In January, with pain and pride, we mark the separation from life of one of the most emblematic figures of our history – Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, the architect of our Independence and statehood. In January, we remember the work of President Rugova, which remains a source of inspiration for freedom, independence and democracy for generations.
Honored members and supporters of the Democratic League of Kosovo,
Honored Representatives of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honored family Rugova,
Honored Ambassadors of friend countries in the Republic of Kosovo,
Friends and associates of President Rugova,
Honored participants,
In January, with pain and pride, we mark the separation from life of one of the most emblematic figures of our history – Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, the architect of our Independence and statehood. In January, we remember the work of President Rugova, which remains a source of inspiration for freedom, independence and democracy for generations.
President Rugova was the leader of a generation that has brought the renaissance of critical thinking and the courage of political action in the most severe circumstances in the history of the people of Kosovo. As a combination of wisdom and responsibility he shaped the political platform based on the will of the citizens of Kosovo for the right of an equivalent life to others and for self-determination.
This platform of endurance and active peaceful resistance was built with hard work and sacrifice in a world of antagonisms, hegemony and violence against a people and a small country.
This endurance brought to surface the most sublime values of our society, deriving from tradition – of solidarity, loyalty, unity and reconciliation among people.
These values brought understanding and support for our fair cause, which was supported by the international community with the military intervention of NATO, enabling the construction of a sovereign and independent state, of a democratic and inclusive society, in everlasting friendship with the United States of America and with a clear path of membership in the European Union and NATO.
Honored participants,
President Rugova will be remembered as the leader of the multiparty life in Kosovo, as one of the founders of the Democratic League of Kosovo, the movement of all citizens, with pro-Western orientation, which was the bearer and participant of all state and political processes in the most decisive period for the people and country.
Dr. Rugova built the Democratic League of Kosovo as a movement, without deliberately strengthening the ideological and party characteristics, but by placing it in function of state-building and institutional work.
This determination made that Dr. Rugova rightly be considered the leader and guide of the country, uncompromising in his demand for the freedom of his people. He led all the processes forward, always starting from good understanding and from dialogue, never from exclusivity. It is precisely here where his majesty stood.
His vision was as clear as the crystals that he gave to all the friends of Kosovo in his boundless quest to drive Kosovo out of isolation and to affect the global consciousness for action against the repression of a people who were in a forgotten corner of Europe.
The work of the First President of the Republic of Kosovo Dr. Ibrahim Rugova remains the foundation of the construction of our society, our state and our future, which fills us with confidence, honor and pride.
Thank you!
This post is also available in: SQ