Speech of President Vjosa Osmani at the forum organized by the Institute for War Crimes in Kosovo (IKKL) regarding the poisonings of the 1990s
Dear Director Hetemi, Many esteemed representatives of institutions, family members, teachers, former students and witnesses of that difficult time, Representatives of civil society and the academic world, Dear guests, There are stories that do not fade despite the passing of years, just as there are crimes that are never forgotten, because silence would be a betrayal of the truth, of justice, and of those who experienced this crime themselves. The mass poisoning of Albanian students in Kosovo, in the years ’89-’90, is a terrible crime, which demands answers and justice to this day. A smell that initially seemed insignificant, but within minutes turned into panic and anxiety, students losing consciousness, dizziness, vomiting, sweating, and breathing problems. These were the symptoms and this was the scene of the years ’89-’90, when the poisoning of Kosovo students by the criminal Serbian regime began. This scent, which later turned out to be a chemical nerve agent, was the prelude to one of the worst attacks on Albanian children in Europe since World War II. This was not a coincidence, but a premeditated act against the students of our schools, as well as other people. The poisoning process lasted for many days between 1989 and 1990, and affected a wide range of institutions, including preschools, primary, secondary, and higher education institutions, a cultural institution, and an economic enterprise. According to data collected by Mr. Halim Hyseni, whom we have the honour of having here today, a total of over 7,000 people were poisoned during that period. In just a few weeks, schools in Pristina, Podujeva, Ferizaj, Gjilan, Vushtrri, Mitrovica, Kamenica and many other cities were transformed into scenes of pain and fear. In many cases, ambulances, especially those run by Serbian staff, refused to provide assistance to Albanian children. Instead of providing them with basic medical care, they were stigmatized, ridiculed, and ignored. On the other hand, many Albanian doctors and nurses who raised the alarm about the poisoning and came to the aid of the students at that time were dismissed from their jobs by the Serbian regime, accused of propaganda, and then banned from speaking in local and international media. Dear guests, After initial analyses, independent experts highlighted the presence of dangerous neurotoxic substances, which have been used even by the most brutal regimes in the world. On February 8, 1992, Professor A. Heyndirckx, scientific expert and director of the International Laboratory of IRUL University, in his study “What is it about Kosovo”, concluded that an organic-chemical nerve gas, sarin and tabun, substances known worldwide as chemical warfare agents, had been used against the students. This scientific finding confirms what Albanian parents, teachers and doctors saw with their own eyes, that a chemical attack was carried out against our children. This inhuman act was a well-organized, coordinated attack, typical of a repressive state apparatus that sought to break the spirit of a people, by hitting the most vulnerable, children, students, and young people. Serbia not only committed the crime, but also denied it afterwards, engaging all state propaganda, the secret service, diplomats, and even some of their doctors, describing the whole situation as “mass hysteria.” A grave insult to the families, a double blow to the poisoned children. But the facts are universally known. Hundreds of serious cases of poisoning have already been documented. Medical analyses exist, and scientific evidence and contemporary witnesses confirm thousands of other cases that seal the truth. The children who fell in those days in the school corridors, as a result of poisoning, became a symbol of a silent but invincible resistance. In those days, as Serbia tried to remove Albanians from schools, from the language, from education, Albanian children became participants and witnesses of the national resistance. They became the generation that was educated in homes, in basements, in garages, in makeshift schools. They became the generation that refused to surrender and give up dignity, freedom and the right to education. Despite the danger, these poisoned children stood firm, they were the forerunners of our freedom. Because Serbia poisoned our young people, but failed to poison their will. These poisonings were part of the wider scheme of Serbian apartheid and crimes against humanity, which were committed against our people in those years. These crimes, which then turned into a genocidal campaign against the people of Kosovo in the years ’98-’99. They were not an isolated act, but part of an entire system of repression, which initially aimed to close Albanian schools, expel Albanian teachers, and exert systematic violence, which turned into a clear goal to destroy our people. The poisoning of children was the clearest signal that Serbia would stop at nothing to attempt to subjugate our people. But they neither could nor succeeded. Today, when we talk about this painful history, it is not to awaken pain, but to awaken conscience. To this day, no perpetrator has been identified, no official responsibility has been taken by Serbia and, as usual, it refuses to accept the truth. Kosovo will not stop seeking justice, despite this denial of the truth by Serbia. We will continue to work on documentation