Croatia: The Hague verdict does not erase the historical truth; Kosovo was a victim of Milošević’s regime

Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially reacted to The Hague verdict against former KLA leaders, stating that it has taken note of the decision by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.

In its statement, the ministry clarified that this is a first-instance and non-final decision, and therefore said it did not wish to prejudge the outcome of the judicial process.

According to the Croatian authorities, this verdict does not change the historical circumstances of the wars in Kosovo, nor the fact that Kosovo and its population faced repression and serious crimes committed by Milošević’s regime.

Croatia also maintains that the individual responsibility of certain persons should not be used to relativize the crimes committed or to call into question Kosovo’s freedom and independence.