Former Italian prime minister relates backstages of decision to attack Milosevic regime

In Klan Kosova he has confessed the backstage of those hours and days in international diplomacy, as Kosovo Albanians faced daily the cruelty of that structure leading Serbia.

I have met two important moments in Kosovo's history during my political life. When it was decided to intervene strongly to protect the people of Kosovo and force Serb forces to leave Kosovo. I remember the time of the 1999 Easter I spent in Kukes meeting people who had left Kosovo, not to be persecuted”.

I was convinced of the need to take the initiative and intervene vigorously, which we did with Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, France and Germany. It was a difficult decision, but I still believe it was right, as it arose from the need to protect the lives of many people and the rights of a people”.

“was considered necessary to intervene very quickly to hit the Serbian armed forces and force Milosevic to remove soldiers from Kosovo. Italy did its part, not only by offering its military base, but also by directly participating in NATO military operations. It wasn't easy. But I do and today I'm pretty sure it's been necessary”

There was no full legitimacy on the basis of international law, so it has been a very difficult decision. There were differences in government as well, but they were not dramatic. I said I'd take responsibility personally if things went wrong I'd resign”