The powerful testimony of James Rubin in support of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and other former KLA leaders has gained worldwide attention. After coverage from the Associated Press (AP), Reuters has now reported on Rubin’s several-hour-long testimony before the Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
Reuters Coverage
The Reuters article begins:
“A former senior U.S. diplomat testified on Monday that Hashim Thaçi, former president of Kosovo, did not have authority over the military commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), as the defense case in his war crimes trial began.”
Rubin, a former senior State Department official, was present during the Kosovo-Serbia peace talks and was involved in the aftermath of the 1998–1999 uprising against Serbian forces.
Rubin’s Key Statements
In his testimony, Rubin portrayed Thaçi as a diplomatic leader, emphasizing that he often needed the approval of KLA commanders.
“To me it was clear he was not in charge. He did not have the knowledge, the skills, or the authority to make decisions,” Rubin told the court.
Context of the Trial
Thaçi and three other former KLA commanders have been on trial since 2023, facing charges of persecution, murder, torture, and enforced disappearance during and after the 1990s conflict that ultimately led to Kosovo’s independence from Serbia.
All defendants deny the charges. Rubin stressed again that Thaçi had no command authority over top KLA leaders.
“They told him what to do; he did not tell them what to do,” Rubin stated.
The testimony marks a significant moment in the defense case, reinforcing claims that Thaçi’s role was diplomatic rather than military.
