The Organization of War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) paid tribute at the “Adem Jashari” Memorial Complex in Prekaz.
On the KLA Veterans’ Day, the head of the organization, Hysni Gucati, mentioned the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who are currently in pretrial detention in The Hague, saying that “this celebration is incomplete without the people who fought for our country.”
After the commemorations, Gucati also criticized the institutions regarding legislation.
“Right here where we are today, 34 years ago, the first sparks of freedom appeared — the first frontal armed resistance of uncle Shaban with his two sons, Hamza and Adem, and their wider circle, the Jashari family, who confronted Serbian Chetnik paramilitary forces and fought for the day we are living today. And today, as veterans, we do not feel fully free, because we still face problems with our institutions, as the Law on War Values has not yet been adopted. This celebration we mark today is incomplete because we have the people who led the war in pretrial detention in The Hague. Today’s celebration is incomplete without those people who fought for our country. Therefore, in my name and on behalf of all these comrades here, I wish a happy Veterans’ Day to the families of martyrs, the war invalids, and the veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army,” Gucati said.
Veterans’ Day is marked on December 30 to honor the sacrifice, commitment, and contribution of veterans in bringing freedom and independence to the people of Kosovo.
On December 30, 1991, the confrontation between the Jashari family and Serbian military forces began in Prekaz, marking the start of the KLA’s armed resistance.
The observance of this day is regulated by the Law on Veterans of the KLA War.
