Solemn session in the Kosovo Assembly/ Osmani: The KLA war was just and necessary

2026-02-17 11:07:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Solemn session in the Kosovo Assembly/ Osmani: The KLA war was just and

The Kosovo Assembly is holding a solemn session today for the 18th anniversary of Independence. President Vjosa Osmani delivered her speech at the session, where she stated that 18 years ago Kosovo proved that freedom gained through sacrifice is eternal.

Among other things, Osmani emphasized that the Kosovo Liberation Army is the greatest ideal that Albanians have built over the centuries, while adding that its war was just and necessary.

Regarding the trial of former KLA leaders in Hague, the president said that any attempt to equate the Kosovo war with Serbia's genocidal crimes not only undermines justice but also damages the foundations of long-term peace in the region.

“18 years ago Kosovo rose from suffering to dignity, resistance to statehood, proving that freedom gained through sacrifice is eternal. 18 years ago Kosovo was declared a free, independent and sovereign state, ending a long and painful journey. Independence was won with effort, blood, sacrifice and centuries of patience. It was built by those who were persecuted, expelled, imprisoned, and never submitted. Today we bow before the memory of all the men and women who fell for this day, so that Kosovo could be a republic.

The KLA is the greatest ideal that Albanians have built over the centuries. This war was just, pure and necessary. Any attempt to tarnish it, to relativize or equate the victim with the aggressor is unjust but also untrue and unacceptable. The leaders of the KLA today in The Hague together with thousands of other fighters stood up for freedom, dignity to live freely in their homeland. Any attempt to equate our war with the genocidal crimes of Serbia not only undermines justice but also deeply damages the foundations of long-term peace in our region.

The people of Kosovo sacrificed everything, even their children in their cradles, for the freedom of the country. Therefore, we will not accept in Kosovo or in the world any narrative that equates the aggressor with the victim, and crime with resistance for freedom. The path of Kosovo has been a long journey with challenges but also with strong alliances and sincere friendship. I want to thank all our allies. We thank the USA, our strategic ally, and every European and world country that stood by Kosovo. After 18 years of statehood, we have achieved a lot, but we still have a lot to achieve. 18 years of statehood are more responsibilities. Let us preserve Kosovo as a trust and preserve freedom as the most precious value. Let us build the state as a common home for all generations after us. Glory to the martyrs of the nation and the martyrs of freedom. Congratulations on the 18th anniversary of Independence. Long live the Republic of Kosovo, " said Osmani. /CNA