President of Albania: This 18th anniversary is proof that the Republic of Kosovo is irreversible

The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, has said that this 18th anniversary of independence is proof that the Republic of Kosovo is an irreversible reality.

In his speech at the Kosovo Assembly, where a solemn session was held on the 18th anniversary of independence, he said that Kosovo moves towards the future, not forgetting the foundations on which it was built.

"Today Kosovo turns 18; in a person's life this is the age of maturity. The moment when childhood dreams take the form of responsibility. In the life of a state, this anniversary is proof that the Republic of Kosovo is an irreversible reality, a sovereign state. Kosovo was the place where freedom was killed; today it is the place where freedom functions, where freedom inspires. Today's Kosovo is a new state in years, but with deep roots of sacrifices, contributions and merits. It walks with confident steps towards the future, never forgetting the foundations on which it was built," said Begaj.

He emphasized that the history of Kosovo cannot be understood without the contribution of former war leaders, citing the ongoing trials in The Hague as a current challenge for former leaders and for the historical narrative of the war.

“On this anniversary, our thoughts go to those who are not physically among us. In our hearts are the martyrs of freedom where they rest. But today, our thoughts are also with those who are facing a difficult, unjust and decisive battle in The Hague. The history of the Republic of Kosovo cannot be understood or written without the names of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selim and their comrades. Those who yesterday led the people towards freedom, today are unfairly facing fabricated charges in the international court, making us all feel insulted, prejudiced and accused. They, the Kosovo Liberation Army and all the others who took up arms to demand freedom for their homeland, freedom for their families, for their land, their language, their rights, are as they have been and will always be, everywhere, anytime and at any time, symbols of freedom. They are state and national memory. The truth cannot be alienated and history cannot be rewritten or changed, because freedom has a name, freedom deserves respect, freedom deserves justice, freedom deserves gratitude. The Republic of Albania is with the KLA", he said.