Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, paid tribute to the fallen heroes Hakif Zejnullahu, Zahir Pajaziti, and Edmond Hoxha on the 29th anniversary of their deaths, highlighting their crucial role in inspiring the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and strengthening popular confidence.
Speaking to the media, Kurti recalled Pajaziti’s exceptional contributions:
“Together with the President of Kosovo, the Acting Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, colleagues from the government and parliament, activists of the national cause, fighters, and former political prisoners, we laid fresh flowers today at the monument of Zahir Pajaziti in the capital, at the square bearing his name. Pajaziti was an unparalleled fighter, a lifelong warrior, and a guerilla leader with highly successful operations. Alongside Hakif Zejnullahu and Edmond Hoxha, he fell in January 1997 due to an ambush by Serbian forces, who saw no other way to stop him. Their sacrifice gave extraordinary momentum to public confidence and also led to a significant increase in the ranks of the KLA. Just as we cannot understand our recent history without the KLA, we cannot understand the KLA without the exceptional figure of Commander Zahir Pajaziti. Every January we remember them, honoring the high price paid for our state and freedom, and reaffirming our commitment to the highest responsibilities of governance, following the path of our nation’s martyrs. Glory to Zahir, Hakif, Edmond, and all the martyrs of the Albanian nation.”
Acting Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Albulena Haxhiu, also paid tribute, emphasizing their role in Kosovo’s liberation:
“Today, on the 29th anniversary of the deaths of Zahir Pajaziti, Hakif Zejnullahu, and Edmond Hoxha, we honor three foundational figures of armed resistance and the KLA. They fell on the same day, January 31, 1997, providing a clear and strong direction for the fight for freedom. Pajaziti was one of the founders and early organizers of the KLA, a man of high virtue who devoted himself to the liberation of Kosovo. The sacrifice of him, Hakif Zejnullahu, and Edmond Hoxha will always remain in our glorious history and in the foundations upon which the Republic of Kosovo stands today. Glory to the martyrs, glory to all who fell for freedom.”
