De Marnhac: Situation in northern Kosovo a concern
Outgoing EULEX chief Xavier de Marnhac and his successor Bernd Borhart stated in Brussels on Monday that the situation in northern Kosovo is still cause for concern and refuted the number of criticisms voiced against the European judicial mission.
(kosovocompromisestuff) Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The situation in northern Kosovo caused great concerns over the past two years, de Marnhac stated ahead of the transfer of duties to German diplomat Borhart who agreed that the situation in the north is 'brimming with challenges'.
De Marnhac stated that the situation improved to a degree upon the beginning of implementation of the integrated border management on administrative crossings, but he noted that the situation is still fragile.
He refuted the criticism against EULEX voiced in the report of the European Court of Auditors which notes a number of examples of financial abuse and neglect in the funding of the Kosovo judicial institutions, saying that the funds provided by member countries are not sufficient for efficient functioning.
The old and the new heads of EULEX said that they believe it is too early to reduce the numbers of KFOR troops in Kosovo although they admitted that member countries, especially Germany, are eager to have their soldiers back home.
They refused to comment on the arrest and beating of Serbs in Gracanica during the Christmas visit of Director of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Aleksandar Vulin, noting that EULEX was in no way involved in the organisation of the visit or incidents which occurred on the occasion.
Borhart, who will serve as the EULEX chief in the next two years, held office as the deputy chief of the William Walker's diplomatic observing mission, after which he worked as the German ambassador in Tirana.
De Marnhac stated that the situation improved to a degree upon the beginning of implementation of the integrated border management on administrative crossings, but he noted that the situation is still fragile.
He refuted the criticism against EULEX voiced in the report of the European Court of Auditors which notes a number of examples of financial abuse and neglect in the funding of the Kosovo judicial institutions, saying that the funds provided by member countries are not sufficient for efficient functioning.
The old and the new heads of EULEX said that they believe it is too early to reduce the numbers of KFOR troops in Kosovo although they admitted that member countries, especially Germany, are eager to have their soldiers back home.
They refused to comment on the arrest and beating of Serbs in Gracanica during the Christmas visit of Director of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Aleksandar Vulin, noting that EULEX was in no way involved in the organisation of the visit or incidents which occurred on the occasion.
Borhart, who will serve as the EULEX chief in the next two years, held office as the deputy chief of the William Walker's diplomatic observing mission, after which he worked as the German ambassador in Tirana.
