Prishtina, November 2, 2024
Following the tributes and participation in the Memorial Academy marking the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of heroes Afrim Zhitia and Fahri Fazliu, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was present this evening at the screening of the documentary film “Pushka e parë e lirisë”, dedicated to the 62nd birthday of National Hero Zahir Pajaziti, held at the “1 October” Sports Hall in Pristina.
“Heroes and martyrs belong to different generations and historical stages, but they converge in the modern history of Kosovo, in the long chapters with a central place of resistance and armed struggle for the liberation of the country,” said the Prime Minister.
He noted that Zahir Pajaziti is not merely the name of a warrior as a historical personality, but also represents a figure that unites a whole tradition of fighters, from the Llap Group, with Hasan Ramadani and Ali Ajeti, to the National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo with Bahri Fazliu and Agron Rrahmani, and up to the Kosovo Liberation Army, with Hakif Zejnullahu and Edmond Hoxha.
Upon reviewing the documentary “Pushka e parë e lirisë”, Prime Minister Kurti remarked that Zahir Pajaziti’s profile embodies an authentic and glorious chapter in Kosovo’s history.
“They have nicknamed him ‘Pushka e parë e lirisë’, which inspired the title of this documentary, Zahir Pajaziti’s steadfast fighter profile stretches into a chapter that is both difficult and glorious, but above all, highly authentic,” he remarked.
As he expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of this documentary, Prime Minister Kurti appreciated that the story of this hero is being reflected to the public in a unique documentary and artistic form.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Bajram Pajaziti, brother of the hero Zahir Pajaziti,
Honorable Pajaziti, Zejnullahu, Konushevci, and Hoxha families,
Honorable producers, filmmakers, and production team of this documentary,
Honorable General Naim Haziri,
Honorable Bekim Haziri, Ismet Abdullahu, and fellow friends and warriors of Zahir,
Honorable Mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama,
Honorable members of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable families of martyrs, veterans and invalids of the Kosovo Liberation Army,
Ladies and gentleman,
Today, we spent the day in Prishtina, amidst events commemorating the martyrs of Kosovo’s freedom and the liberating fighters across generations. At noon, we were at the martyrs’ cemetery to pay tribute at the graves of Afrim Zhitia and Fahri Fazliu, while in the afternoon, we attended a commemorative academy for them. Today marks 35 years since the fall of Afrim Zhitia and Fahri Fazliu, while yesterday was the birthday of Commander Zahir Pajaziti, which we are commemorating tonight with this documentary.
Zahir Pajaziti was born just four months before Fahri Fazliu, while Afrim Zhitia was only two years younger, and all three were of the same generation, born in the mid-1960s. The youthful age of our heroes, considering that Zahir would be just 62 today, even though 27 years have passed since his demise, highlights how close in time it was when we Kosovars were struggling for liberation, freedom, and unity.
Heroes and martyrs belong to different generations and historical stages, but they converge in the modern history of Kosovo, in the long chapters with a central place of resistance and armed struggle for the liberation of the country.
Zahir Pajaziti is not merely the name of a warrior as a historical personality, but also represents a figure that unites a whole tradition of fighters, from the Llap Group, with Hasan Ramadani and Ali Ajeti, to the National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo with Bahri Fazliu and Agron Rrahmani, and up to the Kosovo Liberation Army, with Hakif Zejnullahu and Edmond Hoxha.
They have nicknamed him ‘Pushka e parë e lirisë’, which inspired the title of this documentary, Zahir Pajaziti’s steadfast fighter profile stretches into a chapter that is both difficult and glorious, but above all, highly authentic. I’m pleased to watch his story tonight presented as a documentary and artistic film.
My gratitude goes to those who contributed and created it, and I wish everyone a delightful experience.
Last modified: November 6, 2024