President Osmani received the KSF members who served in Kuwait
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received at a meeting the contingent of the KSF soldiers who served in the first peacekeeping mission abroad in Kuwait. On this occasion, President Osmani congratulated the soldiers for the successful completion of the first KSF mission abroad alongside the soldiers of the United States of America. The President assessed that the experience gained by the Kosovo Army in this valuable mission confirms the interaction capabilities with the armies of allied countries. This experience will enable the KSF to participate in other missions abroad in cooperation with our allies.
President Osmani’s speech at Darka e Lamës
Welcome most esteemed friends Honorable Prime Minister Honorable Ministers and Members of Parliament, Dear international friends and partners, ambassadors Esteemed local producers who have given grace to the Daraka e Lamës, as you did last year as well, Dear guests, Esteemed representatives of the media who are here tonight to broadcast this activity; Welcome to “Darka e Lames”, the ancient Albanian feast, which dates from the fifth century and marks the end of the summer, the time of harvests, and a time when we count our blessings and express our gratitude for this year’s crops. “Darka e Lames” is part of a rich spiritual tradition, which Albanians have inherited and nurtured since ancient times. Along with other feasted, “Darka e Lamës” has survived for centuries and has been carried down to the present day, becoming an important part of our ancient culture which has influenced the nurture and cultivation of our spirit of solidarity. For centuries, guided by love and respect, Albanians have supported each other in the process of the cultivation and the harvest of the goods, culminating with the hosting of a dinner to express gratitude for the harvested goods. Tonight, we host this dinner, in collaboration with the local producers, to express our gratitude for the blessings produced and originating in our country, for the many a good quality products, for the spirit of collaboration and solidarity which has characterized our nation throughout centuries of history, and for the valuable friendships we have cultivated for many years now. Dear friends, The well-known Albanian expression: “Bread, salt and heart” today takes on a deep meaning, because in preparing this special dinner, our local producers have not only made sure to serve our traditional food, but they also put their hearts into preparation of every single dish, while committing to share our good with friends and beloved ones. This is exactly in line with our tradition! And, as we are gathered here tonight, I want to take a moment to remember a very special person who, for as long as he lived, dedicated his life to food preparation in ways that others would only be envious of. Tonight we remember our master chef, the late Përparim Babaliaj, who passed away only a few months ago. We pray for his soul and we remember and cherish his life and deeds through a very special menu that will be served tonight. This year’s dinner is organized in still challenging circumstances due to the pandemic. Tonight, our minds and our hearts go out to the Kosovar families who lost their dear ones as a result of this pandemic. Today, not only are the tables they sit around emptier, but also their hearts. We share their pain and we pray for them! As we face this challenge, we are reminded of the importance of being there for each other and the importance of trust in each other, – trust in our friends, who have stood by us in good times and bed times, and have shared with us both j oy and anguish and have recited with us the prayers for next year’s crops. Traditionally, ‘Darka e Lamës’ stands out as the night when we express our gratitude for the blessings of the nature, but I want to take a moment to give thanks for the special deeds of our people. In this difficult period, the doctors and the medical staff were the ones that led the battle against the pandemic. So, tonight once more, we express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice and hard work. At these times, it was also deeply challenging to organize the educational system and to make sure that teaching carries on. Deep respect for all the teachers and professors, and for the ones that made it possible for the education system to prevail over the challenges faced, similar to what Albanian used to do in the 1990s through the schools in houses system – always bearing in mind and understanding the profound importance of education as one of the core pillars of a state. No matter how difficult this period was, our motivation and strength were rekindled by our youth and those who worked hard and diligently – and then succeeded and made it not only in Kosovo but also around the world. From sports to information technology, from culture and art to science, they showed the world the true image and potential of Kosovo. Therefore, today and every day, we express our gratitude to each and every one of them. And many of them, medics, teachers, artists, filmmakers and fashion designers, scientists and many others have joined us tonight. It is a great pleasure to have you with us! Dear friends, Tonight, I also want to express deep gratitude for the founding father of our state, President Rugova, who resumed this tradition in 2002. He compared it to Thanksgiving in the USA. We are thankful to him for bringing this feast back in our tradition. As you know, President Rugova always celebrated with friends, worked with friends and thanked them for our well-being. We will always cultivate this valuable tradition of the Albanian people, because we consider just like our president, that the cultivation of tradition does keep alive the spirit of a nation. By thanking each and every one of you for your presence tonight, allow me to invite you to sit around the so called “sofra” and to express our gratitude for the blessings, while hoping that the next year will find us in greater wellbeing, better health and prosperity. Yet, before we do so, let me express my deep appreciation for the golden hands of the good men of our country who collected this year’s products, who prepared them tonight with much love and those who worked with us to organize this event and to our dear farmers, the ones who put the effort to make this a successful harvesting season. Our local producers are showing their potential not only in
