Head of EULEX Arrives in Kosovo

Pristina _ The EU Police and Justice Mission, EULEX, will shortly begin monitoring the rule of law in Kosovo, the mission's chief said upon his arrival in Pristina on Thursday.

Yves de Kermabon arrived to launch EULEX activities almost a month after the local authorities proclaimed Kosovo's independence from Serbia.

Speaking after a meeting with Kosovo Assembly Speaker Jakup Krasniqi, Kermabon stressed the fundamental importance of justice and police issues. "The rule of law is the basis of a democratic society,” he said, adding that “without fighting negative aspects (of society), Kosovo will not be democratic.”

Kermabon, a former Commander of the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo, KFOR, will work alongside EU Special Representative and International Civilian Representative Peter Feith.

Feith arrived in Kosovo days after the authorities formalised the break from Serbia on February 14.

Both EULEX and the EU Special Envoy's office will monitor the rule of law in independent Kosovo, systematically assuming the responbsibilities handled until now by the UN administration. For more, please read: http://balkaninsight.com/en/main/analysis/8549/

Kermabon said he would try to build a genuine partnership with the Kosovo government in order to ensure that the rule of law is properly enforced and that Kosovo develops as a democratic society.

“EULEX will act as a monitor and advisor to the Kosovar institutions,” he said.