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Izet Demaj is officially declared “Hero of Kosovo” by President Thaçi

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, based on Article 84 (28) of the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, Article 6 of Law No. 03/L-094 on the President of the Republic of Kosovo, and on Article 6 of Law No. 04/L-070 on the Grant of Decorations and Regulation (P) no. 04/2016 on the policeman heroically fallen on duty and in defense of the citizens, Izet Demaj, has awarded the “Hero of Kosovo”.

2019, a year of a historic decision

Written by:  Hashim Thaçi Major historic turning points, which have decided the fate of states and nations all around the world, have often been a result of a single decision. The very same has happened to us as well. The history of our nation has been determined by bright moments, when we took right decision, wise ones too, taken at the right moment, which were supported by the powerful states. We would not be honest with ourselves if we would think that there were not moments when we wasted historic opportunities due to lack of decision making or due to taking wrong decisions. One such determinating moment of ours, which needs to happen in the near future, is related to the final agreement for the full normalisation of relations with Serbia. I think that there is no better moment than now for the achievement of a viable and final peace. Political circumstances in Kosovo and Serbia allow for such an agreement. And, in favour of total utilisation of this historic opportunity are both the US and the EU. We have no time to waste, but need to, in wisdom and unity, decide to foreclose the centuries long conflict with Serbia and to open the one of peace. History, time and the future generations shall judge us on the right actions or on the wasted opportunity. I would like to be remembered for the former. A letter, a meaning The letter of the President of the USA, Donald Trump, expectedly, created a fair bit of a furore in Kosovo. It could not have been more direct and less prone to misinterpretation. Americans are not know for an ambiguous approach, and less so is the actual US President. He is very direct and his message addressed to Kosovo cannot be clearer. But we must never under estimate our tendencies to interpret things as they fit our personal, group or party agendas. We live in a world where everyone is free to understand and misunderstand things as one sees fit, and to package them for the public without any responsibility. But, there is one and only one truth. President Trump’s letter has only one, a very clear, meaning. And it is extremely important that our public opinion does not digress the messages sent by the most powerful country of the world, our country’s main ally. The content of the letter by the President of the USA, Donald Trump, has two crucial aims. Initially, it was a call and and encouragement for all leaders of Kosovo to utilise the created momentum and achieve a comprehensive peace agreement with Serbia. Also, aware of the existing polarisations, which are dangerous, President Trump calls upon us to be united and to speak in unison about the agreement? The second crucial meaning , related to the seriousness of the situation and the harnessing of the unique opportunity to achieve agreement, President Trump made it clear that our eventual failure to achieve the agreement may have tragic consequences, not only for Kosovo but also beyond. For this reason, he also warns us to be careful and to refrain from decision which could make the achievement of a peaceful agreement more difficult. The decision is ours We are blessed to have powerful allies in the world. Above all, to have the US support. This year we marked the tenth anniversary of our state. All expected us, as leaders, and our state institutions, to behave differently. To show that we possess the sufficient political maturity to steer Kosovo on the right course, one of Euro-Atlantic integrations. They expected that we would not be as divided on issues which directly relate to our state interests. But, we have disappointed our international friends. And this is why they are forced to, even ten years after the creation of our state, still provide their best counsel.  It would be best for us if we would find the wisdom and the courage to, for once, take a courageous and smart decision, at the right time. Furthermore, this time as well we have the support of our allies for this decision, and it is our obligation to respect them. Hence, there is no room for fear and conjecture. Let us be reminded of the last of our failures. Despite of the advice and insistence of our international partners for the ratification of the demarcation with Montenegro in 2016, as the sole condition for the visa liberalisation, we failed to do it. Even worse, Kosovo suddenly became the stage for violent protests. Thus, with great easiness and thanks to fake political causes, we lost the moment and made it impossible for EU to take a decision for visa abrogation. At the end, we took two years of monotonous and futile debates on the issue, only to ratify the very same agreement at the Parliament of Kosovo. What did Kosovo gain from all this? Nothing, except the continuation of isolation. For this reason, I hope that leaders of the country, in 2019, will be ready to, without hesitation reach difficult decisions, most needed for our state interests and for the peace in Balkans and beyond. From my side, I would like to assure the citizens that I shall not hesitate for a single moment to take decisions in the interest of our state and in conformity with the friendly counsel of our allies, respectively, that of the USA.  

