Prishtina, 1 June 2009
The following is the speech by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo at the Commemoration Academy marking the tenth anniversary of the fall of the hero of Kosovo, Rasim Kiçina.
Dear Kiçina family,
Dear families of the martyrs,
Ladies and gentlemen,
On the tenth anniversary of the fall of General Lieutenant Colonel Rasim Kiçina, we had the inauguration of the 6-kilometer long tunnel as part of the highway that marks one step forward towards our European integration.
This event held yesterday – brought me back to the efforts before the war by many activists, through such tough terrains, to strengthen the KLA structures, and it reminded me of the movements of thousands of volunteers in the years 1998 and 1999.
Today, we are together in organizing state honors for Rasim Kiçina, one of the most notable commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Rasim Kiçina belonged to a generation that best represented the living example of the qualities of the people committed to liberating the homeland.
People like Rasim express their best values in a devoted manner at the most difficult times, when life is challenged by military organizations, battles and other undertakings.
The public appearance of the KLA units showed the type of seasoned combatants that were part of the military organizations, for years against the foreign administration in Kosovo, in a continuous resistance and with concrete actions.
Rasim Kiçina was one of them, and amongst many other tasks, along with his brothers-in-arms; he would often embark on the tiring, dangerous and long trip to get weapons and ammunitions supplies.
Supply with weapons and ammunition was an important and interesting chapter of the sacrifice of the Kosovo Liberation Army, and the main actors, who are modest today, deserve a special merit.
Rasim Kiçina proved all of his freedom-loving qualities and his strong character especially during the years of the KLA wars, on the fields of battle.
The fighting at Lisi Gjashtenjak on the 28th of February, 1998, was one of the battles where he showed extraordinary courage, knowledge and solidarity.
With his high morale and physical characteristics, Rasim Kiçina encouraged bravery, courage and trust amongst the military ranks.
With a freedom-loving spirit, strong character, natural bravery and knowledge; he reflected assurance, trust and optimism, even at the most difficult times.
The unforgettable moments we spent together in the offensive of September 1998 will always be in my memory.
Even when we were facing difficult moments on the ground, when we experienced the loss of our fellow fighters and commanders; he knew how to make it easier on us with his smart humor and his rich spirit.
Rasim Kiçina was an exemplary representative of KLA leadership known for his solidarity with the soldiers and the people.
As a high-ranking military official in the Drenica Operation Zone (DOZ), Rasim, together with many other combatants, participated in defending Llapushnik Valley during furious offensives.
His military qualities were exemplified in the resistance of the KLA units during the offensives by Serbian forces in the summer of 1998.
Rasim Kiçina was also distinguished in the clashes of the DOZ brigades with Serbian forces in the offensives of fall 1998.
Rasim Kiçina played a key role in strengthening and organizing the “Guri” fighting ground, which involved soldiers that were systemized within Brigade 113 and with the commando unity of Brigade 111.
Although he was a senior official at the Drenica Operation Zone, Rasim Kiçina always participated in battle.
He participated and served as an inspiration in most of the battles and offensives of the members of Brigades 111 and 113 and also of other brigades.
No matter how difficult the situations he was facing were, be it in military operations or the political aspect, Rasim Kiçina was never shaken in his firm trust in the righteousness of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Rasim Kiçina, smart and intelligent, always supported the decisions of the KLA General Staff, the decisions of the KLA delegation in Rambouillet, Paris and the political vision of the Provisional Government of Kosovo.
His attitude and knowledge inspired respect amongst international journalists and war reporters.
In him, they had found an adequate person, and Rasim knew very well the importance of the image he had to present through them to international public opinion.
Ladies and gentlemen,
On the eve of our freedom, KLA lost one of its commanders.
The fall of Rasim Kiçina and his fellow combatant Ragip Halilaj on May 30th, 1999 was a huge loss for the KLA.
Today, on the tenth anniversary of their fall, Kosovo is honoring the name, the life and the deeds of Rasim Kiçina in an institutional and state manner.
With a decision by the President, Rasim Kiçina is awarded the “Hero of Kosovo” title.
Glory to the hero of Kosovo, Rasim Kiçina!
Last modified: July 31, 2022