Former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema: I am proud that Italy was also part of Kosovo’s liberation
In a solemn ceremony held at the University Media Center, AAB College honored the former Prime Minister of Italy, Massimo D’Alema, with the International Human Rights Award, recognizing his and Italy’s contribution to freedom and peacebuilding in Kosovo.
On this occasion, the Rector of AAB College, Lulzim Tafa, said that the contribution of former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema to Kosovo’s freedom was extraordinary, and for this, the people of Kosovo will always be grateful to him.
“Nineteen years ago, many democratic and freedom-loving countries of the world, gathered around the world’s largest military alliance—NATO—decided to come to the aid of the people of Kosovo, whose very existence was under threat. These states placed the humanitarian principle above all others, affirming the right of the Albanian people of Kosovo to live in their own homeland. They decided to stop Milosevic, his army, police, and paramilitary forces. They chose to stop the killings of civilians in Kosovo, the burning and destruction of property, and above all, the massive expulsions of civilians from their homes. These countries and these peoples became guardians of freedom, at a time when freedom as a sublime value was trampled so heavily in Kosovo. One of these freedom-loving countries was Italy, led at the time by Mr. Massimo D’Alema, whose contribution is extraordinary,” said Rector Tafa.
He emphasized that having Mr. D’Alema among the students and professors of AAB College is of great importance, because, according to Rector Tafa, the name of former Prime Minister D’Alema—together with the names of President Clinton, Secretary Albright, Prime Minister Blair, Secretary Solana, General Clark, and many other leaders—is closely linked with the freedom of Kosovo.
On the other hand, former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema thanked AAB College and said that receiving such an award and the warm hospitality was a great honor for him.
“For many years I had not visited Kosovo, even though Kosovo is very important in my political life—not only because of the events many years ago, when I decided to involve my country, Italy, for the first time after the Second World War in a military intervention. It was a dramatic decision; it was not easy. I am a peaceful person, and I have never advocated for Italy to engage in war, but I still believe it was the right decision,” emphasized D’Alema.
Despite the fact that the UN Security Council did not issue a resolution authorizing military intervention in Kosovo, D’Alema said he believed they could not remain idle, and therefore they acted militarily and brought peace to Kosovo.
“I am proud that Italy took part in this military action, but at the same time we sent humanitarian missions to Albania, supporting our Albanian friends in protecting and assisting hundreds of thousands of refugees. So it was both a military and a humanitarian action—an organized solidarity not only by the Italian state but also by various organizations operating in Italy,” said Massimo D’Alema.
The International Human Rights Award of AAB College is one of five International Awards presented by AAB College to distinguished personalities. The awards include: the International Award for Democracy and Integration, the International Award for Scientific and Artistic Achievements, the International Award for Literature, the International Award for High Achievements in Sports, and the International Award for Human Rights.
In addition to former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema, the Human Rights Award has previously been awarded by AAB College to Ambassador William Walker and former NATO spokesperson Jamie Shea.
