The 36th anniversary of the Constitutional Declaration marks a pivotal moment in Kosovo's history, symbolizing the early steps toward its statehood and independence. On June 2, 1990, 114 members of the then-Kosovo Assembly gathered outside the blockaded building of the Assembly in Pristina to declare the Constitution. This act was a direct response to the suppression of autonomy by Serbia on March 23, 1989, which had significantly worsened the situation in Kosovo. The assembly members, supported by citizens, held a public meeting before the building despite physical barriers imposed by Serbian authorities. Their declaration aimed to establish a new political framework for Kosovo within the Yugoslav federation, emphasizing self-determination and democratic principles.
The Constitutional Declaration outlined five key points. It affirmed the constitutional stance of the population of Kosovo and the Assembly as acts of political self-determination within Yugoslavia. It emphasized that the Assembly, by declaring Kosovo as an equal entity within Yugoslavia, sought confirmation of this constitutional act in the Yugoslav constitution with full support from the democratic opinion both domestically and internationally. The third point highlighted the recognition of Kosovo as a political and constitutional entity, ensuring equal rights for all ethnic groups, including Albanians, Serbs, and others, while rejecting the notion of national identity. The fourth point stated that until the legal implementation of the declaration, the Assembly and institutions of power would maintain relations under the existing Yugoslav constitution rather than the amendments proposed by the Serbian Republic. Finally, the declaration concluded that the Assembly would publicly communicate with the name "Kosovo" as a political and social organization, recognizing it solely as Kosovo.
Two months after the Constitutional Declaration, the Constitution of Kacanik was adopted, marking another significant step towards establishing a legal structure for Kosovo. Following this, investigations, arrests, and expulsions of the assembly members began. These actions underscored the tensions between Kosovo's aspirations for autonomy and the oppressive measures taken by Serbian authorities.
In recent years, officials have reflected on the significance of the Constitutional Declaration. President Albulena Haxhiu has described it as one of the key documents in Kosovo's journey toward statehood, noting that it represented resistance against Serbian dominance and the assertion of political will rooted in justice rather than submission. She emphasized that the declaration, along with subsequent developments such as the Kacanik Constitution and the referendum for independence, laid the foundation for Kosovo's institutional resilience and sovereignty.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti has also recognized the declaration as a foundational act, highlighting its role in shaping the legal and political identity of Kosovo. He noted that the declaration, combined with the Kacanik Constitution, established the basis for Kosovo's statehood and resistance. Ilaz Ramajli, the leader of the delegation that voted for the declaration, has further emphasized its historical importance, stating that it was not merely a legal document but a testament to the political will of the people of Kosovo, reflecting their commitment to freedom, democracy, and human dignity.
The Constitutional Declaration of June 2, 1990, remains a cornerstone of Kosovo's struggle for independence, symbolizing the determination of its people to assert their right to self-governance amidst severe repression. Its legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions on Kosovo's status and future, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve sovereignty and the enduring quest for justice and equality.
3 reports
Koha.netIndependentLeftyesterdayIn early 1989, under severe repression by Serbian authorities, 114 members of the Kosovo Assembly convened outside the blockaded parliament building in Pristina to declare the Constitutional Declaration—a historic act marking the beginning of Kosovo's path toward statehood. The declaration was proposed amid efforts to pass laws that would fully subordinate Kosovo to Belgrade. Despite physical obstruction of the assembly, supporters organized a public meeting. The declaration outlined five points, including affirming Kosovo's constitutional stance within Yugoslavia, recognizing Kosovo as an equal entity, and defining ethnic groups as 'national communities' rather than 'ethnicities.' It also called for maintaining relations under the Yugoslav constitution rather than Serbian amendments. Following the declaration, the Kačanik Constitution was adopted two months later, establishing a legal framework for Kosovo. However, this led to subsequent investigations, arrests, and expulsions of the delegates.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the Constitutional Declaration as a courageous and historically significant act of self-determination, emphasizing the struggle against Serbian suppression. The language portrays the declaration as a legitimate step toward statehood, aligning with Kosovo's independence movement. S
RTKState / PublicLeftyesterdayThe article commemorates the 36th anniversary of the Constitutional Declaration of September 2, 1990, which is regarded as a pivotal moment in Kosovo's journey toward statehood. President Albulena Haxhiu emphasized that during this period, Kosovo had limited political space but still managed to assert itself through acts like the declaration, rejecting submission to Serbian rule. She highlighted that the declaration was rooted in the principles of justice rather than subordination. Prime Minister in charge Albin Kurti described the declaration as a legal and political act marking the birth of the Republic of Kosovo, alongside the subsequent Constitution of July 7, 1990, which established Kosovo’s institutional resistance. He noted that these two documents were foundational in asserting Kosovo’s sovereignty against Yugoslav suppression under Serbian leadership. Ilaz Ramajli, head of the delegation that voted for the declaration, stated that the declaration was more than just a legal act.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the Constitutional Declaration of September 2, 1990, as a symbol of Kosovo's struggle for independence and self-determination, emphasizing its role in resisting Serbian domination. The language used portrays the declaration as a courageous and principled act of defiance against an
Koha.netIndependentLeft4 days ago Why was the fall of Rankovic experienced as the rebirth of Kosovo?The article discusses the historical context of Kosovo during the interwar period, focusing on the impact of Italian occupation after the collapse of Yugoslavia. It highlights how the introduction of Albanian-language schools by Italians marked a turning point for Kosovo's identity. Historian Dr. Milivoj Beshlin explains the systemic discrimination faced by Albanians under Yugoslav rule, including lack of political representation, economic marginalization, and land confiscation. The discussion also touches on the evolution of the anti-fascist movement led by the Communist Party under Tito, which shifted from a unified Yugoslav nationalist stance to advocating for the independence of various ethnic groups, including Albanians in Kosovo.
Bias read (Left): The article emphasizes systemic discrimination against Albanians under Yugoslav rule, frames the Italian occupation as liberation, and discusses the rise of Albanian national identity through education and resistance movements. These elements suggest a critical perspective toward Yugoslav policies,傾
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