In an interview with Klan News, Hill described Thaçi as a capable commander who was exceptionally mature for his age and said he had always regarded him highly.

“Hashim Thaçi was a remarkable personality, very mature for his age. He understood that Kosovo needed to be in a better position, and I always appreciated him. I do not believe he was involved in crimes. I never had the sense that Thaçi was involved in illegal acts,” Hill said.

Hill urged Kosovo Albanians not to respond to the verdict with resentment, but to look ahead and await the outcome of the appeals process.

“I would appeal to people not to feel resentment over this decision. We should look ahead and hope that the Appeals Court decision will be in favour of the former KLA leaders,” he said.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced Thaçi and three other former KLA leaders to a combined 81 years in prison at first instance.

Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years, Kadri Veseli to 18 years and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years. The verdicts are subject to appeal.

/KosovaPress/u.sh/