Britain confirms support for Kosovo’s sovereignty after Thaçi verdict
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its firm support for Kosovo’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity following the conviction of former President Hashim Thaçi in a war crimes case. As Anadolu Agency reports, the statement was made by the UK Minister for Europe, Lord Wood of Anfield.
London’s position
According to the minister, the United Kingdom respects the independence of the court and the judicial process and remains committed to justice, accountability and reconciliation in the region. He also stated that Britain is a close friend and partner of Kosovo, supports its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as peace in the Western Balkans.
Lord Wood stressed that the court’s findings concern individuals and should not be used to inflame tensions between communities or in the region. According to him, the decision of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers is an important moment, but it is not a decision on statehood, sovereignty or Kosovo’s right to determine its own future. He called on political leaders and public figures to promote calm, peaceful reactions and put people’s safety first.
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Hashim Thaçi’s verdict
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi was sentenced to 25 years in prison for crimes including murder, torture and unlawful detention. According to the agency, the crimes were committed in the 1990s, when Thaçi was a senior commander of the ethnic Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army during the country’s separation from Serbia.
Thaçi was Kosovo’s first prime minister from 2008 to 2014 and served as president from 2016 until his resignation in 2020. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, but Serbia still considers it part of its territory.
