US urges parties to accept verdict against former KLA leaders

The US Department of State said that the United States respects the decision of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers concerning Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi.

“We respect today’s verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers,” a US State Department spokesperson told Radio Free Europe.

Following the announcement of the verdict, Washington called on all parties to accept it and refrain from using inflammatory rhetoric.

“We call on all parties to respect the court’s decision, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and continue working toward a peaceful and democratic future,” the State Department spokesperson said.

The US reiterated its support for justice for all victims and their families, as well as for accountability, due process and the rule of law.

The Specialist Court in The Hague found the four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army guilty on four counts of war crimes, while acquitting them of crimes against humanity.

Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison. Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years, while Rexhep Selimi was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The verdict is a first-instance ruling, and the defense lawyers have announced that they will appeal it.