Translated by Valmir Mehmetaj
In the extraordinary session held by the deputies of the Assembly of Kosovo, it was decided with 92 votes in favor, none against, and no abstentions to send the Kosovo Security Force contingent abroad on missions to provide support for regional stability and peacekeeping operations in the region of US Central Command.
The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, at the request of the Prime Minister, convened tonight in an extraordinary session, to review the Draft-Decision of the Government for sending the Contingent of the Kosovo Security Force abroad.
After the decision of the Assembly to deviate from the procedural deadlines for reviewing this point, the draft decision before the deputies was presented and justified by Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, considering it a confirmation of the confidence that the allies have in Kosovo and its Euro-Atlantic orientation.
Prime Minister Hoti said that with this decision Kosovo takes responsibility for global peace in the world. He said that other than its symbolism, the first mission of the KSF members is important because it is done in full cooperation with the Iowa Guard which has given great support to Kosovo.
“The people of Kosovo, as few peoples in the world, understand the importance of peacekeeping missions. With this decision, today we stand alongside our partners to ensure peace in the world,” said Prime Minister Hoti.
Fatmire Mulhaxha Kollçaku, on behalf of the Committee on Security and Defense, presented the recommendation for the approval of this draft decision.
The session continued with the discussions of the representatives of the parliamentary groups. On behalf of the VV working group, MP Liburn Aliu supported the draft decision, while criticizing the government for bringing this proposal and convening this session at the last minute.
The chairman of the LDK working group, Arben Gashi, considered this day as a special one, while giving unreserved support for draft-decision of the government to send military troops to peacekeeping missions abroad.
Speaking on behalf of the PDK working group, MP Ganimete Musliu asked a series of questions regarding what she called the government’s delayed decision on this important issue, while confirming the support of the parliamentary group she represents.
The Chairman of the AAK working group, Daut Haradinaj, praised the opportunity of Kosovo military troops to be by the side of partner and most powerful armies in the world, while confirming the support of his parliamentary group.
Also, the votes of GP Nisma-AKR-6 +, were confirmed by the chairman of this group, Endrit Shala, adding that he feels enthusiastic and proud.
The Minister of Defense, Anton Quni, thanked all those who, as he said, are contributing to the strengthening of the partnership with the USA, while also giving a series of clarifications on issues raised by the deputies.
The Speaker of the Assembly, dr. Vjosa Osmani said that this vote is of a historical nature, but also, as she said, is a double pride, first with the boys and girls of the KSF, who have arrived at this point as a result of the sacrifice of many generations, also because this achievement is being done together with the United States of America.
“I am really happy that as the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo we are concluding this legislature with such a decision and I am also convinced that this is only the beginning of the success of our army,” said President Osmani.
After exhausting the discussions, the Assembly entered the voting procedure.
Thus, with 92 votes in favor, none against, and no abstentions, the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo decided to send the KSF contingent abroad with the set mission to provide support for regional stability and peacekeeping operations in the region of US Central Command. The decision is sent to the acting President of the Republic of Kosovo who will grant the final authorization for dispatching the KSF contingent.
At the end of the session, Speaker Osmani, on behalf of all deputies wished a speedy recovery to all those injured in today’s explosion in Ferizaj.
