Prekaz is the center where many citizens and former fighters honor the family of the legendary commander, Adem Jashari, at the Prekaz Memorial Complex, even on this anniversary of the declaration of Kosovo’s independence.
Today, tributes at this historic site were also paid by the chairman of the Association of Families of KLA War Martyrs, Xhavit Jashari. He said that former fighters have learned that freedom is lasting when won through struggle and the blood of martyrs.
From historic Prekaz, Jashari extended wishes for Kosovo’s independence to the KLA leaders currently held in pre-trial detention in The Hague. He expressed hope that the KLA “four” will be acquitted of the charges from the Special Prosecution, which, he said, were prepared in Serbia.
“They left us a lesson that freedom is lasting when won through struggle and the blood of martyrs. From this place, I extend my wishes on this significant day to the KLA leaders, who are unjustly held there by a completely one-sided political court. We hope and believe that the final verdict will not be political and will free the KLA leaders from this slanderous indictment, from this indictment prepared in Belgrade. The Special Prosecution’s request makes us suspicious, and such a request, as seen in the actions of the SPO, was taken in Belgrade and translated to the Special Court in The Hague… The glorious struggle of the KLA has not belonged and does not belong to any political party; it is a value of the people, and as such, it must be preserved, appreciated, respected, and given its proper place,” he said.
From Dukat, Vlora, Pëllumb Skendaj arrived in Prekaz today. He said he will also participate in the march “Justice, Not Politics,” which will be held in Prishtina in support of the former KLA leaders currently detained in The Hague.
Skendaj said that the blood of the Jashari family is a river for freedom and for Albanian identity.
“Their blood is a river for freedom, for Albanian identity, and we will never forget it. Baca, together with the old generation of Ismail Qemali and Isa Boletini, is an eternal monument of Albanian identity… By not forgetting their blood, by working hard for Albania, Kosovo, and Albanian identity… May we move forward, may it flourish, and may there be the greatest prosperity,” he said.
Kosovo declared its independence on February 17, 2008, at 15:39 in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo in Prishtina. In an extraordinary session attended by 109 of the total 120 deputies, the Assembly of Kosovo unanimously declared Kosovo an independent, sovereign, and democratic state.
