Senate Resolution No. 390

BY: Senator LANZA

COMMEMORATING the 11th Anniversary of the
Declaration of Independence of Kosova on February
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.