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President Vjosa Osmani's address on the Day of the Kosovo Security Force Day

Distinguished Participants, Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Albin Kurti! Honourable Minister of Defense, Mr. Mehaj! Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers of the Government of Kosovo! Honourable Commander of the Kosovo Security Force!, Distinguished Excellencies, Ambassadors! Highly esteemed media representatives, But above all, dear servicemen and women; officers and non-commissioned officers! Today, on this special day of yours and the most important day of our Force, the Force of the Republic of Kosovo, I have the special honour and pleasure to wish you all a happy day of the Force.   I am just as happy as since November last year, when we marked your day together, our Forces have enjoyed rapid development, transforming from a keeper of internal peace to an important factor in maintaining global security, as a reliable and important partner of the most powerful army in the world, that of the USA, and of other partners within the most powerful military alliance in the history of mankind, that of NATO. Therefore, let me start my speech by emphasizing this dimension, from which comes our great pride in the Security Force. Months ago, members of the Kosovo Security Force, for the first time in the history of our forces, embarked on an international peacekeeping mission in Kuwait, within the contingent of the IOWA Guard, the US Army. This was the first but very important step to see our dream of becoming a builder and guarantor of global peace come true, as well as to serve alongside our historic allies in ensuring global security. I am grateful to all our soldiers who served with zeal and dedication in this mission and of which the whole of Kosovo is proud. Also during the summer, Kosovo was part of the “Defender 21 Europe” exercise, one of the largest since World War II, led by the US Army. For the first time, Kosovo was the host country for such an international exercise. During the “Defender 21” exercise, the KSF for the first time validated its infantry capabilities at a company level in the international level. Validation of the combat capabilities of the KSF Infantry was done by the assessment teams of the US Army, in cooperation with the assessment teams of the KSF. This was the second, very important step of further approximation of the KSF with the NATO army and proof that it is developing strongly. Part of this empowerment was the supply of military equipment and vehicles, including 55 ASVs, donated by the United States. Thirdly, the KSF has correctly understood the feeling of the people of Kosovo to become part of our permanent alliance with the United States by helping the Afghan refugee crisis. The transportation and escorting of many Afghan refugees from Prishtina Airport to the refugee camps in Ferizaj is a sign not only of the implementation of the decisions of institutions with dignity but also of nurturing a sense of support for the displaced.   Let me underline: the whole partnership with the United States and with NATO friendly countries, demonstrated in all these activities, is vital for us as the Republic of Kosovo, as is the strengthening of our defense capabilities. The supply of military equipment, both donated and recently purchased, is proof that we are building these capacities, so much needed for the defense of our country. I will remind you here again: At the time when we were conducting the exercise with NATO forces, our northern neighbour, a constant threat to peace and security in the region, was conducting military manoeuvres with the other global threat, Russia. Dear participants! The Kosovo Army has strong foundations because it is built and structured on the sacrifice of whole generations, sublimated in the sublime sacrifice of Commander Adem Jashari and of the entire Jashari family, in the KLA war and the Euro-Atlantic vision of Kosovo, the creator of statehood of Kosovo, our historic president of Kosovo Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.   Today, our army is growing and developing on the vision of the people of Kosovo for a modern army, which is able to professionally and tactically defend the homeland at all times.   Today it is turning into a modern army, thanks to the perseverance and sacrifice of our girls and boys. The Army is developing its capabilities day by day, continuing a beneficial training and education program in partner countries. As a result of this partnership, we have built strong professional capacities, which are being proven all around the world. Therefore, to recognize this merit to our sons and daughters, who are honouring the Force, but also in honouring all the people of Kosovo, I have decided to honour some of them, selected among the multitude of many other soldiers as worthy of this award, with the Presidential Medal of Merit soldiers that today are the representative face of the KSF around the world, making us proud of their achievements and becoming the first among the best wherever they studied, whether in the United States, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere. Distinguished guests! Dear members of the army! Your results around the world are an example of how to serve the homeland. Your commitment to knowledge, to your professional development, as well as the sacrifice to reach the peaks of discipline and skills at work, in addition to reaching peak achievement, which is also proof that for you no barrier is insurmountable. You should be proud of your achievements, but also of the fact that you are part of a military formation, which has a sacred mission: the protection of the territorial integrity and security of the citizens of the Republic, the defense of the homeland for which much has been sacrificed. The soldiers, officers and non-commissioned officers of the KSF, who are achieving excellent results in the world's most famous military academies and in international competitions, are proving every day this will and this readiness.   On this special day, I would also like to express our gratitude to our allies, the armies of friendly

