Ibrahim Rugova: Kosovo's President and the Gandhi of the Balkans Dies at

Ibrahim Rugova was a Kosovo Albanian politician and writer who led the nonviolent struggle for Kosovo's independence. Born on December 2, 1944, in Crnce, Kosovo, he led the Democratic League of Kosovo from 1989.

Rugova served as president of a parallel Republic of Kosova from 1992 to 2000, and as president of Kosovo from 2002 until his death. His peaceful resistance to Serbian rule earned him the nickname "the Gandhi of the Balkans." He received the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize in 1998.

He was married to Fana Rugova and had three children. He died of lung cancer in Pristina on January 21, 2006, at age 61. He was named Hero of Kosovo after his death.

Achievements: President of Kosovo (2002-2006), Sakharov Prize (1998).

Birth: December 2, 1944 - Crnce, Kosovo.

Profession: Political leader and writer.

Interesting Facts: He was known for his habit of wearing a scarf and handing out rocks as gifts.