and to seek responsibility for this crime. This is because only nations that remember and respect the past build true and lasting peace. Our proof is the foundation of our freedom. Dear guests, The poisonings were the beginning of what would follow later, the war of ’98-’99, the ethnic cleansing and genocide committed by the Serbian regime. All of this is part of the same criminal doctrine that the Milosevic regime used. Nonetheless, despite everything, Kosovo rose, defended itself, and with the stoic struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army, with the wise leadership of President Rugova, and with the help of allies, achieved freedom and independence. Today, Kosovo is free, precisely because entire generations sacrificed everything for freedom and dignity. The history of the poisoning of Albanian students in Kosovo is not only a history of pain, but also of resistance. It is a history of not
President Osmani: Femicide continues to remain an open wound
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, stated that femicide continues to remain an open wound, a national crisis that is eroding the foundations of our society, day after day. President Osmani wrote: Femicide continues to remain an open wound. Not simply a problem. Not a statistic. But, a national crisis which is eroding the foundations of our society, day after day. What happened in Gadime e Ulët is not just “another case”. A woman, although protected by an active order, was barbarically attacked with an axe by her ex-husband. When a protection order remains a paper, then the danger becomes reality. And reality kills us. The number of cases of violence against women and domestic violence is telling us bluntly: papers do not save lives. Implementation, determination, reaction without delay – yes! Because behind every number lies a broken life, a traumatized child, a story that must never be repeated. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, I appeal for ACTION. Responsibly. Carefully. Without any tolerance. As the law requires. As every woman and girl in the Republic of Kosovo deserves. Every wrong step, every negligence, every delay can be fatal. No one who exercises violence should feel untouchable. No woman should be left unprotected. There is no compromise when it comes to the lives and dignity of women.
President Osmani’s address at the reception held by the Embassy of the Republic of Albania to Kosovo in honour of November 28th, Flag Day and the 113th Anniversary of Albania’s Independence
Highly esteemed Ambassador Malaj, Dear Albanians, Honourable Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Basha, Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Kurti, Honourable Ambassadors, Honourable Guests, Dear Citizens, Members of our Diaspora, Sisters and Brothers wherever you are, To homeland, one gives it all, because homeland is everything. Today is a day that is not measured in hours and minutes, but in centuries. November 28th is the day when our history breathes, when our hearts beat in unison, when the red and black flag is raised as a sacred symbol of our identity, sacrifice and national pride. November is the month when our history is celebrated. It is a story that can never disappear or fade, because it is engraved from generation to generation. Precisely in this month, on November 28, we united the legacy of generations in a single day: Flag Day, Albanian Independence Day, the birthday of the Legendary Commander Adem Jashari and the first public appearance of the Kosovo Liberation Army, four events that create a sacred symbiosis of our national spirit. Novembers in our history are almost always months of glory, a stream of events and sacrifices that make our nation immortal. The first of November, in 1443, when our hero Gjergj Kastrioti raised the flag with the double-headed eagle over the fortress of Kruja, paved the way for all other Novembers, transforming this penultimate month of the year into the month of Albanians, of bravery and freedom. Today, we bow down to those who kept this flag alive, in war, in prisons, in the mountains and through time, and raised it forever so that it would wave forever. For decades, this flag was banned in Kosovo. Albanians were imprisoned, beaten, persecuted and killed just because they hung it in windows, raised it in houses or carried it in their pockets as a keepsake. The Yugoslav regime and then the Serbian one wanted to erase our identity, but no one can ever erase the spirit of the Albanian. Because this flag was and remains the testament of our freedom. The independence of Albania was declared under this flag. Under the leadership of Ismail Qemali and patriots who came from all Albanian lands, including Kosovo, the voice of a nation that had decided to no longer live in slavery was raised. From Hasan Prishtina, Isa Boletini to hundreds of other Kosovar patriots who gave everything for the freedom of the Albanian state, Kosovo was there with blood, with rifles, with mind and with heart. On that holy day in 1912, Albania was carved, free and independent, as an inalienable right of the Albanian people. “However, God willed, through the hard work, and with the bravery and the unparalleled courage of the Albanians, that from today onwards the miseries and sufferings of our Homeland will end, because, here and now, we are FREE, INDEPENDENT and SOVEREIGN, and therefore: laugh and rejoice!” These words of the elder of independence, the patriot Ismail Qemali, are history, guidance