Kosova celebrates 12th anniversary of independence

17/02/2020 16:33

Kosovo is celebrating today the 12th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in a series of events by highest heads of state

Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008 nine years after NATO conducted a 78-day airstrike campaign against Serbia to stop the bloody crackdown against ethnic Albanians.

Celebrations began early on Monday with the main independence ceremony taking place today at noon.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Speaker of Parliament Vjosa Osmani paid homage at the memorial of former president Ibrahim Rugova, the first Kosovo president after the 1998-1999 independence war.

Kurti told media that he highly appreciates the political engagement of late president Rugova for the freedom and independence of Kosovo. This was the first time Kurti visits Rugova’s grave.

State leaders Kurti, Osmani and President Hashim Thaci took their turn in addressing the participants and will visit the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) barracks and address the KSF troops.

Also the Parliament of Kosovo held a solemn session which was attended by state leaders and foreign ambassadors. Kosovo central and local institutions have organized events marking 12th anniversary of Independence. Kosovo’s independence is currently recognized by more than 100 countries, including the United States and most members of the European Union.

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