Centenary winning logo announced

TIRANA, Jan. 17 – A logo designed by Zeni Ballashi, a Kosovo based ethnic Albanian from Macedonia, will accompany all events Albania is hosting this year as part of the 100th independence anniversary. The winning logo features a double-headed eagle as a jubilee flame resembling to a trophy. It was selected from 25 projects submitted by Albanian, Kosovo and Macedonian artists. Speaking at a meeting with the State Committee responsible for organizing commemorating events, Prime Minister Sali Berisha demanded that every activity held in the framework of the 100th anniversary must have a real impact. “The 100th independence anniversary is a year during which we must target to touch the hearts and minds of the Albanian citizens. It is not a question of glorification. But, it can be achieved through adopting realistic stances and making serious efforts so that this 100 anniversary serves the Albanians to increase their self-esteem and their country.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that this festive occasion is being celebrated with an independent Kosova, describing this as “ƴhe reason that makes this jubilee more meaningful for all the Albanians. If in this 100 anniversary Kosova was not independent, then our flag would fly at half mast. Thus, we celebrate in the most deserved way.”
Meanwhile, this week the Albanian Parliament opened with a solemn ceremony for Albania’s 100th independence anniversary. January 17th was chosen as the opening day for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of independence, since it is the day when national hero Skande-rbegء symbol of unity for Albaniaנdied in the 15th century.
Representatives from Kosovo, Macedonia, Monte-negro, Presheva and Bujanovci came together in the Albanian Parliament to commemorate the country’s independence under Skanderbeg’s leadership in the 15th century and pay homage to the nation’s fathers in 1912 when they gathered from all Albanian-speaking territories to declare independence.