Mitrovica, 20.02.2024 – Today, in Stantërg, the traditional ceremony marking the 35^th anniversary of the miners’ strike at “Trepça” was held, as part of the “Miners’ Week”.

Present at the ceremony were the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy (ME), Getoar Mjeku, members of the Assembly of Kosovo, former striking miners, and other dignitaries.

Recalling the strike of 1989, Prime Minister Kurti stated that today, on Miner’s Day, we gather on this glorious day in our country, and added that 20 February 1989, was a great day in that spring, which we celebrate today with the deepest gratitude.

“We mark Miner’s Day in a series of great events, right after the Independence Day declared 16 years ago, on the eve of the 26^th anniversary of the Epic of the Kosovo Liberation Army, in the 25^th year of the liberation of our precious Kosovo, remembering the great strike of the miners, we honor the roots of our Republic”, Prime Minister Kurti said.

Prime Minister Kurti also emphasized that when fascist Serbia began to disturb this part of Europe, the miners were the first to oppose it; they gave their message clearly and strongly that the people would not be broken, would not be bent, and would not relinquish the right to determine their own fate.

“On 17 November 1988, the miners of “Trepça” set out on their march, from the mine to Prishtina, to oppose officials who were surrendering to Serbia. On 20 February 1989, they huddled on the horizons of the mine to oppose the abolition of autonomy”, said Prime Minister Kurti, among others.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of ME, Getoar Mjeku, emphasized that “Trepça” became a great name in the 20^th century because it rose where miners had extracted ore and wealth since ancient times, and our Republic now bears its name because it was built where miners defended freedom 35 years ago.

Deputy Minister Mjeku stated that “Trepça” is also the only central publicly owned enterprise that has a second shareholder, its miner, who is today a host and tomorrow an interlocutor and partner in our efforts for the enterprise and the country.

“The enterprise is returning to the miner. It is increasing care for the miners and it is working to increase their number. With the working capital provided by the Government, “Trepça” will primarily ensure working conditions for the miners. But at the same time, it will ensure that the greatest privilege and respect is given to those who keep the mine alive — the miner in the depths. With more active miners and new recruits, “Trepça” ensures its continuity”, said Deputy Minister Mjeku.

Mjeku added that our path is not easy, but the miner has the courage to see big dreams and the patience to overcome severe challenges, these inspiring virtues are demonstrated by the great strike of February 1989, he concluded.