LDK after the Hague verdict: No verdict can undo the historical truth of the war in Kosovo

The Democratic League of Kosovo has reacted after today’s verdict of the Specialist Court in The Hague against the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, expressing concern over the sentences imposed and calling for calm and restraint.

In a media statement, the LDK said it received today’s decision with “very deep concern,” emphasizing the sensitivity of this moment for Kosovo’s citizens.

“The Democratic League of Kosovo received with very deep concern today’s verdict against the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the extent of the sentences against them. Aware of the sensitivity of this moment for the country’s citizens, we call for calm, restraint and responsibility,” the reaction states.

The LDK emphasized that Kosovo’s freedom and independence are the result of the sacrifice of generations, mentioning the political and peaceful resistance led by President Ibrahim Rugova, the KLA war and the support of the United States of America and NATO.

“This legacy is shared and the responsibility to preserve it belongs to all of us,” the statement says.

The party stated that today’s verdict cannot change what it describes as the historical truth of the war in Kosovo.

“No verdict, not even today’s, can undo the historical truth of the war in Kosovo. The Serbian regime committed genocide and crimes against humanity; waged a savage campaign of terror and ethnic cleansing in Kosovo; massacred innocent civilians, killed children, women and the elderly, committed violence, forcibly expelled the population and burned and destroyed entire villages and towns,” it continues.

According to the LDK, these crimes were systematic and their consequences continue to weigh on Kosovar families.

“These crimes were systematic, the consequences of which still weigh today on thousands of families. Faced with this savagery, the people of Kosovo fought for survival and freedom,” the statement says.

“The sons and daughters of the Kosovo Liberation Army defended the threshold of their home,” the LDK stated.

In the reaction, the LDK reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and called for exhausting all appeal possibilities against the decision.

“The LDK remains committed to the rule of law. We fully support the call to exhaust all appeal channels, including those of the second instance,” it says.

The LDK called on citizens to maintain calm and restraint, and asked political representatives for responsibility in statements and actions.

“We call on all citizens for calm and restraint. We ask political representatives to show responsibility in their words and actions, to avoid inciting tensions and to contribute to maintaining civic calm and unity,” the reaction states.

Finally, the LDK called on all political forces to set aside divisions and stand together in the face of this period.

“Our freedom has cost a lot. Our state is everyone’s responsibility. Let us preserve Kosovo, civic unity and the friendships that stood by us on the road to freedom and independence.

The KLA remains the proudest part of our people’s modern history; yesterday, today and forever,” the LDK reaction concludes. /Telegrafi/