and commitment. This right was later realized in Kosovo, under this same sacred flag, when the Kosovo Liberation Army, the best sons and daughters of this country, rose up against the genocidal Serbian regime to win freedom. Therefore, November 28 is our quadruple holiday. It is our main holiday, because on this day, in addition to the first public appearance of the KLA, we also celebrate the birthday of the Legendary Commander Adem Jashari, a man who belongs not only to one family, but to the entire nation on both sides of the Drini. He led the Kosovo Liberation Army to freedom under the red and black flag, transforming the sacrifice of Prekaz into a turning point in our modern history. Adem Jashari was not only the leader of our liberation army, but also the greatest sacrifice of our freedom. The first public appearance of the KLA was a historic moment that gave voice and vision to the long-awaited freedom. Under the red and black flag, our fighters showed the world that our country never surrenders, that the people of Kosovo had decided to defend themselves and free themselves from the genocidal regime. This act of courage marked the beginning of a new era in our history, uniting the hearts of all Albanians in a common cause for freedom and independence. Distinguished guests, Albania is moving confidently towards the final stage of its membership in the European Union, but it is not alone in this journey. All Albanians are strongly behind it, wherever the Albanian heart beats: in Prishtina and Tirana, in Tetovë and Gostivar, in Ulqin and Tuz, in Preshevë, Medvegjë and Bujanoc. This is the journey of an entire nation, united in dream and effort. It is also the journey of our diaspora in every corner of the world, which in the most difficult years kept our name, language, tradition and flag alive. They are precisely the bridge of our power, the proof that Albanianness does not fade, but grows, is cultivated and kept alive generation after generation. Today, more than ever, our fate is linked together. A stronger Albania in the EU means a stronger Kosovo; a consolidated and sovereign Kosovo means a safer, more respected and more developed nation. Our two countries, separated on maps but united in heart, are getting closer every day towards a Europe where Albanians will no longer be spectators, but equal contributors. Our future is inter-Albanian integration, as two states in the EU, in NATO and in the United Nations. With more common economy, culture, common projects, market and common vision. More Kosovo in Albania and more Albania in Kosovo. This is the direction, this is the mission, this is the path. As the red and black flag waves today more proud than ever, our common journey leads us towards a destination we have long dreamed of, towards the European Union. Kosovo and Albania walk side by side, as two states and one nation. Two state flags, but one single Albanian heart. Both countries have fought
President Osmani receives Congressmen Michael Turner and Donald Norcross
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today Congressmen Michael Turner (R–OH) and Donald Norcross (D–NJ), with whom she discussed the latest developments in the country and the deepening of bilateral cooperation between Kosovo and the United States. President Osmani expressed gratitude for the excellent cooperation with Congressman Turner and his team during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Session in Dayton, as well as for the bipartisan support of the United States to Kosovo. This support, she emphasized, has been irreplaceable in the period that brought us freedom, independence, and then state-building and democracy. None of these achievements, President Osmani emphasized, would have been possible without the US support. Madam President further emphasized that Kosovo remains the most pro-American country in the world, deeply committed to reforms, regional cooperation, and strengthening the partnership with the United States. She also discussed cooperation with the Trump Administration in various areas of mutual interest. President Osmani reiterated that Kosovo’s membership in NATO is a strategic imperative for the stability of the Western Balkans and for peace on the European continent. Furthermore, she emphasized that KSF soldiers are already serving alongside American soldiers in missions abroad, contributing to global peace and stability, and at the same time, Kosovo has taken decisive steps in strengthening the defense and security sector, currently spending 2% of GDP on defense, with the aim of doubling this within a few years. Regarding internal security and regional threats, President Osmani underlined the professional work of our security institutions and at the same time the importance of continuing the American presence within KFOR. She emphasized that the American presence remains an important guarantee of peace and security for the citizens of Kosovo and the entire region, expressing the gratitude of the people of Kosovo for this contribution. President Osmani reiterated that even after more than two years, Serbia is still supporting the terrorists who committed the act of aggression in Banjskë, because the perpetrators, including Milan Radojcic, have not been brought to justice. She emphasized that accountability, both for this act of aggression, as well as for the attack on KFOR soldiers and other attacks, is essential for regional stability and for the prevention of similar acts in the future.
