Prishtina, 11 June, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, visited the exhibition of the photo-documentary “KFOR and Kosovo + 25” which also marks the 25th anniversary of the entry of KFOR troops into Kosovo, this exhibition is being displayed in the premises of the National Museum of Kosovo.
Prime Minister Kurti was first presented with an exhibition of photographs by the photographer Nick Sidle, by the organizer of the organization “Heartstone” Sita Kumari.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kurti said that he was still under the impression of these photographs of this exhibition that he saw in a double way; the first because we are on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the liberation and peace, of the entry of NATO troops into Kosovo; and secondly, because for the first two and a half years of his freedom, he was a prisoner of war.
“From being a political prisoner on June 10, I became a prisoner of war. It’s those first two and a half years that I don’t know because I’ve been locked away and isolated, and all these exhibitions and shows and performances that take us back 25 years are not the kind that make me recall but make me learn about what I miss. Therefore, I thank the organizer with the deepest gratitude for this”, he said.
Remembering the days of the war, the prime minister emphasized that this exhibition takes us back to the first months of freedom and brings to light an important historical period for all of us, it brings us the contrast between the inhumanity of a regime and the gracious beauty of humanity.
“Especially in this exhibition you can see the ordinary life of people in different situations which humanity makes the same. So you will be able to see the non-events of life that make life a good event and this unique photo-documentation by photographer and journalist Nick Sidle is a testament to the courage and sacrifices of those who have contributed to peace in our country”, he said.
While commenting on the photographs, the prime minister emphasized that it is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of international cooperation and the valuable contribution of KFOR, of which NATO was the substance.
Alongside those who have contributed to this exhibition, the prime minister expressed eternal gratitude to all the peacekeepers who have served and are serving in Kosovo.
“Your contribution is immeasurable and unforgettable,” he said.
Lord George Robertson, former Secretary General of NATO and Minister of Defense in the United Kingdom, as well as the ambassador of the United Kingdom in Kosovo, Mr. Jonathan Hargreaves.
In this exhibition, the prime minister was accompanied by the deputy prime ministers, Donika Gërvalla and Emilija Rexhepi, as well as the ministers, Xhelal Sveçla, Hajrulla Çeku, Elbert Krasniqi and Rozeta Hajdari.
The exhibition “KFOR and Kosovo + 25” is being displayed within the state agenda for marking the 25th anniversary of the country’s liberation.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
I am still under the impression of these photographs, of this exhibition that I just saw in a double way; the first because we are on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the liberation and peace, of the entry of NATO troops into Kosovo; and secondly, because for the first two and a half years of freedom I was a prisoner of war. From being a political prisoner on June 10, I became a prisoner of war and it is this part that I miss. It’s those first two and a half years that I don’t know because I’ve been locked away and isolated, and all these exhibitions and shows and performances that take us back 25 years are not the kind that make me recall but make me learn about what I miss. So I thank the organizer with the deepest gratitude for this.
Thank you Dear Ms. Sita Kumari, Director of Heartstone,
Honorable Lord George Robertson, former NATO Secretary General and UK Defense Minister,
Dear Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Kosovo, Mr. Jonathan Hargreaves,
Excellencies ambassadors of friendly countries,
I am here with many members of the Government cabinet; with the two deputy Prime ministers Donika Gërvalla Schwarz and Emilija Rexhepi and with several ministers to show our commitment as a Government to the common heritage of the liberation of Kosovo and peace in our country.
I also greet all the deputies of the Assembly of the Republic, the Vice President, Saranda Bogujevci, who herself is a survivor with 16 bullets in her body from March 28, 1999 and then recovered in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Dear Ms. Vjollca Aliu, Deputy Director of the National Museum of Kosovo,
To those present who are here and online, in particular the photographer Nick Sidle,
We are therefore in the days that mark the 25th anniversary of the Liberation and these inevitably bring us back a quarter of a century ago, when the people of Kosovo were experiencing the last days of the war.
On June 10, 1999, NATO ended its bombing campaign over Yugoslavia, and put an end to Milosevic’s Serbia’s genocidal plan to exterminate the Albanian population in Kosovo. The UN Security Council approved Resolution 1244, which authorized the deployment of international military and civilian forces in Kosovo.
And in burned Kosovo, filled with graves of those killed by massacres and executions, hundreds of thousands of refugees forcibly expelled from their homes were returning.
It is now 25 years since the Kosovo war, and a whole generation born after the war has grown up. The new generations must have the opportunity to know our past, the desire to live in freedom and the unconditional love for Kosovo, in the most difficult times and in the most dangerous conditions.
This exhibition takes us back to the first months of freedom and highlights an important historical period for all of us. It brings us the contrast between the inhumanity of a regime and the gracious beauty of humanity.
Besides keeping the memories alive, it is also informative and inspiring for the new generations.
In particular, in this exhibition you can see the ordinary life of people in different situations which humanity makes the same. So you will be able to see the not-in-life events that make life the good event and this unique photo-documentation by photographer and journalist Nick Sidle is a testament to the courage and sacrifices of those who have contributed to peace in our country.
It is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of international cooperation and the valuable contribution of KFOR, of which NATO was the substance.
We are looking back in time to move more safely and quickly into a peaceful, democratic and prosperous European future.
In this period marked by significant risks for European and global security, we deeply appreciate the essential role of NATO and the support given to Kosovo and our security. With a clear goal and unreserved commitment to the Euro-Atlantic path, we thank each NATO member country, then there were 19, today there are 32 for their role and contribution to our country.
Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this exhibition. Eternal gratitude to all the peacekeepers who have served and are serving in Kosovo. Your contribution is immeasurable and unforgettable.
Last modified: June 12, 2024