 
Assembly Resolution No. 62
 
BY: M. of A. Fall
 
        COMMEMORATING  the  17th  Anniversary  of Kosovo's
        Independence
 
  WHEREAS, Kosovo Independence Day  is  a  national  holiday  observed
annually every February 17th, in commemoration of the declaration of the
Balkan nation's independence in 2008; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Kosovo,  as  the  second-youngest  country in Southeastern
Europe, on February 17, 2008, made a declaration  of  Independence  from
Serbia  following  a deadly war which lasted from March 5, 1998, to June
11, 1999; and
 
  WHEREAS, The conflict came to a halt following  the  North  Atlantic
Treaty  Organization's  (NATO) intervention by airstrikes in March 1999;
Yugoslav forces then withdrew from Kosovo; and
 
  WHEREAS, The Republic of Kosovo, which derives  its  name  from  the
Serbian region "field of the blackbirds," is a former province in Serbia
with a population that is majority ethnic Albanian; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Present-day  Kosovo traces its origin to Dardania, forming
an independent polity known as the Kingdom of Dardania  (fourth  century
B.C.); and
 
  WHEREAS,  Since  its independence, Kosovo citizens are rightly proud
of the progress Kosovo has made in promoting  and  advancing  democratic
values  and  strengthening institutions to deliver good governance, rule
of law, and economic opportunity for all Kosovans; and
 
  WHEREAS, To this day, the enduring partnership  between  the  United
States  and  Kosovo  is  rooted in the mutual understanding, values, and
friendship between our countries; and
 
  WHEREAS, Kosovars in New York, having  arrived  both  pre  and  post
Kosovo's  independence,  have  significantly contributed to the cultural
diversity and economic vitality  of  the  State,  enriching  its  social
fabric  through  their  unique  heritage,  entrepreneurial  spirit,  and
commitment to community development; and
 
  WHEREAS, The presence of the  Kosovar  community  in  New  York  has
fostered  deeper  bilateral  ties,  promoting  mutual  understanding and
cooperation between Kosovo and the  United  States,  and  has  played  a
pivotal role in advocating for Kosovo's interests and recognition on the
international stage; and
 
  WHEREAS,  It  is  with  immense  pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges  and  congratulates  the  people  of  Kosovo,  our  friend,
partner,  and ally, on this significant day of independence, recognizing
their achievements and supporting their future endeavors; now therefore,
be it
 
  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations  to
commemorate  the  17th Anniversary of Kosovo's independence, celebrating
 
its past, acknowledging its present, and looking forward  with  optimism
to its future.
Commemorating the 17th Anniversary of Kosovo's Independence

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