President Osmani’s address at the ” Internet Freedom Meet (IFM) 2025 Annual Conference”
Honourable attendees, Honourable Ms. Xharra, Dear participants, Today, our lives flow in parallel in two worlds: the physical one that we touch and the digital one where every day we leave traces, interact and build new realities. We have always thought of the Internet as a free space, where everyone can be heard, learn and connect with others without barriers. But, in the face of this extraordinary potential, we must not allow a space created to connect to divide us; we must not accept that internet freedom is used as a shield for attacks, defamation and denigration. Internet freedom has become one of the fundamental pillars of modern democracy, because it embodies freedom of expression, information and privacy in the digital universe. And, precisely because it is a free space, it is also more exposed to misuse. Therefore, the level of risk is constantly increasing, both for users, for content, but also for the way public discourse is constructed. Just as freedom of expression, which out of context can be transformed into a means of violation, the internet remains a powerful tool, which in case of misuse, turns into an instrument of violence, manipulation and attack against individuals or groups. Internet freedom is a democratic value, but every freedom requires responsibility. Because where responsibility is lacking, the possibility of abuse opens up. And, we are seeing this every day: hate speech, disinformation, anonymous threats, blackmail and bullying are increasing at a worrying rate. Distinguished guests, The internet is not only facing offensive comments, but also serious attempts to attack the very idea of it as a safe and free space in which people have felt more protected than in physical reality. One of the greatest dangers is the increase in privacy intrusions, which is seriously damaging internet freedom. In this space that should be freedom and opportunity, we are increasingly seeing a painful reality, where our girls and women, as well as children, face threats, bullying, blackmail and digital violence that aims to silence their voices and, above all, break their dignity. This is not only a violation of internet ethics, but an attack on the very foundations of human freedoms. Internet freedom is being misused by individuals and groups who hide behind anonymity to spread fear, violate integrity and silence people. In the face of this reality, we cannot remain indifferent. We must protect the rights of everyone online with the same determination with which we protect them in real life, because their dignity knows no boundaries between the physical and digital worlds. Therefore, we must make the internet a space where our women and girls are present with dignity, not with fear. Where our children are protected, not bullied. We need a new social pact for the digital space, which implies humanity, safety and respect. Because, if this is not done, then the phenomenon we are facing poses a real threat to internet freedom, because it threatens it not only from individual abuses, but also from the lack of regulation and the ethical vacuum that often characterizes the digital space. Distinguished guests, Kosovo also faces strategic challenges that affect our digital security and democracy. You know that since the Albanian language is not as yet recognized on the Google platform, and this means that the algorithms often cannot detect hate speech or abuse in Albanian. For this reason, I have held meetings with Google executives, requesting not only recognition of the Albanian language through the identification of hate speech and abuse, but at the same time acceptance on all their other platforms, as well as resolving problems with developer accounts. An important step was achieved last year, in December, with Kosovo’s membership in Amazon platforms, after the meeting I had with the company’s executives in Washington D.C., as well as with many other companies that will help Kosovo on digital platforms. This was not only a technical step, but an important strategic step in creating our digital infrastructure and strengthening internet freedom. And this commitment will continue, although the challenges are still numerous. The fact that we are not yet a member of INTERPOL makes it difficult to investigate many cyberattacks and online violence. However, the main problem is not a lack of freedom, but a lack of responsibility, protection and ethics. If we want a safer, more just and more humane society, then we must protect the digital space with the same dedication with which we protect the physical reality, because the call for violence, the call for murder, the call for rape, abuse and bullying are not freedom of expression, they are crimes. Therefore, together, we must build a much safer digital ecosystem. True freedom begins with speech, but true civilization begins with the way we use it. Therefore, let us protect the internet as our common space, because only in this way do we simultaneously protect each other’s dignity. Thank you!
Today’s press statement by President Osmani
Madam President: an unforgettable evening at the Marines Ball
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, attended the US Marines Ball. President Osmani wrote: An unforgettable evening at the Marines Ball, together with our lifelong allies and in honor of the US Marines who have stood by us in our country’s most decisive days — and who continue to contribute to peace, in Kosovo and around the world. Grateful for the service, sacrifice, and unbreakable partnership that has always united us.
President Osmani: Xhemail Mustafa, one of the most articulate voices for freedom and independence
On this anniversary, we commemorate with respect Xhemail Mustafa, one of the most articulate voices for freedom, the intellectual who with his pen, courage and vision defended the ideal of an independent Kosovo. He was the unwavering collaborator of the historic President, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, and one of the architects of the political thought that led us to the state we have today. But the wounds of the past cannot be healed without justice. The clarification of this political murder is not only a moral demand, but an obligation of the Republic. Glory to the life, work and sacrifice of Xhemail Mustafa!
