Prishtina, 13.04.2023 – Representatives of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo participated in the unveiling of the commemorative plaque on the 24^th falling anniversary of the martyrs Mahmut, Jakup and Ilir Caka.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti, being unable to be present in Kaçanik today, addressed the attendees through a letter, which was read by the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli at this ceremony.

Prime Minister Kurti’s full letter:

Dear Caka family,

Dear residents of Vata and Kaçanik,

It is an honour to address you today, although I cannot be present, at the unveiling ceremony of the memorial plaque honouring the martyrs Mahmut, Jakup and Ilir Caka. Today, we recall their falling, which embroidered them with the garment of eternal glory.

On 13 April 1999, a day after Ilir’s birthday, Serbian forces surrounded the village of Sllatina and Vata neighbourhood. After shelling the village, infantry and police troops entered the village, looting and burning the houses. 13 unarmed Albanians were killed here during this action, for the sole reason that they were Albanians. This crime was indicted before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Dear family members,

I am aware that the pain for the loss of your loved ones is increasing, yet I am also convinced that you are proud that your loved ones fell on the path to freedom, and that pride eases your pain.

On this commemorative day, as every other day, we are together, the family members and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, to honour the fallen and to preserve and cultivate their memory.

Therefore, on this 24^th anniversary, the erection of this commemorative plaque is our commitment to our memory as a people. As the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, I reiterate my commitment to the memory of those killed in the war, to history and our glorious heritage.

Glory to the fallen of the Caka family!

May the memory for them and for all those who fell for the liberation and freedom of Kosovo be eternal!

Sincerely,

Albin Kurti

Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo