Tirana city council names four former KLA leaders honorary citizens of Tirana

The Tirana Municipal Council unanimously approved on Tuesday, at this week’s session, with the votes of both the majority and the opposition, mayor Erion Veliaj’s proposal to name four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) — Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi — honorary citizens of Tirana.

For Hashim Thaçi, the stated motivation relates to his contribution to the Kosovo Liberation War, his political representation of Kosovo, and Kosovo’s path to freedom and independence, with the support of the United States and Euro-Atlantic partners. The motivation also mentions his special bond with Tirana and the strengthening of relations between Kosovo and Albania.

For Kadri Veseli, the decision recognizes his contribution to the Kosovo Liberation Army and to Kosovo’s journey toward freedom and independence, as well as his special bond with Tirana and his dedication to bringing Kosovo and Albania closer together.

For Jakup Krasniqi, the motivation relates to his contribution to the Kosovo Liberation War, his political representation, and Kosovo’s path to freedom and independence. It also notes his early bond with Tirana, as one of the centers of political and civic support for Kosovo.

For Rexhep Selimi, the motivation recognizes his contribution to the Kosovo Liberation Army and Kosovo’s journey toward freedom and independence, as well as his special bond with Tirana — which, according to the motivation, stood by Kosovo and its people during the days of the war.