Hague verdict: Britain calls for calm and reaffirms strong support for Kosovo

Following the verdict issued by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers against four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, the United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for Kosovo.

British Minister for Europe Stewart Wood said London respects the independence of the Specialist Chambers and the judicial proceedings they have conducted. He emphasized that Britain remains committed to justice, accountability and reconciliation in the region.

According to Wood, the United Kingdom remains a close friend and partner of Kosovo, strongly supporting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the preservation of peace in the Western Balkans.

The British minister also recalled his country’s contribution to NATO’s intervention in 1999 and its support for Kosovo’s independence in 2008.

He said Britain is proud of the role it played alongside NATO allies in efforts to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in 1999, as well as its support for Kosovo’s independence in 2008.

Wood described the verdict as a significant moment but clarified that it concerns individuals only and does not represent an assessment of Kosovo’s statehood, sovereignty or right to determine its own future.

In his statement, he called on political leaders and public figures to encourage calm and ensure that responses to the ruling remain peaceful.

The minister stressed that the Court’s findings concern specific individuals and should not be exploited to fuel tensions between communities or across the region.

Wood said the United Kingdom would continue working with regional partners to support peace, justice and a secure and prosperous future for all communities.