Prishtina, 24 April 2026
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, delivered a speech at the Assembly of Kosovo during a commemorative session held in honor of the American congressman Eliot Engel.
Full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Honourable Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, also Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honourable Members of Parliament and members of the Government Cabinet,
Dear citizens,
Honourable Presidents Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and Atifete Jahjaga,
Honourable Dr. Shqiptar Demaçi,
Honourable diplomatic representatives of friendly countries in the Republic of Kosovo,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
“I believe that the only solution for Kosova is independence. Let me tell you that I say Kosova, because 90% of the people who live there call it Kosova, so I am using the ‘A’. Independence and self-determination are the only long-term solution. Kosovo Albanians will never be treated fairly under Serbia, and this has been proven many times. I think our policy is quite flawed, because as long as we see Milošević as part of the solution, without understanding that he is the problem and not the solution, anything we come up with that includes him is destined to fail.”
With this firm and courageous stance, which alongside history recognized reality and the needs of the time, and represented a clear and far-sighted vision, Congressman Eliot Engel began his address at the meeting of the Committee on International Relations on 10 February 1999.
At that time, the United States of America was discussing the deployment of ground forces in Kosovo as part of NATO’s peacekeeping mission, in response to the horrific crimes, ethnic cleansing, and genocide committed by Serbia against Albanians.
Congressman Eliot Engel, a great friend and supporter of Albanians in general and of Kosovo in particular, never hesitated to raise his voice in defence of human rights and to stand on the right side of history. Moreover, he advocated and engaged tirelessly so that justice would prevail.
When he came to Prishtina on the occasion of the opening of the United States Information Office in June 1996, he described it as the first embassy of American citizens in Kosovo, expressing his conviction that one day there would be a Republic of Kosovo. He himself confirmed this on 4 July 2019, on the day he cut the ribbon of the new and modern building of the United States Embassy in the free and independent Kosovo.
This conviction, expressed three decades ago when Kosovo lacked voices like Engel, is proof that beyond political circumstances, he recognized the historical right of the Albanians of Kosovo to have their own state.
Congressman Engel, the great friend of our nation, alongside whom important Albanian-American figures stood and made invaluable contributions, was among the early voices in the tradition of Tom Lantos, Bob Dole, and Joe DioGuardi—always unwavering in their support for Kosovo at times when justice for our people required courage and determination.
He never spared himself in his commitment, raising and advocating for our cause in the highest American institutions. For more than three decades in the United States Congress, Engel was a dedicated servant of American citizens and a strong advocate for human and civil rights worldwide, and especially for us.
Congressman Engel remained faithful to his commitment to our nation from the moment he became closely acquainted with it. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, from this very podium in the Assembly of the state he was convinced would come into existence, he said: “I want to see Kosovo recognized by every country in the world, I want to see Kosovo in the European Union, I want to see Kosovo in NATO, and I want to see Kosovo in the United Nations.”
In other words, he wanted for us what we want for ourselves. Congressman Engel wanted for us what we wanted for ourselves even in the 1990s, when we spoke not only of freedom but also of independence and statehood—the Republic of Kosovo as a necessity.
In the most difficult times for Albanians, Engel became the voice we did not have. He became our congressman. And he will remain so forever.
His sincere interest in the future of the Republic of Kosovo, for which he worked so tirelessly, was always at the center of our meetings, beginning with my first meeting with him on 9 December 1997 in New York.
The freedom and independence of Kosovo are the result of the sacrifice of our people and the support of our Western allies, among whom Eliot Engel holds a special place.
And if Eliot Engel could hear these words we are saying about him today, I am convinced he would say that the credit is shared with his close advisor and collaborator Jason Steinbaum, whom we warmly greet.
The Republic of Kosovo, its citizens, and the entire Albanian nation are forever grateful for the contribution of Congressman Eliot Engel. His passing is a great loss for us. But his memory and legacy will live on forever.
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and admirers of Congressman Engel.
Thank you!
