On the 27th anniversary of the deaths of Ilir Konushevci and Hazir Malaj, Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, together with members of his cabinet and the families of the martyrs, paid tribute at their gravesites, reports Rks News.
During the ceremony, Kurti emphasized Konushevci’s critical role in the logistics of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), calling him an irreplaceable figure in the supply of weapons during difficult times for the Albanian resistance.
He recalled that Konushevci’s activism began on May 13, 1992, and continued uninterrupted until his heroic death.
“We are here at the graves of our martyrs who fell heroically 27 years ago while delivering arms for the KLA. Ilir Konushevci—‘Mërgimi’—was a worthy successor to Zahir Pajaziti and the spirit of the KLA, as he led logistics and supply efforts during a very difficult time when the KLA was facing an army that was far better equipped with weapons and ammunition. But with the iron will of fighters like Ilir Konushevci, what once seemed unimaginable became possible. The KLA not only participated in battles but triumphed in them.
Ilir Konushevci began his activity precisely on May 13, 1992, when the secret political organization ‘Shqiponja’ was formed, and from that day on, he was continuously involved in organizing and increasing the ranks of KLA soldiers.
When we remember the martyrs of the nation, the first heroes who were active even in the 1990s, we must recall that we had fighters even before the liberation war. Without people like Ilir, the liberation war would not have been possible. That’s why our tributes at the martyrs’ graves express our deep gratitude,” Kurti said.
