Government actions in the north, Lajcak: International, frustrated local community remarks

EU emissary Miroslav Lajcak has commented on the Kosovo government's actions in the country's north to extend rule of law to that part of the country.

He said all “ ” is about rule of law, but said it was done in a way that prompted international opposition and frustration by the local community.

“We see efforts by the Government of Kosovo to achieve rule of law in northern Kosovo. Everyone supports the rule of law, but unfortunately, it has been done in a way that prompted remarks by the international community and frustration by the local community. That's why we have more tension”, Lajcak said.

He referred to Kosovo authorities' recent actions for closing Serb parallel institutions in Serb-run northern Kosovo.

I ask the question: what is the alternative to this confrontation, tension? Who benefits? Of course not citizens, nor Kosovo, Serbia and the region. So we know what to do, and now the question is: why not do this?”, he said.

Lajcak made those statements by speaking Friday at forum 2 BS in Montenegro's Budva, where, among other things, said relations between Kosovo and Serbia pose the biggest strategic challenge in the region, because, according to him, they influence regional co-operation and European integration.

For the Ohrid Agreement, Lajcak said there is no visible progress in its implementation even 18 months later by Kosovo and Serbia.

For progress in its implementation, the European emissary said it cannot be expected before the elections.

“In Kosovo are coming elections, and from political experience, I know that major changes can rarely be expected prior to elections”.

However, we are preparing the ground for rapid progress immediately after the” elections, he added.