President Osmani’s speech at Darka e Lamës
Welcome most esteemed friends Honorable Prime Minister Honorable Ministers and Members of Parliament, Dear international friends and partners, ambassadors Esteemed local producers who have given grace to the Daraka e Lamës, as you did last year as well, Dear guests, Esteemed representatives of the media who are here tonight to broadcast this activity; Welcome to “Darka e Lames”, the ancient Albanian feast, which dates from the fifth century and marks the end of the summer, the time of harvests, and a time when we count our blessings and express our gratitude for this year’s crops. “Darka e Lames” is part of a rich spiritual tradition, which Albanians have inherited and nurtured since ancient times. Along with other feasted, “Darka e Lamës” has survived for centuries and has been carried down to the present day, becoming an important part of our ancient culture which has influenced the nurture and cultivation of our spirit of solidarity. For centuries, guided by love and respect, Albanians have supported each other in the process of the cultivation and the harvest of the goods, culminating with the hosting of a dinner to express gratitude for the harvested goods. Tonight, we host this dinner, in collaboration with the local producers, to express our gratitude for the blessings produced and originating in our country, for the many a good quality products, for the spirit of collaboration and solidarity which has characterized our nation throughout centuries of history, and for the valuable friendships we have cultivated for many years now. Dear friends, The well-known Albanian expression: “Bread, salt and heart” today takes on a deep meaning, because in preparing this special dinner, our local producers have not only made sure to serve our traditional food, but they also put their hearts into preparation of every single dish, while committing to share our good with friends and beloved ones. This is exactly in line with our tradition! And, as we are gathered here tonight, I want to take a moment to remember a very special person who, for as long as he lived, dedicated his life to food preparation in ways that others would only be envious of. Tonight we remember our master chef, the late Përparim Babaliaj, who passed away only a few months ago. We pray for his soul and we remember and cherish his life and deeds through a very special menu that will be served tonight. This year’s dinner is organized in still challenging circumstances due to the pandemic. Tonight, our minds and our hearts go out to the Kosovar families who lost their dear ones as a result of this pandemic. Today, not only are the tables they sit around emptier, but also their hearts. We share their pain and we pray for them! As we face this challenge, we are reminded of the importance of being there for each other and the importance of trust in each other, – trust in our friends, who have stood by us in good times and bed times, and have shared with us both j oy and anguish and have recited with us the prayers for next year’s crops. Traditionally, ‘Darka e Lamës’ stands out as the night when we express our gratitude for the blessings of the nature, but I want to take a moment to give thanks for the special deeds of our people. In this difficult period, the doctors and the medical staff were the ones that led the battle against the pandemic. So, tonight once more, we express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice and hard work. At these times, it was also deeply challenging to organize the educational system and to make sure that teaching carries on. Deep respect for all the teachers and professors, and for the ones that made it possible for the education system to prevail over the challenges faced, similar to what Albanian used to do in the 1990s through the schools in houses system – always bearing in mind and understanding the profound importance of education as one of the core pillars of a state. No matter how difficult this period was, our motivation and strength were rekindled by our youth and those who worked hard and diligently – and then succeeded and made it not only in Kosovo but also around the world. From sports to information technology, from culture and art to science, they showed the world the true image and potential of Kosovo. Therefore, today and every day, we express our gratitude to each and every one of them. And many of them, medics, teachers, artists, filmmakers and fashion designers, scientists and many others have joined us tonight. It is a great pleasure to have you with us! Dear friends, Tonight, I also want to express deep gratitude for the founding father of our state, President Rugova, who resumed this tradition in 2002. He compared it to Thanksgiving in the USA. We are thankful to him for bringing this feast back in our