PRISHTINA, Sept 15 /ATA/ – Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Rubin testified at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague on Monday, stating that no evidence has ever been found linking former Kosovo leaders Hashim Thaçi or Jakup Krasniqi to alleged executions or killings during the Kosovo conflict.
Speaking during cross-examination by Krasniqi’s defense lawyer, Rubin said U.S. investigations at the time, as well as subsequent inquiries over the past two decades, revealed no information supporting such claims.
“We found no evidence, no information, no indication that connected either Mr. Thaçi or Mr. Krasniqi to such allegations,” Rubin said, adding that he had asked many knowledgeable sources over the years without receiving any confirmation.
Rubin, who served as spokesperson and Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs from 1997 to 2000, described Thaçi and Krasniqi as moderate leaders who supported the 1999 Rambouillet peace agreement. He said both men were seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict and Western support, as opposed to hardliners who opposed the deal and risked mass civilian casualties.
Rubin said his direct contact with Krasniqi had been minimal, while Thaçi was the main point of contact from the Kosovo Albanian delegation at Rambouillet. He recalled that Thaçi was concerned about not having full authority to sign the agreement without consulting military leaders on the ground.
Rubin’s testimony was part of the defense case for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, who is standing trial alongside other former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders for alleged war crimes.
Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi plead not guilty to war-crimes charges. The defense began calling witnesses today.
/Kosovapress/u.sh/
