President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs Atifete Jahjaga participated today at the ceremony of the unveiling of the statue of Ali Ibra, In Gjakova. The ceremony was also attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaçi and other senior officials.
On this occasion Madam President said a few words, which we’re transmitting below:
Honourable Prime Minister Berisha,
Honourable Prime Minister Thaçi,
Honourable Mayor Leka,
Honourable descendants of the patriot Ali Ibra, the Great Neza family,
Honourable compatriots of mine of Gjakova,
Honourable participants of this gathering, a gathering that expresses the symbolism of our centuries long pursuit for Freedom and State.
Gjakova today, as well as all of Kosovo, is being honoured by the erection of the statue of the leader of the League of Prizren, leader of the rebellion for national liberation, commander of the battles for preservation of the territorial integrity of the Albanian lands,
Honourable Gjakova, honourable Gjakova Highlands,
You are known for your hospitality and nobility, for citizenry and bravery; for your devotion to Fatherland. This region has all through our glorious national history been on the right side, with honour and dignity. Very often it found itself in the centre of National Movement and was a leader of state forming processes.
By erecting statues we appreciate the efforts and honour the actions of the generations that lived before us; of the activists that sacrificed and always worked for the good of the country, for our people, so that we may face the history with a smile. As a free nation, patrons of our land, equal and dignified on the par with the rest of nations of the world.
Ali Ibër Nezaj is a national leader, on of the chieftains of the Gjakova Highlands who organised and got the people together in order to make Albania, to protect the inviolability of our lands and to oppose the trade offs that would fall on the back of our people.
Ali Ibra could not be bought off with titles and grades. He remained for good the defender of the pure interests of the people by fully defending the religious tolerance and the cultural diversity of the country. He protected the frail and dispensed justice.
His fame is still alive to this day, as a guide for progress and pride.
I feel honoured to be part of this historic manifestation, and I am honoured that as a daughter of this region, jointly with you I unveil this statute so that we may continue the patriotic tradition of our forefathers.
Congratulations Neza family, Congratulation to you people of Gjakova, Congratulations Kosovo, and Congratulations Albania.
May we last forever!