President Thaçi’s annual speech to the deputies in the Assembly of Kosovo

Honourable Speaker of the Parliament, Kadri Veseli, Honourable Parliamentary Presidency, Honourable members of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, Honourable Members of the Parliament of Kosovo, Honourable citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, I am happy and proud to present the achievements of Kosovo at this Jubilary year, we are now leaving behind. But, to, also show the path ahead of us and the opportunities it brings for a greater development of our republic. 2018 was a Jubilary year, when we marked the first decade of the state of Kosovo. In ten days of celebrations in February, we disclosed the achievements of Kosovo during its first ten years in all fields of life. Dealing with day to day issues, we sometimes forget to see how far we have reached. For this reason, these ten years of festivity were a good opportunity to see where we were and where we are today. From a country destroyed by the genocide exercised by the state of Serbia, we have risen to become an independent and sovereign state. – With the fastest economic development in the region; – With the most advanced legislation in the region; – With democratic and stable institutions; – Successful in education and healthcare, in science, arts, sports and culture; We remembered the sacrifices and engagements for freedom. We shall be eternally grateful to those who gave all for the freedom which we enjoy today. To the martyrs and their families. And we promise that we shall do all it takes for sufferings not to be repeated again, for anyone. We shall do this for the forthcoming generation. But we are also doing it for the current citizens of Kosovo, real heroes of Kosovo’s success. Please allow me to mention a fact which got lost in the whirlwind of the 10th anniversary news. Almost half a million of citizens from all around Kosovo and the diaspora have celebrated on the 17th of February the first decade of the state of Kosovo. And during the day long celebrations not a single incident was recorded. This shows the dedication of the citizens of Kosovo for the order, peace and security.   Honourable members of parliament, Honourable ladies and gentlemen, As the President of the country, during 2018 I have represented the country within the state and abroad. I have received in Kosovo President Pahor of Slovenia and President Junker of the EU, Chancellor Kurz of Austria and the Greek Foreign Minister. I carried out visits to the United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, and in the countries of the region as well, to Bulgaria, Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia. I represented Kosovo at the most important international forums, as is the World Economic Forum in Davos and this forums other meetings in Montreal, Canada and Geneva, Switzerland. I also represented the country at the United Nations General Assembly and at the Paris Peace Forum. I also represented Kosovo at the EU and the Western Balkan Countries Sofia Summit, Alpbach Summit in Austria and Munich Security Conference. Also at the opening of the Winter Olympics in Korea. In Yerevan, Armenia, we advanced our position from an observer to associated member of the Organisation of the Francophonie. At all these forums, we made it clear that Kosovo is determined for a sustainable peace in the region and beyond. That Kosovo is dedicated to the dialogue and peace. That Kosovo engages wholeheartedly to become a NATO and EU member.   Honourable members of parliament, Honourable ladies and gentlemen, There were moments during 2018 which were difficult and when we suffered losses. This year we lost Adem Demaçi and Fadil Vokrri. There are no words to describe this loss. We will keep and cherish the memories by continuing to work for what they dreamed as well. We felt pain as well when we did not get accepted in INTERPOL, but also for the delay of the EU visa liberalisation for our citizens. I am proud that as a state, as a society, we have accomplished all that was asked of us. We have fulfilled each and every criteria, both for INTERPOL and visa liberalisation. Lack of a just decision on these two occasions is not a loss for us. But it is also not a discouragement for us to continue to strengthen our state. We are doing this because, above all, it is on our own interest, in our own benefit. We have also faced the open wounds from our painful past. I have nominated the Preparatory team for the Establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I have awarded Mrs. Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman for the courage to speak openly and to seek justice for herself and thousands of other victims of sexual violence exercised by the Serbian police and military forces during the Kosovo war. I felt proud especially with the achievements of our artists and athletes. Like any other citizen of Kosovo I am proud of the achievements of our singers in the world, with the achievements of painters and architects. I’m proud of the achievements of our judoka. With the achievements of our soccer players. There list has become long to name them one by one. As President I was pleased to decree the package of laws on the reform in the justice system. From the first day in the Office of the President, I have been committed to support the strengthening of justice as much as possible. This package which includes changes to the Criminal Code, the Law on Courts, the Disciplinary Responsibility of Judges and Prosecutors, the Law on Extended Competencies for the Confiscation of Wealth and other laws that will further strengthen our justice system. But, ladies and gentlemen, I felt particularly happy and proud that three laws have been brought to me for enactment, which opens the path for the Kosovo Security Force to become the army of Kosovo. I have often felt lonely in my commitment to the establishment of the Kosovo army. But, I am happy

