Defense witness Paul Williams, who served as an advisor to the Kosovar delegation at Rambouillet, testified that Hashim Thaçi was reporting to local commanders and that he was “controlled from outside.” Speaking at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, Williams stated that during the delegation’s stay at the Rambouillet castle, Thaçi was under “pressure and ideological influence.”
Thaçi’s defense lawyer, Luka Misetić, presented a document suggesting that “Thaçi was controlled from outside.” Williams confirmed that he had observed this through Thaçi’s constant phone calls during the negotiations.
“The basis for this conclusion [that Thaçi was controlled from outside] are several factors—numerous conversations through phone calls that Hashim Thaçi made with people outside the castle. His phone rang continuously, often forcing him to step outside or move to a corner of the room. You could also read it in his gestures or demeanor. It gave the impression that someone was partially controlling the negotiations,” Williams said.
He added that his impression was that “Thaçi did not have full control over the negotiations and that he represented outside interests.” Williams emphasized that Thaçi was “the representative and voice of the KLA” within the delegation.
Misetić asked whether Thaçi reported—or even subordinated himself—to local commanders. Williams replied:
“Yes, that is also how I recall it… They called him, he answered, they spoke for some time, and afterward he would comment on the process, giving feedback. That’s why I said he reported to them.”
Although Williams did not speak Albanian, he said Kosovar colleagues told him that Thaçi was speaking with local KLA commanders. He recalled that Blerim Shala, among others, had confirmed this to him.
The defense also raised Thaçi’s trip to Slovenia during the Rambouillet talks, where he visited Adem Demaçi. Williams testified that this reflected “ideological and cultural pressure” from Demaçi, who opposed progress in the talks, particularly regarding the issue of independence.
Williams further testified that he had drafted a proposal for the Kosovar delegation concerning investigations and prosecutions of war crimes, ensuring the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) would have jurisdiction. He stated that Thaçi was aware that cooperation with the ICTY would include potential investigations of the KLA.
“Yes, Hashim Thaçi was fully aware,” Williams said. “He accepted it, saying it also reflected what interested them.” He explained that both he and international legal adviser Marc Weller worked with the delegation to prepare inclusive legal language and to ensure that ICTY responsibilities were clearly incorporated into the negotiation framework.
Williams also clarified that Veton Surroi, another member of the delegation, had never told him, nor given any impression, that he felt threatened by Thaçi or others.
Williams’ testimony began today and is expected to last a day and a half. Thaçi’s defense has scheduled two hours, the other defense teams two and a half hours, and the prosecution (SPO) another two and a half hours.
This is the second defense witness in the trial of former KLA leaders, who are accused of alleged war crimes. Thaçi’s defense argues that Williams’ testimony will show that “Thaçi did not have the authority to sign the Rambouillet Agreement.”
