Remembering the Missing Prishtina

Prishtina’s main square, which is a boulevard, stretching from the Assembly of Kosovo all the way to the Grand Hotel, is a quirky one. Throughout its length, there are sections known by different names. Directly opposite the Assembly you’ll find Dr. Ibrahim Rugova’s statue, a little further down, next to the Government Building, you’ll find the imposing statue of Gjergj Kastrioti – Skenderbeu, further down still – it is Nene Tereza (Mother Tereza) and close by the Grand Hotel is the statue of Zahir Pajaziti. All of them are revered national heroes, with the first three also internationally known.

What is less known and visible is the little plaque, next to the Assembly’s entrance. Modest and discreet, the plaque commemorates the tragic legacy of the 1999 armed conflict – the missing people. Over one-thousand-six hundred people are still missing, and their fate may never be fully disclosed.

As difficult as this may be, I encourage you to spend a few minutes at this spot and remember the difficult history not just of the Balkans but of the world where wars are still ongoing and the devastation of human life is rife.