Prishtina, 6 September 2022
The year of establishment of the Kosovo Police coincides with the liberation of our country. Hundreds of soldiers of the Kosovo Liberation Army, in 1999, after the victorious military uniform, continued with the mission of the police officer, in the service of Kosovo and our citizens, said the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, in the ceremony organized to mark the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of the Kosovo Police.
The Prime Minister said that the commitment of our police officers never stopped since then. From the first Minister of Internal Affairs in liberated Kosovo, Mr. Rexhep Selimi, to our current minister.
The police officer, in addition to the responsibility carrying on his shoulders, every day of his life, on and off duty, also has the weight of the noblest mission that anyone can have: the security of the country and the lives of the citizens, said the Prime Minister.
Freedom and security are essential and you must guarantee them. Freedom belongs to the citizen and security is for the citizen, he added.
In particular, the Prime Minister emphasized that violence against women and girls is not a private matter, but a matter of safety and public and social welfare. Therefore, the Kosovo Police is expected and required to be at the highest level of duty everywhere, on every street and in every corner of our country.
Prime Minister Kurti thanked the police officers for the work they do every day.
During this time that we have been cooperating, you have proven that you are uncompromising in the fight you have declared against crime, and this is why your results are known not only in Kosovo, but also worldwide. You have not stopped, even though various gangs have pointed guns at you and fired bullets. Your daily work and results will deter crime and those who sponsor it. Attempts to defeat and deter you will be continuous. Certain people will try to keep you to their side, but you commit, so that they fail, said the Prime Minister.
He recalled the 21 police officers, who fell in the line of duty, in an effort to establish law and order in the Republic of Kosovo. He commemorated the hero Enver Zymberi, who fell in support of our state sovereignty and respect for territorial integrity and against crime and illegality.
We must work together to fill the gaps that have been created over the years, to create a model police force that can respond to all situations. Moral and personal integrity are the necessary pillars within the Kosovo Police, a police force that is an example of its professionalism, while we will also be responsible towards you, said Prime Minister Kurti at the end of his speech.
Full speech of the Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu,
Dear Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Xelal Sveçla,
Dear Acting General Director of Kosovo Police, Mr. Fehmi Hoti,
Dear Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari,
Dear KFOR Commander, Mr. Kajari,
Dear Director of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, Mr. Petrit Ajeti,
Dear Director of Kosovo Customs, Mr. Agron Llugaliu,
Dear leaders of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo,
Dear superiors and officers of the Kosovo Police,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The year of establishment of the Kosovo Police coincides with the liberation of our country. Hundreds of soldiers of the Kosovo Liberation Army, in 1999, after the victorious military uniform, continued with the mission of the police officer, in the service of Kosovo and our citizens.
The commitment of our police officers never stopped since then. From the first Minister of Internal Affairs in liberated Kosovo, Mr. Rexhep Selimi, to our current minister. The police officer, in addition to the responsibility carrying on his shoulders, every day of his life, on and off duty, also has the weight of the noblest mission that anyone can have: the security of the country and the lives of the citizens.
Freedom and security are essential and you must guarantee them. Freedom belongs to the citizen and security is for the citizen.
Last week we faced with a very serious case. A minor girl, who should be in school benches, in the 5th or 6th grade, is in a shelter house because of a crime committed against her by 5 violators. Violence against women and girls is not a private matter, but a matter of safety and public and social welfare. Therefore, you are expected and required to be at the highest level of duty everywhere, on every street and in every corner of our country. Carry your duties out with responsibility, just as we as the Government carry our responsibilities out towards you and towards every citizen of our country. Pave an easily passable pathway for everyone, but also for the new generations who will decide to continue your pathway.
Dear guests,
During this time that we have been cooperating, you have proven that you are uncompromising in the fight you have declared against crime, and this is why your results are known not only in Kosovo, but also worldwide. You have not stopped, even though various gangs have pointed guns at you and fired bullets. Your daily work and results will deter crime and those who sponsor it. Attempts to defeat and deter you will be continuous. Certain people will try to keep you to their side, but you commit, so that they fail.
On every working day, we all together recall the 21 of your colleagues, who fell in the line of duty, in an effort to establish law and order in the Republic of Kosovo. They did not give up against anything and fell on duty while enforcing the joint mission.
Our hero Enver Zymberi faced the Serbian criminal gangs. His fall in support of our state sovereignty and respect for territorial integrity, and against crime and illegality, will remain for all of us as an example of unconditional love for our Republic.
Dear members of the Kosovo Police,
We are aware of the challenges you face on your duty and none of them is insurmountable, although it takes time. We must work together to fill the gaps that have been created over the years, to create a model police force that can respond to all situations. Moral and personal integrity are the necessary pillars within the Kosovo Police, a police force that is an example of its professionalism, while we will also be responsible towards you.
The police is in the daily life of the citizens, therefore they, especially them, should also feel and experience the change and your advancement.
On this date, as you remember your journey, challenges and successes, do not forget your mission and objectives.
I thank you today and every day for the work you do. I wish you a happy day of establishment and may you be the best example to be followed and will be followed by younger generations.
Thank you.
Last modified: September 7, 2022