sustainability and external integration. These are two basic preconditions for the future of our country.   The institutions with all their mechanisms are guarantees that they will not allow the violation of the territorial integrity and the legal order of our Republic. We will be attentive and determined. Republic is the interest above all. We have a lot in common with Europe, but nothing separates us. In this journey we must preserve our freedom, independence and democracy. We must strengthen the rule of law, further improve governance in the interest of citizens, strengthen institutions and further develop the country’s economy. This is the Kosovo that our citizens are waiting for, this is the Kosovo for which they sacrificed a lot and which we all want!  This is also the legacy of our visionaries and heroes. Therefore, this loyalty to them is also shown by the uniform of the police officers who will be marching today and makes it even more meaningful. In a rare recording of him, Commander Adem Jashari was heard saying, I am quoting him: “Besa-besë (loyalty) … only one death because we have no other in this life and a good word. We have said that whatever happens to us together we will give our lives and only besa- besë (loyalty), there is nothing else in the muzzle of the rifle”.   Dear citizens! As we remember our straight but challenging journey to an independent state, let us not forget how long our path to freedom has been, and how great our pride must be for having achieved it. Let us remember that the creation of the state of Kosovo has been the dream of dozens of generations, which our generation had the fortune to conclude and live. Therefore, let us congratulate each other today on this great day, extending the memory to history; let us re-summarize the power and consolidate our state more and more each day, our dream, which we are seeing alive every day; let

President Osmani’s speech at the solemn session of the Assembly of Kosovo on the 14th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo

Honourable Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo Glauk Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister Kurti, Honourable members of the government cabinet, Distinguished Members of the Assembly of Kosovo, Honourable Ambassadors and Diplomatic Representatives, Distinguished families of martyrs, former presidents and former prime ministers and all of you present, Dearly beloved citizens of our country: In this very hall 14 years ago, Kosovo was declared a state, thus bringing to life the will of our citizens to live in a sovereign and independent country. The centuries-old aspiration of the people of Kosovo materialized with the independence of Kosovo, which opened a new chapter not only for us, but also for the globe, recording in the human history of that time the youngest state in the world. The road to this act was not easy. The people of Kosovo have experienced a calvary under the genocidal Serbian regime. It took a lot of effort, sacrifice and challenge to establish freedom, and as much to establish the state. It was the resistance of our people that laid the steps of our struggle for freedom and state. Under the leadership of the founding father, President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, Kosovo at the time made it known to the democratic world that its goal was the country's independence as a precondition for stability in the region. Liberation from captivity was not our single-act national drama. Therefore, as the oppression upon us increased, so did our peaceful resistance turning into armed resistance. The KLA girls and boys became the guardians of the homeland, placing the fulfilment of the ideal for the freedom of the country as the highest act for our Republic. Every war has its own heroes. Commander Adem Jashari together with his family became a sacrifice for this freedom that we enjoy today. We will eternally honour his figure, along with the thousands of martyrs of our liberation war who gave impetus to the liberation struggle. Today we honour all those war invalids who did not hesitate to give everything for freedom. As we will always remember the civilian victims of our war. Everyone deserves respect and honour because this state is also built upon the blood of 1133 innocent children killed during the war, who turned into flowers of freedom. Distinguished participants We are here today, not only because of our commitment and sacrifice, but also because we had the help of our friends. The democratic world did not remain silent in the face of our suffering. Today here among us are present ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of countries, which in the year of 1999 sided on the right side of history, protecting us from extinction aimed by the Milosevic regime. These amicable states sided with freedom as a human right. Therefore, our freedom is dedicated to the friendly countries that stood by us in our times of trouble as a nation. It was NATO that sealed our freedom. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and many other free world countries contributed not only to our freedom but also to our peace and state building. We are also not alone on this day. These states are still on our side. So, thank you for then, but thank you from the bottom of our heart for today too! We cannot traverse Kosovo's European path without the help of these friendly countries. As we once crowned freedom with their help, we also hope that with their help we will complete the process of integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, membership in the United Nations and other international organizations. But honourable ladies and gentlemen, honourable MP’s, freedom requires maintenance. There are always destructive forces that affect it. Today, Kosovo, the region, and the whole globe is facing dangers caused by Russia's aggressive course. Its destabilizing tendencies, through the use of its traditional ally, Serbia, aim to cause destabilization in the Balkan region as well. We strongly condemn such efforts, as we condemn the open threat and the tendency of Russia to invade Ukraine. This clash is not only a war between the two states but also an attempt to create a new world order. It is a fierce conflict between democracy and the freedom of nations on the one hand and autocracy on the other, which seeks to seize the right of people to live freely and in the way they chose to. To all those who ask why are we dealing with Ukraine to this date, I am responding with the statement of the US representative in OSCE who said: ” This crisis is much bigger than Ukraine.  This is about the type of world we want to live in.  One in which the tanks and missiles of a powerful neighbour can decide a country’s fate OR one in which citizens freely choose their own country’s future for themselves” Kosovo has decided on which side it stands. Therefore, Kosovo stands strongly on the side of our allies and on the side of democracy. The value of democracy best seen on days like this one, February 17th, the anniversary of our independence. Distinguished guests Kosovo today is neither that of June 1999, nor that of February 17th, 2008. However, our freedom has not yet been fulfilled, because today we remember over 1600 people who forcefully disappeared, while clarification of their fate is being held hostage by Serbia. But one thing is certain, and that is that we will not rest for a moment so that their families find peace. Truth can be delayed, but not eternally avoided. The dialogue process with Serbia should have an epilogue, as President Biden defined it in his good wishes for the 14th independence anniversary: that the dialogue should end with mutual recognition. We will not allow in any way this process to cause headaches to our state. Consequently, we will not accept any options aimed at the defunctionalisation of our state. The territorial integrity of Kosovo, its sovereignty and our constitutional order are non-negotiable and sacred. Our country has challenges, but now,14