tradition. As you know, President Rugova always celebrated with friends, worked with friends and thanked them for our well-being. We will always cultivate this valuable tradition of the Albanian people, because we consider just like our president, that the cultivation of tradition does keep alive the spirit of a nation. By thanking each and every one of you for your presence tonight, allow me to invite you to sit around the so called “sofra” and to express our gratitude for the blessings, while hoping that the next year will find us in greater wellbeing, better health and prosperity. Yet, before we do so, let me express my deep appreciation for the golden hands of the good men of our country who collected this year’s products, who prepared them tonight with much love and those who worked with us to organize this event and to our dear farmers, the ones who put the effort to make this a successful harvesting season. Our local producers are showing their potential not only in
President Osmani address at the marking of the Crime Victims' Rights Week
Honourable Minister of Justice Mrs. Albulena Haxhiu, Honourable Chief State Prosecutor Mr. Lumezi, Distinguished representatives of the courts, prosecutors' offices, all justice institutions, Diplomatic representatives of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors; Dear all participants, I have the pleasure to address you at this event, given the importance of the rule of law in general, which is also a priority of my engagement as President of the country, but especially since today we are speaking about one of the most important areas that also has to do with the citizen's trust in this justice system, more specifically the protection of victims of crime. I am beginning at what is probably the most basic principle that all of us as lawyers have learned in the first year of the Faculty of Law, that the obligation of the state in relation to human rights, right to life and the protection of dignity, the protection of human rights and freedoms are not only negative obligations of the state, which means not to violate that right, but they are also positive obligations of the state, which means their protection when they are in danger of being violated by others. Whether the protection of the right to life -where we have a clear obligation or the protection of all victims of crime, as institutions of justice, the principle which should lead each one of you, and each one of us, but especially you as representatives of the justice institutions, the police representatives and other security institutions where victims turn to seek protection. Therefore, this Week is an indicator that in addition to raising of the level of awareness to bring justice to victims of crime, it is also necessary to increase the efficiency of the rule of law, as well as services to victims, which should be a permanent activity of the institutions. The aim of our state is a society without violence, respectively without victims, hence raising the awareness and increasing efficiency in protecting the rights of victims in this manner directly affects the perception of citizens of the justice system and the rule of law in general. In 2019 and 2020, there are nine women who have lost their lives by the violence caused by men. Until September of this year, there are three other women victims, while during this period of the year, over 1500 cases of violence against women, gender-based violence, were reported to the Police. As you can see, the statistics are sorrowful. So, violence against women has become a challenge not only for the institutions, but also for the Kosovar society in general, and we cannot be silent about this situation, just as we cannot be silent about the need for a greater amount of support for the victims. The perpetrators must be punished, and the victims must be rehabilitated, encouraged and supported institutionally. Preserving the life and dignity and protecting the victims of crime is both a constitutional obligation and a legal obligation, but also a moral obligation to our society. One thing is indisputable and uncompromising: it is that impunity for crime requires zero tolerance. When we talk about impunity, we are talking about the level of sentencing, the quality of sentences, the weight that victims have in the eyes of our justice system, but also the importance of life, integrity and well-being of everyone in the Republic of Kosovo. By advancing the rights of victims' protection, we do not only mean the punishment of the crime or the conclusion of a criminal or civil court case for material compensation but every aspect and physical, financial, emotional and moral element that the victims of crime had before they experienced any criminal offense against them. I am glad that this week is given such importance. But the real positive change is achieved with profiled prosecutors and judges in office, who understand the importance of protecting the rights of victims, and how this will have a positive impact on increasing the credibility of all citizens in relation to the justice system. Professionals who have the necessary skills and professionalism for the investigation and trial of criminal offenses, but above all enjoy the trust of the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. Applicable laws in the country specify that victims of crime should be treated respecting their right to safety, to dignity, their private and family life, recognizing the negative impact of crime on victims. It is the last moment for these laws to materialize in full, because the rule of law is theoretically useless, without effective mechanisms, just as it is