Kosovo marks 14th Independence Day

Kosovo's declaration of independence on 17 February 2008, was the crowning of a long and difficult journey for the citizens of Kosovo. For years, Kosovo citizens suffered the consequences of ethnic cleansing by Slobodan Milosevic's Serbian regime, which resulted in a liberation war (1997-99). After the end of the Kosovo Liberation War, the establishment of international peacekeeping troops in Kosovo was also established. Since June 13, 1999, when Serbian forces were forced to leave Kosovo, this country was administered by the United Nations - UNMIK Organization and Self-Government Institutions: the Assembly, the President, and the Government.

Although Serbia had no control over Kosovo, Resolution 12 44 of the Security Council has repeatedly mentioned that Kosovo is the UN protectorate, but legally part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In November 2005, the process for Kosovo's final status was officially launched. Following comprehensive consultations, on February 2, 2007, the special international envoy for Kosovo's status, Martti Ahtisaari submitted his proposal to Pristina and Belgrade, for Kosovo's conditional independence, a step that led to the creation of an independent state. After several rounds of talks were held, Kosovo was declared independent on February 17, 2008. The day when it declared its independence would go down as one of the best memories for me. An exciting morning followed by smiling faces. Everyone was getting ready to start the celebrations for the declaration of independence day. The fear that it might not happen did not stop millions of people coming from other countries to celebrate. We had never seen more people for any event. They all were dancing, singing, laughing. 

The declaration of Kosovo's independence was made by the then Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, the deputies of the Kosovo Assembly, and the President of Kosovo, at the meeting held in the capital of Kosovo - Prishtina on 17 February 2008. Declaration of Independence Kosovo was unanimously adopted by 109 MPs present at the Kosovo Assembly Hall. Eleven MPs representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the voting procedure. Nine representatives of other ethnic minorities were part of the quorum. [1] The terminology of the Declaration says Kosovo's independence is limited to the principles set by the Ahtisaari Plan. It prohibits Kosovo to join any other country, offers only limited military capacities, says Kosovo will be under international supervision, and foresees the protection of ethnic minorities. The original version of the papyrus of the statement was signed by delegates on that day. [2] The text of the statement in Albanian is the only authentic text.

Today, in honor of Kosovo's independence, the government has organized a parade of the Army and the Police Protection Corps in Pristina Capital Square. As any other year, the Symbol of Independence, the Newborn Monument, which is located in the capital builds the design. Every year has a different design, this year is dedicated to women with a first angel in the middle of the fonts. This monument of independence today is the attraction of tourists and its own residents of the countries to whom every year with an attractive design and corresponds to the most perpetual theme of the year. As I said this year, this monument is dedicated to women, which have been successful in various fields, as well as those who have been victims of violence. Mesazhi i tij është: Winged Women apo Gratë me Krahë.

Sources used:

^ "Transcript: NGA SEANCA PLENARE E JASHTËZAKONSHME SOLEMNE E KUVENDIT TË KOSOVËS ME RASTIN E SHPALLJES SË PAVARËSISË, TË MBAJTUR MË 17 SHKURT 2008" (PDF). Legjislatura III. Pristina: Republika e Kosovës Kuvendi – Republika Kosova Skupština – Republic of Kosovo Assembly. 2008-02-17. Marrë më 2008-10-12.
^ Declaration of Vice-President Tomka, Judge of the International Court of Justice, concerning the Opinion given by the ICJ concerning the Kosovo declaration of independence