The Heads of Mission of the EU and of Member States in Kosovo take note of the resignation of the President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi. We appreciate the cooperation with the Specialist Chambers shown in recent days by President Hashim Thaçi and former PDK leader Kadri Veseli as well as Mr Rexhep Selimi and former Speaker of the Assembly Jakup Krasniqi. Moreover, we appreciate the addresses to the public yesterday by Mr Thaci and Mr Veseli, calling for respect of the judicial process. 

This reflects Kosovo's responsibility and determination to respect the rule of law and hold individuals who may have engaged in unlawful acts to account. It should be recalled that under the law, the indicted individuals are innocent until proven guilty and their legal rights should be respected. Kosovo needs to remain committed to the process. 

For the EU and its Member States, the respect of Rule of Law, democracy and Human Rights is the most crucial priority. For this reason we have strongly supported the establishment of the Specialist Chambers, an integral part of Kosovo's Rule of Law system, and will continue to do so until the Chambers’ mission, which Kosovo has also committed to, is fulfilled. This is essential for the consolidation of Kosovo's European perspective.