The official mourning ceremony in honor of the colossus of the Albanian letters is organized under the state protocol under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s office.

The homage and the official state ceremony are set to take place between 09:30 and 12:30 a.m. and the funeral procession will then make way to the Tufina cemetery.

The internationally acclaimed Albanian writer Ismail Kadare passed away at 88 after a cardiac arrest on July 1.

The Council of Ministers declared two days of national mourning in tribute to renowned writer and the national flag is being flown at half-mast across all state and public institutions.

Kosovo government also declared Wednesday a day of mourning.

As Albania and the world bid farewell to Ismail Kadare, his legacy will undoubtedly endure, leaving an indelible mark on both Albanian culture and global literature.

Ismail Kadare was a novelist, poet, essayist, screenwriter, and playwright. He was a leading international literary figure and intellectual. Kadare was member of Albania’s Academy of Sciences, foreign associate of France’s Academy of Moral and Political Sciences; member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and external member of the Academy of Sciences of Montenegro.

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Speaking to reporters following the ceremony, DP leader said that Albanians celebrate today the nation’s most beautiful day.

“Today we celebrate the nation’s most beautiful day that fills the Albanians’ hearts with such joy and pride and brings us together to commemorate the great battles for freedom and independence, and honor the sons and the daughters of our nation, who sacrificed everything in the name of the Nation and under the red and black flag,” Basha said.

“With deep gratitude, we bow to our fallen heroes  and martyrs of the nation, the independence fighters and the fallen heroes for the country’s liberation, and Kosovo’s sons and daughters who fought for the freedom of Kosovo and dignity of Albanians everywhere in their ancestral lands. Their sublime sacrifice inspires us to fulfil the European aspiration of Albanians for unity, freedom and democracy,” Basha said.

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The homage was organized by the Leading Board of the Assembly and started around 12:00 to continue until 16:00.

Top state officials, MPs, friends and many citizens paid tribute to Bashkim Fino, the then prime minister of the Government of National Reconciliation, MP and prominent politician.

Accompanied by his wife Linda Rama, Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the homage that is taking place at the Palace of Congresses.

The Speaker of the Assembly Gramoz Ruçi paid homage to Bashkim Fino. In a statement to the media, Ruçi said that, “Today, a man with a big heart and contributions to the country passed away”.

The chairman of the Democratic Party Lulzim Basha, accompanied by his wife Aurela Hoxha also paid homage in honor of Fino.

Socialist MP Bashkim Fino died today at the age of 58, after being affected by the coronavirus. In honor of the memory of Bashkim Fino, all political parties have stopped the election campaign.

After the homage, there will be the funeral today at 16:00 to the Sharra cemetery./p.s./