17 April 2014

The Mission takes note of the statements made by the mayors and other elected representatives from northern Kosovo yesterday.

The Mission does not share their view that arresting a suspect under the order of a prosecutor is a kidnapping, especially when the suspect complies so that only 3 officers are needed to conduct the arrest without even having to handcuff him. As explained before, in the rule of law, no-one apart from legally appointed law enforcement officers, prosecutors or judges can claim the right to authorize or not the application of justice.

However, the Mission will welcome, as already declared, any constructive approach towards rule of law implementation in northern Kosovo and the daily security of the population. EULEX is ready to contribute, together with the Kosovo Police, in enforcing the security in the fields that the mayors would designate, legitimately, as essential.