"Ibrahim Rugova’s death makes Kosovo even poorer and leaves a heavy legacy to those who will have to fill his gap". Thus mgr. Zef Gashi, archbishops and apostolic administrator of Kosovo, comments to Sir the death of Kosovo’s President, called "The Ghandi of the Balkans", which occurred in Pristina on January 22nd from lung cancer. Rugova, 62, had been the leader of the non-violent fight for the independence of the Albanian minority of Serbia. "He who will be called to replace him said the prelate will have to take inspiration from the figure and the political stature of the dead president". The death of the Kosovari leader comes a few days from the opening of the first talks in Vienna between Serbians and Albanians on the status of Kosovo, which has been run by the United Nations since June 1999, with the mediation of the UN envoy, Martti Ahtisaari. About this, mgr. Gashi warns: "it is difficult to say what could happen now, but it is important not to lose hope in a future of peace for Kosovo. A hope that Rugova never lost as he worked for reconciliation and peace, by avoiding all forms of religious, ethnic or social discrimination. An extraordinary work in this region affected by crises and conflicts. A hard work in which he has spent all his life. Now the time has come to put his work to good use". "On our side he concludes the Catholic communities of the Country will not fail to provide their support and assistance and right now their prayers".
