FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Kosovo marks the 18th anniversary of its declaration of independence today, becoming the youngest state in Europe.
On February 17, 2008, at 3:39 p.m., the Assembly read the Declaration declaring the country an independent, sovereign and democratic state.
" We proclaim Kosovo a democratic, secular and multiethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law. We will protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo and create the necessary conditions for their effective participation in political and decision-making processes."
We fully accept the commitments for Kosovo contained in the Ahtisaari Plan, and welcome the framework it proposes to guide Kosovo in the years ahead. We will fully implement those commitments, including the priority adoption of legislation included in its Annex XII, in particular that which protects and promotes the rights of communities and their members.
"We will adopt as soon as possible a constitution that embodies our commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms of all our citizens, in particular as defined by the European Convention on Human Rights. The constitution will incorporate all relevant principles of the Ahtisaari Plan and will be adopted through a democratic and careful process ," the statement said.
With this act, Kosovo was declared an independent, sovereign and democratic state. The Declaration of Independence was read by Hashim Thaçi, who today faces the Special Court in The Hague, while the Prosecution has requested a 45-year prison sentence for one of the former leaders of the KLA, and the former President of Kosovo.
After the proclamation, the new state began the process of consolidating institutions and building democratic structures. At the same time, the country secured recognition from many friendly states.
February 17th remains a key moment for Kosovo and for developments in the region. On this anniversary, institutions and citizens organize activities in squares and public spaces, where they place flags and hold commemorative ceremonies.
Program of state events to mark the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence
Agenda:
7:00 - Raising the Flag of the Republic of Kosovo (Government Courtyard)
7:20 - Solemn meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo (Government Building)
7:30 - Tributes at the Monument to the Missing ("Ibrahim Rugova" Square)
7:35 - Tributes at the Memorial Plaque of the Murdered Children (Presidency Courtyard)
8:00 - Homage to the grave of former President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova (Velani Cemetery)
8:10 - Homage to the grave of activist Adem Demaçi (Velani Cemetery)
9:00 - Tribute at the "Adem Jashari" Memorial Complex in Prekaz (Prekaz)
10:30 - Solemn session of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo (Assembly of Kosovo)
11:25 - Honors at the Heroines Monument (Luan Haradinaj Street)
11:30 - Parade of Kosovo Security Force and Kosovo Police Troops (Luan Haradinaj Street)
17:30 - State reception by the President, the Speaker of the Assembly and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo
20:00 - Solemn concert of the Kosovo Philharmonic (Red Hall - Youth Palace)
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