President Thaçi’s annual speech to the deputies in the Assembly of Kosovo

Honourable Speaker of the Parliament, Kadri Veseli, Honourable Parliamentary Presidency, Honourable members of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, Honourable Members of the Parliament of Kosovo, Honourable citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, I am happy and proud to present the achievements of Kosovo at this Jubilary year, we are now leaving behind. But, to, also show the path ahead of us and the opportunities it brings for a greater development of our republic. 2018 was a Jubilary year, when we marked the first decade of the state of Kosovo. In ten days of celebrations in February, we disclosed the achievements of Kosovo during its first ten years in all fields of life. Dealing with day to day issues, we sometimes forget to see how far we have reached. For this reason, these ten years of festivity were a good opportunity to see where we were and where we are today. From a country destroyed by the genocide exercised by the state of Serbia, we have risen to become an independent and sovereign state. – With the fastest economic development in the region; – With the most advanced legislation in the region; – With democratic and stable institutions; – Successful in education and healthcare, in science, arts, sports and culture; We remembered the sacrifices and engagements for freedom. We shall be eternally grateful to those who gave all for the freedom which we enjoy today. To the martyrs and their families. And we promise that we shall do all it takes for sufferings not to be repeated again, for anyone. We shall do this for the forthcoming generation. But we are also doing it for the current citizens of Kosovo, real heroes of Kosovo’s success. Please allow me to mention a fact which got lost in the whirlwind of the 10th anniversary news. Almost half a million of citizens from all around Kosovo and the diaspora have celebrated on the 17th of February the first decade of the state of Kosovo. And during the day long celebrations not a single incident was recorded. This shows the dedication of the citizens of Kosovo for the order, peace and security.   Honourable members of parliament, Honourable ladies and gentlemen, As the President of the country, during 2018 I have represented the country within the state and abroad. I have received in Kosovo President Pahor of Slovenia and President Junker of the EU, Chancellor Kurz of Austria and the Greek Foreign Minister. I carried out visits to the United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, and in the countries of the region as well, to Bulgaria, Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia. I represented Kosovo at the most important international forums, as is the World Economic Forum in Davos and this forums other meetings in Montreal, Canada and Geneva, Switzerland. I also represented the country at the United Nations General Assembly and at the Paris Peace Forum. I also represented Kosovo at the EU and the Western Balkan Countries Sofia Summit, Alpbach Summit in Austria and Munich Security Conference. Also at the opening of the Winter Olympics in Korea. In Yerevan, Armenia, we advanced our position from an observer to associated member of the Organisation of the Francophonie. At all these forums, we made it clear that Kosovo is determined for a sustainable peace in the region and beyond. That Kosovo is dedicated to the dialogue and peace. That Kosovo engages wholeheartedly to become a NATO and EU member.   Honourable members of parliament, Honourable ladies and gentlemen, There were moments during 2018 which were difficult and when we suffered losses. This year we lost Adem Demaçi and Fadil Vokrri. There are no words to describe this loss. We will keep and cherish the memories by continuing to work for what they dreamed as well. We felt pain as well when we did not get accepted in INTERPOL, but also for the delay of the EU visa liberalisation for our citizens. I am proud that as a state, as a society, we have accomplished all that was asked of us. We have fulfilled each and every criteria, both for INTERPOL and visa liberalisation. Lack of a just decision on these two occasions is not a loss for us. But it is also not a discouragement for us to continue to strengthen our state. We are doing this because, above all, it is on our own interest, in our own benefit. We have also faced the open wounds from our painful past. I have nominated the Preparatory team for the Establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I have awarded Mrs. Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman for the courage to speak openly and to seek justice for herself and thousands of other victims of sexual violence exercised by the Serbian police and military forces during the Kosovo war. I felt proud especially with the achievements of our artists and athletes. Like any other citizen of Kosovo I am proud of the achievements of our singers in the world, with the achievements of painters and architects. I’m proud of the achievements of our judoka. With the achievements of our soccer players. There list has become long to name them one by one. As President I was pleased to decree the package of laws on the reform in the justice system. From the first day in the Office of the President, I have been committed to support the strengthening of justice as much as possible. This package which includes changes to the Criminal Code, the Law on Courts, the Disciplinary Responsibility of Judges and Prosecutors, the Law on Extended Competencies for the Confiscation of Wealth and other laws that will further strengthen our justice system. But, ladies and gentlemen, I felt particularly happy and proud that three laws have been brought to me for enactment, which opens the path for the Kosovo Security Force to become the army of Kosovo. I have often felt lonely in my commitment to the establishment of the Kosovo army. But, I am happy

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