London calls for calm and respect for justice following The Hague ruling

The United Kingdom has called on all parties to remain calm and respect the judicial process following the ruling by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

The response came from the British minister for Europe, Lord Wood of Anfield, after the verdict was announced against the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. He reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for justice and accountability.

“The United Kingdom respects the independence of the Court and its judicial process and remains committed to justice, accountability and reconciliation across the region,” Wood said.

According to him, maintaining calm is particularly important following the ruling, at a time when public reactions to the verdict have intensified in Kosovo and across the region.

London’s appeal came on the same day that the Specialist Chambers announced the first-instance ruling in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

The United Kingdom has consistently supported stability and judicial processes in Kosovo, as well as throughout the Western Balkans.