On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, Prime Minister Edi Rama held a phone conversation with former President Hashim Thaçi.

“Happy Independence, Commander,” Rama began the conversation with Thaçi, later telling him that he is very concerned about the court proceedings. At the end of the call, Rama concluded with the words: “My brother, I hug you, I love you very much. I’m sorry I can’t do more. Happy Independence, and greetings to the friends.”

Rama wrote that the “Commander,” referring to Thaçi, sounded calm during the phone call.

“For years, the February 17 congratulatory call from The Hague has been emotionally difficult, but today the Commander was calmer than ever in his voice, repeating to me twice — at the beginning and at the end —: ‘I have won my freedom forever, and wherever I may be, no one can ever take that away from me,’” Rama wrote.