Ali Ahmeti calls for referendum and political unity after Specialist Chambers convictions

Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration, has called for a popular referendum to be organized in Kosovo on the decision of the Specialist Chambers regarding former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

He stressed that the people of Kosovo should have the opportunity to express their position on the matter.

According to Ahmeti, the decision was made in the name of the people of Kosovo, so it would be natural for the people themselves to speak through a referendum.

He added that the outcome of such a popular consultation should be binding on the Specialist Chambers, which were established by the Assembly of Kosovo.

The DUI leader called on Kosovo authorities to take official steps to secure the release of the former KLA leaders from detention in The Hague.

Ahmeti suggested that the four defendants remain in their homes until the Appeals Chamber issues its final decision. According to him, this could be carried out under the supervision and guarantees of Kosovo’s Police and state institutions.

He said Kosovo should also seek support from the countries that backed and financed the Specialist Chambers in order to find a solution in the case of the four KLA members.

Speaking about Kosovo’s next president, the DUI chairman said that the president should use all the opportunities offered by the legal system to pardon Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, who were sentenced by the Specialist Court to a total of 81 years in prison.

Ahmeti called for calm and unity, while expressing support for civic and peaceful protests. He urged political forces to find a common formula and establish a unified position. He stressed that the interests and will of Kosovo’s citizens must come before any party differences.