Former U.S. State Department official James Rubin has spoken about his three-day testimony in defense of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi at the Hague tribunal. Rubin clarified that he did not exchange a single word with Thaçi during the proceedings, although he admitted that the former president was constantly on his mind.
“I have not met former President Thaçi for five years. I saw him in the courtroom, where he was full of dignity, but we did not exchange words or even look at each other. Still, I had him in mind throughout my testimony. I truly hope to see him soon, once he is released from prison. I look forward to shaking his hand, and I am honored to have had the chance to help in this terrible chapter of Kosovo’s political history,” Rubin told reporters.
Rubin strongly rejected the accusations made against Thaçi, calling them “absolutely false”.
“The charges against him are false for two main reasons. First, there was no vertical chain of command within the KLA that would have allowed him to issue orders or make decisions. And even where such a chain existed, it was led by General Agim Çeku. I don’t believe the idea that orders came from the top is real. If you believe that, you are mistaken. It wasn’t Thaçi – it was General Çeku or other commanders,” Rubin said in an interview with Klan Kosova.
His testimony is seen as a significant development in Thaçi’s defense, as the former president continues to face trial over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
