LAST LATER: Kadri Wessel confirmed the indictment, called by the Special

Yesterday afternoon, I was informed by the Prosecutor's Office of the Special Chambers that the presiding court has confirmed the indictment against me. Through this statement, I want to inform Kosovo's citizens that I have made the arrangements necessary to travel voluntarily to The Hague in order to respond to these charges. I will not comment any further this time.

I am aware that there are people in Kosovo who think that the Spicilised Chambers are an insult to our historic war to protect the people of Kosovo from the crimes of the Milosevic regime. But I don't see it that way, I see it as an opportunity to finally respond to these allegations and false states that have circulated for years. Ever since Dick Marty published his unbashed report, it was inevitable that this day would come. It was inevitable that his unjust accusations would have to be tested in a court of law so that they could end once and for all. That's why I've been through the foundation of this tribunal, and that's why I'm now willing to play my role in this process.

More than twenty years have ended since the end of the liberation war. Kosovo is now an independent state, and is on a safe path to becoming a member of the United Nations. As we aspire to be treated as partners equal to other states, our political leaders must be up to this challenge and act as citizens of the international calibre. When the only leaders are called to cooperate with an international tribulal, we must do so without hesitation. Even if there are accusations made against us, they should be given the answer in the right way, with facts of truth. I'm doing this.

I have full confidence in the objective and impartiality of judges, and I ask all in Kosovo to always show proper respect for justice authorities. This process aims to get to the truth. There is no reason to fear the truth. No attempts should be taken to undermine the work of the tribunal, nor to prevent or intervene in any way in this process. The court should be allowed to carry out the important task that we have entrusted to him. The integrity of this process should be respected at all times and by everyone. Justice does not serve the interest of one side or another, but serves the interest of the people. So if you are required to assist the Spicilized Chambers, please accept without hesitation. That way, we're all going to make it to the truth. Therefore, I would ask all segments of our society to face this situation with calm and dignity, convinced that judges will issue a fair verdict at the end of the process.

Please remember that this tribunal was created by the Parliament of Kosovo to serve in the name of the people. It is the incarnation of the principle that there cannot be peace without justice, and there can be no justice without peace. Although it has headquarters in The Hague, it is part of our legal system. There should be no hard feelings towards the internationals working in this tribunal. They are doing the work the people of Kosovo have asked to do. This tribulal is part of Kosovo's construction journey, and we have to go through it.

I appreciate the fact that the Special Chambers have shown courtesy by sending me an invitation to appear in court instead of being arrested unconventionally. I have responded to this act of courtesy, agreeing to travel to The Hague this morning with representatives of the tribunal, where I will formally appear before the court to respond to charges made and launch a long process of defence. This will require my full commitment and focus, and therefore I have decided to withdraw from all public and political activities as long as this process lasts. I will not make other public statements or official presentations in Kosovo as the judicial process continues. At least for now, I'm a private citizen. By the end of this process, I would ask that this attitude of mine be respected by all in Kosovo, especially by those who are engaged in media or in public and political life.

For the nation's good, personal sacrifices must sometimes be made. Many of the people have already made remarkable sacrifices. Many have also made the basic sacrifice. The process that is beginning in front of the Specialised Chambers is the last step on our historic journey towards complete restoration. It should be considered an opportunity to point out that we have fought a fair and equal war, and we have fought this war fairly.

Even if there have been mistakes, those involved should be accountable for their actions. That's what the rule of law means for a new country like ours. I am convinced that since the judge will hear all the facts, they will conclude beyond any reasonable doubt, that the Kosovo Liberation Army was a movement of the people, a rebellion for self-defense with brave men and women, who do their best under extraordinary circumstances. Without formal structures to protect the civil population against a military genocide massacre carefully planned by Serbian forces. Today, in honor and memorial of the more than 10,000 innocent victims of the Milosevic regime, we must stand up and tell our story. I will stand to tell my story. We have to get up and tell their story. We need to clarify all the facts so that history knows the truth.