Kosovo celebrates today the 16th anniversary of its independence.The declaration of Kosovo’s independence on February 17, 2008, was the culmination of a long and difficult journey for the people of Kosovo. For years, the citizens of Kosovo suffered the consequences of ethnic cleansing by the Serbian regime of Slobodan Milosevic, which resulted in a Liberation War (1997-1999). Following the conclusion of the Kosovo Liberation War, international peacekeeping forces were also deployed in Kosovo.

On the occasion of the 16th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, we bring you facts about the historic day of February 17, 2008.

• Kosovo’s independence was declared on February 17, 2008, at 3:39 p.m.

• The designer of Kosovo’s flag and coat of arms is Muhamer Ibrahimi.

• The first countries to recognize Kosovo as a state after the declaration of independence were: Costa Rica, the USA, France, Afghanistan, Albania, Turkey, the United Kingdom, etc.

• The 200-year-old parchment on which Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence is signed is kept in the office of the Speaker of the Assembly. Besides the parchment, there are also the pens used for the signatures, the lists of signatures of participating deputies, and the flag displayed during the Declaration of Independence Session.

• The Museum of London was the one that donated the parchment to Kosovo for the declaration of independence.

• The first flags of the Republic of Kosovo were printed in Turkey.

• The anthem of Kosovo, composed by composer Mendi Mengjiqi, was first sung at the session of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

• The white stars on Kosovo’s flag symbolize the different communities living in Kosovo, the yellow map symbolizes Kosovo’s wealth, while the blue color symbolizes Europe.

• Present during the session of Kosovo’s declaration of independence, with live broadcasts also by the most famous world media such as CNN, BBC, etc.   /k.s/