Former President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, provided an account of the volatile situation in northern Kosovo and the inter-ethnic riots that occurred in 2004. His testimony was given during an interview with Ermal Pandurin, preceding the anticipated start of his trial in The Hague on September 16, where he faces charges alongside other former UÇK leaders. Thaçi recounted the period, asserting that the potential for significant escalation involving Serbia was ultimately prevented.
Regarding the events of March 2004, when the unrest erupted in Kosovo, Thaçi stated that he was on an official visit to the United States. He claimed that upon his return to Kosovo, he traveled immediately via Vienna from Washington. The discussion focused heavily on the heightened tensions between Kosovo and Belgrade.
According to Thaçi, the situation involved significant military posturing, noting that the presence of the army from Serbia was a major concern at the time. He described a period where military readiness was at a high level, suggesting that the forces were prepared to be mobilized. Thaçi’s narrative emphasizes that despite the escalating tensions and the visible military presence, the situation was managed to avoid a wider conflict.
His testimony aims to provide context regarding the delicate political and security environment of Kosovo during that period.
Topics: #serbia #mobilized #army
