Thank you very much, dear citizens of Llap region,
Honourable President Sejdiu,
Prime Minister Kurti,
Honourable Mayor Shpejtim Bulliqi,
Honourable Members of Parliament and Ministers,
Dearly beloved Rugova family,
Dear collaborators of President Rugova, you who have remained faithful to the vision of the architect of our state throughout your life,
Honourable ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to be in Podujeva, or rather in Llap, today, among the people who, in the most difficult times, lined up behind our visionary leader, behind the man who forged alliances and friendships with leaders from all over the world, behind the founding father of our Republic, the historic president Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.
Today, Rugova is returning to Llap in bronze, becoming a permanent resident of Podujeva. Just like when he returned from Italy to a free Kosovo, in 2000, when all of Llap stood up to welcome him with a grand gathering in front of the old municipal building, very close to the place where he, today immortalized in a statue, will remain forever among you.
The statue of President Rugova is being immortalized and inaugurated on the historic 7th of September. On the same date, 34 years ago, the Kaçanik Constitution was adopted, a historic moment in Kosovo’s journey towards freedom and independence, to which our historic President dedicated his entire life.
The statue of President Rugova is not just a bronze monument, but a testament to the ideals for which he worked until his death, for a free, independent and democratic Kosovo.
Therefore, today, we are honouring the memory of the great leader, the unparalleled visionary, the man who with courage and wisdom oriented Kosovo towards the Euro-Atlantic vision and brought the attention of the entire democratic world precisely to Kosovo.
In the face of Milosevic’s oppression and violence, he chose peaceful resistance. When the path forward was uncertain, his determination and steadfastness were unwavering.
He was a man of knowledge and a leader, as Father Zef Pllumbi said, “the wisest and the smartest of them all”.
President Rugova was a symbol of hope, a man who believed in the power of words. In the darkest days of our history, he stood firm with his vision of independence and nothing less!
In the darkest days, he proved that the strength of our nation is unity and the indomitable will for freedom, peace, democracy and independence.
President Rugova gave politics, as we always say, its most important dimension, the human dimension. His silk shawl became a symbol of his unique leadership style as a calm, restrained and dignified leader.
This statue is a tribute to the statesman, to the chief architect of our state, who led us through the most difficult times for us.
It was President Rugova’s diplomatic skills that strengthened our ties with our friends and allies, especially with the United States of America. He understood that the journey towards statehood could not be made alone, so he firmly believed in the idea that a house is kept with friends.
He built bridges of trust with leaders around the globe, based on mutual respect and shared values, and these friendships have become the pillars on which our new state now stands.
What President Rugova did was not only his political vision, but also his integrity. He never worked behind anyone’s back. President Rugova was transparent, honest and deeply committed to values-based work.
For him, principles were not just ideals, but the guiding force behind every decision and every action he took for Kosovo.
He believed in unity through shared values, so he led with sincerity and moral purity.
President Rugova was not alone in this mission. He had all of you behind him, and of course all of us who believed in the strong vision of a free and independent Kosovo. His strong connection with Llapi was also evidenced by the interaction with two outstanding and unforgettable personalities from this side who remained close to him until his last breath.
Xhemail Mustafa and Enver Maloku were his closest people and together with whom in the most difficult times they stood at the forefront of the resistance, mobilizing the people in search of freedom, peace, democracy and independence.
Thus, President Rugova became a leader who was trusted, and he never betrayed that trust.
His memorial in Podujeva should serve as a reminder to all of us – to leaders, to citizens, and to future generations – of a Kosovo that honors its past, preserves and cultivates alliances with friends, and embraces the future with the same spiritual strength that President Rugova himself embodied.
His vision is more relevant than ever. As leaders and representatives of our people, we must remain united and focused on realizing President Rugova’s full dream.
His vision is more relevant than ever. As leaders and representatives of our people, we must remain united and focused on realizing President Rugova’s full dream.
The bond between Kosovo and the United States of America is not only a strategic alliance – it is also the foundation of our security, prosperity, and future.
May the memory of President Rugova always inspire us, and may this statue stand as a symbol of our shared commitment to the values that define us as a state, a people, and a nation!
May God bless Kosovo!
May God bless our friends!
May God bless the architect of our state, our historic leader, and the founding father of the Republic, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova!
Thank you!
