Ardian Gjini Expects the Release of Former KLA Leaders: A Conviction Would Undermine Everything Built in Kosovo

Alliance leader Ardian Gjini is optimistic that the former leaders of the KLA, who are on trial in The Hague, will be released.

According to him, if the Specialist Chambers were to find the former KLA leaders guilty of the crimes attributed to them, the consequences would affect everything that has been built in Kosovo.

Gjini believes that a conviction against these individuals would be regarded as a punishment for everything that has been created in the country. He says that a large proportion of citizens understand this risk, while expressing concern that others do not clearly understand that all citizens of Kosovo would bear the consequences.

He warns that, in such a case, Kosovo’s narrative of freedom would also be damaged. Referring to what has been seen during the trial, Gjini says he does not believe there is sufficient evidence for a conviction.

The Alliance leader also confirms that he will take part in the march on September 12 and will deliver a speech at the event.

Gjini stresses that a march or rally in support of four important figures from Kosovo, including the former president, the former speaker of parliament and the former member of parliament who are facing trial proceedings, should be addressed to everyone.

He adds that their release would be good news for everyone, while the opposite outcome would be bad news. For this reason, Gjini says, participation in the event should not be viewed as something purely political.

During his statement, Gjini also addressed Ramush Haradinaj’s position on Hashim Thaçi’s proposal for the post of president of Kosovo.

Gjini says he does not know the full reasons behind the proposal and emphasizes that the situation contains many unknowns, since votes are needed to elect the president. He recalls that a single interview is not enough to appoint someone to that position.

According to him, Ramush Haradinaj is a distinctive figure and has the right to hold his own opinion, just as he has the right to propose himself. Gjini explains that, so far, the Alliance has set no conditions regarding the presidency, the government or any other state position.

He adds that the Alliance’s six points are not linked to state positions and believes that Haradinaj’s message may have been broader than simply placing someone in a difficult position. Gjini acknowledges that political developments can be interpreted in different ways and that people’s views often do not coincide.