April 16, 1999, marks the day the exodus of Kosova Albanians began, one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Albanian people. This tragedy resulted from the implementation of the Serbian chauvinist project known as “Patkoi” (Horseshoe). With this plan, the Serbian state aimed to carry out the “ethnic cleansing” of the Albanian population in Kosova.

Between March and June 1999, nearly 1 million Kosova Albanians were forcibly displaced. The majority crossed through the Morina and Qafë-Prush to Republic of Albania.

The expulsion of Kosova Albanians in 1999 stands as one of the most severe exoduses in European history since World War II. The Albanian people, especially the residents of Kukës, Has, and Tropoja, showed extraordinary hospitality and solidarity by welcoming their Kosovan brethren. They once again demonstrated to the international community that Albanians are a single nation, regardless of political borders.

The Albanian nation will forever be grateful to the United States for its contribution to the Kosova cause. The U.S. President at the time, Bill Clinton, sent a historic message to the people of Kosova during their darkest days: “You will return to your homes. You will have your schools, and you will practice your faith. You will choose the leaders you want and decide your own future. You will not pay taxes to Yugoslavia. You will not send your sons to fight for Yugoslavia”.

/a.p./