Dear All,

As part of a youth network which aims at promoting democratic values and pave paths of mutual understanding, I feel compelled to pay tribute to one of the epitomes of these values and the proponent of peaceful resistance, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.

By now, I believe that all of us have comprehended or at least sincerely acknowledged the immeasurable loss that the people of Kosova have endured with the death of their very first internationally recognized presidents, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. Kosova apart, his death has also stricken the thin roster of world’s pacifists and literature-savvy politicians who have bridged so many gaps among people and nations around the earth. However tiny and insignificant Kosova might seem in the face of world history, it has unquestionably yielded one of the greatest personalities in Europe who has dedicated his entire life to the national cause of statehood of Kosova by resorting to nonviolent, circumspect approaches in tackling weighty issues as well as establishing and maintaining relations with neighboring and foreign countries in the wisest, most amiable manner possible.

Rising as the very first personalities to represent national wants of the Albanian people in Kosova, Rugova deeply embodied aspirations of numerous generations for freedom and independence. It is this regard that gained him vast acclaim and prominence in the Balkans, and especially in the Western hubs of decision-making. What ensued were endless bonds and partnerships that he forged with world leaders and institutions. Eventually making him revered and admired everywhere.

His iconic figure notwithstanding, in the late ‘90s’, Rugova seemed to lose much political credibility among his people due to the emergence of hostile resistance against the Serbian regime – a resistance he baulked at coming out in favor of. Despite his personal remoteness and blindfolded plea for the formal recognition of independence, Rugova remained deep-seated within the mentality of Kosovars and persisted with his one and only way of dealing with issues: “peaceful confrontation”.

After the war, Kosova seemed to be in dire need for new ways of political thinking – a modern school of thought ready to compromise and swift through various alternatives for solutions. Though pragmatic and paramount to the political processes in Kosova, Rugova seemed to stand in between the international community and the fledgling political entities that emerged after the war. Together with his party, LDK, he went through many political strains that usually reflected disunity and fierce ideological opposition among the newly established political scene. Nevertheless, with the commencement of status negotiations things began to alleviate and everyone gathered around to pick a task and carry it out on behalf of the worn-out dignity of the population.

When he was diagnosed with lung cancer, many began to fear for his future, but few believed that he would perish so soon, unable to witness a single, concrete step being put forward towards the independence he so heartedly worked and so desperately wished for.

Dr. Ibrahim Rugova was indispensable for the future of Kosova. If for nothing else, his mere presence as the leader of Kosovars would suffice for a fulfilling run of this national drive for independence that has taken brain and brawn from the people of Kosova and many others across Europe and America.

His burial is set for Thursday and 15 days of national mourn, including 3 in Albania, are already being counted down. In this time of great sadness no one seems to be especially concerned with the upcoming developments. However, one thing is for sure: whatever will take place in the weeks and months to come, will certainly be overshadowed by the absence of Mr. Rugova.

One last thing: From my very personal point of view, I believe that whenever “old” leaders step down, something new occurs. Though initially things might take a strong twist and bitterness will persist for a while, there will undoubtedly be changes for good.

Let us hope for the best!

With love and respect,
Sokol

Dr. Ibrahim Rugova was not responsible for the bombing of Yugoslavia, nor for the ethnic cleansing of Serbs, Gyspsies, Jews, Circassians, and Croats.

Neither was he responsible for the murder and persecution of politically incorrect Albanians, Turks, Gorani, and Bosnjaks.

He did not complain too much about it, but neither did he order the killing. He just happened to be there, a tragic, powerless figure.

We certainly ought to pay our respects to a political figure who, unlike his NATO sponsors and his local competitors, did not cover himself in blood over the course of the struggle for power.

Another thing we must honor is the fact that, unlike his colleagues Izetbegovic and Tudjman, he did not use the break-up of the country to enrich his own family while impoverishing all others.