“We have accomplished a great deal together in a short period of time-especially our collaboration on the board of peace. Kosovo’s participation in this groundbreaking initiative will play a tremendous role in ending conflicts across the globe while fostering freedom and prosperity for both our people”, is read in the letter.

In a letter to former President Osmani, Trump commended her courageous, decisive leadership in serving the people of Kosovo and welcomed continued collaboration in the coming years.

On her part, former Kosovo president Osmani wrote that, “I sincerely thank President Trump for his letter received last night upon the conclusion of my mandate, and for his kind appreciation of our work. As he emphasized, we look forward to deepening our cooperation in the years ahead”.

Trump thanked Osmani for his close cooperation during his term, emphasizing Kosovo’s involvement in ending conflicts and promoting freedom and prosperity. /Kosovapress/p.s./

Osmani said the amendments, sent to the Assembly of Kosovo, were originally drafted by a constitutional amendment commission in 2011 and aim to change the current system under which the president is elected by lawmakers.

Osmani said the move follows repeated failures by parliament to secure enough votes to elect a president.

“Following repeated failures to elect the president, I have submitted constitutional amendments to parliament for the direct election of the president,” Osmani wrote in a post on Facebook.

She called on all political parties to support the amendments.

“From now on, let the people speak,” Osmani said.

/KosovaPress/u.sh/

During the meeting, Spiropali praised President Osmani’s commitment to strengthening Kosovo’s relations with the international community, in particular with strategic partners, the United States of America and the countries of the European Union.

The minister reconfirmed Albania’s unwavering support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration, emphasizing that, following the decision to lift restrictive measures, it is time for the European Union to decide without delay on granting Kosovo candidate country status.

Spiropali underlined that Albania will continue its active diplomatic engagement in support of Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, as well as on its path towards EU and NATO membership, considering this process of strategic significance for stability and security in the region. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

After the opening session, Trump stopped to speak for several minutes with Rama, with Osmani joining the conversation.

During his address to the board’s first meeting, Rama raised the issue of former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) who are on trial in The Hague, including former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi.

Rama said the prosecution’s request for a 45-year prison sentence for Thaçi has sent a shockwave of humiliation through an entire peace-seeking nation.

“For God’s sake, Mr President, let’s do something before, as you say, very bad things might happen again,” Rama said in his remarks.

At the close of the meeting in Washington, participants signed the founding document of the Peace Board. Trump said the body would help lead the way in Gaza and turn it into “a model of success and unity.”

/m.m/j.p/u.sh/

The president wrote in the social media that, “Albania and Kosovo are determined to strengthen the strategic partnership to move together towards common goals”.

“On this 18th anniversary of Independence, Kosovo demonstrates maturity by establishing political stability and loyalty to international friends, the US and the EU”, wrote Begaj while bringing moments from the meeting with president of Kosovo.

On her part, President Osmani also wrote about the meeting held in a festive atmosphere, as she put it.

“Thank you for always being close to Kosovo and our citizens”, Osmani wrote in the social media.

Earlier in the day, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti also received President Begaj.

According to the press release, President Begaj expressed his warmest congratulations to the people and state of Kosovo on the 18th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, while congratulating PM Kurti on his new mandate and wishing him success in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Kosovo for well-being and prosperity, as well as the government’s objectives.

The press release also reads that Kurti and Begaj discussed bilateral relations, developments in the country and the region, as well as the results of previous intergovernmental agreements, while reiterating the mutual will to further expand the sectors of cooperation and to further deepen the interstate relationship. /Kosovapress/p.s./

Speaking at a solemn session of parliament marking the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, Osmani said former President Hashim Thaçi and other ex-KLA leaders facing charges before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers had “risen for freedom, dignity and the right to live free in their homeland.”

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers, a Hague-based court established under Kosovo law, are trying several former senior KLA leaders on charges related to the 1998-99 liberation war. The defendants have pleaded not guilty

“Every attempt to equate the liberation war with the crimes of Serbia’s genocidal regime undermines justice and damages the foundations of long-term peace in the region,” Osmani stated, calling such efforts historically unjust and unacceptable.

In her address, Osmani said Kosovo’s statehood was built on both peaceful resistance and armed struggle. She cited the legacy of former president Ibrahim Rugova, who led a non-violent campaign for independence in the 1990s, as well as the role of KLA commander Adem Jashari and other fighters.

“Independence was won through sacrifice, blood and generations of patience,” she said, paying tribute to those who were killed, imprisoned or persecuted during the conflict.

Osmani urged political unity, saying no past or present differences should undermine solidarity in defence of what she described as Kosovo’s liberation struggle.

/KosovaPress/u.sh/

Osmani stated in a post in the social media that, ” It was a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Edi Rama, fostering the deep bond between Kosovo and Albania.”

The Head of State emphasized that, “Kosovo and Albania stand together facing every challenge and sharing every success, working in perfect harmony with a joint, unbreakable commitment.”

President Osmani highlighted that this cooperation reflects a shared national commitment to advancing together, strengthening our service to citizens, and cementing our shared Euro-Atlantic future. /p.s./

Her comments came as closing arguments were delivered in The Hague in the trial of former senior KLA leaders. President Osmani said efforts to draw parallels between the KLA’s struggle and what she described as crimes by the Serbian aggressor distort historical truth and weaken trust in judicial processes.

In a post on social media, Osmani said Kosovo’s citizens seek justice, but stressed that the KLA’s war has been “just.”

“This truth cannot be altered by attempts to rewrite history or to discredit the struggle of the people of Kosovo for freedom,” she said.

Closing arguments began earlier today at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague in the case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, former parliament speakers Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi, and former lawmaker Rexhep Selimi.

All four face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity and have pleaded not guilty.

/j.p/u.sh/

When asked by Newsweek on Wednesday if she would nominate Trump for the prestigious accolade, Osmani responded: “Of course, if I’m president [whenever] these things will happen.”

Only certain people can submit nominations for the annual Nobel Peace Prize and nominations close at the end of January. Heads of state are among those able to put a candidate forward and the next winner will be announced in October.

Speaking from the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Osmani described Kosovo’s population as “the most pro-American people on Earth” and “very, very grateful for every administration of the United States of America.” /p.s./

Osmani said that Kosovo has received the invitation as a founding member and that it will offer its experience in state-building.

She said that Kosovo’s participation in this multilateral organization led by the US strengthens Kosovo internationally.

“This is a development of historic significance for the Republic of Kosovo. First of all, this is an international organization, it is Kosovo’s membership in an international organization and as one of the founding members of this organization. Second, this organization is founded by the United States of America, our strategic ally, and thirdly, because the United States has selected Kosovo among several founding states, considering Kosovo’s experience in state-building. I have accepted with great pride this personal invitation from President Trump. Even though we are a small country, Kosovo can make a great contribution to the realization of these goals. I am working closely with the White House so that our contribution is concrete and significant”, she said.

The head of state of Kosovo said that the invitation she received and the documentation attached does not mention any payment, but it is left to the member states to do this voluntarily.

“Kosovo is one of the greatest American successes. One of the greatest successes of the Euro-Atlantic alliance in building peace. We have something to offer in terms of experience, perspective and vision for such an initiative. It is important that Kosovo will be equal and has been invited by the founder and leader of this organization, the United States of America. It is an achievement of our international empowerment and the alliance with the US”, she added.

Osmani made these comments after the memorial academy to mark the 20th death anniversary of the historic president of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova. /KosovaPress/p.s./