Following the wreath-laying ceremony at the Reçak Memorial Complex, a commemorative event was held to mark the 26th anniversary of the Reçak Massacre.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani emphasized that Reçak represents more than just a local tragedy; it is a testament to the prolonged suffering of the Kosovo people.
“Twenty-six years ago, in one of the darkest days of January 1999, 45 residents of Reçak, including men, women, and the elderly, were brutally massacred by Serbia’s genocidal regime. This atrocity exposed the ruthless face of genocide and oppression. Reçak is not just about the pain of one village but a symbol of the deep suffering of our people. The scenes of this massacre shook the world’s conscience, thanks to the courage and dedication of our great friend, Ambassador William Walker, who gave undeniable truth to our people’s suffering,” Osmani stated.
She criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, accusing him of continuing the legacy of denial and propaganda.
“When Reçak and Kosovo demanded justice for innocent war victims, Serbia’s response has been a continuation of the 1990s mindset—the same mentality that resulted in over 100,000 civilian deaths in this part of Europe. At the time of the Reçak Massacre, Aleksandar Vučić, then Minister of Information, justified such atrocities through propaganda. Today, as President of Serbia, he denies the massacre witnessed by the world and calls Milosevic a ‘great man with good intentions.’ While speaking of peace, he simultaneously sends paramilitary forces to attack Kosovo,” Osmani asserted.
She concluded by stating that Kosovo remains resilient, standing firm against any threat, just as it did during the 1990s.
