Prishtina, 1 November 2009
The following is the full text of Prime Minister Thaçi’s remarks.
Honorable President Clinton,
Honorable President Sejdiu,
Honorable Assembly Speaker Krasniqi,
Honorable Ambassador Dell,
Beloved people of Kosovo,
Honorable President Clinton, welcome to Kosovo, and to Bill Clinton Square, the square that proudly bears your name.
From today onwards, your statue will make this square even more spectacular for Prishtina and for the Republic of Kosovo.
The people of Kosovo will always remember what you and the United States of America did to make our dream of freedom and independence a reality.
Honorable President Clinton, as the leader of the free world, you also led the decision of the democratic world for freedom, peace and democracy in Kosovo.
You united the democratic world for a free Kosovo.
Kosovo and the United States of America are and will remain eternal friends.
We share a deep commitment to freedom, democracy and peace.
Our future is secure and, day by day, our future is improving.
Your statue, the statue which we are unveiling today, is a symbol of freedom, respect and honor for you, for the United States of America and the democratic world.
Your statue belongs to the hearts and will of all the people of the Republic of Kosovo.
Honorable President Clinton, the State and people of Kosovo are proud of you.
You are a hero of my people and of my country, Kosovo.
God bless you, President Clinton!
God bless the United States of America!
God bless Kosovo and its people!
Thank you.