(AmericanProsperity.com) – Rebuilding a country after war is always a messy business. For land-locked Kosovo in southeastern Europe, it hasn’t been easy after its war for independence ended in 1999. But, Kosovo’s president, Hashim Thaci, has chosen to step down from his office to face war crime charges.
The President’s Resignation
On Thursday, November 5, President Hashim Thaci resigned his post in order “to protect the integrity of the presidency of Kosovo.” Thaci was a leader in the Kosovo Liberation Army that fought against Serbia in their fight for independence. It seems both sides committed atrocities during the civil war, although the truth is still being uncovered.
In April of this year, he was one of 10 former rebel leaders indicted for alleged war crimes by a Kosovo court.
The Wall Street Journal detailed a few of the allegations against Thaci:
Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaci resigned Thursday after being indicted over war-crimes charges, including murder, enforced disappearance of persons, persecution and torture, by an international tribunal https://t.co/a0ITfwTQX5
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 5, 2020
Thaci Will Be Held in The Hague for Trial
After his resignation, Thaci flew to The Hague with two others, although he continues to maintain his innocence. Accompanying him were Kadrim Veseli, the head of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, and Rexhep Selimi, a member of Parliament.
Global News reporter Nick Logan shared what this could mean for some war victims:
“Human rights watchdog Amnesty International said the indictment against Mr #Thaci gave hope to thousands of victims of the war ‘who have waited for more than two decades to find out the truth about the horrific crimes.’” #Kosovo https://t.co/W8OLwfnaNt
— Nick Logan (@nick_logan) November 5, 2020
Albanian President Ilir Meta supported Thaci’s choice and hopes this trial can bring healthy closure to the country:
The war of the KLA has been just and heroic. I appreciate the act of resignation of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, @HashimThaciRKS, to face the accusations and I believe in His innocence and that of all his comrades, just as has been confirmed in the past. 🇦🇱❤️🇽🇰 pic.twitter.com/zyrRslAq7V
— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) November 5, 2020
What’s Next for Kosovo?
Vjosa Osmani, the speaker of Kosovo’s parliament, will take office as the interim president until a successor is appointed.
While only the court and jury can decide whether Thaci is guilty of the alleged crimes, it is a respectable move for Thaci to help keep “political and civic unity” as his country continues to work through the atrocities that were committed on both sides during the civil war. This move shows promising hope for a strong democracy in this young nation.
~Here’s to Your Prosperity!
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