On February 17, 2008, Kosovo became an independent state. Today marks 18 years since our country has celebrated its statehood. On the occasion of this anniversary, we present the full Declaration of Independence of Kosovo, which was read by then-Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi.
Declaration of Independence of Kosovo
Gathered in an extraordinary session on February 17, 2008, in the capital of Kosovo, Pristina,
Responding to the call of the people to build a society that respects human dignity and affirms the pride and aspirations of its citizens,
Committed to confronting the painful legacy of our recent past in the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness,
Dedicated to the protection, promotion, and respect of the diversity of our people,
Reaffirming our desire to fully integrate into the Euro-Atlantic family of democracies,
Noting that Kosovo is a unique case arising from the non-consensual dissolution of Yugoslavia and does not set a precedent for any other situation,
Recalling the years of conflict and violence in Kosovo that shocked the conscience of all civilized nations,
Grateful that the world intervened in 1999, thereby ending Belgrade’s governance over Kosovo and placing Kosovo under the temporary administration of the United Nations,
Proud that Kosovo has since developed functional, multi-ethnic democratic institutions that freely express the will of our citizens,
Recalling the years of internationally sponsored negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina regarding our future political status,
Expressing regret that no mutually acceptable solution was reached despite the genuine efforts of our leaders,
Confirming that the recommendations of the UN Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, provide Kosovo with a comprehensive framework for its future development, in accordance with the highest European standards of human rights and good governance,
Determined to resolve our status so that our people have clarity about their future, to move beyond the conflicts of the past, and to realize the full democratic potential of our society,
Honoring all men and women who made great sacrifices to build a better future for Kosovo,
We, the democratically elected leaders of our people, by this Declaration, proclaim Kosovo to be an independent and sovereign state. This proclamation reflects the will of our people and is fully in line with the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and his Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement.
We declare Kosovo a democratic, secular, and multi-ethnic republic, governed by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law. We will protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo and create the necessary conditions for their effective participation in political and decision-making processes.
We fully accept Kosovo’s obligations under the Ahtisaari Plan and welcome the framework it proposes to guide Kosovo in the years ahead. We will fully implement these obligations, including the priority adoption of legislation contained in Annex XII, particularly that which protects and promotes the rights of communities and their members.
We will adopt a constitution as soon as possible that embodies our commitment to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all our citizens, especially as defined by the European Convention on Human Rights. The constitution will incorporate all relevant principles of the Ahtisaari Plan and will be adopted through a careful democratic process.
We welcome the continued support of the international community for our democratic development through the international presences established in Kosovo under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999). We invite and welcome a civilian international presence to monitor the implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan and an EU-led rule of law mission. We also welcome NATO to maintain a leading role in the international military presence and to fulfill the responsibilities assigned under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) and the Ahtisaari Plan, until such time as Kosovo’s institutions are able to assume these responsibilities. We will fully cooperate with these presences in Kosovo to ensure peace, prosperity, and stability in the future of Kosovo.
For reasons of culture, geography, and history, we believe our future lies within the European family. For this reason, we declare our intention to take all necessary steps to secure full membership in the European Union as soon as possible and to implement the reforms required for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
We express our gratitude to the United Nations for its work in assisting us with post-war recovery and reconstruction and the building of democratic institutions. We are committed to working constructively with the UN as it continues its work in the period ahead.
With independence comes the duty of responsible membership in the international community. We fully accept this duty and will adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, other OSCE instruments, international legal obligations, and the principles of good neighborly relations that define state-to-state relations. Kosovo will have its international borders as outlined in Annex VIII of the Ahtisaari Plan and will fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all our neighbors. Kosovo will also refrain from threats or the use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.
Through this Declaration, we assume Kosovo’s international obligations, including those achieved in our name by the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as well as the obligations of treaties and other commitments of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as a constituent part, including the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations. We will fully cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. We aim to seek membership in international organizations, in which Kosovo will seek to contribute to peace and international stability.
Kosovo declares its commitment to peace and stability in our region of Southeastern Europe. Our independence concludes the violent dissolution of Yugoslavia. While this process has been painful, we will work tirelessly to contribute to reconciliation that allows Southeastern Europe to move beyond past conflicts and forge new regional cooperation links. For this reason, we will work together with our neighbors to advance our shared European future.
We particularly express our desire to establish good relations with all our neighbors, including the Republic of Serbia, with whom we have historical, trade, and social relations that we aim to further develop in the near future. We will continue our efforts to contribute to neighborly relations and cooperation with the Republic of Serbia, promoting reconciliation between our peoples.
Through this Declaration, we affirm clearly, specifically, and irrevocably that Kosovo will be legally obliged to fulfill the provisions contained herein, including its obligations under the Ahtisaari Plan. In all these matters, we will act in accordance with international law and the resolutions of the UN Security Council, including Resolution 1244 (1999). We publicly declare that all states have the right to rely on this Declaration and appeal to them to provide their support.
