Acting President Haxhiu received the Permanent Representative of the United States of America to NATO, Matthew G. Whitaker
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today the Permanent Representative of the United States of America to NATO, Matthew G. Whitaker. The two interlocutors discussed current political developments, security in our region, and the importance of close coordination among allies in the face of the challenges of our time. “I expressed my gratitude for the unwavering support that the United States has provided to Kosovo over the years, as well as my appreciation for Ambassador Whitaker’s engagement instrengthening our strategic partnership and security in the region,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: With life imprisonment for those responsible for the murder of Liridona Ademaj, justice gave a deserved and strong response to a serious crime that shocked the entire country
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu said that with the life imprisonment sentence for those responsible for the murder of Liridona Ademaj, justice gave a deserved and strong response to a serious crime that shocked the entire country. She further added that the attempt of the convicts to hide the murder behind false scenarios only aggravated this cruel act even more. “No court decision will bring Liridona back to her children, to her brother, to her family, but this verdict makes it clear that no one can plan, order, or commit such a crime and think that they will escape justice,” said Acting President Haxhiu. According to Acting President Haxhiu, the fight against femicide requires constant vigilance, strong institutions and zero tolerance towards any form of violence. “Today we remember Liridona with pain and respect. We will show our greatest respect for her by building a Kosovo where every woman lives free, protected and with dignity,” emphasized the Acting President. Acting President Haxhiu said that in these moments, I stand by her family and I hope that this decision, however small, will bring them a bit of peace in their great pain.
From the exhibition “Chronology of Freedom” Acting President Haxhiu calls on citizens to submit evidence of war crimes to the Institute for War Crimes in Kosovo
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, participated today at the opening of the “Chronology of Freedom” exhibition, by photojournalist Ridvan Slivova. In her address, Acting President Haxhiu expressed gratitude to Ridvan Slivova, as well as to the journalists who contributed to the documentation and disclosure of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide committed by Serbia in Kosovo. “We understand that the circumstances in which you have acted have been extremely difficult and challenging. Very often, your very lives have been at stake. For this, allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done and for the fact that you have never stopped in exposing these crimes”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She also added that today Kosovo has the Institute for War Crimes in Kosovo, an indispensable institution for the documentation, verification and preservation of historical truth. “We have acted properly, as institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, and now have this Institute, which will assist in the documentation and verification of all war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity”, she said. Acting President President Haxhiu said that since ancient times, when humanity discovered that light can preserve the appearance of the world in a dark room, photography began its journey towards modern memory and, over time, became evidence of the great historical events of peoples. “In Kosovo, in times of war, one took up arms to defend the country, another treated the wounded, and someone took up the camera to defend the truth. This is exactly what you have done, Mr. Slivova, as well as many other journalists who are here today, but also those who are no longer among us”, said the Acting President. She said that Ridvan Slivova belongs to those people who, during Kosovo’s most difficult days for Kosovo, understood that photography could become evidence, memory and voice of a people who were experiencing genocidal violence and ethnic cleansing. “Today, photography has become part of our daily lives. With a phone in hand, anyone can capture a moment. But in times of war, photography takes on a different weight. It preserves evidence. When speech is stopped by fear, when people are expelled, when houses are burned and when crime tries to leave no trace, the camera becomes the eye of history. Thanks to that eye, today we have images that speak of our most difficult time and our most difficult path,” she said. According to madam Acting President, the “Chronology of Freedom” exhibition brings before us a part of that period that Kosovo has lived with great pain, but also with resilience and hope. “Ridvan Slivova’s photographs were taken at the moments when history was happening: in the days when people were being expelled from their homes, when families were being separated and when entire columns were moving under the open sky. Hence, they are part of our truth. Ridvan Slivova has created an archive of over a thousand photographs from that period, a precious documentary treasure for Kosovo. Behind each of them lies the photographer’s eye and the human conscience.” Acting President Haxhiu added that on Prishtina Martyrs’ Day and the 27th anniversary of the Gollak massacre, these photographs take on special weight, because in them lives the memory of the victims and those who fell for freedom, as well as the truth of what happened. “Gollak bears its wounds. Pristina bears the names of its martyrs. Every part of Kosovo preserves its memory, painful and proud. Our task is to ensure that this memory does not remain only in the hearts of families, but becomes part of our national consciousness”, she said. The Acting President announced that, after the exhibition is over, the materials will be handed over to the Institute of War Crimes in Kosovo. On this occasion, she called on all citizens who possess photographs, documents, recordings or any other evidence from the war, especially evidence of crimes committed in Kosovo, to hand them over to this Institute. “It is extremely important that these materials do not remain in private drawers, scattered or lost, but are preserved where they serve our common memory, justice and our history”, she emphasized. Addressing the youth of Kosovo, the Acting President Haxhiu said: “Look at these photographs carefully. In them you will see the suffering of our people, but also their strength to survive and not give up. You will see that the freedom we enjoy today was paid for very dearly.” At the end, Acting President Haxhiu expressed deep gratitude to Ridvan Slivova and to all the photojournalists and war journalists, including the journalists of Rilindja, who with their courage and dedication documented war crimes and preserved the light of truth.
