THE ROLE AND RAMIFICATIONS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY’S RECLASSIFICATION IN THE PEACE PROCESS OF KOSOVO

What were the consequences of the 1998 decision by the dominant powers to reclassify the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and not consider it a terrorist organization anymore? This thesis explores the history, circumstances, and implications of the reclassification of the KLA and the role that it played in the evolution of the Kosovo conflict. On the one hand, such decisions to end conflicts that may be characterized as terrorism or liberation struggles (for example, the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland) can be an important part of a successful reconciliation; the KLA's reclassification proved to be an important step toward achieving and maintaining peace, particularly as it allowed the KLA to partner with North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces to this end. But, on the other hand, this research found that in the short term, this abrupt change in classification gave legitimacy to the KLA and amplified the hopes, possibilities, and activities of the pro-independence movement, and thus may have intensified the armed struggle. Ultimately, the reclassification and its effects contributed to the strategic objectives and the ultimate goal of the KLA, which was to achieve Kosovo's independence.
Captain, Hungarian Defence Force
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