On February 17, 2008, at 15:39 PM, in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Kosovo declared its independence as a sovereign and democratic state.
The declaration was read by then-Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and approved by the MPs present, marking one of the most important moments in the country's history.
The declaration of independence came after a long path of sacrifice and political and military efforts. At the foundation of this path was the struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which, after NATO intervention in 1999, created the conditions for the liberation of the country and the establishment of international administration.
The legality of the Declaration of Independence was contested by Serbia, which appealed to the International Court of Justice.
On July 22, 2010, this court issued an advisory opinion that the Declaration of Independence had not violated international law.
Today, 18 years later, the anniversary of Independence is being marked in a different political climate.
Festive activities and a civic march have been organized in Pristina in support of former KLA leaders, but in The Hague, the trial against former KLA leaders continues at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi have been in detention for several years, facing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity - charges they have denied.
On Wednesday, the four are expected to take the floor to respond to the charges brought by the Prosecution.
The Telegraph team is staying in The Hague for the latest developments which will be reported in real time. /Telegraph/
