Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met today with Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) leader Bedri Hamza. The meeting came one day after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers issued verdicts against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

The four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders received combined sentences of 81 years.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti described the verdict as unjust and serious. He said it could have broad consequences.

Kurti stressed that the first-instance decision should change during the appeals process. He and Hamza exchanged views on the verdict and discussed possible ways to challenge the decision.

Meanwhile, the two leaders agreed to maintain regular and direct communication. They said they would continue discussions on issues of public, state and national interest.

The Prime Minister’s Office also reiterated Kurti’s position on the Kosovo war and the KLA. It said the people’s resistance and the liberation war were necessary in the pursuit of freedom and independence.

The statement also described the KLA as an organizational response by Kosovo Albanians to the policies of the former Yugoslav system under Slobodan Milošević. It cited allegations of systematic repression, denial of basic rights, ethnic cleansing and genocide.

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