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EULEX Signs Serbia Protocol
The EU rule-of-law mission in Kosovo and Serbia have signed the policing protocol, despite strong opposition from the government in Pristina.
EULEX confirmed on Friday that it had signed the controversial agreement with Serbia’s Interior Ministry which will allow for the exchange of information on cross-border crime.
Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci had earlier claimed that the protocol would undermine their country’s sovereignty and stated that negotiations on the issue were ‘closed’.
The deal was the subject of intense negtiations between Pristina and the International Civilian Represenative Pieter Feith and the ‘Quint’ – the heads of mission in Kosovo of the USA, UK, Germay, Italy and France.
Minutes before the signing of the protocol, Kosovo’s government issued a statement in which it appeared to soften its stance.
In a joint statement, President Sejdiu and Prime Minister Thaci said: “Such arrangements have not and cannot have any impact on the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo.”
Following the signing, EULEX said: “These arrangements, signed today on behalf of EULEX with the full support of the EU 27 member states, are an important step forward with a view to improve the rule of law throughout the whole of Kosovo.
“Regional cooperation is a key factor in combatting cross border criminality. The mission will continue to seek operational cooperation on all such issues, related to its mandate.
“However, in this context it is important to underline that EULEX is here to support Kosovo in the rule of law area and would never take any steps that would harm Kosovo. ”
The US Department of State said: “The United States hopes that the police cooperation fostered by this arrangement will assist in the fight against cross-border criminality in the Western Balkans region, a fight to which both Kosovo and the United States are committed.”
The move has sparked a series of protests in Kosovo and a demonstration is planned for Pristina next Wednesday, supported by more than 20 organisations.
Source: Balkaninsight
