Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca reacted to the death of Rexhep Qosja, saying that for more than half a century Qosja was the consistently articulated voice of the Albanian nation’s conscience.
Konjufca expressed condolences to Qosja’s family and friends, saying he was progressive in conviction, egalitarian in his positions, always national in his actions, and humanist in his values.
According to him, Rexhep Qosja has secured his place as one of the most important figures of the Albanian nation.
Konjufca’s full statement:
“A few minutes ago, the Albanian nation wherever it lives received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Rexhep Qosja. Our last great intellectual giant has left us as well.
For more than half a century, Rexhep Qosja was the consistently articulated voice of our national conscience. Scientist, writer, academic, professor, activist and critic — his contribution to the study of Albanian literature, as well as its enrichment through his literary works as an author, will live on forever.
He was never satisfied only with academic work behind a desk. During the 1980s, at a time when we were a ‘forbidden people,’ Professor Qosja stood out for his unwavering courage in openly exposing Serbia’s oppression of the Albanian people.
When the time came for the necessity of armed struggle against occupation, Rexhep Qosja was clear: only support for the Kosovo Liberation Army placed us on the right side of history.
Progressive in conviction, egalitarian in his positions, always national in his actions and humanist in his values — Rexhep Qosja has earned his place as one of the most important figures of our nation. This is how he will always be remembered for his work and activity, which from today onward will be studied with even greater focus.
Condolences to the family, friends and collaborators! Condolences to the Albanian nation!
May he rest in peace!”
