Prishtina, 14 February 2009
In its 55th meeting led by Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo discussed the program of events marking the first anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo.
In his opening comments, Prime Minister Thaçi praised highly the preparations made for a dignified observation of this historic day for the people of Kosovo.
”Only little time remains before the official observation of the first anniversary of Kosovo as an independent, sovereign and democratic state. Celebrations have already started all across Kosovo and wherever Albanians live. Celebration, warmth, solidarity, and joy can be seen in every Kosovar family, as our institutions have new official responsibilities,” said Mr. Thaçi, adding that this anniversary, the first anniversary of Kosovo as a state; our independent, free and proud state, should be celebrated together with strong solidarity.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi thanked all the Ministries and all the institutions for the work done in this first year of independence, for their commitment to the future of our country, building a democratic order and integration into NATO and the EU.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stated that this year which is now behind us, was a year of achievements and of pride, but also of great challenges. We can rightly conclude that it was a year of historic successes, and the merit for this goes to each citizen of Kosovo, who should feel proud of this sacrifice, this work done for freedom and for the state of Kosovo.
“Today Kosovo is a new state, everyone on Tuesday has a birthday, a birthday which opens up the future for the country and for all the people of Kosovo. We have created many new jobs, we have built schools, we have made health reforms, we have created higher standards for people, we have built stability, we have increased tolerance, we have won recognition from the world, we will win new recognitions, and Kosovo will be integrated into all international mechanisms of politics, finance and security. So we will have a dignified and proud celebration, a majestic celebration, a celebration of all the people including official duties. We will soon present a scheme where the Government of Kosovo will assume its responsibilities in terms of organization with all of its institutional mechanisms,” added Mr. Thaçi.
Prime Minister Thaçi re-emphasized that all of Kosovo is mobilized to celebrate this popular and state holiday. On Tuesday, and during these days, the entire world will be watching Kosovo, evaluating our dignified, majestic celebrations, our progress.
In response to the threats of destabilization from Belgrade, Prime Minister Thaçi stated that all necessary measures from adequate domestic and international mechanisms have been taken and that in Kosovo, there will be only celebration, pride and dignity. “Belgrade’s attempts at blackmail have failed once and for all,” emphasized the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi.
Following this, Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi presented to the Government Cabinet, the program of celebrations for February 17th, organized by the Government of Kosovo together with the Assembly and the Presidency.
According to Mr. Kuçi, these activities will begin on February 17th at 11:00 with a formal session of the Assembly of the Republic, in which the President, Prime Minister and Speaker of the Parliament will address the Assembly and the people. Also on this day, there will be a procession for school pupils and for all citizens, titled “The Independence Walk.”
At 18:00, there will be a concert by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Republic of Kosovo, held under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.
At 21:00, there will be a majestic concert in Prishtina and also in other towns of Kosovo.
At 22:00, there will be a fireworks display in Prishtina and in other towns in the Republic of Kosovo.
All this organization will be done according to state protocol and by an Inter-Ministerial commission consisting of the Deputy Prime Ministers Hajredin Kuçi and Ramë Manaj, and Ministers Enver Hoxha, Valton Beqiri, and Ahmet Shala.
In order to cover the costs of these activities, the Government of Kosovo has allocated a sum of 150 thousand euros.
Last modified: July 28, 2022