TIRANA, February 17 – Kosova marked the 18th anniversary of independence with a solemn session in the Assembly of Kosova. President Vjosa Osmani delivered a commemorative speech on the country’s historical journey.

Osmani said that 18 years ago Kosova rose from suffering to dignity and from resistance to statehood. She added that freedom won through sacrifice remains eternal. In addition, she stressed that independence concluded a long and painful journey, achieved with effort, blood, and centuries of perseverance.

She honored those who were persecuted, expelled, and fought for the country without surrendering.

Osmani highlighted that the fight for freedom responded to genocide. She warned that any attempt to tarnish the KLA’s fight is unjust and false. Meanwhile, she noted that comparing Kosova’s war to Serbia’s crimes undermines justice and damages long-term peace in the region.

“Our history is shaped by the fight for freedom. It bears the name of legendary commander Adem Jashari, the Jashari family, and all men and women of the KLA. The KLA represents the greatest ideal Albanians built across centuries. Our national resistance answered the genocide we endured. Also, any attempt to tarnish it is unjust, false, and unacceptable. The KLA leaders now in The Hague, together with thousands of fighters, rose for freedom, dignity, and the right to live free in their homeland. Protecting this historical truth protects our state. As a result, we honor the bloody oath of a people who wanted to live free in their land,” Osmani said.

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