President: Adem Demaçi was the symbol of resistance, an unbreakable dissident
Adem Demaçi was the symbol of resistance, the unbreakable dissident, the voice of the defenseless, the relentless critic, and a free man even behind bars. Instead of revenge, he preached peace. Instead of hatred, he nurtured reconciliation. Instead of fear, he spoke boldly of the truth. He sacrificed his individual liberty for the collective freedom of his people. His name will endure as long as freedom itself endures! May the memory of Baca Adem be eternal!
REACTION
The President of the country has NEVER requested the construction of any presidential residence, be it with a private yard, private quarters, or any other form of personal luxury. The conceptual plan announced for the construction of the presidential premises has not received the President’s approval. In line with the applicable legal framework, the President will formally request that the plan be revised to reflect the actual needs and specific requirements of the Republic of Kosovo. Firstly, the President has called for proceeding solely with the construction of an official Presidential facility, intended to host meetings and formal state receptions. Kosovo remains the only country in Europe – if not in the world – where the Head of State lacks a designated venue for carrying out his/her official duties. At present, receptions are held in Assembly halls, while visiting leaders from friendly states are faced with the stench of sewage, due to the inadequate conditions on the floor where the current office is situated. There is no venue for hosting official state receptions (they are held in hotels), no space for accommodation for high-level guests, and no dedicated setting for official dinners or luncheons, which the Republic of Kosovo still organizes in private restaurants = a completely unusual practice for any serious country. It is deeply embarrassing that, even 26 years after liberation, such a fundamental issue remains unresolved. Secondly, even if construction were to begin for an official presidential facility on the plot allocated to the Presidency since the time of President Rugova, its completion would take no less than 5 to 6 years, making it evident that President Osmani would not benefit from such a facility during her current term. Thus, any claim suggesting she is building it “for herself” is entirely unfounded and reflects a failure to grasp the importance of dignified institutional functioning and the need for minimum working conditions. The President has not authorized the construction of private suites or quarters but has solely requested office and formal reception spaces, including a reception suite for international guests and counterparts visiting Kosovo – a standard practice in every presidency around the world. Ultimately, the President has urgently called for legal avenues to be identified to amend the current specifications, which in no way reflect her vision of an official presidential facility (let alone a private residence). The construction of such a facility for the Presidency (not for President Osmani) is not a luxury, but a state-level necessity to ensure dignified working conditions, institutional security, and a level of representation befitting the state of Kosovo.
President Osmani received the United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo (UNKT), Ms. Arnhild Spence, in a farewell meeting
The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received the United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo (UNKT), Ms. Arnhild Spence, in a farewell meeting marking the conclusion of her mandate. On this occasion, President Osmani extended her deep appreciation for the invaluable contribution of UNKT and other UN agencies in advancing gender equality, transitional justice, human rights, and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, among other areas. The meeting also covered the progress towards operationalizing the Presidential Commission for Transitional Justice and the next steps in this process. The importance of women’s participation in local elections and their engagement in public and political life was also discussed. In conclusion, President Osmani thanked Ms. Spence for the successful cooperation throughout her mandate and wished her success in her future engagements.
President Osmani receives Slovenian Ambassador Minca Benedejčič in a farewell meeting
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Kosovo, Ms. Minca Benedejčič, on the occasion of the conclusion of her diplomatic term in our country. President Osmani expressed her deepest appreciation for Ambassador Benedejčič’s valuable contribution to strengthening the relations between Kosovo and Slovenia, as well as for her dedication to deepening bilateral cooperation across various fields. During Ambassador Benedejčič’s term, numerous high-level visits took place between the two countries, further strengthening interstate relations and reflecting the mutual friendship and solidarity that characterize the ties between the people of Kosovo and the Slovenian people. In this context, President Osmani commended Slovenia’s continuous support for Kosovo, from the most difficult historical periods to the present day, particularly through its backing of Kosovo’s efforts to join the Council of Europe, the European Union, NATO and other international organizations. Thanking her for the excellent cooperation throughout her mandate, President Osmani wished Ms. Benedejčič success in her future engagements.
President Osmani commemorates prominent activist Shaban Manaj, on the 25th anniversary of his kidnapping and murder: Shaban Manaj remains a symbol of resistance and vision
Today we remember with honor and respect Shaban Manaj, the unwavering activist for freedom, the lawyer and loyal collaborator of the historic President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. He embodied courage and dedication in his commitment to the cause of a free and democratic Kosovo. Shaban Manaj remains a symbol of resilience and vision. Justice for him and for all those killed remains our eternal commitment
President Osmani: The interest of the country and the Constitution must be above all political calculations
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that the request submitted today to the Constitutional Court aims to protect the country’s constitutional order from irreparable consequences President Osmani wrote: The request submitted today to the Constitutional Court aims to protect the country’s constitutional order from irreparable consequences. At this crucial moment for the democracy and stability of our Republic, I once again call on all political subjects to give the citizens what they are entitled to by the Constitution: a functional Assembly and institutions that work in their interest. This request before the Court is not a political choice, but a constitutional and moral obligation to the people of the Republic of Kosovo, who voted for functional institutions. The interest of the country and the Constitution must be above all political calculations.
President Osmani’s press conference
President Vjosa Osmani received the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves
During the meeting, the latest political developments in the country were discussed, with particular emphasis on the importance of respecting the constitutional order, and the next steps towards the constitution of the ninth legislature of the Assembly, following the Constitutional Court’s judgement.
President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received in a meeting the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati
During the meeting, recent developments in the country were discussed, with special focus on the upcoming steps toward the constitution of the Assembly, following the recent judgment of the Constitutional Court.
President Osmani received in a meeting the Ambassador of the State of Qatar, Jabor Ali Hussein Al Hawashela Al Dosari
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received in a meeting the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Kosovo, Jabor Ali Hussein Al Hawashela Al Dosari, with whom she discussed the advancement of bilateral relations between the two countries. The meeting reaffirmed the excellent partnership between Kosovo and Qatar, and discussed opportunities to further enhance cooperation in various areas. A key point of the meeting was President Osmani’s special gratitude for Qatar’s concrete support in providing prosthetics for war invalids, an initiative being implemented through the President’s engagement and the support of partner institutions in Qatar. President Osmani considered this step as a meaningful example of solidarity and humanity that strengthens the ties between the two peoples. President Osmani and Ambassador Al Dosari expressed their willingness to further strengthen the relations between the two countries.