Rakic requests that Ivanovic be released

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA - Newly elected Mayor of Kosovska Mitrovica Goran Rakic requested on Tuesday from international representatives in Kosovo that all persons from Kosovska Mitrovica kept in custody without reason be released pending their trials.

Rakic was elected mayor on Sunday and, as promised during the campaign, immediately after taking office he sent a letter with the said request to UNMIK, the OSCE, EULEX, KFOR and the EU's special representative in Kosovo Samuel Zbogar.

Oliver Ivanovic, leader of the Citizen Initiative Serbia, Democracy, Justice and member of the municipal council of Kosovska Mitrovica, has been in detention for 29 days without cause, Rakic said in his letter.

Since Ivanovic's term in custody is due to end on February 26, Rakic, as the mayor, on behalf of the citizens and his own, requested that the authorties release Ivanovic pending his trial.

Granting the request, which was filed by Ivanovic, is extremely important because it will have a positive influence on the stability of the political situation in northern Kosovo and help release tension among the people, which were caused by his needless arrest, Rakic stated.

The Serbian government has provided a written guarantee that Ivanovic will be available at any point and all other reasons for his detention "have no basis in reality," Rakic said.

The Citizen Initiative SDP has also asked the authorities in Kosovo to release Ivanovic pending a trial, based on the facts and in accordance with their authority.

"It is high time for this politically motivated process that has no basis and threatens the fragile peace and political stability in Kosovo, while also hurting Oliver Ivanovic psychological and physical condition...