Gruda: We hope the four former KLA leaders will be released tomorrow; we will defend the truth about the war

Democratic Party of Kosovo MP Përparim Gruda said that the PDK expects Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi to be found not guilty tomorrow and released from all charges.

According to Gruda, Kosovo’s war of liberation and defense cannot be equated with the Serbian regime’s state policy of aggression, repression and ethnic cleansing.

Speaking at a press conference 18 hours before the final verdict is announced by the Special Court in The Hague, he said that Kosovo is expecting a fair decision.

“With hope and confidence, today we say that tomorrow we want to celebrate. We hope to see Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi free, on their way back to Kosovo. Until that moment, our duty is clear: we will defend the truth about the KLA’s war, the sacrifice of the people of Kosovo and the legitimacy of our state,” Gruda said.

He warned that any other decision would be strongly challenged through arguments and all available legal and democratic means.

“We also ask our international partners for what we have repeatedly called for: justice based on evidence, equal standards for everyone and respect for Kosovo’s historical truth,” the PDK MP declared.

Gruda recalled the repression, violence, expulsions, killings and crimes committed against the people of Kosovo for decades, stressing that history cannot be changed.

“In 1999, the KLA and Western democracies stood on the same side of history. This cooperation and international support brought an end to a humanitarian catastrophe and paved the way toward Kosovo’s freedom and statehood. For this reason, Kosovo’s history must not be rewritten. It is clear who was the aggressor and who was the victim, who used violence and repression, who expelled hundreds of thousands of citizens from their homes and why the democratic world intervened,” he stressed.

The PDK MP called on all public figures to remain calm and avoid creating unnecessary panic among citizens.

“At the PDK, we have followed with concern some public reactions in recent days that have caused unnecessary anxiety among citizens. In such circumstances, every public figure must show restraint and caution. Kosovo has proved that it can face major moments with dignity,” Gruda said.