Kosovo's military precedes the 20th anniversary of the liberation, Thaci: KSF Willing to Defend Peace

For marking the 20th anniversary of Kosovo's liberation, the Kosovo Army units have preceded the “Adem Jashari” barracks in Pristina.

Soldiers with a speech have been addressed to Supreme Commander Hashim Thaci, who said today the Kosovo Security Force is ready to defend peace for every citizen of the country in every corner of the territory.

Thaci said the KSF is a professional force, of NATO standards and multiethnic force. Before soldiers the president said they are working for a final agreement with the Serbian state.

While saying they have built good relations with all neighbours, citing Montenegro, northern Macedonia and Albania. The head of state said they rejoice in the membership of Montenegro and Macedonia in NATO, while saying Kosovo is also working as soon as it is part of NATO.

We are also working on final, comprehensive, legally binding agreements with Serbia. Honored soldiers, citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, want to close chapters of last century's conflicts and tragedies, open the new chapter of life in freedom, equality, development and prosperity. This is our shared aspirations -- this is our joint duty -- this is our pledge to Kosovo citizens, to enshrined freedom”, Thaci said.

Thaci, addressing Kosovo soldiers, said that the people's aspirations and commitment to freedom are also born. He said they had the Kosovo Liberation Army, then transformed into the Kosovo Protection Corps, then he said they established the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Army a few months ago.

The president confirmed that they are working for NATO and the European Union membership.

“Today the Kosovo Security Force is incarnated with this desire for freedom, with readiness to defend peace for every citizen of Kosovo in every corner of the Republic of Kosovo, that is, every corner of Kosovo territory. The KSF today is a professional force, of NATO standards, which in the best way reflects what we have accomplished, what we have built together. Dear soldiers, these days we remember the past, but we look to the future. We've achieved a lot in these 20 years, we've had no easy challenges. We have built state institutions and rebuilt society, established the basis for economic development and rule of law. With these we have confirmed our new aspirations, we have realised our aspirations for freedom and aspirations for independent and sovereign states, now we are working for membership in NATO and the European Union. Our path will not be easy and fast, but it is sure. We must complete reforms in the economy, justice and politics, we must complete the internal and international consolidation of the state by gaining membership in the United Nations organisation”, he said.

President Thaci has also talked about marking the 20th anniversary of freedom, where he said he remembered all martyrs of freedom and those who gave their lives for the freedom of the country.

These days we are marking the 20th anniversary of the freedom of our country and our people, today we remember all the martyrs of freedom, the brave warriors of UCK, we remember with honor and respect the legendary commander Adam Yashari, with honour and respect the sacrifice of every citizen of Kosovo who, in a different form or form wherever they lived, had become the liberation of Kosovo. 20 years of the end of the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Serbia's state, 20 years of freedom and peace. We mark the return of one million Kosovo Albanians to their homes in Kosovo, the continuation of the reconstruction of our lives and homes. Shutting down the chapter of tragedy and suffering and opening the chapter of hope and commitment to a better life”, he said.

The central ceremony was held for the 20th anniversary of the country's liberation yesterday, where former US President Bill Clinton and former American Secretary Madeleine Albright visited the country for marking this anniversary.