Speech by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, at the uncovering of the bust of KLA Commander, Xheladin Gashi, known as Commander Plaku
Respected Gashi family,
Respected Ali Ahmeti
Respected ministers
Deputy Ministers
Officials of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo,
Respected family of the martyrs,
Respected pupils, teachers and professors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me in my own name and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, to offer you my best wishes on this day for your school.
Today is a celebration for you; it is a celebration for everyone. So, we are united here together, from Kosovo, and with Albanians from Macedonia, Presheva, Medvegja, and Bujanoc, because Commander Plaku belonged to all Albanians and his life-long contribution was for Kosovo’s freedom and independence and for the freedom of all Albanians.
Seven years ago, at the start of spring, Kosovo remained without a great man, without a great fighter, without a distinguished activist and commander.
The patriot Xheladin Gashi, known as Commander Plaku was taken from us physically.
Xheladin Gashi was an early activist of the national movement, who never stopped his patriotic activity at any time.
Xheladin Gashi was one of the first in the national movement for Kosovo’s freedom and independence. He was one of the early co-founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army and today, all of us, his co-fighters, and citizens of Kosovo, honor and remember him with great devotion.
Today, the state of Kosovo honors and respects Commander Plaku.
He was a professor and teacher who educated other generations in the spirit of patriotism and raising national consciousness.
Xheladin Gashi was an activist who cooperated with and coordinated leading KLA figures, distinguished for his untiring bravery, sacrifice, commitment, and loyalty to realizing his ideal, Kosovo’s liberation.
Xheladin Gashi was a close collaborator of the Legendary Commander Adem Jashari.
Xheladin Gashi gave an extraordinary contribution to building KLA structures inside Kosovo and in the Diaspora.
Seven years ago, Xheladin Gashi died at the height of the energy and will for making effective and functional institutions in the service of the new state of Kosovo.
He remained faithful to his idealist principles, placing above his individual interest, the national interest.
For his entire life, Commander Plaku thought, lived and acted for Kosovo’s benefit.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, as we uncover the bust of Commander Plaku we understand even better the measure of the personality of Xheladin Gashi, and all those who contributed to Kosovo’s freedom.
Xheladin Gashi has joined the sacred pantheon of Kosovo’s modern history.
Each year that passes, deepens and makes brighter the glorious Liberation Army war.
Each year that passes, increases the extent of the humanitarian and emancipatory values of the KLA’s just war.
Each year that passes strengthens the foundations of Kosovo’s freedom and independence.
Without the contribution, effort, sweat and blood of our martyrs today, we would not be where we are,
Today, Kosovo is an independent state, which every day is strengthening its state and institutional identity.
The Kosovo of the dreams and ideals of the martyrs, the Kosovo of Commander Plaku, is on a secure path, just as those who gave everything for freedom, wanted.
It is a free and democratic state.
It is a state oriented toward Euro-Atlantic integration, a supporter of and supported by the strongest democratic states in the world.
Kosovo is a democratic state, on an irreversible path toward progress, modernization and catching up with civilized nations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Respected citizens,
Respected family of Commander Plaku
This bust raised in the school yard which bears the name of Commander Plaku, will be another sign of our determination to honor and institutionally protect national and historic values.
This statue of Commander Plaku will be an added motivation for all of us to work with determination and commitment to building our new state, free and independent Kosovo.
Glory to the name, life and work of Xheladin Gashi, Commander Plaku and all martyrs of freedom.
Thank you.
Last modified: July 31, 2022