Latest news with #VjosaOsmani
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Bujar Bukoshi, Kosovo independence leader, dies at 78
Bujar Bukoshi, a former Kosovo independence leader who for years headed a self-proclaimed government-in-exile, died early Tuesday morning after a long illness, his family said. He was 78. He died in Germany, where he was being treated for cancer and receiving financial support from the Albanian government, according to his family. Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani expressed deep regret for the loss of 'a visionary physician and a statesman of unparalleled dedication.' 'Dr. Bukoshi, former Prime Minister in Exile, will forever be remembered for his contributions to strengthening the cause of a free and independent Kosovo in the most difficult times for our people,' she wrote in a letter of condolence to his family. A respected physician and surgeon, Bukoshi helped to found the Democratic League of Kosovo, or LDK, in 1989 alongside Ibrahim Rugova, who was later president of Kosovo. Shortly after receiving his medical degree at Belgrade's Medical School University, Bukoshi went into exile, where he raised funds to run parallel governing institutions to peacefully defy the late Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's repressive rule in Kosovo, a former Serbian province. Bukoshi served as prime minister of Kosovo's government in exile from 1991 through 1999, the end of the 1998-1999 war that left around 11,400 people dead. A 78-day NATO air campaign stopped the Serb forces' crackdown on ethnic Albanians and pushed Serbian forces and authorities out of Kosovo. He also led an ethnic Albanian militia that was seen as a rival to the more militant Kosovo Liberation Army. The shadow government, which was never recognized by Belgrade, was formally dissolved in 2000. After the war, Bukoshi served as deputy prime minister, healthcare minister and lawmaker. 'His life and activity are a record of patriotic commitment and unshakable political involvement for Kosovo's freedom and independence,' said LDK's current leader Lumir Abdixhiku. 'His contribution at the most difficult moments of our country will be forever valued.' Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Most Western nations recognize its sovereignty, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China don't. Bukoshi was born in Suhareke, 60 kilometers north of the capital Pristina. He is survived by his spouse Zana, three daughters and two nephews. ___ Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Bujar Bukoshi, Kosovo independence leader, dies at 78
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Bujar Bukoshi, a former Kosovo independence leader who for years headed a self-proclaimed government-in-exile, died early Tuesday morning after a long illness, his family said. He was 78. He died in Germany, where he was being treated for cancer and receiving financial support from the Albanian government, according to his family. Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani expressed deep regret for the loss of 'a visionary physician and a statesman of unparalleled dedication.' 'Dr. Bukoshi, former Prime Minister in Exile, will forever be remembered for his contributions to strengthening the cause of a free and independent Kosovo in the most difficult times for our people,' she wrote in a letter of condolence to his family. A respected physician and surgeon, Bukoshi helped to found the Democratic League of Kosovo, or LDK, in 1989 alongside Ibrahim Rugova, who was later president of Kosovo. Shortly after receiving his medical degree at Belgrade's Medical School University, Bukoshi went into exile, where he raised funds to run parallel governing institutions to peacefully defy the late Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's repressive rule in Kosovo, a former Serbian province. Bukoshi served as prime minister of Kosovo's government in exile from 1991 through 1999, the end of the 1998-1999 war that left around 11,400 people dead. A 78-day NATO air campaign stopped the Serb forces' crackdown on ethnic Albanians and pushed Serbian forces and authorities out of Kosovo. He also led an ethnic Albanian militia that was seen as a rival to the more militant Kosovo Liberation Army. The shadow government, which was never recognized by Belgrade, was formally dissolved in 2000. After the war, Bukoshi served as deputy prime minister, healthcare minister and lawmaker. 'His life and activity are a record of patriotic commitment and unshakable political involvement for Kosovo's freedom and independence,' said LDK's current leader Lumir Abdixhiku. 'His contribution at the most difficult moments of our country will be forever valued.' Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Most Western nations recognize its sovereignty, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China don't. Bukoshi was born in Suhareke, 60 kilometers north of the capital Pristina. He is survived by his spouse Zana, three daughters and two nephews. ___ Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kosovo's president sets Oct. 12 for municipal elections while a legislative impasse continues