useless to talk about a dignified life without proper rule of law. Finally, I want to reaffirm my personal commitment to working with all prosecutors, judges, police, security institutions who prioritize integrity, respect for the law and the rule of law. Also, we must all work together to alleviate the burden of the victims of crime, to support those who serve these victims that is, to protect these victims and to reduce the number of these victims in the future by helping law enforcement so that our society feels safe. Together, we can ensure a more secure future for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, without fear or distrust of its institutions. Only together, and only by prioritizing the well-being of citizens, can we create a society where trust in the justice system no longer remains a matter of perception but becomes a measurable and indisputable fact. The integrity, professionalism and independence of justice institutions is the guarantee that we all seek in the Republic of Kosovo. No tolerance for lawbreakers whoever and wherever they are, is what all our citizens expect from the justice institutions in the country. Therefore, it is imperative that all our institutional and social efforts lead to the construction and guaranteeing of a justice system that above all, is independent, professional and with integrity and that prioritizes the protection of victims' rights. Whoever has this goal as theirs, will have all my support
President Osmani address at the marking of the Crime Victims' Rights Week
Honourable Minister of Justice Mrs. Albulena Haxhiu, Honourable Chief State Prosecutor Mr. Lumezi, Distinguished representatives of the courts, prosecutors' offices, all justice institutions, Diplomatic representatives of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors; Dear all participants, I have the pleasure to address you at this event, given the importance of the rule of law in general, which is also a priority of my engagement as President of the country, but especially since today we are speaking about one of the most important areas that also has to do with the citizen's trust in this justice system, more specifically the protection of victims of crime. I am beginning at what is probably the most basic principle that all of us as lawyers have learned in the first year of the Faculty of Law, that the obligation of the state in relation to human rights, right to life and the protection of dignity, the protection of human rights and freedoms are not only negative obligations of the state, which means not to violate that right, but they are also positive obligations of the state, which means their protection when they are in danger of being violated by others. Whether the protection of the right to life -where we have a clear obligation or the protection of all victims of crime, as institutions of justice, the principle which should lead each one of you, and each one of us, but especially you as representatives of the justice institutions, the police representatives and other security institutions where victims turn to seek protection. Therefore, this Week is an indicator that in addition to raising of the level of awareness to bring justice to victims of crime, it is also necessary to increase the efficiency of the rule of law, as well as services to victims, which should be a permanent activity of the institutions. The aim of our state is a society without violence, respectively without victims, hence raising the awareness and increasing efficiency in protecting the rights of victims in this manner directly affects the perception of citizens of the justice system and the rule of law in general. In 2019 and 2020, there are nine women who have lost their lives by the violence caused by men. Until September of this year, there are three other women victims, while during this period of the year, over 1500 cases of violence against women, gender-based violence, were reported to the Police. As you can see, the statistics are sorrowful. So, violence against women has become a challenge not only for the institutions, but also for the Kosovar society in general, and we cannot be silent about this situation, just as we cannot be silent about the need for a greater amount of support for the victims. The perpetrators must be punished, and the victims must be rehabilitated, encouraged and supported institutionally. Preserving the life and dignity and protecting the victims of crime is both a constitutional obligation and a legal obligation, but also a moral obligation to our society. One thing is indisputable and uncompromising: it is that impunity for crime requires zero tolerance. When we talk about impunity, we are talking about the level of sentencing, the quality of sentences, the weight that victims have in the eyes of our justice system, but also the importance of life, integrity and well-being of everyone in the Republic of Kosovo. By advancing the rights of victims' protection, we do not only mean the punishment of the crime or the conclusion of a criminal or civil court case for material compensation but every aspect and physical, financial, emotional and moral element that the victims of crime had before they experienced any criminal offense against them. I am glad that this week is given such importance. But the real positive change is achieved with profiled prosecutors and judges in office, who understand the importance of protecting the rights of victims, and how this will have a positive impact on increasing the credibility of all citizens in relation to the justice system. Professionals who have the necessary skills and professionalism for the investigation