Barricades should be removed “as soon as possible”

EULEX chief Xavier Bout de Marnhac has stated that it is very important that all the barricades in northern Kosovo be removed as soon as possible. He added that it was necessary to allow permanent and unconditional access to everyone, including EULEX and other international organizations. Barricades should be removed “as soon as possible” “The restoration of free movement is an absolute prerequisite for effective rule of law throughout Kosovo,” de Marnhac told Belgrade-daily Vecernje novosti. Commenting on the claims that the citizens of this part of the province do not support EULEX, convinced that the organization favors Kosovo institutions, he said that not all the people in the north supported the barricades, and added that EULEX met its mandate, which was supported by all 27 EU member states. When asked why EULEX is not more efficient when it comes to the investigation into the human organs trafficking, the EULEX chief stated that a special research working group had been formed and that it had already started investigating the allegations made by the Council of Europe Rapporteur Dick Marty. “The working group made up of prosecutors, investigators and support staff has been founded with the support of all 27 EU countries. It continues with the preliminary investigation launched by EULEX in January this year. Since the investigation has an international dimension, the working group is partly situated in Brussels,” he was quoted as saying. He pointed out that EULEX fully supported the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, which was in favor of common people and aims at providing a certain level of normalization of the current situation. “As you know, EULEX welcomes any agreement reached between Belgrade and Pristina with the help of EU mediators in Brussels. We are willing to contribute to the implementation of any agreement through logistical and other kinds of support. The dialogue is part of a unified EU policy with the goal of promoting cooperation, achieving progress on the path to Europe and improving the life of ordinary people,” de Marnhac explained. Asked how EULEX will react to analyses which say the main criminal activity is centered in Pristina and the territory under the control of the Kosovo authorities, he said that fighting high-level corruption was very important and that EULEX was working hard in this area. “EULEX judges have passed 30 judgments so far for major acts of corruption. Even more cases are currently under investigation. Ministers, former army commanders and politicians are among those who have been investigated,” said the EULEX head. Asked about the mission's cooperation with KFOR, which is allegedly not satisfied with EULEX's investigation into the incidents in northern Kosovo in which international troops were injured, de Marnhac said the two missions had close cooperation and that he was not aware that KFOR was dissatisfied with the EULEX’s work. Commenting on the Jarinje incident, he said EULEX and Kosovo prosecutors were currently conducting two investigations related to the murder to a Kosovo police officer and the burning of the Jarinje crossing. “In addition, there are many investigations at the police level. Our general policy is not to comment on ongoing investigations, especially not on the evidence we have gathered, in order to protect the investigation. However, it is fair to say KFOR and EULEX will continue to cooperate closely,” de Marnhac concluded. Xavier Bout de Marnhac

Barricades should be removed “as soon as possible”

“The restoration of free movement is an absolute prerequisite for effective rule of law throughout Kosovo,” de Marnhac told Belgrade-daily Večernje novosti.

Commenting on the claims that the citizens of this part of the province do not support EULEX, convinced that the organization favors Kosovo institutions, he said that not all the people in the north supported the barricades, and added that EULEX met its mandate, which was supported by all 27 EU member states.

When asked why EULEX is not more efficient when it comes to the investigation into the human organs trafficking, the EULEX chief stated that a special research working group had been formed and that it had already started investigating the allegations made by the Council of Europe Rapporteur Dick Marty.

“The working group made up of prosecutors, investigators and support staff has been founded with the support of all 27 EU countries. It continues with the preliminary investigation launched by EULEX in January this year. Since the investigation has an international dimension, the working group is partly situated in Brussels,” he was quoted as saying.

He pointed out that EULEX fully supported the Belgrade-Priština dialogue, which was in favor of common people and aims at providing a certain level of normalization of the current situation.

“As you know, EULEX welcomes any agreement reached between Belgrade and Priština with the help of EU mediators in Brussels. We are willing to contribute to the implementation of any agreement through logistical and other kinds of support. The dialogue is part of a unified EU policy with the goal of promoting cooperation, achieving progress on the path to Europe and improving the life of ordinary people,” de Marnhac explained.

Asked how EULEX will react to analyses which say the main criminal activity is centered in Priština and the territory under the control of the Kosovo authorities, he said that fighting high-level corruption was very important and that EULEX was working hard in this area.

“EULEX judges have passed 30 judgments so far for major acts of corruption. Even more cases are currently under investigation. Ministers, former army commanders and politicians are among those who have been investigated,” said the EULEX head.

Asked about the mission's cooperation with KFOR, which is allegedly not satisfied with EULEX's investigation into the incidents in northern Kosovo in which international troops were injured, de Marnhac said the two missions had close cooperation and that he was not aware that KFOR was dissatisfied with the EULEX’s work.

Commenting on the Jarinje incident, he said EULEX and Kosovo prosecutors were currently conducting two investigations related to the murder to a Kosovo police officer and the burning of the Jarinje crossing.

“In addition, there are many investigations at the police level. Our general policy is not to comment on ongoing investigations, especially not on the evidence we have gathered, in order to protect the investigation. However, it is fair to say KFOR and EULEX will continue to cooperate closely,” de Marnhac concluded.