PRISTINA, June 23 /ATA/ – Retired general of the United States Army Wesley Clark was awarded the Dr. Ibrahim Rugova medal in a sign of recognition and gratitude for his incredible contribution to the liberation of Kosovo.
During his visit to Pristina, the retired U.S. General was hosted by the Chairman of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku.
Abdixhiku appreciated General Clark’s commitment and contribution to liberation of Kosovo, saying “Clark is a symbol of courage, leadership, support and unwavering commitment to justice and peace in Kosovo.”
The head of the main opposition party LDK underlined that General Clark’s support has been a beacon of hope for Kosovo’s continued efforts to build a democratic, prosperous and peaceful state.
“Your presence here today is a profound testimony of the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity that you have represented throughout your extraordinary service and fundamental support for the people of Kosovo. General Clark, your name is engraved in the foundations of Kosovo’s history as a symbol of courage, leadership, support and unwavering commitment to justice and peace. During the darkest hours of our freedom struggle, your determination and decisive actions gave hope and strength to a nation yearning for freedom. Your leadership during the NATO intervention was a turning point. Not only did it change the course of our history, but it also ensured the survival and future of countless lives of our people…Your support has been nothing short of a beacon of hope and inspiration for the ongoing efforts towards building a democratic, prosperous and peaceful Kosovo. Your actions during key moments were instrumental to the freedom we cherish today,” Abdixhiku said in his remarks.
On his part, the retired American general Wesley Clark said he was impressed by the progress Kosovo has made since its liberation. Clark said that democracy is flourishing in Kosovo
Clark Clark also said he hoped that the Kosovo-U.S. ties will strengthen further, stating that Kosovo should continue to see U.S. as its greatest friend and ally.
“I hope you will strengthen these ties and continue to see the United States as your great friend. We are certainly proud of you. The progress you made, the example you set. Democracy is a hard road, look at what is happening in the struggles we have. We say we are the oldest democracy in the world, and we are, but it goes through cycles. It is difficult. And today, it will be difficult because we still have opponents in the world who would like to replace democracy with something else. You are on the edge of this, but the way you survive is unity, determination and courage, and the very courage you showed in the 1990s is the courage that will see Kosovo succeeds in the 21st century,” Clark said.
Retired General Wesley Clark led the NATO air campaign against Serbian military positions in 1999.
/KosovaPress/u.sh/