and trial of criminal offenses, but above all enjoy the trust of the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. Applicable laws in the country specify that victims of crime should be treated respecting their right to safety, to dignity, their private and family life, recognizing the negative impact of crime on victims. It is the last moment for these laws to materialize in full, because the rule of law is theoretically useless, without effective mechanisms, just as it is useless to talk about a dignified life without proper rule of law. Finally, I want to reaffirm my personal commitment to working with all prosecutors, judges, police, security institutions who prioritize integrity, respect for the law and the rule of law. Also, we must all work together to alleviate the burden of the victims of crime, to support those who serve these victims that is, to protect these victims and to reduce the number of these victims in the future by helping law enforcement so that our society feels safe. Together, we can ensure a more secure future for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, without fear or distrust of its institutions. Only together, and only by prioritizing the well-being of citizens, can we create a society where trust in the justice system no longer remains a matter of perception but becomes a measurable and indisputable fact. The integrity, professionalism and independence of justice institutions is the guarantee that we all seek in the Republic of Kosovo. No tolerance for lawbreakers whoever and wherever they are, is what all our citizens expect from the justice institutions in the country. Therefore, it is imperative that all our institutional and social efforts lead to the construction and guaranteeing of a justice system that above all, is independent, professional and with integrity and that prioritizes the protection of victims' rights. Whoever has this goal as theirs, will have all my support
The President: Filmmakers are already our ambassadors and Kosovo's new chapters of glory are being opened by them
The premiere of the film “Zgjoi (The Hive)”was held last night under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu which was attended by a number of personalities of political and cultural life.
President Osmani received the letters of credence of the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr. Bakhavat Tanskul
Prishtina, October 22 nd ,2021 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani
received today the new non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the
Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Bhakavat Tanskul, on the occasion of the presentation of his
credentials.
Statement of President Osmani
This week I asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MFAD), Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, to declare two officials of the Liaison Office of the Russian Federation in Kosovo ‘persona non grata’, because of harmful activities that risk endangering national security and the constitutional order of the Republic of Kosovo. Today, MFAD has issued the decision to declare these two Russian officials undesirable persons in the Republic of Kosovo and has notified the law enforcement institutions and relevant authorities of its implementation. The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo are determined to fight against the malign influence of the Russian Federation and its proxies in the region, which aim to undermine our achievements, and those of the US, NATO and the EU. For this reason, we will continue to closely co-operate with our American and European allies to prevent attempts for Kosovo and neighbouring countries to fall prey to the Russian Federation’s ambitions to destabilise our region. I assure the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo that our institutions will never hesitate to act if our country’s security and constitutional order is threatened.
President Osmani's address at the KSF recruit certification ceremony
Highly respected soldiers, recruits in the first place, Non-commissioned officers and officers of the armed forces of our beloved army, Dear family members who are proud today of the achievements of your sons and daughters, Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic, Mr. Kurti! Honourable Minister of Defense, Mr. Mehaj! Honourable KSF Commander, Mr. Rama! Honourable Brigadier General Irfete Spahiu And all of you present, Today is a special day for our army but also for our state as 180 new recruits are being certified. Hence, from today onward the KSF strengthens its ranks and demonstrates the commitment of girls and boys, who from today take on new responsibilities upon themselves. From today our state is even stronger. These 180 recruits, already soldiers of the state of Kosovo, of our independent and sovereign state with the inviolable territory, prepared and ready to defend the homeland whenever the need arises. As the supreme commander of the Kosovo Security Force, I am extremely proud to see each day the soaring progress of the KSF, our army, which is not only our guarantee but also a professionally trained partner alongside our strategic allies in service to peace, wherever the peace may be endangered. Today I feel especially proud when I see that among the 180 recruits are also 12 female soldiers as equal opportunities within our army are strong evidence of the advancement of the Force. Our history is full of brave women, who showed themselves not only in the war, but even today as they wear the uniform of our army and their number must increase even more. Opening the KSF to girls and women is not only a