In a joint organization by the National Council of Albanians and the National Council of Bosniaks in Montenegro, the 80th anniversary of the tragic event known as the Tivar Massacre was commemorated today. This solemn occasion paid tribute to the thousands of Albanian citizens from Kosovo and a certain number of Bosniaks who were brutally killed in early April 1945 in Tivar.
As stated in the announcement from the National Council of Albanians, the commemoration was deemed a moral obligation and a national responsibility. The event sought to honor the innocent young men who lost their lives in this massacre and to break the silence that has prevailed for decades regarding this tragic chapter of history. The commemoration included the laying of wreaths at the site of the massacre, a minute of silence in memory of the victims, and speeches delivered by key representatives.
Among those who addressed the attendees and media were Mr. Faik Nika, President of the National Council of Albanians, and Mr. Sulo Mustafiq, President of the National Council of Bosniaks. Their words highlighted the importance of remembrance and the need for historical truth and justice.
The event was attended by several distinguished figures, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Montenegro, H.E. Mrs. Ariana Zherka Hoxha, the Mayor of Ulcinj, Mr. Genci Nimanbegu, and Member of the Montenegrin Parliament, Mr. Ilir Çapuni. Also present were descendants of the victims' families, members of both national councils such as Tahir Tahir, Ali Gjeçbritaj, Ismet Kallaba, Lavdim Kroma, and Mirsad Rastoder, as well as two well-known activists from Ulcinj, Mrs. Hatixhe Gjoni and Dr. Zylfije Gjoni Duraku. Citizens from the municipality of Tivar also participated in the commemoration.
It is worth noting that in 2013, the National Council of Albanians in Montenegro organized a scientific conference on this event and, for the first time, laid wreaths at the site of the massacre. Since then, the council has continued to commemorate and honor the memory of the victims annually. Their commitment serves as a reminder that such tragedies should never be forgotten and reinforces the hope that similar atrocities will never be repeated in the future.