Kosovo celebrates 12th anniversary of independence

Gazeta Express

17/02/2020 12:20

Kosovo is celebrating today 12^th anniversary of the Deceleration if Independence.

Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008 nine years after NATO conducted a 78-day airstrike campaign against Serbia to stop a bloody crackdown against 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 1998-1999 independence war of the country. Kurti told media that he highly appreciates the political engagement of late president Rugova for freedom and independence of Kosovo. This was the first time Kurti visits Rugova’s grave.

State leaders addressed Kurti, Osmani and President Hashim Thaci 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 ambassadors as guests.

Kosovo central and local institutions have organized many events marking 12^th 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. /GazetaExpress/