Today marks 35 years since the historic visit of Senator Robert Dole to Kosovo. On August 29, 1990, Senator Dole, along with several of the most influential American senators of the time, made what was the most significant visit ever to Kosovo.
Despite a police blockade, more than one hundred thousand peaceful citizens gathered in front of the “Grand” Hotel to welcome the American delegation, led by the World War II hero, Senator Dole, who had been seriously wounded in Italy on April 15, 1945.
Alush Gashi, one of the closest associates of former President Ibrahim Rugova, shared images and details from this historic visit.
“The police responded with violence against citizens who were applauding and chanting: ‘USA, USA, Freedom, Independence, Democracy.’ During this historic visit in Prishtina, Senator Dole firmly declared: ‘…No one dares punish peaceful protesters…!’
This visit marked the beginning of clear American support for human rights and the peaceful political efforts of Kosovo Albanians. At a time when Serbia was committing unprecedented violence against Albanians and had destroyed Kosovo’s self-governing institutions, the extraordinary mobilization of Albanians, both inside and outside the country, began to attract international admiration and support. The internal organization and active nonviolent resistance drew the attention of one of America’s most respected figures, Senator Robert Dole.
At the “Grand” Hotel, the senators heard important testimonies from political representatives, activists, and journalists, including President Ibrahim Rugova, Adem Demaçi, Fehmi Agani, Rexhep Qosja, and many others. As the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, forcibly removed from my position, I had the opportunity to testify about the situation at the Faculty of Medicine in Prishtina, particularly regarding poisonings and the violent expulsion of healthcare professionals.
On that unforgettable August day, Senator Dole promised that if we continued our peaceful struggle for freedom, America would stand by Kosovo. And indeed, over more than three decades, the U.S. has advised, supported, and guided us toward freedom.
On a personal level, for decades, I had the honor and privilege that whenever I visited Washington, D.C., my first and most important meeting was with Senator Dole. He was an inspiring statesman, a global leader, and a powerful voice for the spread of freedom worldwide.
The world has witnessed the developments over these three decades: America kept its word, and Rugova’s vision—Freedom, Independence, Democracy—was realized.
Senator Robert Dole remains one of the most important and beloved figures in Kosovo’s struggle for war and peace,” Gashi wrote in his statement.
