President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, issued a statement on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the NATO air strikes.
The statement says:
Today we mark the most important anniversary in Kosovo’s recent history- beginning of a hope giving campaign for the people of Kosovo, which resulted with ending of oppression and repression.
We are marking the 15th anniversary of NATO air strikes upon Serbian military targets, a fully humanitarian intervention, which saved hundreds of thousands of lives of citizens of Kosovo, and which provided them with a new opportunity for a life in freedom, in a developed and democratic society.
On this 15th anniversary, we express our deep gratitude to the USA and the EU member countries, to the NATO Alliance for their prevention of ethnic cleansing of Kosovo and for their coming to aide through air strikes to the people of Kosovo and ending of a oppressive regime, in order to enable a new life.
On this 15th anniversary we thank all those men and women of all the countries which engaged in prevention of a human catastrophe in Kosovo and who later on, after the ending of the 78 day long air strike campaign, helped the rebuilding of Kosovo and preservation of the peace, stability and security not only in the country but also of the whole western Balkans.
15 years later, Kosovo is a free and independent country, a state of all its citizens, regardless, a state which is building bridges of friendship with all other states and which contributes to the all round peace and security.
On this 15th anniversary, when we mark the returning of the hope for life, Republic of Kosovo shows to be a proof of a joint success of its citizens and institutions on one side and the international community on the other, above all of the USA. It is a proof of a mature, democratic, all inclusive and tolerant society.