Rama: Biden betrayed Thaci, US did not do enough for KLA leaders

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said in New York that former US President Joseph Biden had betrayed former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, while also criticizing the United States for what he described as insufficient support for the former KLA leaders before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

Rama made the remarks at a gala dinner organized in New York by the Council for Albanian-American Relations. He mentioned Albanian-American businessman Sali Rusi and his hospitality.

“I am pained by the absence of someone who was always invited to his home. That is Hashim Thaci. He is not here with us because this country betrayed him,” Rama said, according to Albanian Post.

Rama also said that Biden had described Thaci as the “George Washington of Kosovo,” but that the United States had not done enough for the former KLA leader.

“Because Joseph Biden, who called him the George Washington of Kosovo, betrayed him. Although General Wesley Clark and some other people did everything they could, this country did not do enough for Hashim Thaci,” the Albanian Prime Minister said.

Rama explained that by using the word “betrayed,” he meant that, in his view, the United States could have done more for Thaci and the other former KLA leaders.

“When I say betrayed, it is because we, as a small country, consider ourselves friends of the United States, the greatest and most powerful country. More could have been done to prevent this farce from ever beginning,” Rama said.

He also expressed gratitude to US General Wesley Clark for his role and support.

“General, I am grateful to you for everything you have done in your personal capacity,” Rama said.

He added that Albania and Albanians, as a small nation, had always regarded the United States as an important ally and friend.