Ali Ahmeti details history of Albanian resistance and KLA formation

Ali Ahmeti has shared historical details regarding his involvement in the Albanian resistance movement and the formation of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). In a recent interview, Ahmeti recounted his experiences with the Yugoslav secret police (UDB), noting that he was arrested in 1981 and 1982 and was eventually forced into hiding in 1984 before fleeing Yugoslavia in 1971.

Ahmeti discussed the strategic decisions made by the resistance leadership, specifically highlighting a meeting in Arau, Switzerland, where it was decided to unify resistance units under the KLA name. He emphasized that the movement intentionally avoided the tactics of groups like the IRA or ETA to prevent civilian casualties and avoid being labeled as a terrorist organization.

Additionally, Ahmeti recalled a brief telephone conversation with KLA commander Adem Jashari in the early 1990s, during which Jashari expressed a need for greater support. Ahmeti noted that while he did not meet Jashari in person, he maintained close cooperation with other key figures of the movement, including Sami Lushtaku and Ilaz Kodra.