Rutte on judgment against former KLA leaders: Alliance’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kosovo will remain unchanged

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the Alliance’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kosovo would remain unchanged, regardless of developments surrounding the judgment against four former KLA commanders in The Hague, RTK reported.

Rutte stressed that KFOR would continue to contribute to stability and security in Kosovo regardless of what news emerged this week.

“For more than two decades, we have maintained a safe and secure environment for all people. That remains true today. It remains true regardless of what news emerges this week or in the period ahead, as does our long-term commitment to peace and security in Kosovo,” Rutte said.

The NATO Secretary General emphasized that the Alliance would maintain its presence in Kosovo, while continuously assessing the best way to organize and structure KFOR and how the mission could best adapt to the situation on the ground.

Rutte also stressed that developments in Kosovo had an impact on the entire region.

First-instance judgments against four former KLA leaders—Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi—will be delivered on September 16 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.