U.S. envoy Richard Grenell congratulated Kosovo on its 17th Independence Day, calling it a historic moment overshadowed by injustices against the country.

Among other remarks, Grenell emphasized that Hashim Thaçi, in his view, should be celebrating this day in Pristina rather than behind bars in The Hague.

Grenell’s Full Statement:

“I wish all my friends in Kosovo a happy and safe celebration on their 17th Independence Day. However, this historic moment has been overshadowed by a grave injustice. The founding father of Kosovo’s statehood, President Hashim Thaçi, should be celebrating today in Pristina – not behind bars in The Hague. Europeans have failed to act against this injustice for the past five years. And Kosovo’s state institutions have failed to take the necessary legal steps to end this injustice – due to politics. This unjust imprisonment must end.”