Pristina 28 January 2011

The rule of law mission to Kosovo, EULEX, takes the allegations made in the recent Council of Europe Report, by Dick Marty, very seriously. EULEX has the capacity, the expertise, the location and the jurisdiction to handle the judicial follow up. We are ready, willing and able to assume that responsibility. As an initial technical step, EULEX prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation.

EULEX calls on all relevant organizations and individuals, including Dick Marty, to present what evidence they have in regard to these serious accusations. We understand concerns about witness protection in the region but we have full confidence in our own witness protection unit. Experience has already shown that it is capable of handling high level and sensitive cases. As a rule of law mission, we work on the basis of fact and evidence. Without evidence, prosecutions cannot take place. If we receive this information, our prosecutors are ready to follow up immediately.