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.
Acting President Haxhiu has decreed the promulgation of 6 important laws, approved by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu has decreed the promulgation of 6 important laws, approved by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, which directly affect some of the key sectors in country’s development. “These laws pave the way for investments in clean energy, in increasing efficiency in public buildings, in improving road infrastructure and in wastewater treatment. They also strengthen regional cooperation and create more opportunities for our young people in accessing higher education in the Western Balkans”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that through these steps, the Republic of Kosovo continues to expand its partnership with international financial institutions and the European Union, orienting development towards sustainability and European integration. The laws decreed by the Acting President Haxhiu are: Law No. 10/L-011 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Investment Bank for the Draft Law on Solar Photovoltaic Energy in KEK – Global Gateway. Law No. 10/L-013 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement – Prishtina-Mitrovicë High Speed Road Project (additional loan) between the Saudi Fund for Development and the Republic of Kosovo. Law No. 10/L-010 on Ratification of “Amendment No. 2 to the Financing Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union for the IPA 2017 program, Part One”. Law No. 10/L-008 on Ratification of the Agreement on Access to Higher Education and Admission to Studies in the Western Balkans. Law No. 10/L-012 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo, represented by the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings Project. Law No. 10/L-014 on Ratification of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the “Podujevë Wastewater Treatment Plant” Project.
Acting President Haxhiu paid homage in Poklek, Çikatovë e Vjetër and Krajkovë
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, accompanied by the Deputy Local Government Administration Minister Arton Konushevci and other representatives, paid homage today in Poklek, Çikatovë e Vjetër and Krajkovë. Acting President Haxhiu said that the Poklek Massacre is evidence of Serbia’s genocide in Kosovo. “27 years ago, on April 17th 1999, the Muqolli, Elshani, Caraku and Hoxha families were stopped by Serbian forces, forced to return forcibly to their homes and then attacked with hand grenades and automatic weapons. But this was not enough for Serbia, it was not enough for the Serbian criminals, their bodies were burned several times, in order to hide the traces of their genocide. The Elshani family house today contains evidence of this genocide and this massacre. For this very reason, this massacre will never be forgotten by any generation and will always remain in our collective memory.” From Poklek, Acting President Haxhiu called on the justice institutions to address the crimes that Serbia has committed in Kosovo without delay. “We have asked the justice institutions to deal with war crimes cases. From here as well, I call on the justice institutions to address, without delay, the crimes that Serbia has committed in Kosovo, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the Serbian genocide in Kosovo. Now we also have the trial in absentia, for, as you know, Serbia does not hand over war criminals. Therefore, from this place, from here where 53 unarmed, innocent civilians were killed, of whom 23 were children of 6 months to 14 years old, I call on all institutions, in this case the police and the prosecution, to act without delay. We have said that any request that the justice institutions have in relation to the executive, the Parliament or any other institution, we will address without delay”, emphasized Madam Acting President. Acting President Haxhiu, today also paid homage in Çikatovë e Vjetër. “In Çikatovë e Vjetër, 24 unarmed civilians were killed. After they were killed, their bodies were sent to Rashkë in Serbia, in order to hide the crime committed in the Çikatovë e Vjetër massacre. It is very important for justice institutions to address, without delay, the war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide that Serbia has committed in Kosovo,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Speaking in relation to the increase of capacities of both the Police of the Republic of Kosovo and the Special Prosecution, Acting President Haxhiu said that we have established the Institute for Documentation of War Crimes, in order to document all massacres, all murders, all rapes, all burned houses, citizens who have been expelled from their properties, but also all other crimes that Serbia has committed in Kosovo. “The Institute is already working in this direction, in accordance with its responsibilities. But, even considering that Serbia has become a haven for war criminals and terrorists who carry out terrorist attacks in peacetime, we have enabled changes to the Criminal Code, the Procedural Code, to enable trials in absentia, in order for criminals to be punished and, wherever they are caught, to come and serve their sentences in the Republic of Kosovo. We are committed to addressing all our responsibilities and of course we are close to the families in these difficult moments, because despite the fact that 27 years have passed since the massacres in Kosovo, the pain remains great”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Later, Acting President Haxhiu also paid homage in Krajkovë, at the grave of the martyr Sokol Elshani. “Martyr Sokol Elshani comes from a patriotic family hat has always contributed to the national cause and to the Republic of Kosovo. He started his engagements very early in life. In fact, during the demonstrations of 1990, he was severely attacked and seriously injured by Serbian forces. Today we honor his life and work. The Republic of Kosovo, our generations, our youth, as well as everyone else, are lucky to have martyrs who have contributed so much to our country, and who are an example of how the homeland should be honored,” emphasized Acting President. According to Acting President Haxhiu, the most difficult thing, wherever we go to commemorate the anniversary of the massacres, is the demand for justice, which comes precisely from the family members, and upon this we also join the call for justice. “We are with the families during these difficult moments, as, despite the fact that 27 years have passed since these massacres were committed, the pain is great and of course, as institutions we have an obligation to work incessantly in this direction,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Maxime Prévot
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, received today the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. Maxime Prévot. Acting President Haxhiu thanked Mr. Prévot for the continuous and unwavering support that Belgium has provided to the Republic of Kosovo over the years, during crucial periods of our history in the process of state-building and international consolidation of the country. The excellent relations between Kosovo and Belgium, as well as the important contribution of our diaspora in Belgium, in strengthening the ties between the two countries, were highly praised during the meeting. Both interlocutors discussed the possibilities for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on advancing economic cooperation and creating new investment opportunities and partnerships between the two countries. Acting President Haxhiu reiterated the importance of advancing the European Union accession process as well as Kosovo’s unwavering commitment to membership in the Council of Europe and NATO.
