Today Defense Minister Mimi Kodheli received the “Honorary Citizen” of Drenas Commune. The Decree of the Declaration of the Honor Citizen of the commune and the motivation was read by the head of Assembly Naim Bazaj, in which was written: "The honorable lady Mrs. Mimi Kodheli is declared Honorary Citizen of the commune for her precious contribution, unsparing support for liberation of Kosovo and putting the interests of Kosovo high on the Euro-Atlantic integration agendas. She affirmed with her incomparable commitment that the Albanian woman worthily promoted and exalted national values".
The ceremony was attended by members of the Commune Assembly, former fighters, and citizens of this commune. During her speech, Minister Kodheli congratulated and thanked all the participants for the special honor they gave and for the warm and fraternal reception.
"I feel very privileged, excited and honored to come here, in the heroic commune of Drenas, in the heart of Albania's resistance, to become a citizen of this home of the braves. I would like to thank you one by one, but also all the honorable Members of the Commune Assembly for choosing me to declare as the ‘Honorary Citizen’, - said among others Minister. Mrs. Kodheli emphasized that Drenas is the witness to many battles for freedom and independence. "This land for centuries has been trampled on by the hooves of the invaders, burned by the handmaid, is washed by the blood of their greatest sons, and therefore they put the homeland interest before of their lives”, - stated the Minister.
Mrs. Kodheli underlined that "I am proud that I am already part of this land of the braves and free people and on this occasion I hope to fulfill an old dream of my father who worked hard for the freedom and the independence of this land around 40 years ago”.
By means of this ceremony, Minister Kodheli noted that the battles for freedom of Drenas also had silent heroes on the other side of the Albanian border. "I am convinced that this battle is our Euro-Atlantic future and it is the goal of all those who work and strive for the good of every Albanian family wherever they are”, - stated the Minister.
She did focus at the recent political developments in Albania, Kodheli underlined that: "In Tirana, there is a group of people trying to create conflict with the West, scared by reforms, mostly in justice. This violent group of politicians who certainly hate democracy, as well as law enforcement, the right of citizens to vote, equality before justice, will receive a response from the Albanian people, by citizens of Albania a few weeks later, that is of a free Albania, of a new democracy, yet, absolutely the right democracy."
At the end of her speech, Minister Kodheli thanked all the participants for the great honor accepting her as their citizens, emphasizing that: "We must work together in order to be all together worthy citizens of United Europe".
The Mayor of Drenas, Ramiz Lladrovci said that he has the honor to present to the citizens of Drenas his proposal, approved by unanimous votes in the Drenas Commune, to declare and award the honorary citizenship title to the Defense Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mimi Kodheli.
"You, with incomparable dedication, have exalted Albania, Kosovo and the Albanian Nation. You have argued the power of gender equality, demonstrated the ability of Albanian women in politics and decision-making. Ministry of Defense, the place designated for the men of Albania, led with dignity by a woman, who walks on her ancestors footsteps, that our history is so prosperous and proud. As an Albanian Minister in NATO, you have followed the way of distinguished women of the nation, presenting our nation and the Republic of Kosovo with the aspiration to be part of it. The historical memoirs turn us to the Queen Teuta, the girls of Kastriot, Nora and Kelmendi girls, Shote Galica, Mother Salë of Prekazi, Xhevë Lladrovci, Hyrë Emini and thousands of women who served the homeland. Your emotional connection with Kosovo, in particular with the heroines of Drenica, motivated us to declare You the Honorary Citizen of Drenas and Drenica, the land of our legendary Commander Adem Jashari. I thank the Commune Assembly for voting unanimously you as a Citizen of Honor“, - said Mayor Lladrovci and donated the 'Honorary Citizen of the Commune', to the Minister Kodheli.
After the solemn ceremony, Minister Kodheli paid homage to the grave of martyrs Fehmi and Xheva Lladrovci in Gllanasellë of Drenas.
