President Bajram Begaj attended the state ceremony in Pristina marking the 27th anniversary of Kosovo’s liberation.

He said June 12 is a historic day for the Albanian nation. According to Begaj, it marks the victory of freedom over apartheid, hope over fear, and justice over genocide.

He said Kosovo’s freedom came through the sacrifice of thousands of men and women. He also praised the heroic struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the support of strategic allies, including the United States and NATO.

Furthermore, Begaj honored the martyrs of freedom and the families who carried the heaviest burden of the war. He also praised Kosovo’s state-builders, especially Ibrahim Rugova, whose vision shaped the country’s democratic foundations and Western orientation.

In addition, he honored Adem Jashari, his family, and all fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

At the same time, Begaj said his thoughts are with former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders facing trial in The Hague. He described the process as a deep historical injustice.

He stressed that those who led Kosovo to freedom are now defending the dignity of a war he called just and liberating. Moreover, he said no court or attempt to rewrite history can change the truth.

He said: “The Kosovo Liberation Army was not the aggressor. It was the shield of a people facing extermination.”

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that justice will prevail and that the former leaders will return to Kosovo. Begaj also underlined Albania’s unwavering support for Kosovo. He said Albania and Kosovo are two states of one nation, united by an unbreakable bond.

Finally, he pledged that Albania will continue to support Kosovo’s integration into NATO, the European Union, and other international organizations.

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