2006 Press Releases

Remarks by HUD Secretary Alfonzo Jackson at Rugova Memorial Service (Jan. 26, 2006)

It is my honor to represent the President and people of the United States in extending condolences to the family of Ibrahim Rugova and the people of Kosovo.  We share your grief.

A great man has left us – a scholar, a true democrat, a man of peace devoted to his people and his land.

And, a true friend of the United States who has our respect as he had the respect of people around the world.

The United States is committed to the vision President Rugova had – a Kosovo at peace, in prosperity, a home to all its people, a part of Europe and the West and secure in the family of nations.

Dr. Martin Luther King chose  apt words for President Rugova:

"Those of us who believe… can be voices of reason, sanity, and understanding among the voices of violence, hatred and emotion.  We can very well set a mood of peace out of which a system of peace can be built."

To those who pick up the torch which has fallen, you have the friendship and best wishes of the United States .  Now is the time to come together and complete President Rugova's work, negotiating Kosovo's future and building this land.

Please do not divert from this path.