President Osmani's address at the State Reception in honour of the 14th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence

Distinguished participants, Honourable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister of the country, Mr. Kurti, Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, other members of the Government Cabinet, Distinguished Members of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Distinguished diplomatic representatives, ambassadors, Distinguished former presidents, former prime ministers, Representatives of security institutions, Distinguished guests from the Iowa Guard who honoured us with your visit today, Honourable and dearly beloved representatives from Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanoc, Respectable media representatives, Dear citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,   Fourteen years ago, all our citizens gathered in the squares and streets of Kosovo to enjoy and breathe the fresh and sweet air of independence. In no place all around the world you could not see happier faces, brighter eyes, and cheers of enthusiasm and hope for our new-born state – the Republic of Kosovo: a free, independent and sovereign state.   On this anniversary, just like every other year and in every day of our work, the painful acts of unparalleled sacrifice for the state and for freedom, as well as the acts of unceasing resistance to realize our dream of democracy, an independent state and freedom run through our memory. Therefore, even today we remember our statehood  and liberation leaders, starting with the historic president, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, who made known to the world the great anguish of the citizens of the country who were being oppressed under a horrid regime and who secured the respect of the whole world for their determination to live freely, on their land, as part of the democratic world, and continuing with every hero and martyr of this country led by the legendary commander Adem Jashari and the Jashari family. We are eternally grateful to the liberators, visionaries, all activists and patriots.    Distinguished participants,   Our Kosovo is becoming day by day the Kosovo we have dreamed of and worked for many a generation. Every stone laid so far in our foundations is taking its full shape through the daily work of those who give true meaning to independence. I'm talking about medical staff, I'm talking about soldiers, policemen, firefighters, farmers working our lands and fields, workers in the public or private sector, about our daughters and sons, husbands and wives, the elderly regardless of their age, and above all for our children, for the future of our country. It is you, that is why Kosovo is there. It's you, so hope breathes.   In these 365 days of the journey since the last time we met for the state reception on the occasion of marking of our Independence Day, many colours of pride were added to our Kosovo. The flag of Kosovo so proudly and with much dignity waved in all 4 corners of the world. Our country experienced many emotions, whether in the Olympic Games, in the most renowned film festivals around the world, in the brightest musical stages, on the ski slopes, in competitions in mathematics, science, information technology, and so on. Through Mrs. Fahrie Hoti and the women of Krusha, through Yllka, Blerta, Kaltrina, Samir, through Duaa, Rita, Kiana, Albin, Majldina, Distria, Akil, Nora, Loriana, and many, many others, the name Kosovo sounded much more different, sounded much much better. The name of Kosovo became synonymous with triumph, synonymous with champions, success and excellence. We are always grateful to all of you, and to all who will follow your example. All of Kosovo bows before you, and we are eternally grateful to you!   And most of the names I just mentioned have one thing in common: in the year we left behind, our girls and women triumphed. In the past year, our girls and our women lead us with their successes. And rightly so, this year our symbol of independence, the NEWBORN obelisk, is dedicated to our women and girls, who, despite the challenges and difficulties, always continued to keep their wings high. For all of you who today enjoy the days of freedom, but also for all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, for all women who seek and deserve justice even today 23 years after freedom has arrived, for all mothers who still do not know about the fate of their children, but never give up – for all that you represent and for the strength you have shown every day, we bow to you. Dear citizens, Challenges, of course, are present. Some are global and we cannot avoid them, and some are internal and we are working together to overcome them. But I want to assure you that for both we have the will and the readiness to face and overcome them. And I am sure that as so far, the friends who stood by us in good times and in difficult days, will continue to be by us, and many others will join them. The achievements to date make us proud, but also give us additional motivation to make Kosovo an even more dignified place for our equally dignified citizens. Happy Independence Day to all citizens of our country! God bless the Republic of Kosovo and its friends!

