The Kosovo Assembly is holding a solemn session in the framework of the 18th anniversary of the declaration of Independence.
President Vjosa Osmani , in her speech to the Assembly, emphasized that Kosovo, 18 years ago, rose from suffering to dignity, proving that freedom gained through sacrifice is eternal.
"18 years ago Kosovo rose from suffering to dignity, resistance to statehood, proving that freedom gained through sacrifice is eternal. 18 years ago Kosovo was declared a free, independent and sovereign state, ending a long and painful journey. Independence was won with effort, blood, sacrifice and centuries of patience. It was built by those who were persecuted, imprisoned, expelled and never submitted. Today we bow before the memory of all the men and women who fell for this day, so that Kosovo could be a republic," said Osmani.
Further, she said that the Kosovo Liberation Army's war was pure and just and that any attempt to equate it with the genocidal crimes of the Serbs not only undermines justice, but also seriously damages the foundations of a long-term peace in the region, referring to the trial being held at the Hague Special Court for 4 former KLA leaders.
She said that the KLA's struggle was the most powerful pillar of resistance and hope, and cannot be undone by any attempt to distort history.
" The KLA is the greatest ideal that Albanians have built over the centuries. This war was just, pure and necessary. Any attempt to tarnish it, to relativize or equate the victim with the aggressor is unjust but also untrue and unacceptable. The leaders of the KLA today in The Hague, together with thousands of other fighters, stood up for freedom, dignity to live freely in their homeland. Any attempt to equate our war with the genocidal crimes of Serbia not only undermines justice but also deeply damages the foundations of long-term peace in our region," Osmani added.