President Vjosa Osmani's address on the Day of the Kosovo Security Force Day

Distinguished Participants, Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Albin Kurti! Honourable Minister of Defense, Mr. Mehaj! Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers of the Government of Kosovo! Honourable Commander of the Kosovo Security Force!, Distinguished Excellencies, Ambassadors! Highly esteemed media representatives, But above all, dear servicemen and women; officers and non-commissioned officers! Today, on this special day of yours and the most important day of our Force, the Force of the Republic of Kosovo, I have the special honour and pleasure to wish you all a happy day of the Force.   I am just as happy as since November last year, when we marked your day together, our Forces have enjoyed rapid development, transforming from a keeper of internal peace to an important factor in maintaining global security, as a reliable and important partner of the most powerful army in the world, that of the USA, and of other partners within the most powerful military alliance in the history of mankind, that of NATO. Therefore, let me start my speech by emphasizing this dimension, from which comes our great pride in the Security Force. Months ago, members of the Kosovo Security Force, for the first time in the history of our forces, embarked on an international peacekeeping mission in Kuwait, within the contingent of the IOWA Guard, the US Army. This was the first but very important step to see our dream of becoming a builder and guarantor of global peace come true, as well as to serve alongside our historic allies in ensuring global security. I am grateful to all our soldiers who served with zeal and dedication in this mission and of which the whole of Kosovo is proud. Also during the summer, Kosovo was part of the “Defender 21 Europe” exercise, one of the largest since World War II, led by the US Army. For the first time, Kosovo was the host country for such an international exercise. During the “Defender 21” exercise, the KSF for the first time validated its infantry capabilities at a company level in the international level. Validation of the combat capabilities of the KSF Infantry was done by the assessment teams of the US Army, in cooperation with the assessment teams of the KSF. This was the second, very important step of further approximation of the KSF with the NATO army and proof that it is developing strongly. Part of this empowerment was the supply of military equipment and vehicles, including 55 ASVs, donated by the United States. Thirdly, the KSF has correctly understood the feeling of the people of Kosovo to become part of our permanent alliance with the United States by helping the Afghan refugee crisis. The transportation and escorting of many Afghan refugees from Prishtina Airport to the refugee camps in Ferizaj is a sign not only of the implementation of the decisions of institutions with dignity but also of nurturing a sense of support for the displaced.   Let me underline: the whole partnership with the United States and with NATO friendly countries, demonstrated in all these activities, is vital for us as the Republic of Kosovo, as is the strengthening of our defense capabilities. The supply of military equipment, both donated and recently purchased, is proof that we are building these capacities, so much needed for the defense of our country. I will remind you here again: At the time when we were conducting the exercise with NATO forces, our northern neighbour, a constant threat to peace and security in the region, was conducting military manoeuvres with the other global threat, Russia. Dear participants! The Kosovo Army has strong foundations because it is built and structured on the sacrifice of whole generations, sublimated in the sublime sacrifice of Commander Adem Jashari and of the entire Jashari family, in the KLA war and the Euro-Atlantic vision of Kosovo, the creator of statehood of Kosovo, our historic president of Kosovo Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.   Today, our army is growing and developing on the vision of the people of Kosovo for a modern army, which is able to professionally and tactically defend the homeland at all times.   Today it is turning into a modern army, thanks to the perseverance and sacrifice of our girls and boys. The Army is developing its capabilities day by day, continuing a beneficial training and education program in partner countries. As a result of this partnership, we have built strong professional capacities, which are being proven all around the world. Therefore, to recognize this merit to our sons and daughters, who are honouring the Force, but also in honouring all the people of Kosovo, I have decided to honour some of them, selected among the multitude of many other soldiers as worthy of this award, with the Presidential Medal of Merit soldiers that today are the representative face of the KSF around the world, making us proud of their achievements and becoming the first among the best wherever they studied, whether in the United States, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere. Distinguished guests! Dear members of the army! Your results around the world are an example of how to serve the homeland. Your commitment to knowledge, to your professional development, as well as the sacrifice to reach the peaks of discipline and skills at work, in addition to reaching peak achievement, which is also proof that for you no barrier is insurmountable. You should be proud of your achievements, but also of the fact that you are part of a military formation, which has a sacred mission: the protection of the territorial integrity and security of the citizens of the Republic, the defense of the homeland for which much has been sacrificed. The soldiers, officers and non-commissioned officers of the KSF, who are achieving excellent results in the world's most famous military academies and in international competitions, are proving every day this will and this readiness.   On this special day, I would also like to express our gratitude to our allies, the armies of friendly

