Berlin seeks EULEX remnant in Kosovo as support for Special Court

Mission EULEX '%s' has become the subject of public discussion in Kosovo-German relations, two days after The Hague made public the news of the indictment to Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. The news yesterday has been published that Kosovo's president, despite strong pressure to continue EULEX's mandate, has refused to do so. Today, the Germans have demanded that EULEX remain in Kosovo to support the Special Court and Rule of Law.

For such a development, the Director for the Western Balkans has reacted under Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Susanne Schutz.

She says mission EULEX has Germany's support for the support it does to the special court's work and says that should be preserved.

“since 2008, E ULEX has been a pillar of security and a safe environment in Kosovo. EULEX's vital role in assisting Kosovo's justice institutions and specialised Chambers has Germany's full support, and this must be preserved”, Schutz wrote.

Such debate about EULEX comes at a time when against the head of the state of Kosovo, the Special Prosecutor has filed charges of various crimes during the war. Thaci and Weselini and the others under the prosecution are allegedly responsible for about 100 murders.

The president of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, however, has declined to continue the mandate of the EULEX mission in the country.

This has been confirmed by his office in Pristina, explaining that the head of state had made it clear that the year 2018 will be the last time the mission continues its mandate in Kosovo.

In addition, from the president's office, they say there has been great pressure for the continuation of EULEX's existing mandate.

“President Thaci at meetings with EU and EULEX representatives has expressed gratitude for continued assistance in empowering the rule of law in Kosovo and praising the EULEX mission as successful. But now is the time for all EULEX competencies to pass to local institutions. Kosovo no longer needs EULEX, but will accept any support in strengthening the rule and law on the part of the EU, as in the countries of the region. E ULEX currently has no mandate to stay in Kosovo”, the President's Office's Office response reportedly states.