The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has presented Alicia Kearns MP with the Presidential Medal of Merit.
The medal was awarded in recognition of Alicia’s unwavering support for the sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo and her commitment to the country’s democracy, peace and international standing.
The presentation took place at the President’s Office as part of Kosovo’s 18th Independence Day Celebrations. In the ceremony, the President stressed Alicia’s willingness to speak out when others would stay quiet.
In 2023 Alicia gave a speech where she warned NATO and Europe about the risk of ongoing conflict in Kosovo. She warned that military groups were amassing weapons in Kosovo, transporting them in secret by ambulance and storing them in Orthodox churches. Alicia was lambasted by authorities who claimed there was no evidence for her claims and personally attacked by the Serbian Government. Sadly, only a few months later there was an attack by forces trained and equipped by Serbian authorities to take control of the North of Kosovo which mirrored Alicia’s exact concerns. The forces had stored weapons across Kosovo’s north, and hidden in a heavily armed monastery after the attack was repelled. Tragically, a police officer sadly lost his life, but the response to the attack by Kosovo was very effective. Alicia travelled to Kosovo after the attack to meet the Officer’s family, and to understand the full details of the attack.
President Vjosa Osmani said:
“Alicia is a great friend of Kosovo. For many years she has been a consistent and courageous voice in support of our country, our sovereignty and our right to live in peace, security and dignity.
“Alicia has spoken with clarity when it mattered most. She has stood for truth, for accountability and for the rights of all our citizens
“In moments of challenge her voice helped ensure Kosovo was heard and understood and supported, whether in the UK or through her close cooperation with partners across the world.
“Today we recognise not only Alicia’s leadership and professionalism, but also her sincere friendship towards the Republic of Kosovo and its people.
“Our country is stronger because of friends and allies who stand with us with conviction, and Alicia has done so time and again.
“On behalf of the people of the Republic of Kosovo, it is my great privilege to bestow upon Alicia the Presidential Medal of Merit in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the alliance between Kosovo and UK, and for her unwavering support for our sovereignty, democracy, peace and international standing.”
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“I am truly humbled and honoured to be recognised by the President of Kosovo in this way.
“My support for Kosovo has always been guided by the belief that its people have the right to live in peace, security and dignity, and that we have a duty to stand firm with our allies who face irredentism and imperialist neighbours. So many veterans locally served in Kosovo, and my resolve is strengthened by a determination not to allow their service to be in vain.
“The bond between our two countries is built on the shared values of freedom, accountability and the rule of law. Kosovo will always find a friend in me.”