President Osmani received congratulatory telegrams from the Presidents of Turkey, Albania, the King of the Netherlands, the Presidents of Bangladesh and Slovenia

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani – Sadriu, on the 14th anniversary of the country’s independence has received congratulatory telegrams from the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Republic of Albania, Ilir Meta, the King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander R, the President of Bangladesh, Abdul Hamid, President of Slovenia, Borut Pahor.

President Osmani’s speech at the parade of the infantry squares of the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Police

Very beloved citizens of our country, Honoured Speaker of the Assembly Mr. Konjufca,  Honoured Prime Minister Kurti, Honoured officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Kosovo Security Force, Honoured members of the Kosovo Police, Honoured families of KLA martyrs, Honoured Excellencies Ambassadors,  Honoured representatives of the Kosovo institutions, Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to be here today in front of you at this parade of our army and police on the 14th anniversary of the Republic of Kosovo. Fourteen years of the statehood of Kosovo are not many, but also not few to remember the difficult path to make the state.   These boys and girls who will parade in front of you are the best personification of the state of Kosovo. They are not only our security, but also the guarantee for every corner of the territory of Kosovo.   They are the identity of our new state, for which we have given great effort and which we are building more and more each day, we are strengthening it more and more each day and we are consolidating it more and more each day. As our police and military forces march on the squares of Prishtina, there is no possibility not to remember the sacrifice of many generations for freedom, the period of peaceful resistance and that of armed resistance, the iconic work of historical   President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova for freedom, independence and democracy, the sublime sacrifice of about 3 thousand KLA martyrs who together with their leader, legendary commander Adem Jashari and his family gave everything for our freedom. And above all, there is no possibility not to remember how painful and full of sacrifices the road to freedom was for each of you, dear citizens of Kosovo. About 13 thousand civilians killed, of which many are still missing, about 20 thousand women raped during the war who are still seeking justice, and a lot of damage, other destructions aimed at our extermination show that justice has not yet been established and we call for justice every day.   On this great day for our country, we must not stop repeating: Thank you America, thank you NATO and thanks to all the friend countries who came to our aid in 1999 to protect us from the extermination by the genocidal Milosevic regime! Each one of the people of this state has done something for this day. Everyone in his own way has done something for Kosovo to become a state, so today we are here and we bow with the greatest respect to all those who made our dream for a state a reality.   Today, we have reason to celebrate, because our state has already built its profile. A small, but big-hearted state, which aims membership into the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and other international organizations where we will be able to give our contribution. The most pro-American, most pro-European and most pro-NATO people have a clear path ahead. We are not only a geographical part of Europe, but we are part of it, because we share common values and aim to reach the Euro-Atlantic structures.   On this path, Kosovo has already proved itself, both with the commitment to strengthening the state, as well as with the strengthening of its vital institutions. Our army that will parade before you today is prepared and professional in defending the sovereignty and territory of the Republic of Kosovo. This Force is also prepared to be the most serious partner of our alliance with partners in the service of peace. Today, at the head of this Force is Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, who, like Adem Jashari who gilded the symbol of the KLA, his nephew today carries on his shoulders the important process of the transformation of our army and its splendor until NATO membership.   Dear citizens,  Kosovo’s independence is our greatest achievement. This is our national project, a reality that bears the stamp of our national commitment best summed up in internal sustainability and external integration. These are two basic preconditions for the future of our country.   The institutions with all their mechanisms are guarantees that they will not allow the violation of the territorial integrity and the legal order of our Republic. We will be attentive and determined. Republic is the interest above all. We have a lot in common with Europe, but nothing separates us. In this journey we must preserve our freedom, independence and democracy. We must strengthen the rule of law, further improve governance in the interest of citizens, strengthen institutions and further develop the country’s economy. This is the Kosovo that our citizens are waiting for, this is the Kosovo for which they sacrificed a lot and which we all want!  This is also the legacy of our visionaries and heroes. Therefore, this loyalty to them is also shown by the uniform of the police officers who will be marching today and makes it even more meaningful. In a rare recording of him, Commander Adem Jashari was heard saying, I am quoting him: “Besa-besë (loyalty) … only one death because we have no other in this life and a good word. We have said that whatever happens to us together we will give our lives and only besa- besë (loyalty), there is nothing else in the muzzle of the rifle”.   Dear citizens! As we remember our straight but challenging journey to an independent state, let us not forget how long our path to freedom has been, and how great our pride must be for having achieved it. Let us remember that the creation of the state of Kosovo has been the dream of dozens of generations, which our generation had the fortune to conclude and live. Therefore, let us congratulate each other today on this great day, extending the memory to history; let us re-summarize the power and consolidate our state more and more each day, our dream, which we are seeing alive every day; let

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