FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, participated this Friday in the state ceremony organized in Pristina on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the Liberation of Kosovo. He praised the sacrifice of the freedom fighters, the role of Western allies and the strategic partnership between Albania and Kosovo.
Begaj described June 12 as a date engraved in the historical memory of the Albanian nation, emphasizing that Kosovo's freedom came as a result of the sacrifice of thousands of men and women, the war of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the intervention of NATO, the United States of America and Western allies.
A significant part of the speech was dedicated to the trial of former KLA leaders in The Hague. Begaj declared that they were facing a “great historical injustice,” while emphasizing that “no court and no attempt to rewrite history can alter the great truth that the KLA was not the aggressor, but the shield of a people that was being exterminated.”
Speaking about relations between the two countries, the President stated that Albania and Kosovo are "two states of the same nation", while emphasizing that Tirana will continue to unconditionally support Kosovo's integration into international organizations, including NATO and the European Union.
Full speech of President Bajram Begaj:
It is a special honor and a deep emotion for me today to be among you in this land of freedom to celebrate together the 27th anniversary of the Liberation of Kosovo.
June 12 is a date forever etched in the historical memory of our nation. It is the day when freedom triumphed over apartheid, hope over fear, and justice over genocidal injustice.
Kosovo's freedom came as a product of the sublime sacrifice of thousands of men and women, of the heroic struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army, and of the determination of our strategic allies: the United States of America, NATO, our allies and partners, who stood on the right side of history.
Today, we bow with boundless gratitude to the martyrs of freedom, to the parents and families who bore the brunt of the war. At the same time, we honor the memory and legacy of the architects of Kosovo's statehood, led by the historic President, Ibrahim Rugova, whose vision and wisdom built the democratic foundations and unwavering Western orientation of this state.
Today we honor the brave leader and commander-in-chief of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Adem Jashari, his family, and all freedom fighters.
Today we honor the resistance of Adem Demaçi.
On this day of celebration and reflection, our minds and hearts are also in The Hague, where the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army are facing another battle, in a process that weighs as a great historical injustice. Those who led the people towards freedom are today paying a high price to defend the dignity of a war that was pure, just and liberating. From this podium today, we send them a message of support and brotherhood, that no court and no attempt to rewrite history can alter the great truth: the KLA was not the aggressor, but the shield of a people that was being exterminated. We firmly believe that justice will triumph and they will return victorious to their free Kosovo!
For Albania, the freedom and statehood of Kosovo remains one of the greatest achievements of our modern national history. Albania and Kosovo are two states of the same nation, inextricably linked by an indivisible brotherhood. Today, the relations between our two states are stronger than ever, serving as an anchor of stability, peace and security throughout our region.
At a time when the global geopolitical context is becoming increasingly complex, Kosovo is not simply faced with challenges of international consolidation, but with the vital need to protect its security, territorial integrity and state sovereignty. In the face of any threat or attempt to destabilize what has been achieved with blood and sacrifice, our language and response must be firm and clear: the construction of new institutions as soon as possible, more work to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions, more new recognitions and membership in international organizations and NATO.
I want to reiterate and reiterate today from Pristina that Albania and Kosovo are half of the same body. Albania is and will be your unwavering, unconditional and eternal support. Albania is and will be the strong voice of Kosovo at every diplomatic table and international arena, defending at all costs the inviolability of its borders and demanding the full integration of Kosovo into NATO, the European Union and other international organizations.
Today's Kosovo is living proof that freedom is not given. It is won with perseverance and defended with dignity, internal unity and daily work, and supported by friends and strategic partners.
We have an obligation to pass on this precious heritage to the new generations, so that they can build the future on the strong foundations of this glorious history.
Dear brothers and sisters of Kosovo, on this great day of our national pride, I convey to you the warmest congratulations of the entire Albanian people!
May the memory of the martyrs be eternal and unblemished! Glory forever!
May God bless the Republic of Kosovo, the KSF and its institutions!
May God bless the Albanian nation and its friends!
Happy 27th Anniversary of Liberation!
Lini një Përgjigje