Ferizaj, June 7, 2017 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, participated today at the first generation graduation ceremony for 2017 of the KSF recruits from the communities
President Thaçi has congratulated the new cadets of the Kosovo Security Force for this important and courageous step for their career and future by becoming part of one of the most important, trusted and respected institutions in Kosovo.
“The institution you are joining today is the best example of a democratic, multi-ethnic and professional institution, representing in the best way the values of our common state”, said President Thaçi.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Security Sector Review, President Thaçi has said that together with the other institutions, also in full coordination with our strategic partners, there is being worked on the conclusion of the transformation of the KSF into the Armed Forces of Kosovo, which implies important changes in the mandate, mission, size and structure of the KSF.
“No one in Kosovo, in the region or even beyond, should be concerned about this natural and indispensable process.I say this with conviction, since the KSF even today does not differ much from other armies. Whereas, I am sure that after the transformation, you, members of all communities will continue to serve with dignity in the interests of the protecting of the sovereignty of Kosovo, the protection of your property and heritage. You, even today, are contributing to the building and preservation of the regional and global stability”, stated President Thaçi
The President added that the members of the KSF with dignity and pride are representing Kosovo in the international arena, bringing excellent results, often gaining the first places in different competitions, where competitors are representatives of the armies of countries with the highest standards
“The transformation of the KSF is a process that has gone through various phases, with long and troublesome steps, but always towards the achievement of a clear goal and with results for the benefit of all the citizens of our country without distinction. We have reached the final steps and we will put these steps together and in full coordination with our international allies”, added President Thaçi.
He added that the multiethnic composition of the KSF is the best message of how communities should be integrated into the social and institutional life of a democratic state, where every citizen is an asset of the state.
“I, as President and General Commander of the KSF, am proud of your accomplishments and successes, and I am grateful to each of you for the continued contribution you have offered for the KSF to reach here. At the same time, I encourage you to continue contributing in the future as well, to be an example of how to be a professional and multi-ethnic force in the service of the country”.
The President said that the only and best way for the protection and advancement of the interests of all communities living in Kosovo, in this case of the Serb community as well, is and remains only through their active participation in our state institutions
We ensure our strategic partners and all those NATO member states which have not yet recognized the state of Kosovo, that after the transformation, the Kosovo Armed Forces, as well as the Kosovo Police and other state institutions, will be in service and protection of all the citizens and their property without distinction, said President Thaçi.
“It is a necessity and a precondition for the further integration processes towards Euro-Atlantic structures, to have the Kosovo Army and we will fulfill such a precondition. The members of the Kosovo Security Force should be proud of many accomplishments within the current mandate, but I am sure they will be even more proud with the new mandate”, stressed President Thaçi.
At the end, thanking you all for the contribution so far, I wish the new members of the KSF a good and successful start in fulfilling the sacred and noble duties for the protection of our country.