Marked the first birthday of the Kosovo Army, Thaci: Aim for NATO Membership

The Kosovo Security Force marked today with a ceremony on Force Day at the “Adem Jashari” in Pristina. This was the first time KSF marked its day with a new military mission and mandate, following the beginning of the transition phase that came following the adoption of KSF laws in the Kosovo Assembly.

KSF units were presented with new flags and emblems decreed for each entity by the president of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci.

However, this day found Kosovo in mourning, from events that occurred in Albania, where dozens lost their lives and hundreds were injured by the earthquake that occurred the day before.

The head of state, Hashim Thaci, stopped at the event, said we should always be together as we were in the past, while from Pristina, he gave courage to Kosovo soldiers who are on missions in Albania.

The country's president said the main goal is for the Kosovo Army to become part of NATO, while stressing that lasting peace in the Balkans will be achieved only with the membership of all countries in the Euro-Atlantic instance.

Thaci said the Kosovo Security Force has become a reliable institution and contributing to peace and stability in Kosovo. According to him, the KSF is the best guarantee of security, stability and stability of the Republic of Kosovo.

In his address, incumbent Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said that KSF's first birthday as an army is the honor of the people and the homeland.

He added that for the first time in history we are able to guarantee peace in the country and the region and fulfill constitutional obligations that is protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Haradinaj also cited Russian influences, saying Kosovo belongs to the world America has led, and in that we will remain.

While the KSF commander, Lieutenant General Nundman Rama, in front of KSF units, diplomatic choirs and military attachés, said they have successfully realised the scheduled annual goals

He also spoke of the annual recruiting plan, adding that they have recruited 700 new soldiers.

General Rama also cited the establishment of the General Staff and the basic capabilities of the Kosovo National Guard, the Logistic Command, the Doctrine and Logistics Command and units near headquarters. /Kosovo pres/