Retired American diplomat William Walker has called today's decision by the Special Court against former KLA leaders a "horrible day."
Walker, who led the OSCE Verification Mission during the Kosovo war, is one of the American diplomats who became known for his stance during 1998-1999.
He was in charge of the international mission when the Recak massacre occurred in January 1999. After visiting the scene, Walker described it as an “unspeakable atrocity” and a crime against humanity. His stance on the events in Kosovo also put him at odds with the then Yugoslav authorities.
Speaking about today's decision, Walker said he was very upset and described it as a difficult day for Kosovo.
"I want to ask the European Union, where were you before the war started when the Serbs mistreated the Kosovars in the most cruel ways. Apart from statements, nothing more serious. It took NATO, Albright and Clark to get seriously involved," Walker told Klan Kosova.
He mentioned rape and cruel treatment during the war, while criticizing the way in which, according to him, former KLA leaders are being tried.
"They are trying to use judges and lawyers who know nothing about Kosovo to try the Kosovar leaders of the KLA. A terrible and very difficult day, I was very upset with the decision," he said.
Walker added that today's decision, according to him, will also have a serious impact on how internationals will view Kosovo in the future.