President Osmani's remarks at the “Property rights and domestic violence” discussion

Dear Mr. Wigemark, Distinguished Ambassadors, Highly esteemed participants from local institutions, Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for the invitation today! Discussing property rights within the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence conveys a clear message that economic empowerment and gender equality are basic preconditions for creating a society where women and girls feel both safe and empowered. Such discussions serve our common final goal. Respectively, these discussions further strengthen our efforts in combating violence against women and girls, clarifying once and for all that inheritance rights and property rights can no longer be tolerated to fall prey to gender discrimination. The inheritance issue is not just an isolated issue, but property really constitutes an instrument of economic empowerment and stability above all. Women and girls, as we have heard many times, are undoubtedly a powerful pillar of our society. Their equal participation in every process alongside men contributes not only to the family benefit but also to our entire society and economy in general. This contribution includes in itself the inheritance, as well as the property right, which is undoubtedly protection and guarantee for well-being, independence and integrity and dignity. Property thus creates opportunities for economic independence and empowerment of the voice of women and girls against injustice and inequality. As a result of the further presence of the patriarchal and discriminatory approach in relation to property rights, the current situation regarding property inheritance keeps being unsatisfactory. A very small percentage of property from parents is inherited by daughters, while a very small percentage is also evident in terms of women who own property.  Such a situation, unfortunately, does not differ much from the mentality that prevailed when the law was made by the Kanun and when the property right depended on gender, age and health status, while priority was then given to males. Thus “property and possessions” and as it was called “the rule of one's own house”, could be given in possession to a 15-year-old boy, but not a girl or woman. Despite our advanced laws, the consequences of such a customary definition are manifested and present even nowadays in practice, circumventing the possibility offered under the legal framework. Therefore, the data on property ownership by women and girls in our country are at a very low level, which is also a concerning level. It is so, despite the legal basis. Although the Kosovo Constitution clearly prohibits discrimination, the customary code is quite relevant in many parts of society. Yet, we cannot deny the slow progress, which nevertheless is present. The data show an increase in the number of women who have initiated inheritance claims. At the same time, the number of women who were reported to have inherited property has doubled. It is precisely these positive developments that should be highlighted, applauded, but above all, they should be multiplied. Women and girls should be committed to exercising their property rights, because property should not be seen as a gift. It is an acquired right. It should be clear that property is an opportunity to manifest integrity in facing the patriarchal elements. And as society gradually internalizes the importance of what we are discussing today, we are the institutions that need to be much more determined to enforce legislation, amend and advance as appropriate, monitor compliance, as well as ensure fair and non-discriminatory inheritance sharing. Finally, the judicial system must address women's property rights claims fairly, efficiently and without delay. And this commitment must overcome any social divisions, ensuring that property rights are warranted and guaranteed for non-majority communities as well. Dear participants, Lack of an effective property rights system and lack of systematic coordination in combating domestic violence weakens the rule of law, has an adverse effect in respecting human rights, weakens the women’s position and consequently gender equality in society and hinders sustainable economic growth and collective well-being, because all of these are interrelated, and all have their starting point in equality. On the other hand, equality is impossible without economic empowerment, without respect for property rights. Kosovo already has a package of laws, which regulate this area, but this should be followed by raising awareness in our society. The economic prosperity of our country is built based on equal opportunities and chances, while equal property right is an important pillar to guarantee the success of our efforts in this direction. Ownership is much more than possession of a possession list. Property is an economic guarantee, it is collateral that facilitates access to financial instruments, and it is a confirmation of an empowered status in society. And occasionally, it is exactly what can make the difference between life and death, providing shelter for a girl or woman who is a victim of violence as well as opportunities for her to escape violence. The number of women reporting cases of domestic violence has increased compared to previous years. The lockdown throughout the pandemic is seen as one of the main contributors in this regard. And often, the inability to have your own shelter as a woman, makes the situation much worse. Therefore, we are not just dealing with the property right, but above all, with an opportunity to say ‘Stop to the violence’ – But, nothing starts and does not end with the property. Nowadays more than ever, we need a comprehensive mobilization of our society and the Institutions of the Republic of Kosovo to combat gender-based violence. These 16 days of activism, but in fact 365 days of the year should be acted upon, in order to encourage women and girls to report cases of abuse and to promote their trust in the institutions that deal with them. It is therefore necessary to provide comprehensive and, above all, efficient mechanisms for a quick response to cases of domestic violence, as well as to raise public awareness of the non-acceptance and intolerance of domestic violence, whatever it may be. Finally, as long as we work in this direction, it is high time we fight the so-called