Acting President Haxhiu has authorized the deployment of the Kosovo Security Force to an international peacekeeping operation, as part of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, following the approval by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, authorized today the deployment of the Kosovo Security Force to an international peacekeeping operation, as part of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. “This decision reflects a Kosovo that understands security as an obligation to its citizens and as a responsibility to peace and international order,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that from a country that once needed the support of others, Kosovo today takes responsibility and contributes to the international scene. “The Kosovo Security Force is an institution built with professionalism and high standards, ready to serve alongside our strategic partners. Participation in such missions demonstrates the state maturity of our Republic and the place that Kosovo is strengthening every day in the international arena”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu received the Acting Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu received today the Acting Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova. At this meeting, Ms. Palatova handed over to Acting President Haxhiu the final report of the European Union Expert Mission for the 2025 parliamentary elections, as well as the report on the assessment mission for the municipal elections held in October and November 2025, stressing that these electoral processes were proof of Kosovo’s democratic maturity. The current political circumstances and the importance of the functioning of key state institutions, including the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, the Prosecutorial Council and the Judicial Council of Kosovo, were also discussed at the meeting. Acting President Haxhiu assured Ms. Eva Palatova that the findings and recommendations presented in the evaluation reports will be carefully reviewed and addressed responsibly, in order to further strengthen democratic processes in Kosovo. “Kosovo remains committed to democratic standards, the rule of law and its European path,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: Sali Çekaj lived and fell to unite those who divided us by force, turning the border into a memory, and his name into a permanent obligation for freedom!
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today at the Memorial Academy, held on the occasion of the Battle of Koshare Veterans Day and the day of the fall of the hero of Kosovo, Sali Çekaj, under the patronage of Acting President Haxhiu, within the framework of the activities “Albanian Days” 2026. Acting President Haxhiu, in her speech on this occasion, said that history gives meaning to time, but its direction is determined by people, those who, according to her, in difficult moments, do not wait for circumstances to change, but take upon themselves the burden to change them, among them is the hero Sali Çekaj, whom we remember today, on the 27th anniversary of his fall. “The life of Sali Çekaj cannot be separated from the course of Kosovo’s history. Born in Broliq, in a family with patriotic tradition, trained as a lawyer and later engaged as a judge, he could have chosen a quieter life. But, he chose the most difficult path, the one that requires courage, sacrifice and unwavering belief that freedom cannot be given away. His upbringing did not allow him to stand aside in the face of repression and the tendency to exterminate the Albanian people of Kosovo by the Serbian regime”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that since 1991, at a time when the armed resistance had not yet taken full shape, Sali, together with the legendary KLA commander, Adem Jashari and Zahir Pajaziti, engaged for the freedom of our country. “From the first military preparations, the organization of groups in the country and in exile, or the provision of financial resources, Sali Çekaj was there. All this commitment was not seen at that time, but it was precisely this early commitment that made history possible. Because wars are not won only at the front. They are won much earlier, with organization, with dedication and with courage”, added Acting President Haxhiu. She said that those preparations took shape in Koshare, where, according to her, the idea of freedom, built over years, turned into open action and direct confrontation. “In April 1999, in difficult terrain and in direct confrontation, the fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army undertook one of the most important acts of our fight for freedom: the collapse of the Albanian-Albanian border. The unjustly established border, which for decades had divided not only the land, but also the possibility of thinking about freedom as something complete. On April 9, 1999, the battle began,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She said that the confrontation was unequal, facing the Kosovo Liberation Army was a force larger in number and better equipped with weapons. But, according to Acting President Haxhiu, the KLA had less weapons, fewer soldiers, but had much more motivation, had ideals and an oath not to retreat under