The United Kingdom expresses support for Kosovo following the verdict in The Hague

The United Kingdom “strongly supports the state of Kosovo and is proud to have intervened as a NATO ally in 1999,” stated British Undersecretary for Europe Stuart Wood today.

The Kosovar website Koha.net reported that Wood emphasized his respect for the independence of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, which are composed of international judges and today concluded the trial of four senior KLA officials who were sentenced today, and that the United Kingdom is “committed to justice, accountability, and reconciliation throughout the Balkan region.”

The Specialist Chambers today convicted former KLA leader Hashim Thaçi of war crimes in Kosovo and Albania in 1998-99 and sentenced him to 25 years in prison, as well as Jakup Krasniqi, while Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years in prison, and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years.

Wood said that “the United Kingdom remains a close friend and partner of Kosovo, strongly supporting its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as peace in the Western Balkans. We are proud of the role we played together with NATO allies in preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in 1999 and in supporting Kosovo’s independence in 2008.”

He emphasized that today’s verdict is an important moment, but that it is not “a verdict on statehood, sovereignty, or Kosovo’s right to determine its own future.”

Wood called for calm and for reactions to the verdict not to incite unrest.

He stressed that the findings of the Court relate to individuals and should not be used to fuel tensions among communities or across the region.

“At this crucial moment, political leaders and public figures have a responsibility to encourage calm, ensure that every response is peaceful, and above all, prioritize the safety of citizens,” Wood pointed out.

“The United Kingdom will continue to work with partners throughout the region and beyond to support peace, justice, and a safe and prosperous future for all communities,” he announced.