Indictment against Kadri Veseli has been confirmed: "I am going to The Hague voluntarily"

Photo: Tanjug/AP

The Specialist Chambers (special court) in The Hague has confirmed an indictment against Kadri Veseli, writes Kosovo Online.

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"Yesterday afternoon, the Prosecutor's Office of the Specialist Chambers informed me that a pre-trial judge has confirmed the indictment against me. With this statement, I wish to inform citizens of Kosovo that I have taken the necessary measures for a voluntary trip to The Hague in order to respond to these allegations. I will not comment any further at this time," stated Kadri Veseli.

The DPK leader further said in a statement that he is aware "that there are people in Kosovo who think that the Specialist Chambers are an insult to our historic struggle to protect the people in Kosovo from the crimes of the Milosevic regime."

"But I do not see it that way, I see it as an opportunity to finally respond to these false suspicions and rumors that have been circulating for years. Ever since Dick Marty published his unfounded report, it has been inevitable that this day would come. It was inevitable that his unjust accusations would have to be tested in court in order to end it once and for all. That is why I supported the establishment of this court and that is why I am now ready to play my part in this process. It has been more than 20 years since the end of the liberation war," Veseli said, adding:

"Kosovo is now an independent state and is on a safe path to becoming a member of the United Nations. As we strive to be treated as equal partners with other states, our political leaders must face this challenge and act like statesmen of international caliber. When certain leaders call for cooperation with the international tribunal, we must do so without hesitation. Even if there are accusations against us, they must be answered in the right way, with true facts.I am doing this. "

He said he has full confidence in the objectivity and impartiality of the judges.

"I call on everyone in Kosovo to always show due respect toward judicial authorities. This process aims to reach the truth. There is no reason to be afraid of the truth. No attempt should be made to undermine the work of the tribunal, nor to interfere or obstruct this process in any way. The court must be allowed to perform the important task entrusted to it. The integrity of this process must be respected at all times and by everyone," said Veseli.

"Justice does not serve the interests of one or the other side, but of the people. Therefore, if you are asked to help the Specialist Chambers, please accept it without hesitation. That way we will all succeed in reaching the truth. I would therefore call on all segments of our society to face this situation peacefully and with dignity, confident that the judges will reach a fair verdict at the end of the trial," he added.

Kadri Veseli was the head of the secret service of the former KLA ("Kosovo Liberation Army").

The Specialist Prosecutor's office in The Hague filed an indictment in June against Hashim Thaci and Kadri Veseli, who are charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, forced disappearance of people, persecution and torture.

(Telegraf.rs)