Serbian Minister for Kosovo criticizes EULEX over antenna
Serbian Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic criticized EULEX for not having announced the installation of an antenna pole at a northern checkpoint.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, October 08, 2010
"Such actions by EULEX do not at all contribute to stabilizing the situation on the ground, rather they only serve to fuel doubt and distrust among the Serbs," Bogdanovic said.
The equipment was installed near the administrative line crossing checkpoint of Jarinje in northern Kosovo.
According to him, the installation of the pole should have been announced and coordinated, primarily with the local government, but also in line with the protocol on police cooperation.
"The question of why EULEX did not do so opens the way for suspicion regarding its true intentions, as well as for peaceful protests against its action. The cause of the protests is a lack of coordination and the timely informing of all interested parties, including the local government and Belgrade authorities, by EULEX," Bogdanovic said.
The Serbs from northern Kosovo held a protest rally at the Jarinje crossing on Oct. 7 against the installation of the antenna pole. Local government representatives said they had not been notified of EULEX's action.
On the other hand, the EU mission claims to have a license for installing the pole and says that all interested sides had been informed of the matter.
EULEX also said that the equipment in question will enable border police and customs to connect to the EULEX internet network, stressing that it will not tolerate violence.
