Kosovo honors former Senator Bob Dole

In Kosovo, many personalities reacted with grief after the news of the death of former US Senator Bob Dole, whose role is considered irreplaceable for the political developments that led to the liberation and independence of Kosovo.

The Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Pristina, Nicholas J. Giacobbe, wrote that "as we mourn the loss of the public servant and senior statesman, Senator Bob Dolet, we remember his irreplaceable contribution to Kosovo and his work to advance democratic freedoms worldwide. "Let his service be an inspiration to us and the new generations of Americans and citizens of Kosovo," he wrote.

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, expressed her sadness with the news of the death of Senator Bob Dole.

"A war hero, a respected politician and a supporter of freedom all over the world. But in particular, we are grateful that he has always stood by the people of Kosovo in our fight for independence. "You are touched in peace, dear friend", she wrote.

Former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, expressed deep sorrow for "the loss of one of Kosovo's closest friends - a staunch supporter and defender of Kosovo's independence, Senator Bob Dole! My sincere condolences to his family, the United States and his friends in Kosovo! "Bob, your legacy belongs to a great man!" Wrote former President Jahjaga.

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, also expressed his sadness. "We express our heartfelt condolences to the Dole family and the American nation, as we mourn and honor an American hero and an undisputed supporter of Kosovo's freedom. "May he rest in peace," he wrote.

The former Prime Minister of Kosovo, Ramush Harafinaj, wrote that “Senator Dole remains one of the main figures that identifies Kosovo's path to statehood. He was one of the first politicians to recognize our struggle for freedom and guide Kosovo towards what we are today. Rest in peace Bob. We will miss you! ”He wrote.

In a square named after former senator Bob Dole in Pristina, his bust is erected, in honor of the role he played around the issue of Kosovo.

In August 1990, former Senator Bob Dole along with several other senators visited Pristina, which was the first visit of a senior US official to Kosovo.

He held meetings with Albanian representatives at a time when Kosovo had been stripped of its autonomy and placed under a state of emergency by Serbian authorities.

On June 12, 2020, at a rally marking the anniversary of the entry of NATO troops into Kosovo, which ended almost two years of war, former Senator Dole said in a video message that he was "happy to be part of of this story and I did what I could to be helpful but it was mostly the people of your great country who made this possible. I am here for everything you will need and if I can help you just tell me "./ VOA