“Albanians for America”: We disagree with the verdict — the KLA’s war was a war for Kosovo’s freedom

The organization Albanians for America (AFA) has reacted after the verdict of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague against the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

In a statement, AFA said it had received the decision with “deep concern and dismay,” calling it unjust toward the former KLA leaders.

“We disagree with this verdict and consider it unjust toward those who fought for Kosovo’s freedom,” the statement reads.

According to the organization, the KLA’s war must be seen in the context of the circumstances in which it was fought, stressing that it was a war for freedom and the protection of Kosovo’s people.

“The KLA rose in the circumstances of a repressive and violent Serb regime, when the Albanian citizens of Kosovo faced killings, deportations, destruction and grave crimes. This historical truth cannot be undone,” it continues.

AFA objected to the possibility that the verdict might be interpreted as a judgment on Kosovo’s war as a whole.

“This verdict must not be turned into a judgment on a people’s war for freedom, nor create a historical and moral equivalence between Kosovo’s liberation war and the Serb state apparatus, which exercised violence and committed crimes against the civilian population,” the statement says.

The organization stressed its position that Serbia was the aggressor, while Kosovo was the victim of the conflict.

“Things are clear: Serbia was the aggressor, Kosovo was the victim. AFA stands with the KLA, with the just war of the people of Kosovo for freedom, and with the people of Kosovo,” the reaction reads.

AFA: The judicial process is not yet over

Albanians for America recalled that the verdict announced today is a first-instance judgment and that the parties have the right to appeal.

“Today’s verdict is not the final legal word. It is a first-instance verdict and, under the procedures of the Specialist Chambers, the parties have the right to appeal it before the Appeals Panel. The judicial process is therefore not yet over,” the statement says.

Finally, the organization said it will continue to defend what it calls the historical truth of the Kosovo war, the right of the Albanian people to freedom and dignity, and the strategic partnership between Kosovo and the United States of America.

“The KLA fought for Kosovo’s freedom. Kosovo’s freedom is the right of its people, and this right cannot be put on trial,” the statement concludes.