Today, 15 years ago, the Assembly of Kosova, through a statement signed by the MPs, except the Serbian ones, declared Kosova an independent and sovereign state, fulfilling the centuries-old desire of the Albanians to gain independence. In the extraordinary meeting in the Assembly of Kosova in Prishtina, where 109 of the total 120 deputies participated, the Assembly of Kosova unanimously declared Kosova an independent, sovereign and democratic state.

From February 17, 2008, a new country was added to the Balkans, Kosova, which was immediately recognized by friendly countries, where until now it has been recognized by 113 countries in the world. The legality of Kosova’s Declaration of Independence has been a controversial topic for some time. Serbia opposing the Declaration of Independence of Kosova sought evaluation of the international validity and support for its position, allegedly that the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo was illegal. For this, it also requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice in 2008. Subsequently on July 2010, the International Court ruled Kosova’s Declaration of Independence as not in infringement with the international law. On February 18, 2008, the EU presidency decided that the member states were free to decide whether to recognize the independence of Kosova. Most of the countries of the union have recognized Kosova, with the exception of Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain.

Prime Minister of KosovA, Albin Kurti, delivered his congratulatory message through a celebratory government meeting.

“Work and Feast for our Republic should always go together. Independence was achieved through hard work and sacrifice but our independence will only grow through work, only through work and sacrifice which characterizes the good people of Kosova. They work here but also abroad, where the conditions are better. Our main task is that when the 20th anniversary comes, the reasons have been increased and multiplied for the young women and men to choose Kosova for a complete professional future and a better life,” said Kurti at the government meeting.

The solemn raising of the flag was performed in front of the building of the Government of Kosova, where President Bajram Begaj was also present.

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary, a number of activities have been planned by the Kosova authorities:

State Agenda for marking the 15th Anniversary of Independence:

08:00 Festive meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kosova

08:20 – Solemn raising of the Flag of the Republic of Kosova

08:30 – Honors at the Monument of the Missing

08:45 – Homage to the grave of former President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova

08:50 – Homage to the grave of the activist Adem Demaçi

09:50 – Homage at the “Adem Jashari” Memorial Complex (Prekaz)

10:30 – Performance of Kosova Philharmonic Orchestra (Assembly of the Republic of Kosova)

11:00 – Solemn Session of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosova

11:20 – Honors at the Monument of Police officers who fell in the line of duty

11:30 – Honors at the “Heroines” Monument

12:00 – Parade of the Troops of the Kosova Security Force and the Kosova Police (Prishtina)

16:15 – Lighting of 1133 candles in front of the National Theater in memory of the children killed during the war

17:00 – State reception by the President of the Republic of Kosova

20:15 – Concert of Independence from RTK (Hall October 1)

/a.p./