On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence, President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and the Speaker of Parliament, Albulena Haxhiu, held a state reception where the importance of the unity, sacrifice, and history of the Albanian people was mentioned.
Representatives of the country's political parties and institutions attended the reception.
President Osmani emphasized the importance of this anniversary as a symbol of maturity and faith in the future.
"Today our Republic turns 18, an age that symbolizes maturity, responsibility and faith in the future that we are building together. Side by side with our allies and with full confidence in our forces, we will continue to build an even stronger, even more just, even more prosperous Republic for each of our citizens. Let us always hold high the flag of our Republic and let us show the world that Kosovo is a story that continues to inspire, a country of free people, of endurance and eternal love for freedom", said Osmani.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the strength and stability that the country has achieved over the past 18 years.
"The 18th anniversary of Independence finds the Republic stronger than ever and ready for the journey that awaits it, with more responsibility, but also with more self-confidence. Independence, although 18 years old, is one of those rare cases when youth is accompanied by wisdom... Although constantly threatened, Kosovo survived with a big and open heart, maintaining spiritual generosity and a willingness to move forward; seeking accountability, but never revenge; deciding to live in unity, with interfaith and multiethnic coexistence," Kurti said.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Albulena Haxhiu, commemorated the historical journey of the Albanian people and the sacrifices that led to freedom and statehood.
“Today we mark the anniversary of our independence, a historic act that was crowned by the centuries-old efforts of our people for freedom, equality and self-determination. Kosovo's independence is the result of a long and difficult path, of sacrifice, organization, mobilization and, most importantly, of our will as a people… But when violence intensified and the right to life was threatened, armed resistance was born as a historical necessity. The Kosovo Liberation War became a symbol of sublime sacrifice for freedom. This foundation is being put to the test today. The process that is being conducted against the former heads of the KLA General Staff in the Special Court has touched our collective conscience and the very foundations on which our freedom rests”, said Haxhiu.
Haxhiu further added that at this moment we have a responsibility to remain united as a people, as institutions, and as a state, in defense of our historical truth and the dignity of our liberation war.
"Because our war was not a project of a party or a region; it was the will of a people to live freely - a response to injustice, denial and violence. The independence of Kosovo is a reality and this reality stands beyond any test. Today, on this holiday, we bow with deep respect to the martyrs, martyrs and all those who contributed to the liberation of the country", said Haxhiu. /Telegraph/
