Kosovo’s political leadership marked the 20th anniversary of the death of former President Ibrahim Rugova, paying tribute to his pivotal role in the nation’s independence and democratic development.
President Vjosa Osmani, together with Rugova’s family, laid flowers at his grave in Velani, highlighting Rugova’s enduring legacy of uniting the people of Kosovo around the causes of freedom, independence, and democracy.
“President Rugova united the people of Kosovo around the cause of freedom, independence, and democracy—a cause that remains alive today thanks to the great sacrifices of our people, our liberation struggle, and the alliances he forged with our strategic partners within the Euro-Atlantic family,” Osmani said. “Rugova’s vision continues to guide us, and the honor due to him will be everlasting.”
LDK Party Chairman Lumir Abdixhiku also paid his respects, emphasizing Rugova’s status as “the greatest Albanian of all time” and the enduring responsibility this legacy imposes on current generations.
“On this 20th anniversary of the passing of the founding father of the Republic of Kosovo, we honor Ibrahim Rugova—a man who not only fulfilled the historic dream of our people for freedom and democracy but also created a monumental project for the Albanian nation,” Abdixhiku stated. “As the greatest Albanian of all times, he obliges us to act with dignity, maturity, and devotion to our homeland.”
Ramush Haradinaj, Chairman of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, also commemorated Rugova, recalling his own early collaboration with the former president during Kosovo’s formative years.
“With President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, I had the honor to cooperate in the early days of our freedom, a decisive and sensitive period of state-building. On this 20th anniversary, we remember him with deep respect and lasting gratitude. Through his vision, he prioritized strengthening ties with the West and cultivating a permanent friendship with the United States—foundations that preceded independence and remain central to our state vision today,” Haradinaj wrote on his Facebook page.
