LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the Declara-
tion of Independence of Kosova on February 17, 2013

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 free-
dom; 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 exem-
plify 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 2013, Kosovar Nationals and Koso-
var-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 1999, the United States, along with members of the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), commenced military inter-
vention 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 partic-
ipation 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 Constitu-
tion 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, busi-
ness, 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 5th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of
Kosova on February 17, 2013; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; The Honorable Bekim Sejdiu, Consul General of Kosova; The Honor-
able Jetish Jashari, Deputy Chief of Mission; and Akan Ismaili, Ambassa-
dor of the Republic of Kosova to the United States.