GREATER LONDON
Britain has reaffirmed its “firm support” for Kosovo’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity following a war crimes verdict against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci earlier Wednesday.
In a statement, British Minister for Europe Lord Wood of Anfield expressed that the UK respects the independence of the Court and its judicial process and remains committed to justice, accountability and reconciliation across the region.
“The UK remains a close friend and partner of Kosovo, firmly supporting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as peace across the Western Balkans,” he noted.
He said that the Court’s findings concern individuals and should not be used to inflame tensions between communities or across the region.
“Today’s judgment by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers is a significant moment but it is not a judgment on Kosovo’s statehood, sovereignty or right to determine its own future,” he added.
The minister underlined that at this important moment, political leaders and public figures have a responsibility to promote calm, ensure any reactions remain peaceful, and put people’s safety first.
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, 58, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for crimes including murder, torture and illegal detention committed as top commander of the ethnic Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army during the country’s break from Serbia in the 1990s.
Born in 1968, Thaci became the first prime minister of Kosovo from 2008 to 2014 and served as president from 2016 until his resignation in 2020.
Kosovo declared its unilateral independence from Serbia on Feb. 17, 2008, but Serbia still sees Kosovo as its “own territory.”