Acting President Haxhiu received in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu received today, at a farewell meeting, the non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mandate. On this occasion, Acting President Haxhiu thanked Ambassador Hifzi for his engagement and contribution to advancing relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The good relations between the two countries and the continuous support that Saudi Arabia has provided to the Republic of Kosovo over the years were highly praised at the meeting. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, investments, and inter-institutional partnerships. In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu wished Ambassador Hifzi success in his forthcoming diplomatic and professional engagements.
Acting President Haxhiu: I received with deepest sorrow the news of the tragic loss of a father and two children caused by fire in Malishevë
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, said that she received with deepest sorrow the news of the tragic loss of a father and two children caused by fire in Malishevë. At these difficult moments, Acting President Haxhiu expressed her most sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the victims. She also stated that we share the pain with them and we pray that they find the strength to cope with this grave loss
Acting President Haxhiu received the ambassadors of the Nordic and Baltic countries to the OSCE
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today the ambassadors of the Nordic and Baltic countries to the OSCE. The progress of the Republic of Kosovo in strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, economic development and advancing the rights of all communities was discussed at the meeting. The security and importance of the expansion of cooperation with our partners in support of Kosovo’s strategic objectives were also some of the issues discussed. Acting President Haxhiu highly appreciated the continued support of the Nordic and Baltic countries provided to the Republic of Kosovo.
Acting President Haxhiu receives the Charge d’Affaires of the United States of America to Kosovo, Anu Prattipati
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today the Charge d’Affaires of the United States of America to Kosovo, Anu Prattipati. Acting President Haxhiu and the Charge d’Affaires of the United States of America to Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, discussed current political developments in the country, the close cooperation between the Republic of Kosovo and the United States of America, as well as the importance of our strategic partnership towards strengthening of democratic and security institutions, as well as our country’s Euro-Atlantic perspective.
