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| Bill Clinton honored by Hashim Thaci |
"I think Kosovo deserves to be in the European Union, NATO and any other organization that can join an independent state. I was very happy that my successor President Bush recognized Kosovo and its independence. In an ambiguous political environment in America, Kosovo seems to be the only topic that all Americans agree, so I wish you success and I believe my country will continue to support you in your progress," said the former President Clinton.
He made these comments after meeting with Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who decorated him with the "Order of Freedom" for his contribution to the liberation of Kosovo.
Former President Clinton said the whole world could take Kosovo as an example of democracy and dedication to progress and live in peace with neighbors.
"This is something that all states need to work within and outside their borders. I think that you have the opportunity to set a new example for the world for the next twenty years. I will always be proud of the fact that I was president of the United States at a time when you needed someone who would stand against ethnic cleansing, expelling people from their homes," the former US president said.
He was also received by Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Hardinaj, who after the meeting wrote in social networks: "You helped us win the war and we built peace together! Welcome to your home and to the people in whose hearts you have entered as the most beloved man, President Bill Clinton. Thanks to your determination, your humanity and your courage, we made possible our right to freedom and democracy and built the state of Kosovo! Thanks to this historic turn, our children today live free. Free to have life, to have dreams, to have their own state, Kosovo! President Clinton, thank you and forever grateful for you and your people."
Clinton and the former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright are staying in Kosovo to participate in activities that are expected to mark the 20th anniversary of NATO troops entering into an almost two-year war and Serbian administration of Kosovo.
The role of these both US officials is considered crucial to NATO's intervention 20 years ago and the opening of the road to Kosovo's independence.
"I’m honored to be back in #Kosovo to commemorate 20 years of peace—an achievement by the people of Kosovo that should be celebrated not just on this anniversary, but every day." Clinton wrote on his Twiter.
"It was a great honor and great privilege to welcome the former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, to a free, independent and democratic Kosovo. In the darkest time of modern history of our country, President Clinton's determination and courage were crucial to ending the war in Kosovo and resuming the freedom to a whole nation. President Clinton's decision to support the NATO campaign to give an end to the war in Kosovo stopped a human catastrophe taking on ever larger proportions in the Balkans. President Clinton's leadership changed the course of Kosovo's history and became a guarantor for restoring peace and stability throughout the region. His steadfast support for Kosovo and its people is a symbol of the United States' strong friendship and alliance with Kosovo! Excellently grateful ", wrote the former President Jahjaga on social networks.
The foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli wrote that "Our Freedom and Independence is closely related to the name of the man who is visiting our Republic today. President Clinton will be honored for life by Kosovo."
Former President Jahjaga hosted the former Secretary Albright at Pristina Airport.
"I am proud that, twenty years after the liberation, I welcome Kosovo's former US Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, one of the most powerful contributors to our freedom and independence. The determination and commitment of Albright to stop the genocide in Kosovo and to restore freedom and hope to the oppressed people were crucial to the future of our people. The Secretary Albright, who was uncompromising of the violence the Milosevic regime was practicing in Kosovo, came to a Kosovo that cultivates those values he has been engaged - freedom, democracy, tolerance and peace," she wrote.
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| From the left: Hashim Thaci, Bill Clinton and Madeleine Albright speaking |