President Begaj: On March 24, 1999, NATO and the USA saved Kosova and stabilized the Balkans
The President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj, today conveyed a message on the 25th anniversary of NATO’s operation to liberate Kosova from Serbian genocide. The Head of State expressed gratitude to the Alliance and the United States of America for this historic act for the Albanians and the Balkan region while honoring the heroes of the KLA and the victims of the war in Kosova.
President Begaj appreciated the decision-making that ended the ethnic cleansing and Serbian genocide in Kosova, the subsequent contribution from KFOR, and the Alliance’s vision for security, peace, and stability in the Balkans.
“We must not cease our efforts to create a region that radiates harmony, cooperation, and prosperity,” urged the President of Albania in his message published on his official Facebook page:
“Thank you, NATO!
Thank you, USA!
25 years ago, on March 24, 1999, NATO intervened to end the Serbian genocide in Kosova.
Today we commemorate an event of historical importance for Kosova and all Albanians.
NATO’s intervention, led by the USA, justified the noble cause of the people of Kosova and their efforts for freedom and independence.
The political wisdom, strategic foresight, and determination of the Alliance to not remain indifferent to ethnic cleansing and violence not only saved Kosova but created a new security framework for the entire region.
Thanks to this intervention, the independence and establishment of the Republic of Kosova were enabled shortly after, marking a success story in democratic state-building.
NATO’s presence in Kosova through KFOR troops continues to play a significant role in the security of peace and stability in our region today.
NATO’s historic act reminds us that we must not stop our efforts to create a region that radiates harmony, cooperation, and prosperity.
As we thank the invaluable assistance of the world’s most powerful Alliance and our strategic partner, the USA, today we also remember the sacrifices of the Albanian nation, the heroic struggle of the KLA, and the victims of the war in Kosova. They built the foundation for the just cause of the intervention in Kosova. Eternal honor to the heroes of our nation!”