Dear citizens of our Republic, congratulations on Independence Day, congratulations on 18 years of statehood!<\/p>\n
Honourable President Begaj,<\/p>\n
Honourable Speaker Haxhiu,<\/p>\n
Honourable Prime Minister Kurti,<\/p>\n
Dear uncle Rifat and the entire Jashari family,<\/p>\n
Honorable Rugova family,<\/p>\n
Honourable officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the KSF,<\/p>\n
Honourable members of the Kosovo Police,<\/p>\n
Honourable families of KLA martyrs, associations that emerged from the KLA war,<\/p>\n
Ambassadors of friendly countries,<\/p>\n
Honourable leaders of our institutions,<\/p>\n
On this February 17th, we gathered here, because history has invited us to this very place. Here, in this place, stands the NEWBORN monument, the identifying sign of our state, which gave the long-awaited announcement that Kosovo had become a state. On this significant anniversary, we are on \u201cLuan Haradinaj\u201d Street, which bears the name of a distinguished fighter, a hero of the Kosovo Liberation Army. A name that reminds us that this state was built by the courage of those who chose not to remain silent in the face of injustice. Their blood lies in the foundations of our independent and sovereign state.<\/p>\n
A few meters from here stands the \u201cHeroinat\u201d monument, a powerful but also painful memory of nearly 20 thousand women raped by the Serbian genocidal regime during the war of 1998-1999. That monument reminds us that the wounds left behind by the war, the pains that are not always seen, but that live long in our collective conscience, will never be forgotten. It reminds us that freedom has a high price and that justice for the thousands of people killed, including children, remains our permanent obligation.
\nTherefore, today, in this space where the birth of the state, the sacrifice of all KLA fighters and the wounds of war stand together in one place, we remember the effort of generations that was sealed precisely in February 2008. 18 years ago, Kosovo was declared a state, but long before that day Kosovo had gained freedom.<\/p>\n
Today, before you stands an 18-year-old Republic, born of sacrifice, nourished by resistance and strengthened by the spirit of its people, by each of you. Kosovo is a free state, unyielding, determined to defend its freedom in every inch of it. Kosovo is an independent and sovereign Republic, courageous, strong, proud and with many friends. Kosovo is our eternal homeland, our home, our soul, our common future!<\/p>\n
Today, we bow with respect to all those who contributed to this day. To those who did not surrender. To those who stood firm even when the road seemed long but dark. We honor the historic vision of the architect of independence, the Founding Father of our Republic, the historic President, Ibrahim Rugova, who in times of repression kept alive the hope, dignity and identity of our people, making peace an act of courage and political wisdom.<\/p>\n
We honor the unparalleled sacrifice of the Jashari family, led by the Legendary Commander, Adem Jashari, an eternal symbol of sacrifice for freedom. We honor every boy, every young man, every woman, every man, who fought in the Kosovo Liberation Army, the best sons and daughters of this country. We honor the sacrifice of the veterans and invalids of war, who when history called for courage, responded with action, turning the centuries-old aspiration into an irreversible reality.<\/p>\n
So let us repeat clearly, today and forever: no one can tarnish the war of the Kosovo Liberation Army. It was a just war, a liberation war, a defense war led by the right to freedom and statehood. Without this extraordinary contribution of the KLA and without this sacrifice, the independence of Kosovo would not be the reality that we celebrate today. By defending the truth and our liberation war, we defend our own state, our independence and the freedom that we enjoy today. We will not allow anyone to tarnish these sublime values, for which our people gave everything, even children in their cradles. Because a history written in blood cannot be erased or distorted by anyone.<\/p>\n
Dear citizens, In a little while at Skanderbeg Square, our citizens will begin the march for justice. As President of the Republic of Kosovo, I give my strong support to this march, because our citizens demand nothing but justice.<\/p>\n
Because our citizens know well that defending our liberation war is defending the state of Kosovo itself. Because our citizens know well that the KLA is the bloody oath of our people from which we will never give up.<\/p>\n
Honorable guests, on this great day, we express deep and lasting gratitude to the United States of America, to European countries and all allies around the world, who stood on the right side of history. They helped us win freedom, they helped us build the state, and even today they stand with us, as reliable partners of peace and security.<\/p>\n
Today, Kosovo is building its defense capacities with responsibility and vision. Today, the KLA heirs, our Security Force and the Kosovo Police, are making us proud each and every day. They prove that Kosovo is ready for NATO.
\nOur girls and boys in uniform are proof that this country has sons and daughters ready to serve the homeland with honor, dedication and to contribute to global peace.<\/p>\n
Today, Kosovo is stronger than ever. Today, Kosovo is more prepared than ever before. Today, Kosovo is more determined than ever to move forward, despite the challenges. We are a country dedicated to learning and moving forward. Our 18-year-old republic has never been afraid of responsibility. It is a country that knows that freedom requires work, well-being, vision and the protection of the truth at all costs.<\/p>\n
for this reason, together, we must make Kosovo fairer for our children and stronger for the generations to come. On this 18th anniversary, let us move forward with unity, united and with faith and pride, because Kosovo today is more mature and stronger for every challenge that the future brings. Therefore, I address all the citizens of Kosovo, and especially you, the young men and women, who, like our state, are turning 18 this year. Preserving Kosovo is the most important trust for you. Accept our flag with pride, carefully protect the state and democracy, build the future with passion. Let us all be together, worthy of the sacrifice of those who laid the foundations of our beloved state!<\/p>\n
Glory to the heroes and the martyrs!<\/p>\n
May God bless our Republic!<\/p>\n
May God bless our citizens!<\/p>\n
May God bless our friends and allies!<\/p>\n
Long live the Republic of Kosovo!<\/p>\n