Kosovo independence, Begaj: Albania, determined to support Kosovo

The president of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, in a speech on the 16th anniversary of Kosovo's proclamation of Kosovo the Republic has chosen to deliver several messages.

According to him, February 17th marks the crowning of dreams of the Albanian people of Kosovo for freedom and independence.

For him, independence opened a new page in the history of the Albanian nation, and Albanians will always be grateful to Euro-Atlantic friends who helped and supported the realisation of century-old aspirations.

NATO's 1999 intervention marked the crucial turn for the Albanian people and Kosovo citizens. Thanks to those who happened to the Albanian nation and chose action, not indifference towards Kosovo”.

Begaj stressed that, this day is a very good opportunity to honour and assess all those who contributed to Kosovo's independence, from its far-reaching and peaceful president, Ibrahim Rugova, to KLA heroes, and especially the Yashar family, which has become the symbol of the war for liberation.

The head of state said that today, Kosovo is a success story in the Balkans in respecting human rights, with its lively culture and youthful energy of a people looking forward.

We are two states, but one nation with one language and one culture. We have to use this golden opportunity to show that we are capable of building modern states according to democratic principles of good governance”.

Thus, relations and co-operation between the two states are naturally strategic, of ineffable importance and with a unique role for stability, security, sustainable development and our common Euro-Atlantic perspective and the entire region.

The president says that in the context of a deteriorating security situation in the world, co-operation in the area of security must take priority.

“Terrorism against Kosovo police in Banjska, a few months ago, shows how fragile peace and security are in the region”.

As he noted at other times: co-operation and co-ordination with strategic allies, the US and the EU is essential.

The “is also of such importance as dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Mediated by the EU and strongly supported by the United States, continuing dialogue is the only way towards peace, normalisation of relations, as well as Kosovo's membership in regional and international organisations”.

Begaj with full conviction said I should assure you that Albania will continue and resolve to support Kosovo.

“We will continue to work for continued international recognition and jointly promote peace and stability in the region, as well as support the aspirations of the Albanian people for a more prosperous” future.