President Osmani’s address on the 26th Anniversary of the Kosovo Correctional Service
Thank you very much, Honourable Director Dibrani, Honourable Acting Minister, Mr. Sallahu, Honourable Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Ms. Haxhiu, Honourable General Barbano, Honourable Ambassador McGurk, Leaders of Kosovo institutions, Ombudsman, KIA Director, Dear participants, No state can stand upright without the strength of order, conscience and justice. The Kosovo Correctional Service embodies this each and every day. It is a special honour to be here with you today, on this day that marks an important moment for our state, namely the 26th anniversary of the Kosovo Correctional Service. This service, although little visible to the public, is recognized in the democratic world as one of the most important links in the modern state. Because states are also tested by the way they treat those who have made mistakes. Kosovo, thanks to your work, has proven maturity, dignity and professionalism. In these 26 years, the Correctional Service has shown that justice is not limited to punishment. Justice is responsibility, it is construction and it is trust. You, the officers of this service, work every day in a challenging environment, where high alertness, emotional stability and unwavering professionalism are required. This is a profession that requires heart and humanity. Thanks to your work, supported by justice mechanisms, today we have a correctional system that focuses not only on maintaining order, but also on the rehabilitation, education and reintegration of convicted persons. The Kosovo Correctional Service is proof of how a small state can build large and strong institutions, which every day honor the state with their seriousness, integrity and professionalism. Since its establishment, the Kosovo Correctional Service has gone through numerous phases of transformation, professionalization and modernization. At each stage, the responsibility has been great, because your mission is complex and requires high ethical and professional standards. The Correctional Service is an institution where justice, humanism and responsibility come together. Precisely for this reason, your work is of great importance, because it touches people’s lives, influences the path of their reintegration, and helps our society to be safer, stronger and more just. Ladies and Gentlemen, Despite the difficulties, you have consistently proven that you are dedicated to your duty and to serving your country. Today, too, is the right moment to mention the strong support that has been provided to the Correctional Service by allied countries and international organizations, support that proves that your work is appreciated even beyond our borders. The Correctional Service has been accepted as a member of the European network for prisons and correctional services EuroPris, a very important achievement that shows that our institute of resources for the implementation of sentences also functions according to international standards. The Correctional Service has also won the international award for excellence at the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), in the rehabilitation and health care sector, demonstrating your commitment to quality and high standards. In light of these successes, international support is not just words, but it is an investment in our institutions, it is trust in your capacities and it is a challenge not to stop on the way forward. And you have shown that you can fulfil this trust every time. Honourable participants, A modern correctional system is built on the concept of resocialization. The ultimate goal of sentencing is not only punishment, but also the creation of conditions for people to return to society as more responsible citizens, with new opportunities and also with better prospects. Therefore, the work you do has a direct impact on preventing recidivism, strengthening social peace and building a more just and safe society. In this mission, your role is essential, such as: in working with prisoners, in the administration of institutions, in ensuring internal processes or in creating the necessary conditions for justice to be applied with integrity. You serve the state, but at the same time you also serve society, through work that often remains invisible, but always with great impact. On this 26th anniversary, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you, who continue to make an extremely valuable contribution. Special thanks and respect also to those who have served in the most difficult periods, in times of great change, and who have helped raise this institution to the level it is today. And the most special thanks from me today comes to the women. For the women who serve in this institution, who have faced extraordinary challenges throughout these 26 years, but who today constitute, I would say, the strongest pillar of this institution. Through the support by the former Minister of Justice, now Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, we have almost 300 women in this institution, one of the largest percentages of all other institutions. And, of course, each of them has made an extraordinary contribution to all the successes that we are celebrating today. 26 years of Correctional Service means 26 years of experience, challenges and victories. It means over a quarter of a century of professionalism in the service of human rights, in the service of security, order and law. Let us continue to build this institution as an example, with standards that honour our state and bring our citizens closer to the Kosovo we want, which is just, safe and European. Congratulations on the 26th anniversary of the Kosovo Correctional Service! Thank you for your work, professionalism and daily dedication to our Republic!
President Osmani awarded appreciations to Diar Terziu, Anik Terziu and Rajana Terziu for their act of honesty and civic responsibility
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, on World Children’s Day, awarded appreciations to Diar Terziu, Anik Terziu and Rajana Terziu for their act of honesty and civic responsibility. President Osmani wrote: Today, on World Children’s Day, I had the pleasure of hosting the three little heroes who set an extraordinary example of honesty: Diar Terziu, Anik Terziu and Rajana Terziu. They found a wallet with money and handed it over to the police, showing high moral values. I awarded appreciations to them with gratitude for their act of honesty and civic responsibility, becoming an inspiring example for all the children of the country.