Prishtina, February 17, 2014
The Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo Hashim Thaci held a speech at the parade of troops of the Kosovo Security Force, the Kosovo Police and Kosovo Correctional Service, which was organized in honor of the Independence Day of the Republic of Kosovo. Following is the speech of Prime Minister Hashim Thaci.
Esteemed President of Kosovo, Ms. Atifete Jahjaga
Esteemed troops and officers of KSF
Esteemed Ambassadors
Esteemed Ambassador of the United States of America Ms. Jacobson
Esteemed citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,
Today, before us, is lined and ready to march in parade the Kosovo Security Force, to solemnly mark the sixth anniversary of independence of our free and democratic state.
Therefore it is an honor and privilege to address you on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, to congratulate you on this day, for which each you have all made an extraordinary contribution.
At the same time, I want to thank every one of you for your service, dedication, professionalism and sense of duty that you all carry.
Esteemed troops and officers of KSF
The institution that you represent is the best indicator of the strengthening and consolidation of our new state.
You have gone through several important stages, always maintaining continuity, strategic goals and achievements in the service of the citizens of Kosovo and defense of our country.
Therefore, we are proud to state that the Kosovo Security Force is truly a success story of the building and the establishment of a significant institution in Kosovo.
Most of you have made an extraordinary contribution in the ranks of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Your contribution within the framework of the Kosovo Protection Corps was praised and universally accepted, as you worked closely with experts from friendly countries to Kosovo, with NATO and KFOR experts.
Kosovo’s declaration of independence and establishment of the sovereign state six years ago created the conditions for KPC to enter a new phase.
Since January 2009, the Kosovo Security Force was established as a professional security force, armed, uniformed and with multi-ethnic composition.
The development, structuring and organizing of KSF, since its inception, is based on the best practices of highly developed democracies.
Kosovo, meanwhile, has opened a comprehensive perspective, marking achievements in domestic economic development, but also in diplomacy.
Kosovo has successfully completed the supervision of independence, has become a member of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and is recognized by 106 countries.
Kosovo has made progress in meeting the preconditions for European integration.
Five years have passed since the establishment of the KSF, and as our state developed and became stronger, the Kosovo Security Force was established, developed and became stronger and more professional.
So far, the Kosovo Security Force has conducted search and rescue operations, unexploded ordnance disposal, fire extinguishing and certain other duties of humanitarian assistance.
The Kosovo Security Force can be proud of many achievements made within its current mandate.
But now it’s time to move on.
Now is the time when we must take full responsibility for the security of our country.
And this will mean significant changes in the mandate, mission, its size and structure.
This means – a new name for the Kosovo Security Force.
Esteemed KSF officers,
Esteemed citizens of Kosovo,
This is the last parade honoring Independence Day, in which we see the Kosovo Security Force march with its current name.
In short time we will establish of the Armed Forces of Kosovo.
So, a very short time separates us from the new force that will have defense capabilities and will have a new mandate, size and structure.
The Kosovo Armed Forces will be developed in order to be ready and capable to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo.
The Kosovo Armed Forces will protect the interests of Kosovo, its citizens and their property.
The Kosovo Armed Forces will contribute to building and maintaining regional and global stability.
The ability to defend our country and to meet our security needs is also a prerequisite for the successful integration of Kosovo into Euro-Atlantic structures.
Since the establishment of the KSF you have done a tremendous job, so once again today as Prime Minister of Kosovo, I congratulate and commend you for your extraordinary work.
Esteemed troops and officers of KSF
Esteemed citizens of Kosovo,
Once again, as Prime Minister of the country, on behalf of the Government, we salute you on the sixth anniversary of independence of Kosovo.
God bless Kosovo and its citizens!
Congratulations!”
