The Pristina Municipal Assembly held a solemn session in honor of the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's independence. At this session, 5 women who contributed during the war were also honored, while today's celebrations were said to be dampened by the absence of the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who are being tried in The Hague.

This session began with the singing of the anthems of the Republic of Kosovo and Albania and a minute of silence to honor all those who fell for freedom.

The Mayor of the capital, Përparim Rama, while congratulating the citizens of Kosovo on the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's independence, said that today is a day of affirmation of united strength and resistance.

At this session, Ramize Avdullahu-Salihu, Emine Vitia-Brahimi, Hyrie Veliu, Ibadete Canolli-Kaçiu and Zymrie Vitia were honored with gratitude for their contribution during the war.

Ajet Brajshori, the LDK assemblyman who led this solemn session, said that the road to freedom and independence was long and has its roots in blood.

The representative of the Organizations from the War branch in Pristina, Fatmir Sopi, said that the celebrations on this day are being dampened by the absence of the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

Sopi said that February 17, 2008 was the act that marked the people's centuries-old efforts for freedom and independence.

To mark the 17th birthday of the state of Kosovo, the Municipality of Pristina has organized a series of activities, including tributes and cultural events.

The historic session was attended by 109 MPs, out of 120, who also signed the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo.

Serbian MPs were not present at this session.

The declaration of Kosovo's independence was made by the then Prime Minister, Hashim Thaçi.

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