President Osmani's remarks at the “Property rights and domestic violence” discussion

Dear Mr. Wigemark, Distinguished Ambassadors, Highly esteemed participants from local institutions, Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for the invitation today! Discussing property rights within the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence conveys a clear message that economic empowerment and gender equality are basic preconditions for creating a society where women and girls feel both safe and empowered. Such discussions serve our common final goal. Respectively, these discussions further strengthen our efforts in combating violence against women and girls, clarifying once and for all that inheritance rights and property rights can no longer be tolerated to fall prey to gender discrimination. The inheritance issue is not just an isolated issue, but property really constitutes an instrument of economic empowerment and stability above all. Women and girls, as we have heard many times, are undoubtedly a powerful pillar of our society. Their equal participation in every process alongside men contributes not only to the family benefit but also to our entire society and economy in general. This contribution includes in itself the inheritance, as well as the property right, which is undoubtedly protection and guarantee for well-being, independence and integrity and dignity. Property thus creates opportunities for economic independence and empowerment of the voice of women and girls against injustice and inequality. As a result of the further presence of the patriarchal and discriminatory approach in relation to property rights, the current situation regarding property inheritance keeps being unsatisfactory. A very small percentage of property from parents is inherited by daughters, while a very small percentage is also evident in terms of women who own property.  Such a situation, unfortunately, does not differ much from the mentality that prevailed when the law was made by the Kanun and when the property right depended on gender, age and health status, while priority was then given to males. Thus “property and possessions” and as it was called “the rule of one's own house”, could be given in possession to a 15-year-old boy, but not a girl or woman. Despite our advanced laws, the consequences of such a customary definition are manifested and present even nowadays in practice, circumventing the possibility offered under the legal framework. Therefore, the data on property ownership by women and girls in our country are at a very low level, which is also a concerning level. It is so, despite the legal basis. Although the Kosovo Constitution clearly prohibits discrimination, the customary code is quite relevant in many parts of society. Yet, we cannot deny the slow progress, which nevertheless is present. The data show an increase in the number of women who have initiated inheritance claims. At the same time, the number of women who were reported to have inherited property has doubled. It is precisely these positive developments that should be highlighted, applauded, but above all, they should be multiplied. Women and girls should be committed to exercising their property rights, because property should not be seen as a gift. It is an acquired right. It should be clear that property is an opportunity to manifest integrity in facing the patriarchal elements. And as society gradually internalizes the importance of what we are discussing today, we are the institutions that need to be much more determined to enforce legislation, amend and advance as appropriate, monitor compliance, as well as ensure fair and non-discriminatory inheritance sharing. Finally, the judicial system must address women's property rights claims fairly, efficiently and without delay. And this commitment must overcome any social divisions, ensuring that property rights are warranted and guaranteed for non-majority communities as well. Dear participants, Lack of an effective property rights system and lack of systematic coordination in combating domestic violence weakens the rule of law, has an adverse effect in respecting human rights, weakens the women’s position and consequently gender equality in society and hinders sustainable economic growth and collective well-being, because all of these are interrelated, and all have their starting point in equality. On the other hand, equality is impossible without economic empowerment, without respect for property rights. Kosovo already has a package of laws, which regulate this area, but this should be followed by raising awareness in our society. The economic prosperity of our country is built based on equal opportunities and chances, while equal property right is an important pillar to guarantee the success of our efforts in this direction. Ownership is much more than possession of a possession list. Property is an economic guarantee, it is collateral that facilitates access to financial instruments, and it is a confirmation of an empowered status in society. And occasionally, it is exactly what can make the difference between life and death, providing shelter for a girl or woman who is a victim of violence as well as opportunities for her to escape violence. The number of women reporting cases of domestic violence has increased compared to previous years. The lockdown throughout the pandemic is seen as one of the main contributors in this regard. And often, the inability to have your own shelter as a woman, makes the situation much worse. Therefore, we are not just dealing with the property right, but above all, with an opportunity to say ‘Stop to the violence’ – But, nothing starts and does not end with the property. Nowadays more than ever, we need a comprehensive mobilization of our society and the Institutions of the Republic of Kosovo to combat gender-based violence. These 16 days of activism, but in fact 365 days of the year should be acted upon, in order to encourage women and girls to report cases of abuse and to promote their trust in the institutions that deal with them. It is therefore necessary to provide comprehensive and, above all, efficient mechanisms for a quick response to cases of domestic violence, as well as to raise public awareness of the non-acceptance and intolerance of domestic violence, whatever it may be. Finally, as long as we work in this direction, it is high time we fight the so-called

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