The US Embassy in Pristina marked Independence Day: Osmani spoke; Kurti was not given a word

The US Embassy in Pristina organized a celebration for US Independence Day, where Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier and President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani addressed the attendees, while Prime Minister Albin Kurti was not given the opportunity to speak, as was customary in previous celebrations, according to Reporteri. Hovenier stated that Kosovo had not always lived up to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo.

Hovenier read a part of the declaration stating that "Kosovo declares itself as a democratic, secular, and multi-ethnic Republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law" and that it will "protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo and create the necessary conditions for their effective participation in political processes and decision-making."

"This text is part of Kosovo's promise and the basis of its independence. I hope we can agree that Kosovo has sometimes fallen short of its promises," Hovenier said.
He emphasized that the United States is proud of the support it has provided to the people of Kosovo in envisioning and achieving their independence and that they will remain steadfast in that support.

"In that regard, I want to reaffirm that the United States and our partners stand with the people of Kosovo in advancing and realizing their founding vision: a democratic, sovereign, secular, and multi-ethnic state," Hovenier said.

He stated that the United States and Western partners support Kosovo by offering advice, even when seeking "things that may seem or are indeed difficult to do," but they do so in line with their "long-term commitment to support the people of Kosovo and bring them closer to the very ambitious ideals they have set for themselves."

"Today, as we celebrate the 247th anniversary of the United States as a free, sovereign, independent state, we also want to celebrate together how Kosovo has achieved its well-deserved independence; the remarkable progress that the people of Kosovo have made in this short period of time, and the promise of further progress for the benefit of all citizens of Kosovo," he said.

The ambassador's speech comes at a time when relations between Kosovo and other international partners are at a low point due to tensions in northern Kosovo, according to Reporteri.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti were invited to the celebration, and while Osmani addressed the attendees, Kurti was not given the opportunity to speak, which was customary in previous celebrations.

Ambassador Hovenier was asked a few days ago if the guest list had changed, to which he replied that it had not and that the usual guests had been invited.

He also stated that the Government of Kosovo and the US Government have some differences, but that does not mean they will not come together to celebrate the 247th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.

Osmani: US - a guide for Kosovo

In her address, Osmani stated that the US is not only an ally but also a guide for Kosovo.

She said that the support the US has provided to Kosovo throughout history has not only been significant but also "existential" in nature.

"We will always look up to the US; I always say that we are actually an extension of American values. So, when we say that Kosovo is your home, I truly hope you feel it strongly every day. For us, the US is not just an ally but above all a guiding leader in our global efforts to protect freedom, democracy, and justice for all," Osmani said.

She added that the United States is synonymous with Kosovo's freedom.

"The United States is synonymous with our freedom; because of your determination, our liberation struggle culminated in the right to choose our own path," Osmani said.