Today is a national mourning day in honor of the soldier Zarife Hasanaj

 Zarife Hasanaj

 The Ministry of Defense announces that with the decision of the Council of Ministers, on Friday, May 10, 2019 is declared a national day of mourning in honor of the Albanian soldier Zarife Muharrem Hasanaj, who died during a NATO mission  in Latvia. 

"By the decision of the Council of Ministers, Friday, May 10, 2019 is declared a national day of mourning in honor of the deputy Zarife Muharrem Hasaj, who has fallen while on duty in a mission abroad.

According to this decision, in all state institutions the flags will sit in half-spear and at 12 o'clock will be held a minute of silence," said the Ministry of Defense's announcement.

Zarife Hasanaj passed away during her mission to Latvia, where a mine exploded, while the contingent commander Major Klodian Nikolla Tanushi and the Sergeant Julian Xhevat Kapaj were injured. Hasanaj was respected by country's President Ilir Meta, Prime Minister Rama and united opposition politicians.

The body of Zarife Hasanaj coming in the Homeland

Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka paid a visit to the family of Zarife Hasanaj after her body came from Latvia. The minister has comforted Hasanaj's family members, considering the loss of their daughter as a loss to everyone.

Hasanaj is declared also a "Martyr of the Homeland".

"Your pain is also ours. You are part of the great military family. You will have our support for every need. The separation from the life of Zarife is a great loss for us all," said Xhaçka.

At the same time, the body of the soldier is wrapped with the black-and-white flag and was followed by occasional ceremonies from Riga to Albania. At the Camp Adazi base in Latvia yesterday was organised the farewell ceremony and was attended by the representatives of 10 countries, part of the Enhanced Forward Presence mission.