Albania and Its Historic Role in the Liberation of Kosovo – The Brilliant Speech of President Begaj on the 18th Anniversary of Independence By Flamur Buçpapaj

Albania and Its Historic Role in the Liberation of Kosovo – The Brilliant Speech of President Begaj on the 18th Anniversary of Independence
By Flamur Buçpapaj
On the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence, many leaders spoke about this historic event, yet most conspicuously overlooked Albania’s decisive role and the sacrifices it made for the freedom of the Kosovo Albanians. Not a single mention was made of the Albanian fighters from Albania who fell heroically defending Kosovo, such as Tahir Sinani, Astrit Suli, Ushtar Kavaja, Bilbil Brecani, and many others from Shkodra, Kukës, Tropoja, Has, Kavaja, and Malësia e Madhe. This omission is not merely a formal mistake but a denial of a historical reality, which requires the restoration of memory and proper recognition of those who gave everything for freedom.
In this context, the brilliant speech of the President of Albania, Begaj, served as a message of pride and historical justice. He reminded everyone that Albania was never a passive supporter, but an active, strategic, and decisive part of Kosovo’s liberation. He emphasized that Albanians are one nation, in both good times and bad, and that Mitrovica, Kosovo, and all Albanian lands are part of a shared history that cannot be forgotten. His speech was not merely ceremonial; it was a restoration of historical memory, placing moral justice above the forgetfulness of some leaders.
Albania’s role during the Kosovo War was complex and strategic. The Kukës Division, together with operational units from Shkodra, Tropoja, Has, and Kavaja, became the backbone of KLA operations. Albanian officers prepared strategic plans, established communication networks, coordinated the sheltering and supply of fighters, and monitored operational movements on the ground to ensure maximum success. Each unit had its specific duty: one secured safe mountain passages, another coordinated the transport and distribution of weapons to units on the front lines, and yet another monitored communication lines to maintain uninterrupted contact between Albanian and Kosovar commands.
Northern regions of Albania, including Has, Kukës, Tropoja, Shkodra, Kavaja, and Malësia e Madhe, became secure bases for KLA fighters. Here, they found not only food, weapons, and shelter, but also moral and spiritual support. Albanian civilians demonstrated extraordinary solidarity, offering refuge, provisions, and moral support for the families of refugees and fighters returning from the front. Every town and region became an organized and safe base, proving that this war was not merely a matter for Kosovo alone but for the entire Albanian nation.
Albania also demonstrated real readiness for combat if necessary. The Kukës Division and other units were prepared to intervene operationally, coordinating every strategic movement to ensure that each KLA operation had full support. This meticulous coordination between Albania and the KLA was a decisive factor in the success of liberation operations.
The sacrifice of Albanian fighters from Albania was extraordinary. Tahir Sinani, Astrit Suli, Ushtar Kavaja, Bilbil Brecani, and others gave their lives to protect their Kosovar brothers and keep alive the dream of national unity. Their sacrifice was not only for Kosovo but for the entire Albanian nation. The war was not just a territorial conflict; it was a battle for existence, dignity, and freedom.
Serbia employed extreme violence, massacres, and ethnic cleansing in an attempt to destroy the Albanian population. Albania, coordinating its divisions and operational units, did not retreat. It became a lifeline for refugees, a strategic base for fighters, and an international voice denouncing Serbian crimes. This combination of operational readiness and moral solidarity demonstrated the true strength of Albanian national unity.
President Begaj’s speech was brilliant and powerful. He reminded everyone that Albania was not just a passive supporter but an active and decisive part of Kosovo’s liberation. He spoke of the red and black flag, a symbol of Albanian unity and sacrifice, emphasizing that Mitrovica, Kosovo, and all Albanian lands are part of a shared history. He stressed the importance of honoring Albanian fighters from Albania, noting that those who gave their lives cannot be forgotten.
Albania has a moral and historical duty to recognize its contribution and the sacrifice of its fighters. Historical documentation, regional cooperation, memory, and historical justice are indispensable to ensure that Albanian history is preserved accurately and fully. Albanian fighters from Albania, such as Tahir Sinani, Astrit Suli, Ushtar Kavaja, Bilbil Brecani, and others from Shkodra, Kukës, Tropoja, Has, and Kavaja, gave their lives for the freedom of their brothers and for the unity of the Albanian nation. Recognizing their sacrifice and Albania’s role is a moral obligation and a foundation for an accurate and complete historical narrative.
Kosovo’s independence is not only a victory for the Kosovar people but for all Albanians. Albania and Kosovo are one heart, beating for freedom, dignity, and the future of Albanians. This is the powerful message of this 18th anniversary and the brilliant speech of President Begaj, a call that must never be forgotten, honoring the sacrifice of all those who gave everything for the freedom and unity of the Albanian nation.
This editorial serves as a historical document, recalling every division, operational unit, action, and strategic coordination, turning the sacrifice of Albania’s fighters into a living historical memory, showing that the role of Albania can never be forgotten.