Skender Gashi honoured with Merit presidential medal

The life and work of Albanologist Skender Gashi, who has been separated from life on June 27th, has been highly praised.

His contribution to the field of albanology, as well as his contribution to his entire commitment to education, science, art, culture, youth, sports, health, civil service, to Kosovo's diplomatic and statehood, has been praised with Presidential Merit medals.

And the medal was handed over to family members by the country's President Hashim Thaci, who said that the role of Professor Skender is an extraordinary role and the emblems of Albanian science, Kosovo's diplomatic affirmation.

I have had the opportunity and satisfaction of also getting to know Professor Gashi very closely, and I highly appreciate his contribution to freedom, independence, democracy, statehood, with his wise, political, diplomatic advice. At the same time, however, praising his outstanding contribution to education, publicistism, history, albanology, and his outstanding diplomatic role in speaking of it. I can say that Professor Skender's role is an extraordinary role and emblems of Albanian science, Kosovo's diplomatic affirmation. In this direction by respecting my constitutional and legal authority, praising the merits of Professor Gashi, as president of the country I have decided to share the presidential medal of merit”, President Thaci said.

LDK Deputy Chairman Lutfi Haziri said they have gathered to bid last farewell to the professor who, even in Pristina, has dedicated his life to the mission as a professor and activist.

“Being one of the rare at the time as a researcher in Vienna he became our leader and exile, at the same time turning his former house into Kosovo headquarters. The return of that headquarters to the mission for the country and the country, of course, was the best example of how to organise and how to organize a huge depression, a wild occupation, but the aspirations for freedom, independence and a more popular democracy. For coincidence and history Vienna became the chief focus of resolving Kosovo's political status and he, of course, staying close to young people, now a completely different LDK leadership in Vienna, but playing the role of the wise and good adviser has always been close to activists there, as well as the Kosovo delegation that had to send the process to declare independence”, Haziri said.

He said they say goodbye to Professor Skender Gashi, given his living will to love Kosovo, preserve and develop Kosovo.

Professor Skender Gashi has spoken of Professor Rifat Blaku, who said his name and work will never fail.

“Today, we are being separated from an unspoiled worker by a wonderful professor, a scientist of the fundamental depths of Albanology, whose work still serves as the point of reference for young scholars. With Professor Skender I had the chance to work for three four years and work together, it was one of the special virtues, cultured, wise, modest but very acceptable for all”, he said.

Professor Skender Gashi's son, Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Dardan Gashi, has at the same time thanked all who have honored his father's life and work.

“A thank you for allowing it to be once again honoured in his political home in LDK, he said.

Professor Skender Gashi is buried at 2: 00 p.m. in his native village of Mramor, Pristina.