Following the passing of the renowned writer Ismail Kadare, the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has issued a heartfelt response. In her statement, Osmani praised Kadare as an Albanian genius and a fervent advocate for the rights of the Albanian people in Kosovo. She emphasized the significant role that writers play in shaping the course of nations, particularly during challenging historical periods, as they articulate the ideals of freedom.
Furthermore, Osmani lauded Kadare as a man and writer who dedicated his entire life and body of work to expressing his love for the land, blood, and country of the Albanians. She highlighted the enduring legacy that Kadare has left behind, one that exudes reverence and glory for his nation. His unwavering love for his people and his homeland is evident in his literary works, which have served to showcase the values of the Albanian people on a global scale, while also promoting the Albanian language, culture, and literature.
In addition, Osmani underscored Kadare’s relentless efforts in advocating for the rights of the Albanian people in Kosovo to live freely and independently. She noted that Kadare had championed this cause on a global platform, engaging with intellectual and cultural circles, political environments, and influential figures worldwide. His unwavering commitment to defending the rights of the Albanian people of Kosovo has left an indelible mark on the world stage, solidifying his status as a revered figure in the Albanian community.
The people of Kosovo, like all Albanian people, are in mourning today. They lost the most renowned Albanian intellectual, the unwavering supporter of the rights of the Albanian people in Kosovo to live freely and independently, and the tireless promoter of this right worldwide. They lost the unparalleled writer, to whom I had the honor of granting Kosovar citizenship and the Order of “Hasan Prishtina” as President some time ago.
For decades, he artistically and intellectually cultivated the feeling of freedom, helping us, the people of Kosovo, better understand the extent of freedom and cherish it forever. His passing into the afterlife marks a physical separation from us, but he will remain forever in the hearts and souls of millions of readers and admirers of his work, in the hearts and spirits of every Albanian, the nation to which he served until his last breath.
Glory to the work and life of the colossus Ismail Kadare!” – wrote Osmani.