necessity but also a must. Therefore, I am confident that with these young soldiers, the KSF will continue to expand operational capacity and will be interactive with our strategic partners. Distinguished guests, The future is guaranteed by building it, therefore with today's certification, the base of our Armed Forces respectively of the Republic of Kosovo is expanding. You are here today to face the challenges, so the increase of professionalism is an uninterrupted process and a precondition for the security and stability of the state. Our strength is in the function of protecting the sovereignty and inviolability of the territory of our Republic, as well as of our alliance with partners in the service of peace. Our soldiers will be wherever our interests are at stake, but also those of our American and European allies and beyond. As you know, the KSF is in the process of transformation and achieving Full Operational Capacities. Therefore, in this context, I have no doubt that the tactical-physical and operational training of the soldiers of the Force is and will be at a high level and in accordance with the required standards. Honourable soldiers, you must keep in your mind the fact that today you are soldiers of a Republic for which a lot of blood has been shed, a lot has been sacrificed for the uniforms you wear today. Therefore carry them with the greatest pride for a future that we hope will be the future of our Republic within the North Atlantic Alliance – NATO. In the army of nations, we will be dignifiedly represented by each of you with professionalism, raising high the flag and honour of the state of Kosovo. I wish you all success in your carrier in the Kosovo Army. I wish you to carry out of the implementation of tasks with professionalism, integrity and honesty. I have full confidence that you will engage with dedication and responsibility in fulfilling your mission! God bless you! God bless our armed forces! God bless our Republic! Thank you!
President Osmani's address at the KSF recruit certification ceremony
Highly respected soldiers, recruits in the first place, Non-commissioned officers and officers of the armed forces of our beloved army, Dear family members who are proud today of the achievements of your sons and daughters, Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic, Mr. Kurti! Honourable Minister of Defense, Mr. Mehaj! Honourable KSF Commander, Mr. Rama! Honourable Brigadier General Irfete Spahiu And all of you present, Today is a special day for our army but also for our state as 180 new recruits are being certified. Hence, from today onward the KSF strengthens its ranks and demonstrates the commitment of girls and boys, who from today take on new responsibilities upon themselves. From today our state is even stronger. These 180 recruits, already soldiers of the state of Kosovo, of our independent and sovereign state with the inviolable territory, prepared and ready to defend the homeland whenever the need arises. As the supreme commander of the Kosovo Security Force, I am extremely proud to see each day the soaring progress of the KSF, our army, which is not only our guarantee but also a professionally trained partner alongside our strategic allies in service to peace, wherever the peace may be endangered. Today I feel especially proud when I see that among the 180 recruits are also 12 female soldiers as equal opportunities within our army are strong evidence of the advancement of the Force. Our history is full of brave women, who showed themselves not only in the war, but even today as they wear the uniform of our army and their number must increase even more. Opening the KSF to girls and women is not only a necessity but also a must. Therefore, I am confident that with these young soldiers, the KSF will continue to expand operational capacity and will be interactive with our strategic partners. Distinguished guests, The future is guaranteed by building it, therefore with today's certification, the base of our Armed Forces respectively of the Republic of Kosovo is expanding. You are here today to face the challenges, so the increase of professionalism is an uninterrupted process and a precondition for the security and stability of the state. Our strength is in the function of protecting the sovereignty and inviolability of the territory of our Republic, as well as of our alliance with partners in the service of peace. Our soldiers will be wherever our interests are at stake, but also those of our American and European allies and beyond. As you know, the KSF is in the process of transformation and achieving Full Operational Capacities. Therefore, in this context, I have no doubt that the tactical-physical and operational training of the soldiers of the Force is and will be at a high level and in accordance with the required standards. Honourable soldiers, you must keep in your mind the fact that today you are soldiers of a Republic for which a lot of blood has been shed, a lot has been sacrificed for the uniforms you wear today. Therefore carry them with the greatest pride for a future that we hope will be the future of our Republic within the North Atlantic Alliance – NATO. In the army of nations, we will be dignifiedly represented by each of you with professionalism, raising high the flag and honour of the state of Kosovo. I wish you all success in your carrier in the Kosovo Army. I wish you to carry out of the implementation of tasks with professionalism, integrity and honesty. I have full confidence that you will engage with dedication and responsibility in fulfilling your mission! God bless you! God bless our armed forces! God bless our Republic! Thank you!