any conditions, adding that it was precisely this oath that changed the outcome. “Fierce fighting took place along the entire front line. As the days passed, the Serbian forces suffered heavy losses. The fight, courage and resilience of the KLA fighters forced the Serbian forces to retreat. On the battlefield, on April 19, 1999, Sali Çekaj – the Veteran, whose life was intertwined with every stage of the struggle for freedom, always in the service of the homeland, always on the front line, also fell heroically”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further said that our hero strongly believed in the idea that the borders that divide a people are not eternal, and that according to her, for him, the collapse of the inter-Albanian border was the fulfilment of the centuries-old promise for freedom, statehood and to be close to each other. “He left behind the example of a man who moves from conviction to action, from word to organization, and from idea to strategy. In him, the experience of the older generation and the determination of the coming generation came together. On the 27th anniversary of his fall, we proudly say that he was a commander, a strategist destined to be a hero,” she affirmed. In the end, the Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, said that Sali Çekaj lived and fell to unite those of us who were divided by violence, turning the border into a memory, and his name into a permanent obligation for freedom!
Acting President Haxhiu, on the eve of the match between Kosovo and Bulgaria, visited the camp of the Kosovo National Team in the girls’ competition
Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, on the eve of the match between Kosovo and Bulgaria, visited the camp of the Kosovo National Team in the girls’ competition. On this occasion, Acting President Haxhiu said I am very glad that we are facing together a rather difficult challenge, but I am convinced that you will succeed, as you have consistently done so. She further stated that I know that sport, football, is not easy and requires a lot of engagement, but allow me to congratulate you on the victories so far and for the amazing performance that you have shown in the qualifications for the 2027 World Cup. Acting President Haxhiu praised the exceptional performance of the National Team in these qualifications, emphasizing that the first place in the group with maximum points brings the team closer to the next objectives and makes all of Kosovo proud. She also appreciated the character, determination and reaction shown in the victories against Gibraltar, Croatia and Bulgaria, adding that it was precisely these performances that prompted her to visit and meet the girls before the next match. Together with the coach and the entire team, you are keeping the spirit of our country high, stated the Acting President. “You, together with your coach, are elevating the name of our country. You are an inspiration to many girls in Kosovo and beyond, as your successes have already been noticed internationally. I wish you much luck and success in today’s match. I will continue to support you continuously, because your success is also the success of the country”, said the Acting President.
Acting President Haxhiu participated in the reburial ceremony of Sinan Dauti
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu participated today in the reburial ceremony of Sinan Dauti. On this occasion, she said that today we have gathered here in Prekaz i Epërm, on a day of pain and remembrance, to finally give rest to 9-year-old Sinan, whose body we knew nothing about for 27 years. Acting President Haxhiu further said that Sinan is finally resting in peace in a place that will be visited not only by his relatives and family, but also by Albanians from all over. “Sinan was only 9 years old, a child who should have grown up in play, school and dreams for the future. But his life was tragically cut short in the darkest days of the war in Kosovo. On April 12, 1999, in the Bregaj neighborhood of Prekaz, during attacks and shelling by Serbian forces, Sinan was seriously injured. After his family was forcibly removed from the village, he was first taken to the hospital in Skenderaj and then to the hospital in Mitrovicë, where he passed away. As if his murder were not enough, his body also disappeared,” said Acting President Haxhiu. For 27 years, his family lived in pain waiting to find out the whereabouts his body, adding that now, with the identification of the mortal remains in the Suhodoll cemetery in Mitrovica, this long wait is over and Sinan has returned to his place of birth. “Today, we are not here just for a reburial. We are here to honor his memory and to remember the 1392 children killed during the war in Kosovo, as well as all the innocent civilians who lost their lives in that difficult period. These testimonies are painful and remain part of our history and our collective memory. This event reminds us of the great price of freedom that our people have paid. This event obliges us to never forget our history”, emphasized U.D. President Haxhiu. In the end, the Acting President said that the memory of Sinan remains a permanent call for responsibility, but also for justice, a call so that no other family goes through such pain.