Acting President Haxhiu’s address at the solemn session held on the occasion of the Memorial Day for Survivors of War Sexual Violence – “Return My Light”
Dear Vasfije, Shyrete Dear Ramadan, Honorable Members of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Honorable Prime Minister Kurti, Honorable Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of the Government Cabinet, Honorable Ambassadors and Representatives of Diplomatic Missions, Honorable Ms. Feride Rushiti, Honorable Citizens, Honorable Media, First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly on this cause over the years. We have just lit candles at the Assembly Hall of the Republic of Kosovo, a symbolism that is simple in appearance but profound in meaning, as Martin Luther King would say: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” And today, when we say “Return my Light,” we are talking about the light we owe to the truth, about the dignity that was attempted to be trampled on, and about the life that was cut in half. Few crimes strike human beings with such cruelty as sexual violence during the war, because through it, human dignity itself is fundamentally attacked. Sexual violence as one of the most cruel means of war is not a recent phenomenon or an occasional manifestation of human brutality. It is deeply rooted in the history of wars, as a recurring form of subjugation and social destruction. Since ancient wars, women’s bodies have been treated as part of the spoils of war and as territory to be conquered along with the land. In the centuries that followed, this practice did not disappear, but took on more organized shape. During World War II, sexual violence was used on a large scale, from massacres in Asia to mass rapes in Europe, often tolerated or unpunished by military structures. In some cases, it was institutionalized, as in the systems of sexual slavery established by occupying armies. At the end of the twentieth century, in the wars of the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the world was confronted with a truth that could no longer be masked. Sexual violence, which until then was considered a consequence of war, was seen as its instrument, as it was used, with full awareness as a means of terror, as an instrument of humiliation, as a way to penetrate beyond the human body and strike at the dignity of the victim, the family, the community, the very social bond that keeps a people afloat. It was precisely during this period that international justice began to recognize it as a war crime, as a crime against humanity and, in certain circumstances, as an element of genocide. However, even when it was legally named, it remained for a long time enclosed in social silence. The shame was placed on the victims, while the crime was moved to the periphery of collective memory. In Kosovo, this brutal and cruel tool was exercised by the Serbian state apparatus and its military, police and paramilitary structures as part of an organized campaign of terror against the Albanian civilian population. And this must be said clearly. It was part of a conscious mechanism of violence, aimed at humiliating, subjugating and shaking the foundations of our society. Over twenty thousand women, men and children faced this crime during the last war in Kosovo. But this number is much more than a statistical figure. This number means truncated human destinies, families forced to bear great pain in silence, and entire lives forever divided in half. For years following the liberation, this part of our truth remained on the edge of public consciousness. The crime was known, but not pronounced with the weight it deserved. The survivors alone bore the burden of what society itself should have borne as responsibility, while the perpetrators of these crimes, in many cases, remained free, outside our jurisdiction and under the protection of Serbia. However, even in the midst of the darkness, a candle was lit, like the ones we lit together today. The silence was broken. We had women and men who found the strength to speak out when silence seemed easier. Women and men who did not ask to be seen with pity, but to be heard with dignity. They are among us today, here we have Vasfije, Shyrete, we have Dani, The late Marte Tunaj, survivor of sexual violence who with their voice changed not only the public discourse, but the very conscience of this state. Thanks to that courage, the Republic of Kosovo finally began to build an institutional response worthy of the gravity of this issue, starting from the legal recognition of the status of survivors of violence, to verification and support mechanisms, and to the inclusion of this day in the memorial calendar of our Republic. This date is related to April 14th 1999, the day when Vasfije Krasniqi was kidnapped and sexually raped. Vasfije, we are with you. You have the support of not only the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, but also of the entire Albanian nation and much more than the Albanian nation. In recent years, the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo have taken viable steps to address the crimes committed by Serbia in Kosovo: through the development of transitional justice policies that place the needs of the victims at the center, the establishment of an institution for documenting war crimes, strengthening the capacities of both the police and the prosecution for criminal prosecution, as well as enabling trials in absentia for war criminals, because Serbia continues to serve as a haven for many of the perpetrators of these crimes. There are already twelve indictments in the process for cases of sexual violence during the war, we have one final decision, that is, a conviction, a conviction verdict for this crime during the war, and two other decisions are also awaiting to become final. But justice remains truncated as long as many of the perpetrators of these crimes live free today in Serbia, sheltered and protected by a state that has not yet faced its responsibility for the crimes committed in Kosovo and that continues to refuse
Acting President Haxhiu and Prime Minister Kurti have signed the decision to extend the mandate of Mr. Petrit Ajeti as Director of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA) for a new five-year term
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, have today signed the decision to extend the mandate of Mr. Petrit Ajeti as Director of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), for a new five-year term. This decision reflects the institutional assessment of Mr. Ajeti’s professionalism, dedication and work to date in leading the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, as well as the confidence in the continuity of his leadership in strengthening the intelligence and security capacities of the Republic of Kosovo. During his mandate, the KIA has continued to play a key role in protecting the constitutional order, national security and strategic interests of the Republic of Kosovo, in close coordination with local institutions and international security partners. Mr. Ajeti has over 20 years of experience in the field of security and defense, and for the last five years he has led the Kosovo Intelligence Agency. His professional experience includes senior positions in the security sector, with continuous contribution to strengthening the institutional and security capacities of the Republic of Kosovo. He completed his studies in Political Science at the University of Pristina “Hasan Prishtina”, studies at the Military Academy “Skënderbej” in Tirana, as well as his master’s studies at the Metropolitan University of London. He has also attended numerous professional development programs in the field of security in Germany and the United States of America. Strengthening security institutions and protecting state interests remain among the key priorities of the Republic of Kosovo.