Lord George Robertson was the Defense Minister in the cabinet led by Tony Blair in the UK during the time NATO intervened to liberate Kosovo.
Robertson recalls the tensions of that time and the difficulties they faced in starting the bombing campaign that would stop Milosevic’s regime.
“25 years ago, the Foreign and Defense Ministers of major countries knew what was happening in Kosovo just as the people here did, but others outside did not know, and we decided we had to act, but it was very difficult. There was no UN Security Council resolution, but we were determined, and after 78 days, this country was free. Now the future of the country is in the hands of the people, and I hope you will seize the opportunity to build a prosperous future for all the people living here.”
The former NATO Secretary-General also spoke about the current security situation, saying that any victory for Russia in its aggression in Ukraine would be followed by another conflict in the Western Balkans.
“I fear for the security situation in the Western Balkans because of what is happening in Ukraine, which is the biggest challenge for all of us. If Vladimir Putin succeeds in Ukraine, then the Western Balkans will be the next area where he will intervene. He is already playing games in the region through cyber warfare, election interference, so there is no doubt it will be much worse if he succeeds in Ukraine, and that is why European unity is so important in the face of his illegal aggression in Ukraine.”
Robertson stated that Kosovo’s full membership in the North Atlantic Alliance would bring lasting peace to the region.
“I hope Kosovo becomes a full member of NATO and the European Union. This was the dream we had 25 years ago, and it is still my personal dream today. I believe this country has shown great persistence and courage in overcoming past problems, and the problems of the future will again require much courage and persistence, but I believe the country has these qualities.”
Lord George Robertson is highly regarded in Kosovo for his role in stopping the Serbian genocide against the Albanians of Kosovo in the years 1998-1999.
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