Von der Leyen on the conviction of former KLA leaders: The decision concerns individual responsibility, Kosovo’s history cannot be rewritten

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said Kosovo is going through an important political moment, reiterating the European Union’s support for the country and its path towards European integration, as Telegrafi reports.

Von der Leyen said Kosovo’s history cannot be rewritten and that 1999 remains etched in the collective memory of Kosovo’s citizens.

“Nothing and no one can rewrite Kosovo’s history. 1999 is etched in your collective memory – the violent repression, the humanitarian crisis and the suffering of your people. The EU has stood with you ever since,” von der Leyen said.

She stressed that the European Union considers Kosovo a strong partner and has supported reconstruction, economic development, reforms and the building of democratic institutions.

“We have Kosovo as a strong partner. We have supported reconstruction, economic development, reforms and the establishment of democratic institutions. Kosovo’s future is in the EU,” the Commission President declared.

Speaking about the Specialist Chambers’ judgment against former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, von der Leyen said the decision has stirred strong emotions, while praising the reactions of citizens and political leaders who have called for calm.

“The Specialist Court’s judgment has stirred strong emotions, and I appreciate your measured reaction and that of the political leaders calling for calm,” she said.

Von der Leyen stressed that the decision was taken by an independent judicial institution and its mandate must be respected, while the defence has the right to appeal.

“The decision was given by an independent judicial institution and its mandate must be respected. The defence has the right to appeal,” von der Leyen said.

She underlined that the judgment concerns the individual responsibility of the accused and that, in her words, Kosovo’s resistance was not on trial.

“One thing is clear: this judgment concerns the individual responsibility of the defendants. Kosovo’s resistance was not on trial, and we must respect the memory of all victims, from all communities in Kosovo,” von der Leyen said.