Nga Rafaela Prifti/
The Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in New York hosted an evening for the Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo to greet the community. Mr. Haradinaj is attending the UN General Assembly meeting that is taking place in New York. Kosovo’s Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija welcomed all the participants to what she referred as ‘the most important meeting of Kosovo’s dignitaries given the sustained and unwavering support by the diaspora.” Mr. Ramush Haradinaj, who came promptly at 6 pm, related to every one in a personable manner. He stated that his main goal for meeting with the community was to extend his gratitude and appreciation. Drawing a comparison between his two visits in the United States, Mr. Haradinaj said: “One year ago, i was here. The visit was very difficult, and the arguments regarding the ways of proceeding with our dialogue with Serbia got heated. In question were the implications for the future of Kosovo. This year’s visit is different. The approach has shifted towards anticipating the next issues and steps rather get bogged down at every turn.” Speaking candidly and confidently, he said that politicians come and go but the country is forever. Then, he laid out a quick list of challenges that Kosovo faces specifically in the arena of the foreign policy, which makes the need for the support from our friends in Washington a great priority. The next point was the work towards a legally-binding bilateral agreement with Serbia, regarding the existing borders of the two countries. Then the Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo. turned his attention to the contribution of individuals, organizations and associations that devout their work towards the advancement of Albanians. “Tonight’s awards from the office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo are a small token of our appreciation,” said Mr. Ramush Haradinaj, who quickly remarked that “if any one is left out, we apologize in advance and assure you, that it is not intentional.” Among the individuals honored last night was Mr. Agim Rexhaj, Vice Chairman of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America, Vatra who received the Gjergj-Kastrioti Skenderbeu medal for his role in support of the Albanian cause and strengthening of the relations between the United States and the Republic of Kosovo. Mr. Haradinaj noted that the dispora has raised awareness with regards to the rights of the Albanians of Kosovo and has educated the American people to increase their understanding of the issues. “The diaspora has not ceased to carry out these tasks and I am very grateful to all of you.”
Vatra Federation was one of the organizations to receive the same honor. In the course of the evening, several activists and influential members of the community were recognized. (please read the report filed earlier online). Dielli Newspaper was recognized for its work for enhancing the relations between America and Kosovo. The Editor of Dieli Dalip Greca was out-of-town on assignment. The English Editor Rafaela Prifti, accepted and thanked Mr. Haradinaj for the award.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo and Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija were honored with the Skenderbeu medal.
At the end of the evening, Dielli congratulated the Head of the Consulate General and asked her a question:
The UN General Assembly is holding its sessions in New York. If you were given the podium today, what would you have said to the world leaders gathered there?
Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija answered: Becoming a member country of the United Nations is a dream of a peace-loving people and the opportunity that has been denied to them for centuries. Kosovo would be an added value to the world security, the world economy, and the world peace.