From pride and emotion in honoring the heroes and sacrifices that led to the fulfillment of decades-long aspirations of Albanians and Bosniaks for statehood in Kosovo, to threats from Serbia and Russia of destabilization—both internally and externally, through criminal groups—North Mitrovica’s Municipal Assembly extended its congratulations to all citizens on the occasion of Independence Day, accompanied by such messages and Kosovo’s national anthem.
On February 17, 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. This was a unilateral declaration, with the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement by the then UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari serving as the foundation for the establishment of an independent state through a four-year period of supervised independence.
All 109 members of the Assembly voted in favor of the declaration. Serbian representatives, the Gorani MP, as well as the heads of UNMIK and KFOR, were absent from the session. 21 international representatives were present at the session, including William Walker.
At the time, Kosovo’s leaders, primarily President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, sent a message to the Serbian people – the first stating that Kosovo is also their home, and the second assuring that they would protect the minorities.
A ceremonial session marking 17 years since Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence was held today in the North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly. The session in the assembly hall officially began at exactly 10:00 a.m. with the playing of Kosovo’s national anthem.
Those who addressed the attendees included Assembly Chairperson Nedžat Ugljanin, Deputy Chairperson Skender Sadiku, North Mitrovica Mayor Erden Atić, and Assembly member Flutra Azemi.
Atić and Azemi were the only officials who spoke exclusively in Albanian.
„We Celebrate With Pride and Emotion“
Chairperson Ugljanin was the first to speak.
„Today, with pride and emotion, we mark 17 years since the declaration of the Republic of Kosovo’s independence—a historic moment that signified the fulfillment of our people’s decades-long aspirations for freedom, justice, and statehood. The North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly extends its warmest congratulations to all citizens of our municipality and the whole of Kosovo.“
He paid tribute to those who, as he stated, made sacrifices and contributed to Kosovo’s fight for independence.
„This anniversary reminds us of the sacrifice and dedication of all those who contributed to the struggle for our country’s freedom and independence. With deep respect and gratitude, we remember the heroes who gave their lives for this day. Over these 17 years, Kosovo has taken significant steps in building democratic institutions, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering economic development. Let us celebrate this day with pride and faith in the future.“
Deputy Chairperson Skender Sadiku briefly extended his congratulations to the citizens:
„Happy February 17th, Kosovo’s Statehood Day. I believe Kosovo is big enough to ensure a future for all of us.“
Atić: Kosovo’s Future Uncertain Since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
On the other hand, North Mitrovica Mayor Erden Atić addressed those present in a slightly different tone.
While he began by congratulating Kosovo’s citizens on the occasion, he also reflected on the era of former Yugoslavia, describing that time as one of „terror.“
Although he acknowledged that Kosovo’s path to independence had been „long and far from easy,“ he believes that its future has become even more uncertain since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
„The connection between Serbia and Russia, with the goal of destabilizing Kosovo both internally and externally, alongside the criminal groups that have carried out such actions against our country,“ Atić stated, among other remarks.
No ceremonial sessions were held today in Leposavic or Zubin Potok.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
