The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, participated today in the state ceremony organized in Pristina on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the Liberation of Kosovo.
In this solemn event, the acting president Albulena Haxhiu and the acting prime minister Albin Kurti were also present, who appreciated the sacrifice of the people for freedom, the fight of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the support of the Western allies, calling June 12 one of the most important dates in the country’s history.
During his welcoming speech, President Begaj said “It is a special honor and a deep emotion for me today to be among you in this land of freedom to celebrate together the 27th anniversary of the Liberation of Kosovo. June 12 is a date engraved forever in the historical memory of our nation. This is the day freedom triumphed over apartheid, hope over fear and justice over genocidal injustice.”
He appreciated the sacrifice of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the support of strategic allies.
“The freedom of Kosovo came as a product of the sublime sacrifice of thousands of men and women, the heroic struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the determination of our strategic allies the United States of America, NATO, our allies and partners, who lined up on the right side of history..”
President Begaj honored the historical figures of Kosovo, stating that, “Today, we bow with boundless gratitude before the martyrs of freedom… We honor the memory of the historical President Ibrahim Rugova, the leadership Adem Jashari and his family, the freedom fighters, as well as the resistance of Adem Demaç.”
He also touched on the processes in The Hague, describing them as historical injustice.
“On this day of celebration and reflection, the mind and heart is also in The Hague, where the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army are facing another battle… The KLA was not the aggressor, but the shield of a people that was being exterminated. We strongly believe that justice will prevail and they will return victorious to their free Kosovo!”
Begaj further emphasized the indissoluble bond between Albania and Kosovo, “I want to reiterate and repeat today from Pristina that Albania and Kosovo are half of the same body. Albania is and will be your steadfast, unconditional and eternal support. Albania is and will be the strong voice of Kosovo at every diplomatic table and international arena.”
In the end, President Begaj conveyed the congratulations of the Albanian people, “Today’s Kosovo is living proof that freedom is not forgiven. It is won with perseverance and defended with dignity, internal unity and daily work. Dear brothers and sisters of Kosovo, on this great day of our national pride, I convey to you the warmest wishes of the entire Albanian people! May the memory of the martyrs be eternal and pristine! Glory to God forever! Bless the Republic of Kosovo, the KSF and its institutions! May God bless the Albanian nation and its friends! Congratulations on the 27th anniversary of Liberation!”
