Former U.S. diplomat Philip Reeker said he was surprised by the lengthy sentences handed down by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former KLA leaders, stressing that the appeals process should now be allowed to take its course.
Speaking after the verdict, Reeker said the proceedings against Hashim Thaçi and the other accused had lasted for several years and that he personally had not expected such severe sentences.
“I was surprised that such a severe sentence was handed down. This is the judgment of the court, of the Specialist Chambers, and now, of course, the case will go through the appeals process and we will see what the outcome will be,” Reeker said.
He stressed that, despite strong reactions across the region, it is important to avoid violence and focus on the future of Kosovo, Serbia and the wider Balkans.
“Expressing reactions and a sense of injustice about this process should not be a justification for violence. We have had enough violence in this region over the decades and centuries. It is time to move forward toward something more sustainable,” he said.
Reeker said the dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade was intended precisely to create a more sustainable future for the region. He also referred to his previous involvement in the process alongside former EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.
According to Reeker, the proceedings in The Hague concern individual responsibility rather than collective responsibility.
“This was a case concerning individual responsibility, as the court assessed it. It is not about collective responsibility,” he said.
The former U.S. diplomat stressed that the history and geography of the region cannot be changed and that the focus should instead be on building a safer and more prosperous future for its citizens.
Reeker called on leaders from all sides to remain calm and allow the appeals process to proceed.
“It is the responsibility of leaders to try to call for calm, to allow the appeals processes to move forward and, hopefully, to encourage leaders from all sides to work together to find long-term solutions,” he concluded.
