U.S.: We Respect the Verdict Against the Former KLA Leaders

The United States said it respects the verdict of the Specialist Chambers against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi and called on all parties to accept the court’s decision.

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

The State Department said the U.S. supports justice for all victims and their families and reiterated support for accountability, due legal process, and the rule of law.

Washington also called for avoiding inflammatory rhetoric after the verdict was announced.

“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 Special Court in The Hague found the four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army guilty of four war crimes charges, while acquitting them of crimes against humanity charges.

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

The verdict is of the first instance, and defense lawyers have warned they will appeal it. /RFE/