Following the verdict of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague against the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, the KLA War Veterans Organization has announced that it will convene its Steering Council and structures to discuss the situation and the steps to be taken.
According to the announcement by OVL-UCK, the meeting will take place tomorrow, September 17, at the organization's headquarters and will start at 12:00. The focus will be on developments following the decision announced today in The Hague.
After the meeting ended, at 1:30 PM, OVL-UCK has announced a press conference, where the organization's official position is expected to be made public and further actions regarding recent developments will be announced.
"The KLA War Veterans Organization, tomorrow at 12:00, will convene its Steering Council and structures at its headquarters to review the situation created following the decision of the Special Court," the organization's announcement states.
As for the press conference, OVL-UCK has announced that it will be held immediately after the meeting of the leadership structures. "After the end of the meeting, at 13:30, OVL-UCK will hold a press conference, where the Organization's position and our further actions regarding the latest developments will be announced," it further states.
The verdict announced today in The Hague sentenced the four former KLA leaders to a total of 81 years in prison. Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi were sentenced to 25 years each, Kadri Veseli to 18 years and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years in prison. The court found them guilty of several charges related to war crimes, while the charges of crimes against humanity were not proven to the standard required by the trial panel. The verdict is of first instance and the parties have the right to appeal.
The head of the OVL-UCK, Hysni Gucati, reacted immediately after the verdict, calling the decision unacceptable. In the months before the decision, the organization had stated that it would discuss the steps to be taken depending on the Hague verdict.
Attention now shifts to Thursday's meeting and the conference announced for 1:30 PM, where it is expected to become clear whether OVL-UCK will undertake protests, public activities or other steps in response to the verdict.
