Portret- Ismail Bey Qemali
It was time of liberty that started with fightings against all ennemies that had for 5 centery my country occupeid.In the moment of lot of dreams

Ismail Qemali

was one that was shining as a star in the night above all of troubles and figtings.One greteast man came up one exellent idea on 28 November 1912.This was a desire for liberty that started with the uphanging of albanian flag in Vlora city and with the activity of the first independent government on history.Albanian history has in its heart the figure of this clever man that lighted albanian nation with his thoughts that we remember ever and with respect will write in the future.
Ismail Bej Qemali ( 1844 - 1919 ) wasborn in Vlorë , Albania . He was a principalfigure in the Declaration of Independence andthe formation of an independent government of Albania in November 28 , 1912 . This signaled the end of almost 500 years of Ottoman rule in Albania. Together with Isa Boletini and Luigj Gurakuqi , he raised the flag on the balcony of two-story building in Vlorë.He reigned as prince of Albania 1912-1914.


THE OFFICIAL SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, MR. ALFRED MOISIU, IN THE MASS MEETING OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE.

Dear citizens of Vlora,
Honourable Mr. Chairman of the Town’s Hall,
Honourable politicians, diplomats and present guests

Today, our country, Albania, becomes 90 years old. I have the pleasure to be in this well-known square along with you, citizens of patriotic Vlora,

Ismail Bey Qemali raised Albanian Flag to Vlora City

historic Vlora and Vlora of the independence, to commemorate November 28th, the symbol date related to the existence and integration of the Albanian State. In this anniversary, for the first time in 90 years of the Albanian State history, we, Albanians, are gathered together, to bring to an end the times when national days were separated according to political convictions.

November 28th is a day of peace, love, pride and remembrance for all Albanians, wherever they are located. 90 years ago, some of the most distinguished sons of our history, led by the wise mind of the white-haired old man, Ismail Qemali, raised the flag in Vlora and declared the independence. Their patriotic feat provides our history with the most important event and marks the end of a long and dramatic period under Ottoman Empire. This feat makes us bow with reverence today in front of the work of Ismail Qemali, Isa Boletini, Frasheri brothers, Luigj Gurakuqi, Elena Gjika, Aqif Pashe Elbasani, Gjergj Fishta, Mehmet Konica, Ymer Prizreni and other major names of our nation. May the memory of the people, who sacrificed or gave their life for independence, its protection and establishment of democracy in the country, be unforgettable!

Brothers and sisters,

During the last century, we experienced the downfall of Ottoman Empire; the first successful Albanian kingdom; the fascist occupation on the verge of WWII; the liberation war against this occupation; the communist dictatorship for about 50 years, as well as the long and difficult democratic transition. This development demonstrates that no country in the world, Albania included, has had only positive developments. Everything has its own place. Time will show where we acted erroneously and where rightly. Today, it is not important to keep our head back, but to overcome the bitter past and look forward. The future belongs to our children and grandchildren. We should not allow them to curse the work we have done.

On this special day, we are witnesses, actors, producers, losers and winners of a new epoch of changes, which brings transition to an end and opens the way to the consolidation of a new system of urban and European values, as it was aspired 90 years ago by the founders of the Albanian State.
The positive changes in Albania have been associated with very positive changes in Kosovo, Macedonia and Monte Negro where the Albanians have reconfirmed their good will to build a safe, democratic and integrated future for all the citizens. We all feel proud and happy at the course of democratic processes in Kosovo. Their last elections demonstrated that Kosovo has entered the irreversible road of democracy and western values. We think that the solution to Kosovo status is of high importance for the future of the region.

We have supported the stability and integrity of Macedonia and we have encouraged the positive developments, which have led to parliamentary and governmental representation of Albanians. We, likewise, appreciate the fact that the integral implementation of Ohrid Agreement constitutes indispensability and assistance, not only for the further continuation of democratic processes and Albanian-Macedonian co-existence, but also for the stability of the region as a whole.

