Kosovo Embassy in The Hague urges citizens to remain calm

Following the verdict announced today by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in The Hague issued a statement.

Kosovo’s diplomatic mission expressed disappointment with the verdict, while voicing confidence that the decision could be overturned on appeal.

The embassy said it had followed with great concern the decision issued today by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the case involving KLA leaders Mr. Hashim Thaçi, Mr. Kadri Veseli, Mr. Jakup Krasniqi and Mr. Rexhep Selimi.

According to the statement, the verdict has justifiably caused profound disappointment throughout Kosovo and is extremely disappointing news for everyone. The embassy emphasized that the Kosovo Liberation Army fought a just and necessary war in self-defense, adding that no one can ever change this truth.

The statement expressed confidence that the final judgment on appeal would change both the interpretation and the decision issued. At this time, the embassy expressed solidarity with the families of Mr. Hashim Thaçi, Mr. Kadri Veseli, Mr. Jakup Krasniqi and Mr. Rexhep Selimi.

At the same time, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo urged Kosovar citizens in The Hague to exercise restraint and remain calm. They were urged not to give in to provocations, to comply with the rules and conditions under which the Municipality of The Hague authorized the protest, and to show respect for the friendly nation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The embassy stressed that violence is unacceptable and that maintaining peace and dignity and respecting the law are everyone’s shared responsibility.