Kosovo marks the 16th anniversary of the declaration of independence. State leaders have thanked allies and international partners for their contribution to Kosovo’s liberation and independence.
In her address to the deputies on the 16th anniversary of Independence of Kosovo, President Vjosa Osmani, emphasized that February 17 is our greatest historical achievement, as she thanked international partners and allies, and in particular the USA for support on the road to freedom and state building.
“February 17 is a reflection of our ideal, of our grandparents and great-grandparents, of entire generations over the centuries to build a free and independent state, in which freedoms and human rights, peace and harmony are essential for our success. Our republic is consolidating every day, honoring its citizens and its name in the world”, Osmani emphasized.
She further said that for the citizens of Kosovo, having a state has always been a sacrifice and an ideal.
“This ideal captured the hearts, and many times the lives of entire generations, of our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, who gave a lot to this land and kept the flame of freedom burning for generations, ours. And we will express it further because freedom means for us the very character of human existence”, underlined Osmani.
Osmani mentioned the September 24 attack in Banjska and honored the name of the hero Afrim Bunjaku, the policeman killed by the Serbian attackers there. He emphasized that Serbia’s presence ended in 1999.
“Let it be clear, the military and police presence of Serbia in Kosovo ended once and for all in June 1999, when the spirit of freedom invaded the skies of Kosovo. On the morning of September 24, our sons and daughters have shown dedication and sacrifice to protect their country”, she declared.
Osmani stated that for the citizens, the creation of the state has always been a sacrifice, as he reiterated the importance of February 17.
“Our republic is consolidating every day. For the citizens of Kosovo, having a state has always been a sacrifice and an ideal, this ideal often stole the hearts and lives of generations, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, grandparents who gave hard for this land. We will drill it further. February 17, as unique as it is, is as special a date in the emotional plane as the day that unites us around a cause, love for the Republic and dedication to raise its name. Today, we bow first to the generations who dedicated themselves to freedom”, she concluded.
/Argumentum.al