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo 's president on Monday set Oct. 12 as the date for municipal elections, while the country remains in a legislative impasse without a functioning parliament and a new Cabinet since its Feb. 9 parliamentary vote. President Vjosa Osmani urged political parties, organizations and public institutions to ensure an all-inclusive, free and fair process. The last municipal elections in October 2021, for mayors of 38 municipalities and about 1,000 town hall lawmakers, were mainly won by center-right opposition parties. The Srpska List party of Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority, which is close to the Serbian government in Belgrade, won the 10 seats in northern Kosovar municipalities. Municipal authorities run the local economy, education, health, infrastructure, natural resources, tourism, culture and sports but not defense or public order institutions. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing Self-Determination Movement won the Feb. 9 parliamentary election with 48 of 120 seats, falling short of the required majority of 61 to elect a new speaker or form a Cabinet on its own. The parliament has not succeeded in electing the new speaker, as deputies in opposition parties object to Kurti's candidate. Lawmakers have tried and failed 29 times since the first session of parliament in April 15. The Constitution imposes no deadline to elect one. Without a speaker, Kurti cannot be formally nominated as prime minister and form a Cabinet. If the situation continues, the president can turn to any of the other parties. If no party can form a Cabinet, the country will face another parliamentary election. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Most Western nations recognize its sovereignty, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China don't. ___ Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
Winnipeg Free Press
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Kosovo's president sets Oct. 12 for municipal elections while a legislative impasse continues
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo 's president on Monday set Oct. 12 as the date for municipal elections, while the country remains in a legislative impasse without a functioning parliament and a new Cabinet since its Feb. 9 parliamentary vote. President Vjosa Osmani urged political parties, organizations and public institutions to ensure an all-inclusive, free and fair process. The last municipal elections in October 2021, for mayors of 38 municipalities and about 1,000 town hall lawmakers, were mainly won by center-right opposition parties. The Srpska List party of Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority, which is close to the Serbian government in Belgrade, won the 10 seats in northern Kosovar municipalities. Municipal authorities run the local economy, education, health, infrastructure, natural resources, tourism, culture and sports but not defense or public order institutions. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing Self-Determination Movement won the Feb. 9 parliamentary election with 48 of 120 seats, falling short of the required majority of 61 to elect a new speaker or form a Cabinet on its own. The parliament has not succeeded in electing the new speaker, as deputies in opposition parties object to Kurti's candidate. Lawmakers have tried and failed 29 times since the first session of parliament in April 15. The Constitution imposes no deadline to elect one. Without a speaker, Kurti cannot be formally nominated as prime minister and form a Cabinet. If the situation continues, the president can turn to any of the other parties. If no party can form a Cabinet, the country will face another parliamentary election. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Most Western nations recognize its sovereignty, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China don't. ___ Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Kosovo's president sets Oct. 12 for municipal elections while a legislative impasse continues
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo 's president on Monday set Oct. 12 as the date for municipal elections, while the country remains in a legislative impasse without a functioning parliament and a new Cabinet since its Feb. 9 parliamentary vote. President Vjosa Osmani urged political parties, organizations and public institutions to ensure an all-inclusive, free and fair process. The last municipal elections in October 2021, for mayors of 38 municipalities and about 1,000 town hall lawmakers, were mainly won by center-right opposition parties. The Srpska List party of Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority, which is close to the Serbian government in Belgrade, won the 10 seats in northern Kosovar municipalities. Municipal authorities run the local economy, education, health, infrastructure, natural resources, tourism, culture and sports but not defense or public order institutions. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing Self-Determination Movement won the Feb. 9 parliamentary election with 48 of 120 seats, falling short of the required majority of 61 to elect a new speaker or form a Cabinet on its own. The parliament has not succeeded in electing the new speaker, as deputies in opposition parties object to Kurti's candidate. Lawmakers have tried and failed 29 times since the first session of parliament in April 15. The Constitution imposes no deadline to elect one. Without a speaker, Kurti cannot be formally nominated as prime minister and form a Cabinet. If the situation continues, the president can turn to any of the other parties. If no party can form a Cabinet, the country will face another parliamentary election. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Most Western nations recognize its sovereignty, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China don't. ___ Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
