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Kosovo has celebrated the 14th anniversary of its declaration of independence as the highest authorities in Pristina held ceremonies in celebration of the day, and paid tribute to war victims on Thursday.
The parliament of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following a bloody war against Serbian occupation, which left thousands of Kosovo Albanians murdered, thousands more injured and raped, and over half of the population displaced to neighboring countries. Over 1,600 people remain missing, with mass graves believed to be located in Serbia and Kosovo, which Serbian authorities still need to disclose.
Pristina’s famous ‘Newborn’ sign, which changes colours and design every independence day, was covered with the silhouette of women’s faces and wings. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti), and Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca, inaugurated the ‘Newborn’ monument as part of the celebrations.
“This year’s theme is dedicated to women in two aspects, to the successful women who make us proud around the world by displaying success in the world of music, culture, film, sport, but also to those dark parts where women are still victims of domestic violence,” Fisnik Ismaili, the artist responsible said.
Celebrations started with the solemn raising of the flag of the Republic of Kosovo, with the participation of the President, the Speaker, the Prime Minister and COMKSF at the building of the Government of Kosovo. The flag was raised under the intonation of the state anthem by the Wind Band of the Kosovo Security Force with honours by a reduced platoon of the Ceremonial Platoon of the KSF.
After the flag-raising ceremony, the President, the President of the Assembly and the Prime Minister will speak briefly to the media.
Wreaths were laid at the “Adem Jashari” Complex in Prekaz by the President, the Speaker and the Prime Minister. Part of the agenda of the activities was the laying of the wreath at the grave of the former President, Dr Ibrahim Rugova, activist Adem Demaçi, with the participation of the President, the Speaker and the Prime Minister.
Key activities were the solemn session of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo and the march of Kosovo Security Forces at capital Pristina’s main square. Speeches by the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo were followed by the parade.
Kosovo is now recognized by 117 countries, including the US, Britain, France, and Germany, but 5 EU countries – Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Romania, and Slovakia, do not recognise the country.
Clashes between Serbian forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which was founded in 1991, played an important role in the country’s move towards independence. The conflict escalated into the Kosovo War, which lasted from February 1998 until June 1999.
The war ended after a NATO intervention in the form of an extensive bombing campaign, including targets in Kosovo.
Some former leaders of KLA, including the former president, Hashim Thaci, face charges of war crimes stemming from their armed struggle against the then genocidal Serbian state.
Serbian leaders have repeatedly vowed that they will never acknowledge Kosovo’s sovereignty, instead considering it a province of Serbia.
Kosovo has not become a member of the United Nations as a result of a lack of recognition by Russia and China, who are permanent members of the UN Security Council with a right to veto. This is despite more than half of UN members recognising its independence, Israel being the most recent in 2021.
Albanian authorities as well as dignitaries from other countries extended their congratulations to official Pristina on the 14th anniversary. / Argumentum.al
