TIRANA, February 17/ATA/ President of the Republic Bajram Begaj participated today in the state reception held in Pristina on occasion of the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence.
In his speech at the reception, Begaj stated that, “Kosovo’s independence is a testament of resistance, a sacred trust, a triumph of sacrifice and faith in the right of an indigenous people to live in freedom, with dignity and in a state of equality among equals”.
Begaj emphasized that Kosovo’s Independence came as a merit of the titanic efforts of a people that never surrendered to injustice and genocide.
“Today and forever we honor the architect of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova, the historical leader and President of Kosovo, and Adem Demaçi, we honor the legendary commander Adem Jashari and the Kosovo Liberation Army, we honor the blood of martyrs and the sacrifices for a future in freedom of thousands of people, we honor the tears and pain of mothers, we honor the signatories of independence”, said the Head of State.
“26 years ago, Kosovo issue brought together states and nations. With the support of our Euro-Atlantic allies and with the unique decisive intervention of NATO against terror, war crimes and Serbian genocide, there was opened the path to freedom, there was established the state of Kosovo, a great achievement for the Albanian nation in this century”, underlined Begaj.
“The Republic of Kosovo is increasingly contributing to peace, dialogue and coexistence. It has the strength, courage and vision to look ahead. Kosovo has proven that it not only knows how to seek, protect and respect freedom and democracy, but also to fulfill its responsibilities towards its citizens and the international community”, added Begaj.
“Albania and Kosovo, the Albanian factor in the region, is a loyal ally of the United States of America and the European Union, a dedicated ally of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance and its values in the region. Albanians will forever be grateful for their support. We believe that a United Europe is our strategic and vital destination, it is a project in the service of peace, democracy, security, stability and prosperity. Albanians believe in the European Union, in the values it represents, as well as in the commitment to enlargement, but the non-recognition of the state of Kosovo is an act that contradicts this commitment. We wish that these countries review their stance and, also, that the European Union lifts the sanctions unfairly imposed on the state of Kosovo”, underlined President Begaj.
“Albania will always stand by Kosovo’s side, in all its efforts and achievements. We will support and back the Republic of Kosovo anytime and anywhere, in every regional integration initiative, in international organizations, on the path towards European integration and for new recognitions”, said Begaj.
“Our citizens expect more interaction and cooperation, more tangible results and economic exchanges, more facilitation in markets and joint initiatives, less bureaucracy or misunderstandings”, added Begaj. /j.p/p.s./
