During the solemn session of the Kosovo Assembly marking the 18th anniversary of independence, Prime Minister Albin Kurti highlighted the central role of the Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës (UÇK) leaders and the ongoing trial in The Hague.
He emphasized the sacrifice of activists and fighters for the creation of the state, describing the Republic of Kosovo as an institution of freedom and sovereignty, while addressing the accusations against former wartime leaders.
“Today is a day of remembrance for all those men, women, and children who sacrificed everything for the Republic of Kosovo. The activists and fighters who worked to realize the Republic — the Republic, first and foremost, is an institution of freedom, an expression of sovereignty, and a tool for development. Therefore, when it comes to the Republic and sovereignty, we cannot give in, because we cannot compromise on freedom and development. We remember the unfulfilled visions of activists and fighters who wished for the Republic, because without their sacrifice we would not have our state, and it is precisely that sacrifice that inspires and guides us to strengthen it further,” said Kurti.
Kurti stressed that the accusations by the Office of the Specialist Prosecutor in The Hague are unfounded, and that the leaders of the UÇK are being unjustly accused simply because they took up arms for freedom.
“Today we recall the peaceful resistance of the 1990s and we remember the Kosovo Liberation Army. We bow with respect to the martyrs and strive to preserve and elevate our Republic in their name. As we remember the day of the Republic’s declaration, we are concerned that UÇK leaders and Republic leaders are being unjustly accused because they dared to take up arms for freedom, against century-long oppression and against a genocidal regime. The accusations of the Specialist Prosecutor for crimes against humanity do not hold. They did not consider the historical and political context of our liberation war, to which we owe today’s freedom. Crimes against humanity against the Albanian civilian population were committed by Serbia under Milošević. Today, the threat of repetition comes from Serbia under Vučić. Equating UÇK leaders with a genocidal regime is unsustainable and unacceptable to us,” he said.
He added:
“Equating UÇK leaders with a genocidal regime is unsustainable and unacceptable. The Republic does not give in when it comes to state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and popular democracy. Democracy is both a source and an expression of Kosovo’s sovereignty, where, besides Albanians, our Constitution recognizes Serbs, Turks, Bosniaks, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, and Gorani. All are part of the people of Kosovo and participate in democratic elections.”
