Honor Kosova Independence Anniversary

17, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commemorate historical events which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples throughout the world to achieve Independence and live in peace and freedom; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to recognize the economic, educational and cultural contributions of the people of Kosova in the fields of business, science and government which have inspired and encouraged the young people of New York to realize their dreams and ambitions through education and hard work; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate and applaud the people of Kosova, who have fostered ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the fabric of the communities of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The largest concentration of Americans with Kosovar descent in the United States is in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The people of the Republic of Kosova acquired independence on the 17th day of February 2008; and WHEREAS, On the 17th day of February 2019, Kosovar Nationals and Kosovar-Americans and Albanian-Americans from throughout Kosova, the United States, and the State of New York will celebrate the independence of Kosova; and WHEREAS, In March of 1999, the United States, along with members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), commenced military intervention aimed at ending Slobodan Milosevic's brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing against the people of Kosova; and WHEREAS, That military intervention resulted in the defeat of Milosevic's forces and the creation of the United States mission in Kosova; and WHEREAS, The men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States have served bravely in Kosova since 1999, and their presence and participation in NATO-led Kosova force has been indispensable in protecting the people of Kosova and stabilizing the region; and WHEREAS, Kosova is now functioning under its own democratic Constitution and rule of law, combined with a new flag bearing a map of Kosova topped by six stars, representing the six major ethnic groups in the country; and WHEREAS, Kosova has earned the recognition of the many United Nations member states and many international organizations; and WHEREAS, The establishment of diplomatic relations demonstrates the special ties that have linked the people of the United States and Kosova together; and WHEREAS, The State of New York has developed medical, community, business, and educational services to assist in integrating the people of Kosova into the community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 11th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Kosova on February 17, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; The Honorable Bekim Sejdiu, Consul General of Kosova; The Honorable Jetish Jashari, Deputy Chief of Mission; and Akan Ismaili, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosova to the United States.