The Government of the Republic of Kosovo today inaugurated the new building of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo in Prishtina.

At the he inauguration of the new facility were participating the Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, Education Minister Enver Hoxhas, Public Administration Minister Arsim Bajrami, academic, scientific and art members, workers and other guests.

At the opening of the ceronomy, Kosovar Prime Minister Thaçi said that he feels "very happy and proud that today on the eve of the two year anniversary of the independence of Kosovo is taking part in the inauguration of the most modern facility for the academy of sciences and arts in the region.

Thaci praised all academics of Kosovo for their historic commitment to academic work and their commitments of building the state of Kosovo. "Therefore, every Kosovar, Kosovo state itself shall feel proud of this great work as for the people of knowledge, science, statehood and new ideas," said Prime Minister Thaçi.

Prime Minister Thaçi promised that there will be new works in accordance with the vision for the future of Kosovo to be part of European of Union and NATO.

"Members of the Academy of Arts and Sciences are the people of the cultivation of the academic life, people of the freedom of Kosovo, democratization, state building and now integration," said Thaçi.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Academy of Science and Arts of Kosovo, Besim Bokshi has highly praised the completion of the new facility stressing that people of science and art are honored to continue to contribute in normal conditions to every part of life in Kosovo.

President of the Republic of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Valton Beqiri, the family of former President Rugova and representatives of many institutions, political parties and personalities of arts and culture attended in placing the cornerstone of the the National Opera and Ballet Theater House building which will be named after the former President of Kosovo, Ibrahim Rugova.

During the ceremonoy, President Sejdiu said that the National Opera & Ballet Theater Ibrahim Rugova marks the peak of cultural and statehood maturity of a country and that investment to build this cultural institution, a project that was also of former President Rugova, marks an important step to concluding all that part of achievements we come today.

"The people of Kosovo, people of culture and arts, our friends around the world, will have a better opportunity to exhibit their values," said the president.

Determination to have this important institution to bear the name of President Rugova, said Sejdiu is also a commitment to fullfil a part of his testament, not only for man of letters not only to man of great creativity, not only for the researched of our antiquity, but at the same time for the man who laid the foundations of the state of Kosovo.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, said "the placing of the cornerstone of the National Opera & Ballet Theater Ibrahim Rugova is a special day for which we have invested all, adding that this is just the beginning of large investments the Government of the Republic of Kosovo will continue to do."

The Chicago Red Stars recently announced the signing of  Kosovare Asllani for the team’s 2010 Women’s Professional Soccer season. Kosovare Asllani is a soccer of Kosovar descent who plays for Linkopings FC and Sweden women's national football team.

The coach of the Chicago Red Starts, Emma Hayes, has assessed Asllani's progress in the three years as "meteoric", symbolizing brilliance. "In a period of three years, she has moved from Sweden's second devision, the second best marker in the Swedish Championship. Her progress in these three years is meteoric," said Hayes.

The 20-year-old Asllani will join the Chicago Red Stars in the spring of next year. She has signed a one-year contract with an option to continue on for two years. Asllani led Sweden to the European Semi-Finals in 2008.

Hayes continued on to say on the Chicago Red Stars website, "She has the confidence that you need in a player. She's full of flair, technical, cheeky, quick, and she's got a good bit of Euro grit to her. Talent-wise, we have undoubtedly taken the most talented young player out of Sweden, period."

Asllani's both parents are natives of Kosovo. Asllani is the first Kosovar in the football league that plays for the U.S. Women's Soccer, which is known to be as one of the strongest in the world.

"To play in the American League in this age is a major achievement. I look forward to play. Chicago presents a great offensive football technique. This kind of football I like. I have heard of great things about the Chicago stadium and the Red Stars team; I know that 2010 will be exciting. I am an ambitious player and I like a challenge. I want to be in an environment that helps me to be the best," said Asllani.

Asllani's shirt will bear the Number 10 in the Chicago Red Stars team.