Along with us, the Independence Day, is celebrated by other half a million Albanians, who for different reasons, mainly economic ones, have been obliged to emigrate these last 10 years to western countries. They represent our banner in the world, our pride and culture, the indivisible part of our national stock. The interest and attention of State as well as the Albanian diplomacy should be an indivisible part of politics.

Likewise, the frequency of contacts, presence, and political and economic integrity of the Albanian Diaspora in all its steps of socio-economic developments of the country, should be part of the main objectives of the Albanian State. Our Diaspora should contribute more to the country where their parents and grandparents rest.

Dear co-citizens,

Anniversaries are not just days of sharing warm embraces, but reflections and engagements, too. We need to use this moment to promote and deepen the process of reforms and democratic rule of law, where life, property, freedom, thought and faith are a valuable, assured and untouchable wealth. The road of reforms we have embarked upon should proceed. The new political climate, based on position-opposition cooperation for the deepening of reforms, Euro-Atlantic integration and removal from the 10 year old conflict-ridden politics, should be enhanced and spread further more.

Our future depends on a lot of things, which we have summed up in one word: home tasks. But the fundamental condition is the assurance of political stability, which is in the interest of the entire society and citizens, rather than of certain individuals. Let us not work behind the scenes, using empty debates and pessimistic hypotheses in order to reach concrete results. Let us return the faith and smile to our people, and the prospect and pride to our nation. The permanent critics should not forget that the greatest minus we have had till now was the lack of political stability, which has resulted first of all due to the political struggle with no principles. Democracy can not proceed amidst wars and struggles, but with alternatives and debates, offering clear visions for the solution of problems and the future of our country.
Our main duty is to understand and materialise the notion of state independence as individual independence respected by law, protection of property, thoughts and ideas as part of free society, movement and action on behalf of the interests of democratic society. The state is legitimate, democracy is secure and the society feels free only if the individual and his ideas are free and assured. Albania has long suffered due to the exclusion of oppositional ideas, persecution of thoughts, discrimination of specific groups of citizens, playing tricks with the property of the other and abuse with the power. Time now requires a new mentality of thought and action, which harmonizes the personal wills of the individuals and specific groups with the wills of the society in its entirety.

Parties and campaigns come and go, the state is and remains one. We need a strong state to the benefit and service of our citizens. The parties are an irreplaceable part of plurality of ideas, but the mission of establishing and strengthening the rule of law stands above all parties. A state of citizens, able to serve to them, is built by brave and untiring citizens. As President, I would like to repeat the promise I made to you on July 24th: I place Albania and its interests above everything else. This is my main constitutional obligation, my will and personal steadfast engagement before my citizens and country. This is why I require from my co-citizens, political and business factor: understanding, obedience to the law and determination to move ahead.

Each one of us should behave, think and act as a good patriot for his country. To be a patriot means to love your country and respect the love of the others for their own country. At our times, a good patriot is the one who respects the law, fights for its freedom and the freedom of the other citizens, pays the taxes and considers himself an important actor of benefits and responsibilities in the society. This message is especially for the political class, the elected and nominated, justice authorities, and authorities of all the other levels of administration. Those who have speculated with the wisdom and nobility of the Albanian people and have gained wealth unjustly should and will face justice. They should finally realise that our small, poor and slow-moving country doesn’t and shouldn’t have time to lose, be it with political experiments or abusing practices on behalf of the state.

In the future days, weeks, months and years great challenges lie in wait for us. Our country has a wide range of problems to solve, in order to have a safe and successful road of reforms. The reforms in the judicial system, economic sphere, electoral system, property issue, Armed Forces, public administration and other important sectors, constitute some of our principal objectives, the fulfilment of which is indispensable for our NATO and EU integration.

I am fully convinced that with work, commitment and honesty, we will successfully proceed in the road we have embarked upon. Let this anniversary be an encouragement to all of us, for more engagement and unity. Let this moment serve to wish you and all our citizens and co-nationals: Happy Independence Day!
May God be with Albanians and Albania!