Acting President Haxhiu paid homage and delivered a speech on the anniversary of the massacre in Dyz, Podujevë
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, paid homage today in Dyz and delivered a speech on the occasion of the anniversary of the massacre committed by Serbian forces against Albanian civilians during the war in Kosovo. In her speech, Acting President Haxhiu said that 27 years ago, in mid-April, the residents of Llap and Gollak, in an attempt to find salvation, faced the brutal violence of the Serbian occupying forces. “There were no soldiers there. There were men, women, children, the elderly and ordinary people who only wanted to live in peace. That’s all they wanted: to live in peace and with dignity. But, they faced organized, planned violence, they faced inhuman violence,” emphasized the Acting President Haxhiu. She recalled that over 200 unarmed Albanian civilians were massacred in this genocidal act of Serbia and that remembering them remains a permanent obligation. “Today, we are here to commemorate this tragic event. We are here never to forget. Remembrance is a moral duty, it is a human duty, remembrance is also a national duty”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Speaking about the lack of justice, she said that the truth about these crimes is known and that those responsible must be brought to justice. “As institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, we have created the legal basis for the prosecution and punishment of war criminals even in absentia. Therefore, today from this place, I call on the justice institutions to engage with all their capacities, to file indictments and trials against those responsible for these serious crimes. Justice must not be lacking”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Finally, she emphasized that the greatest honor for martyrs and martyrs is the daily work for justice, development, security and prosperity for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
Acting President Haxhiu paid homage at the statue of hero Zahir Pajaziti and at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Velani on Prishtina Martyrs’ Day
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, paid homage at the statue of hero Zahir Pajaziti, on the Martyrs’ Day of the Municipality of Prishtina. Acting President Haxhiu said that on the Prishtina Martyrs’ Day, we respectfully appreciate the life and work of our hero Zahir Pajaziti, but also all his comrades. “Zahir Pajaziti and his comrades were among the first to give meaning to the organized resistance against the regime of that time, and they served as an example of courage and determination in extremely difficult circumstances for our country”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. According to the Acting President Haxhiu, their contribution was not only a guerrilla, military, or professional contribution, but it was also a moral contribution, due to the fact that they raised the hope that our country could gain freedom, be liberated and become independent. She further said that they also served as an inspiration for many young men and women to join the ranks of the Kosovo Liberation Army. “Today, we honour the life and work of our hero Zahir Pajaziti, of all the martyrs of Prishtina, but also all the martyrs of the nation. The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as our society, should never forget their contribution, because in fact it was due to their contribution that we live in a free and independent state today”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Afterwards, the Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, paid homage at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Velani, on the Martyrs’ Day of the Municipality of Prishtina. Acting President Haxhiu said that we are here, at the Martyrs’ Cemetery of Pristina, on the day dedicated to the contribution and sublime work of the Martyrs of Pristina. “As Acting President, I exalt the work of our Martyrs. “Their contribution helped Kosovo to be liberated, free, and independent,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further said that as institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, we have an obligation to never forget the work of those who acted in circumstances when everything was most difficult. “They gave everything of themselves so that today we have a free state, an independent state. And we as institutions of the Republic of Kosovo are obliged to engage ourselves even more so that Kosovo, our state, is a place where everyone is treated with dignity, where there is equality, where there is justice, and where there is economic development,” said Acting President Haxhiu.